Utah's Mighty Five: A Guide to National Park Adventures

The Mighty Five

Utah is home to five spectacular national parks, each offering unique landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Known as the 'Mighty Five,' these parks showcase some of the most dramatic scenery in the American Southwest. From our vacation rentals in Southern Utah, you're perfectly positioned to explore these natural wonders.

Zion National Park

Just 45 minutes from St. George, Zion is Utah's most visited national park and for good reason. The towering sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and the famous Virgin River create a landscape of unparalleled beauty.

Must-do experiences in Zion:

• The Narrows - Wade through the Virgin River between thousand-foot canyon walls
• Angels Landing - A challenging hike with breathtaking views (permit required)
• Emerald Pools Trail - A family-friendly hike to beautiful waterfalls and pools
• Canyon Overlook Trail - Short hike with stunning views of the canyon
• Scenic drive through the park with stops at iconic viewpoints

Bryce Canyon National Park

About 80 miles from Zion, Bryce Canyon is famous for its unique hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires that create an otherworldly landscape. The park's high elevation (8,000-9,000 feet) means cooler temperatures and stunning stargazing opportunities.

Don't miss sunrise or sunset at Bryce Point, and hike among the hoodoos on the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden trails. In winter, the contrast of snow against the orange rock is magical.

Capitol Reef National Park

Often called Utah's best-kept secret, Capitol Reef offers dramatic cliffs, canyons, and the historic Fruita orchards where you can pick fresh fruit in season. The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile geological feature, dominates the park's landscape.

Arches National Park

Home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, this park near Moab is a photographer's paradise. Delicate Arch, the most famous, is an iconic symbol of Utah. The Windows Section and Devils Garden offer easy-to-access arch viewing.

Canyonlands National Park

The largest and most rugged of Utah's national parks, Canyonlands is divided into four districts carved by the Colorado and Green rivers. Island in the Sky offers accessible viewpoints, while the Needles and Maze districts provide more adventurous backcountry experiences.

Planning Your Park Trip

When visiting multiple parks, consider the distance between them and plan accordingly. Zion and Bryce can be combined in a few days from St. George. For the full Mighty Five experience, plan at least a week and consider breaking up the trip with stays in different areas.

Remember to check for permits (required for some popular hikes), make reservations during peak season, and always carry plenty of water. The desert environment can be unforgiving, but with proper preparation, these parks offer life-changing experiences.