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The Utah national parks road trip, also known as "The Mighty 5 road trip" is great in any season and it has scenery, unlike anything you’ll see on this earth. Besides the 5 most beautiful national parks you'll find monuments, stunning state parks, and some amazing off-road locations that are out of this world.
If you're planning a Utah national parks road trip, here's a 10-day itinerary
Monument Valley isn’t exactly close to any major city. If you're on a road trip like us here are the most convenient ways to get to Monument Valley:
•Page, Arizona - 125 miles
•Grand Canyon (South Rim) - 178 miles
•Phoenix Airport - 320 miles
•Albuquerque Airport - 324 miles
•Las Vegas Airport - 400 miles
Arrive at Monument Valley, pay 8$ per person to enter the Navajo Tribal park and drive the 17-mile loop.
Make sure not to miss these spots:The wildcat trail, The Mittens & Merrick Butte, The Tree Sisters, Jon Ford's Point, Totem Pole, Artist's Point.
Then head on to Forrest Gump Point - This is the most famous spot. It's best to visit this spot in the morning or early afternoon because, in the late afternoon and early evening, you'll be facing the sun. The speed limit on this road is 65 mph, so it's important to watch for cars since this road gets busy, especially in the afternoon.
You'll finish your day at The Mexican Hat is a weird and cool natural formation located outside of the formal park.
⇢ Drive 3 hours to Moab
🏨Sleep in: Moab
Wake up and drive 30 minutes to Arches National Park. Explore Windows Loop & Turret Arch, Double Arch, Sand Dune Arch, Broken Arch, and sunset at Delicate Arch.
🏨Sleep in: Moab
Wake up and drive 50 minutes to watch the sunrise at Mesa Arch, explore Shafer Canyon Overlook, Candlestick Tower, Buck Canyon Overlook, Grand Viewpoint overlook, and Green River Overlook.
🏨Sleep in: Moab
Wake uo, Drive to Hanksville 1 hr & 40 mins to Hanksville, on the way stop at Golbin Valley State Park.
Check into Hotel in Hanksville and drive to Factory Butte & Moonscape Overlook for sunset.
🏨Sleep in: Hanksville
Wake up, hike to Long Dong Silver in Hansville, drive 40 mins to Capitol Reef NP Hike to Hickman Bridge or Cassidy Arch, see the petroglyphs, drive the Scenic Drive, and sunset at Panorama and Sunset Points.
Drive to Bryce Canyon through Dixie National Forrest & Escalante.
⇢ Drive 2.5 hours to Bryce Canyon
🏨Sleep in: Bryce Canyon
Wake up and drive to Lower and Upper Inspiration Point, Bryce Canyon Sunset Point, Mossy Cave and waterfall, Natural Bridge Arch, Yovimpa Point, and sunset at Bryce Point
🏨Sleep in: Bryce Canyon
Sunrise at sunset point, Navajo Loop trail and Queens Garden trail, Old Bryce Town, drive to Zion. Stop at Red Canyon Arch on the way
⇢ Drive 2 hours to Zion
🏨Sleep in: Zion (Springdale)
Canyoneering in slot canyons, Belly of the Dragon, & watch the sunset at Canyon overlook trail in Zion National Park.
Hike watchman trail, Pa'rus trail, & Angel's landing (Even if you don't get a permit the view from above is spectacular)
Sunrise at the Narrows, helicopter ride Zion.