5-Day National Park Itinerary

A Utah national parks road trip is a box waiting to be checked off of every adventurous traveler’s bucket list. But the logistics of cramming so many epic hikes and stunning viewpoints into your trip, on top of making travel plans, can feel overwhelming.

If the thought of securing campsites, planning and shopping for meals, sourcing gear and knowing which airport to fly into — and how to get to southern Utah from there — scares the hoodoo right out of you, you need to check out MountainBased Adventures.

With MountainBased Adventures, you can explore Utah’s Mighty Five national parks in just five days. The family-owned and operated adventure travel company helps you experience the iconic landscapes of the American Southwest, minus the stress. This award winning tour company is No. 1 on Tripadvisor in Salt Lake City for a reason! Read reviews here.

During a five-day lodging trip with MountainBased, you’ll see the best of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks. You’ll also get to check off some of Utah’s awe-inspiring state parks: Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley. Recharge after each day’s adventure with a comfortable sleep in rustic, luxury lodge accommodations. 

Ready to jump in? Here is your expertly crafted Utah national parks tour itinerary.

Red Cliffs Lodge along the Colorado River.

Day 1: Depart Salt Lake City for Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park

Descend into Salt Lake City airport to begin the adventure. Kick off the trip by meeting your friendly guides and group members at a hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, then hop into a comfortable 15 passenger van to drive through the beautiful Wasatch Mountains en route to southern Utah.

First stop: Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Island in the Sky rests at the top of sandstone cliffs, offering different sprawling views at every pullout and overlook. At the top lies the otherworldly Mesa Arch or our other favorite, Grand View Point Overlook.

On the way out of Canyonlands, stop at Dead Horse Point State Park for a picnic style lunch. MountainBased incorporates as many fresh and healthy ingredients as possible so you can feel great while exploring the National Parks. 

Dead Horse State Park is a viewpoint worthy of the trip itself. Dead Horse Point has been featured on-screen in hits such as “Thelma & Louise,” “Mission Impossible II” and “Westworld.” You know what they say about Utah’s state parks — they’d be national parks in any other state!

In the evening arrive at Red Cliffs Lodge, right along the Colorado River, to enjoy a group dinner before settling in for a good night’s sleep.

Delicate Arch

Day 2: Hiking in Arches National Park – Afternoon in Moab

After a fresh breakfast included at the lodge, get ready to explore the largest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world at Arches National Park.

Make stops at some of the park's iconic geologic features such as Windows and Double Arch before embarking on a 3-mile round-trip hike to the world famous Delicate Arch. Prepare to be awed.

Next, check out the Arches National Park Visitor Center to learn more about the geology and history of the region. Cap off the day by wandering around funky downtown Moab (art galleries and foodie restaurants galore) and having a group dinner in town. Head back to the lodge for rest and relaxation.

Capitol Reef

Day 3: Explore Goblin Valley and Capitol Reef National Park

On the road again, head to the alien-like landscape of Goblin Valley State Park. The small hoodoos, or “goblins,” and open desert views will make you feel as if you’re on Mars.

After frolicking on the otherworldly playground of Goblin Valley, continue the scenic drive south to Capitol Reef National Park. Named for its white sandstone domes, Capitol Reef is the least visited of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks due to its remote location. This means you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and a closer look at the park’s amazing geological features. Take a hike to Hickman Bridge (less than 2 miles) or stroll through narrows on the 4.7-mile Grand Wash trail.

That evening, arrive at your comfortable lodging just outside of Capitol Reef National Park. 

Bryce Canyon

Day 4: Witness the Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and Hike Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop

Wake up recharged and refuel with a hearty breakfast before departing for Bryce Canyon National Park. Stand on the rim overlooking the Bryce Amphitheater and watch the sun slowly rise over sandstone spires, painting them orange.

Walk along Bryce Canyon’s Rim Trail, where the whole hike is one incredible viewpoint. Then, hike down into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheatre to enjoy a new perspective on the hoodoos and what some call "the world's best 3-mile hike.”

In the evening, your group will head to a lodge just outside of Zion National Park. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the property before an incredible dinner at one of your guide’s favorite local restaurants.

The Narrows in Zion

Day 5: Towering Sandstone Cliffs and Virgin River Oasis of Zion National Park – Return to Salt Lake City

Gear up for your final day! Start with a nourishing breakfast before exploring your fifth national park in five days. Enter Zion National Park, known as Mukuntuweap by the Southern Paiute, and hike through the world famous Zion Narrows (weather conditions permitting).

After spending the morning in Zion Canyon, we’ll head to our favorite cafe just outside of the National Park. Here we’ll enjoy lunch and a stunning view of the Virgin River. 

After a worthwhile few days, say goodbye to the majestic red cliffs of southern Utah and begin your journey home with a 4.5 hour drive back to Salt Lake City. On your flight home, reminisce about your magical week of exploration in Utah’s National Parks.

Book a Tour With MountainBased Adventures

Enjoy having every little detail taken care of, from national park timed-entry passes to the 15-passenger van transporting you from park to park. MountainBased makes your Utah national parks trip a breeze!

If you prefer sticking to the outdoors day and night, sign up for MountainBased’s five-day camping tour. It has an almost identical itinerary, but you’ll be sleeping under the stars in a provided tent, comfortable sleeping pad and sleeping bag. If you want a more tailored experience to just Zion and Bryce Canyon, there’s a camping and lodging itinerary for that as well.

For the folks at MountainBased, adventure is more than a passion — it’s their purpose. MountainBased is a third generation, family-owned and -operated adventure travel company. To learn more about their story, click here.

MountainBased provides the push that gets you to experience the places you’ve always wanted to, but just didn’t know how to start. As your guides, we make it easy for you to immerse yourself in the beauty of our national parks. And if you’re up for the challenge, find out just what you are capable of.

Book your experience with MountainBased here.