Utah's Mighty Five: the red-rock loop
Five national parks, one unforgettable week.
Zion's canyons, Bryce's hoodoos, the cliffs of Capitol Reef and the arches of Moab — a seven-day loop through the most otherworldly landscape in America.
Pine Creek Canyon Overlook
Short walk to a dramatic view over the canyon switchbacks — a great first taste of Zion's scale.
💡 Small pullout parking fills early; go late afternoon for best light.
Canyon Overlook Trail, Hurricane
Riverside Walk
An easy paved trail along the Virgin River into the narrows of Zion Canyon, no climbing required.
💡 Zion requires a shuttle reservation in peak season — book the shuttle ticket ahead.
Overnight in Zion National Park (Springdale, UT)
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Zion National Park (Springdale, UT) · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- Book Zion's shuttle tickets online in advance — walk-up capacity is limited
- Springdale hotels are steps from the park entrance — no need to drive in the morning
- Fuel up before leaving Las Vegas — prices rise near the park
- Kolob Canyons+16 mi
A quieter, less-crowded finger of Zion with a scenic drive and short trails.
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park+22 mi
Striking pink dunes against red rock, an easy stop off the highway.
Red Canyon
Vivid red rock formations right beside the highway — an easy, worthwhile pause en route.
💡 Pull off at the visitor center for the best short viewpoint trail.
Red Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park Sunset Point
Iconic overlook onto the amphitheater of hoodoos, one of the most photographed views in Utah.
💡 Arrive near sunset for the namesake light on the spires.
Sunset Pt Rd, Bryce Canyon City
Navajo Loop Trail
A moderate, well-loved loop descending into the hoodoo amphitheater — the best way to feel the scale up close.
💡 Wall Street section can be icy in shoulder seasons — check trail conditions at the visitor center.
Overnight in Bryce Canyon City, UT
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Bryce Canyon City, UT · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- Bryce Canyon City has limited lodging — book ahead in high season
- Fill the gas tank in Springdale; options thin out on Highway 12
- Park shuttle is optional but reduces parking hassle at Sunset Point
- Mossy Cave Trail+5 mi
A short, easy walk to a waterfall and cave, often overlooked by park crowds.
- Kodachrome Basin State Park+19 mi
Unique sandstone chimney formations, quieter than Bryce and worth the short detour.
Capitol Reef National Park
A dramatic drive through the Waterpocket Fold's colorful cliffs — far less crowded than the bigger parks.
💡 The scenic drive is paved and easy — good stretch-the-legs stop without a long hike.
- This split keeps each driving segment under the daily cap — no need to rush
- Torrey has the last reliable gas and food before the long desert stretch east
- Green River is a simple, functional overnight — grab dinner before shops close early
- Goblin Valley State Park+19 mi
Otherworldly mushroom-shaped rock formations, a strange and memorable detour.
- Little Wild Horse Canyon+28 mi
A slot canyon hike with no permit needed, beloved by those passing through Hanksville.
Delicate Arch Trail
The iconic freestanding arch of Utah, reached by a moderately demanding trail across open sandstone.
💡 Arches requires a timed-entry reservation in peak season — book ahead. Start early, no shade on trail, carry water.
Balanced Rock
A giant boulder perched on a thin pedestal, an easy roadside stop with a short loop trail.
💡 Loop trail is only 0.3 miles — quick stretch after the longer morning hike.
Arches Scenic Dr, Moab
The Windows Section
A cluster of arches (North Window, South Window, Turret Arch) reachable on short easy trails.
💡 Best light in late afternoon — combine multiple arches on one short loop.
The Windows Section
- Book Arches timed-entry reservation online well in advance — it sells out
- Start the Delicate Arch hike early to beat heat and crowds — no shade on trail
- Moab town is outside any restricted zone — regular street parking is fine
- Fiery Furnace+3 mi
A maze of narrow sandstone canyons, permit or ranger-guided tour required — a wilder experience.
- Dead Horse Point State Park+12 mi
A sweeping overlook of the Colorado River gorge, often compared favorably to the Grand Canyon.
Grand View Point Overlook
One of the most sweeping canyon views in Utah, looking down onto the confluence country far below.
💡 Go early morning for cooler temps and clearer light over the canyons.
Moab
Mesa Arch Trail
A short, easy walk to a famous arch framing the canyon beyond — one of the park's signature images.
💡 Sunrise is legendary here and very crowded — midday is quieter with still-great views.
Utah 128
The drive back along the Colorado River through red rock walls is a destination in itself.
- Canyonlands has no entry reservation but fewer services — bring water and snacks
- Island in the Sky is a 40 min drive from Moab — no need for an early alarm today
- This is your last full day in Moab — refuel before starting the return drive tomorrow
- Upheaval Dome+6 mi
A mysterious crater-like formation, debated as impact site or salt dome, short trail to viewpoints.
- Newspaper Rock+16 mi
One of the best-preserved Native American petroglyph panels in the region, an easy roadside stop.
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
A collection of ancient rock art and a small museum, an easy detour breaking up the return drive.
💡 Short walk to the main petroglyph panels near the visitor center.
3820 Clear Creek Canyon Rd, Sevier
Overnight in Cedar City, UT
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Cedar City, UT · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- This leg splits the long drive home, keeping today's distance under the daily cap
- Cedar City has reliable chain hotels with easy highway access — no booking stress
- Top off gas here — options are sparser on tomorrow's stretch to Vegas
- Cove Fort+6 mi
A restored 1867 frontier fort, a quick historical curiosity just off the interstate.
- Parowan Gap+12 mi
A striking rock gap with petroglyphs and a dramatic natural cut, quiet and rarely visited.
Valley of Fire State Park
Brilliant red sandstone formations glowing in the desert light, the perfect last nature stop before Vegas.
💡 Visit Fire Wave and Elephant Rock trails — both short, easy walks with big payoff.
Moapa Valley
- Valley of Fire is a worthwhile 50 km detour off the direct route — plan the extra time
- No stops planned in Las Vegas itself — the day's sights are all before the city limits
- Arrive with a full tank; return the rental or park before city traffic picks up
- Lost City Museum (Overton)+9 mi
Small museum on ancestral Puebloan history near Valley of Fire, an easy add if time allows.
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area+16 mi
Vast reservoir with dramatic desert shoreline, a scenic alternative stop near the return route.
Make this trip your own
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