Utah’s five national parks, known as the Mighty 5, offer some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. You’ll find slot canyons, natural stone arches, and towering red cliffs. Each park is unique, yet they all work beautifully in a loop that can be done in 1 week (in a pinch). While you could easily spend a week in just one of these parks, it is possible to see all five in one unforgettable road trip.
Below we share how to do this trip in one trip, but in total honesty, we did the parks in two separate trips.
This one-week itinerary focuses on efficient driving, short but rewarding hikes, and memorable viewpoints. It works well for families, couples, or adventurous solo travelers.
Before I get into the route - you might also like our tool that let’s you search for the best park to visit based on the time of year.
Route Overview
Start in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. The route below assumes Las Vegas arrival and departure because it is closest to Zion and usually easier to fly into.
Looking for more Trip Reports? You can explore the community over in the National Parks Club (free for the first 50 subscribers for a full year).


