Hiking Utah's Iconic National Parks

Utah's Mighty Five: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks

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Overview

Locals call Utah’s national parks “The Mighty Five,” and on this epic journey you’ll explore all of them. Arches’ sculpted red rock landscape boasts the highest density of natural arches in the world. With its labyrinth of hoodoos – tall, thin rock spires – and striking rock formations, Bryce Canyon’s rugged beauty is otherworldly. Split into three districts, Canyonlands is a vast desert wilderness carved by the Colorado River. Capitol Reef is a hidden gem featuring dramatic cliffs, natural bridges, and remnants of early pioneer settlements. Last, but certainly not least, is Zion. This paradise for adventure seekers is home to narrow canyons, pockets of green, and soaring, colorful cliffs.

On this memorable journey through the beguiling multi-colored landscapes of Southern Utah, you’ll start in Moab, exploring Arches with an expert hiking guide and embarking on an exciting 4×4 adventure in the Needles District of Canyonlands. As you venture through Capitol Reef, you’ll explore impressive geologic wonders. Follow your guide through surreal hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, and in Zion, trails lead to astounding viewpoints. Expect heaps of hiking, one-of-a-kind lodging, knowledgeable and friendly guides, and pockets of peace for quiet red-rock ruminations.

Let us show you the splendor of southern Utah’s Mighty Five, off the beaten path.

Price From*

$4,750 USD
Trip Type

Custom-Made Travel
Best Months for Travel

April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Duration

8 days / 7 nights
Trip begins/ends
Grand Junction, Colorado / Las Vegas, Nevada

*Price per person based on sample itinerary detailed. Pricing will vary depending upon number of travelers, rooming configuration, and other planning details specific to your trip.

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How Can We Customize This Sample Itinerary For You?

If this sample itinerary looks intriguing, let us know and we can begin the process of tailoring it for you and yours! Call or email us today: [email protected].

Trip Details

Trip Highlights

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

Bucket List Parks: Check five unique and awe-inspiring National Parks off of your list! Explore Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.
Local Flare: Between the delicious restaurants and the warm, welcoming lodges, the Southwest has the recipe for a fantastic experience.
Naturalist-led Hiking: Learn about southern Utah’s extraordinary geological features and wildlife as you hike its diverse trails with exceptional guides.

The Essentials

Hiking Utah's Iconic National Parks

Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel

Territory: North America

Region: Desert Southwest

Trip Price: $4,750

Duration: 8 days/7 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Grand Junction, Colorado / Las Vegas, Nevada

National Parklands: Arches NP;Bryce Canyon NP;Canyonlands NP;Capitol Reef NP;Zion NP;Grand Staircase-Escalante NM

Select Terms & Conditions

All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Hiking Utah's Iconic National Parks

The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process

Make It Private

How custom-made travel works at Off the Beaten Path

We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.

The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.

The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!

Trip Highlights
The Essentials
Energy Index
How Custom Travel Works

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

Bucket List Parks: Check five unique and awe-inspiring National Parks off of your list! Explore Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.
Local Flare: Between the delicious restaurants and the warm, welcoming lodges, the Southwest has the recipe for a fantastic experience.
Naturalist-led Hiking: Learn about southern Utah’s extraordinary geological features and wildlife as you hike its diverse trails with exceptional guides.

Hiking Utah's Iconic National Parks

Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel

Territory: North America

Region: Desert Southwest

Trip Price: $4,750

Duration: 8 days/7 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Grand Junction, Colorado / Las Vegas, Nevada

National Parklands: Arches NP;Bryce Canyon NP;Canyonlands NP;Capitol Reef NP;Zion NP;Grand Staircase-Escalante NM

Select Terms & Conditions

All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Hiking Utah's Iconic National Parks

The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process

How custom-made travel works at Off the Beaten Path

We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.

The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.

The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!

Itinerary

Days 1-3: Moab, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park

Arrive into Colorado’s Grand Junction Regional Airport and then make the scenic drive to Moab. On your first full day here, you’ll explore Arches National Park on a guided hike. Follow your knowledgeable guide through natural arches, unique rock formations, and dramatic desert landscapes. The next day, you’ll explore the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park on a full day scenic 4x4 tour. Your guide will help you spot birds, lizards, mule deer, and bighorn sheep living among the incredible landforms.

Day 4: Capitol Reef National Park

Today, you’ll explore the lesser-known and spectacular Capitol Reef National Park. Located in the heart of red cliff country, Capitol Reef is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold – an incredible 100-mile-long monocline, or wrinkle, in the earth’s crust.

Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park

It’s time to migrate to the highest point on your journey – Bryce Canyon National Park – with a scenic drive through remote Southwest Utah. Choose to explore more corners of Capitol Reef before you leave or hit the road to make time to visit the ruggedly beautiful Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Tonight, take in your first views of Bryce Canyon from your accommodation’s spacious deck.

Days 6-7: Zion National Park

Immerse into the unique landscapes of Bryce Canyon on a half-day privately guided hike. The otherworldly hoodoos, fiery sandstone amphitheaters, and other eroded features make Bryce Canyon hiking trails magical. After your hike, it’s time for the short (72 miles) but oh-so-scenic drive to Zion National Park. The staggering sights in this national park, with its vast peaks and valleys, are a nature lover’s delight. No trip to Zion National Park would be complete without a full day on the trail. Today, you’ll set out on a scenic hiking tour. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll gain deeper insights into the geological forces at work in this fascinating area and the wildlife that thrives here.

Day 8: Departures Home from Las Vegas

After an optional sunrise hike on your own, it's time to journey home, carrying memories of Utah's Mighty Five. Drive to Las Vegas for departures from Harry Reid International Airport.

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Lodging

Hoodoo Moab

Perfectly located in the center of the town, the Hoodoo Moab by Curio Collection by Hilton, is a brand new addition to the town of Moab. Luxurious, yet laid-back, this gem is perfect for your time in the area.

Lodge at Red River Ranch

This unique lodge is on the Red River, set in a beautiful cottonwood grove that used to shelter a stagecoach stop. It’s a new lodge built in a traditional style and decorated with Native American textiles, Old West furnishings, and Western art. Each of the 15 rooms has a balcony or patio for soaking up the scenery.

Stone Canyon Inn

Located near the border of Bryce Canyon National Park in the tiny Utah town of Tropic, the Stone Canyon Inn is a wonderfully managed property that offers a unique and beautiful lodging option for those visiting the area. With many different room and cabin options, this is a great property to use as a base for exploring Bryce Canyon.

Desert Pearl Inn

A long-time client favorite, the Desert Pearl Inn is a classic Southwest gem. Set along the banks of the Virgin River, the property is very nicely operated and holds a number of outstanding amenities. For our clients, we prefer to use the riverside rooms, all of which are expansive in size and enjoy wonderful views of Zion Canyon with great patios or balconies overlooking a lush grassy common area and the Virgin River. Simply perfect!