This will be the first of many posts on this gorgeous area of the Southwest US. I worked for two years for an adventure travel company that focused solely on the Southwest – Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and more. I had the opportunity to explore the National Parks in these areas and I was so impressed by the landscape and the beauty that surrounded them Even though I went in November, each park was still able to sparkle in it’s own light.
There sure is a lot to see in these areas, and I will write more about Arizona and other highlights, but first I wanted to start with Utah’s Mighty 5.
What are the Mighty 5? Well, they are the National Parks in Utah – Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Each one of them is so unique and special its hard to know where to start! They took my breath away at every turn, and I know they will for you too!
Zion National Park
Zion is an easy ride from Las Vegas – it’s actually closer than Grand Canyon National Park, and makes a great day trip. It has incredibly stunning views, tall cliffs, and my absolute favorite – the Virgin River running through the park. One of the highlight hikes in this park is the Narrows. It’s quite literally the narrowest part of the park, and the coolest thing about the hike is you are walking through the river, so you get wet! Depending on the time of year (and amount of rain), you might be wading through water as high as waist-deep! Pretty crazy. If you do decide to hike it, be wary of the weather announcements – it can be very dangerous if there is a flash food. Although I haven’t braved it, one day I would also love to hike Angel’s Landing - a very high and narrow trail above the canyon. Although I suppose I could just do the eHike from the comfort of my living room!
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is probably my favorite of the Mighty 5. Why? Because even if it is the smallest of the Parks, it looks like a fairyland (which is why one of the lookouts is called that!) When I visited in November, it started to snow a bit (Bryce is at the highest elevation of the Parks), and it was the prettiest snowfall I think I've ever seen, and the white flakes looked so beautiful falling among the stunning red rock hoodoos. It seemed incredible to me that Mother Nature could create these stunning landscapes from wind and water against the rock. Just breathtaking! You can also attend star gazing sessions put on by the park, which are a popular evening activity. I thought I knew what stars were like until I visited the Southwest. The lack of light pollution allows the stars to truly shine in a way that I had never experienced before.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef was hands down the most interesting of the Parks, because of the giant Waterpocket Fold in the Earth. Pardon my lack of geological expertise -- It’s like this giant wrinkle in the earth, exposing the rock, and erosion has created spectacular arches, cliffs, canyons and much more. The orchards are pretty neat to visit, and if you go early morning you might even see some cute white-tailed deer hanging around. It has great hiking trails and some historical sites, so its well worth the stop.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is quite literally full of arches! Over 2,000 to be precise (and they are still discovering more!) These arches have been created by the right mixture of rock, salt and water. One place in Arches I loved exploring the Fiery Furnace, which is an unmarked trail where you hop, jump and explore around what feels like a rock jungle gym. You have to get permits to enter this area, and unless you’re with a guide, I wouldn’t recommend going in on your own. You WILL get lost.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is pretty close by to Arches, so I would recommend staying Moab for at least two nights and seeing both parks. Canyonlands is split into 3 main areas, but most people visit the Island in the Sky district, where the infamous Mesa Arch can be found. I didn't spend enough time here and would love to go back. I would also recommend visit Dead Horse Point State Park, which has absolutely stunning views. Read more about the story behind Dead Horse Point here.
Interested in visiting Utah’s Mighty 5? Check out Southwest Adventure Tours. They offer small-group multi-day tours, day tours from Las Vegas & Salt Lake City as well as private and custom self-drive packages. Check them out!