Exploring the Mighty 5 National Parks of Utah

This past year, nature saved me. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to leave the city and retreat to my hometown in Northern Ontario, Canada. Nature has always been a huge part of my life – growing up next to one of the oldest and largest Provincial Parks in Canada, I spent most of my childhood out in the wilderness hiking, camping, on (and in) lakes, and completely taking every minute of it for granted. After 20 years away from it, returning now and again, I became more and more grateful every time. And now I can’t get enough of it.

Throughout this realization, I’ve made it my goal to get out in nature and enjoy what our world has to offer, from sailing the seas onboard cruise ships for ten years to the snowy peaks and green valleys of Germany. From the tulip fields of the Netherlands to the glaciers and volcanoes of Iceland. From the highlands of Scotland to the fjords of Norway. But the most spectacular and eye-opening of all was my first jeep journey through The Mighty 5 National Parks of Utah.

I will admit that on my very first trip to the parks, I was a little “green” in my trip planning. From reading tons of reviews, blogs, and recommendations to get a plan of action, most aligned on the fact that you can do The Mighty 5 National Parks in five days. Now knowing what I know as a North America Destination Expert at Kensington Tours, while you can do the five parks in five days, I wouldn’t recommend it. There is far too much to see and do to only have about half a day in each park, so I’d recommend spending about seven to nine days in total to get a really well-rounded experience.

1. Zion National Park

When most people think of Utah, Zion will come to mind with its towering 2,000-foot cliffs and notoriously stunning red sandstone peaks. Here you can enjoy a picnic lunch with your guide before embarking on a hike fit for any fitness level. And while breathtaking Zion is not to be missed, I want to draw your attention to the other four as well.

2. Arches National Park

Arches National Park gets its name from, well… arches! Small in comparison to the others, Arches is simply amazing. With easy-to-navigate hikes and over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to hike to the red-hued Delicate Arch, as it was one of the most rewarding photo-opportunities of my entire trip. The 4-mile hike is moderate and can be quite busy on weekends, which is why we recommend an early hike with your guide to get to the top for an intimate chance at a spectacular view.

3. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park was a pleasant surprise. The largest National Park in Utah, the Islands in the Sky district is the most visited, and for good reason. The paved scenic drive offers many areas for your private driver to stop so you can take in the amazing scenery, or even take a short hike to the breathtaking Mesa Arch or Upheaval Dome. My goal was to get to Mesa Arch at sundown, as I had heard that the colors of the canyon turn beautiful shades of blue, purple and red as the sun fades away. Sunrise is also a wonderful time to be here if you’re an early riser. Canyonlands can be discovered easily with a private guide and driver whether you have just a few hours, half a day, a full day, or several days – there is no shortage of red rock scenery to take in here.

4. Capitol Reef National Park

If Canyonlands was a pleasant surprise, then Capitol Reef National Park was an epic one! A park I thought I would spend the least amount of time in, I found myself never wanting to leave. The Fruita section of the park is the most visited and accessible. The paved, scenic drive offers campgrounds, hikes, and even orchards, and in the spring, the fruit trees are in bloom which makes for an even more beautiful and fragrant visit. Hickman Bridge is the hike to do here: just east of the Capitol Reef visitor center, this 2-mile trail offers an easy and spectacularly scenic trek to a large natural arch. The trail is not particularly long or steep, but it provides some amazing sites along the way. Capitol Reef is one of Utah’s less crowded parks, therefore offering a much more relaxed and secluded visit. It was also given the International Dark-Sky Association’s Gold Tier status in 2015, making it a stargazer’s paradise.

5. Bryce Canyon

Finally, Bryce Canyon: hoodoos galore! Sometimes called “fairy chimneys” or “toadstools,” hoodoos are tall spires of rock that protrude from the ground up, and Bryce Canyon is full of them. Hiking through these natural rock formations feels otherworldly. A fun and unique experience here is riding a horse through the canyon or one of the many trails Bryce has to offer. At an elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, snow can make an amazing contrast to the red rocks of the canyon – I was even caught in quite a blizzard when I was there! Seeing these hoodoos in winter is truly something incredible, but many of the trails are subject to closures due to the treacherous conditions the snow and ice can provide.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Utah is during the spring from April to June, or autumn from September to November. Summers can get severely hot, while winters can be quite cold with risk of snowstorms. That said, Utah is a year-round destination depending on which activities appeal to you most!

I for one cannot wait to get back to The Mighty 5, and perhaps a trip to Utah’s National Parks will help you see nature from a different perspective this year too.