Utah has five amazing national parks called the Utah Big 5—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. These parks cover a huge area of 7,000 square miles and get more than 10 million visitors every year. Each park is special in its own way. Zion has tall red cliffs and green valleys, Bryce Canyon is filled with thousands of strange rock towers called hoodoos, Capitol Reef has deep canyons and old historic sites, Arches has over 2,000 rock arches, and Canyonlands has huge mesas and deep gorges shaped by rivers. If you love hiking, taking photos, or just enjoying beautiful views, the Utah Big 5 is the perfect place to visit. This guide will show you the best hiking trails, the most scenic drives, and the top places you must see. It will also give you tips to help you plan your trip. Whether you want to see all five parks in one trip or visit just one, this guide will help you enjoy the beauty of Utah’s national parks.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is known for its towering red cliffs, lush valleys, and winding rivers. It is one of the most visited and beloved parks in the U.S., offering both relaxing scenic drives and heart-pounding hikes.
Best Hikes in Zion
- Angels Landing (5.4 miles, strenuous) – A bucket-list hike featuring narrow trails and steep drop-offs. The final ascent includes chains for support, making it thrilling yet dangerous. A permit is required.
- The Narrows (Variable distance, moderate to strenuous) – One of the most famous slot canyon hikes in the world. Hike through the Virgin River, surrounded by 1,000-foot canyon walls. Waterproof gear is highly recommended.
- Observation Point (8 miles, strenuous) – Offers one of the highest viewpoints in Zion, with sweeping views of the entire canyon.
- Emerald Pools Trail (1.2-3 miles, easy to moderate) – A scenic trail leading to cascading waterfalls and tranquil pools.
Scenic Drives
- Zion-Mount Carmel Highway – A stunning drive featuring tunnels, hairpin turns, and breathtaking canyon walls.
- Kolob Canyons Road – A less crowded area of Zion with incredible red rock formations.
- Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – A shuttle-accessible road with breathtaking views of Zion’s iconic landscapes.
Must-See Attractions
- Court of the Patriarchs – Three massive rock formations named after biblical figures.
- Weeping Rock – A shaded, water-dripping rock face that creates a beautiful natural mist.
- The Subway – A natural tunnel-shaped slot canyon, requiring permits and technical hiking skills.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is home to thousands of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion. The park sits at a high elevation, offering cooler temperatures and jaw-dropping panoramic views.
Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon
- Navajo Loop & Queens Garden Trail (2.9 miles, moderate) – The most popular trail, weaving through majestic hoodoos and narrow canyons.
- Fairyland Loop Trail (8 miles, strenuous) – A longer, less crowded hike with sweeping views of Bryce’s unique rock formations.
- Peekaboo Loop (5.5 miles, moderate to strenuous) – Features twisting trails through towering rock spires.
- Bryce Point to Sunset Point (1.3 miles, easy) – A rim trail perfect for sunrise and sunset views.
Scenic Drives
- Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive – A 17-mile drive with multiple lookout points, offering the best views of the amphitheater.
- Rainbow Point – The highest viewpoint in the park, providing sweeping views of the colorful canyon below.
Must-See Attractions
- Thor’s Hammer – A famous hoodoo shaped like a hammer.
- Bryce Amphitheater – The most iconic area of the park, packed with vibrant rock formations.
- Inspiration Point – A breathtaking overlook offering an unparalleled view of the hoodoos.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is often overlooked, but it is a true hidden gem. Known for its massive rock cliffs, petroglyphs, and historic orchards, this park offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural history.
Best Hikes in Capitol Reef
- Hickman Bridge Trail (2 miles, moderate) – Leads to a stunning natural rock bridge.
- Cassidy Arch Trail (3.4 miles, moderate to strenuous) – Named after outlaw Butch Cassidy, this trail offers breathtaking canyon views.
- Grand Wash Trail (4.4 miles, easy) – A flat, scenic hike through towering canyon walls.
- Chimney Rock Trail (3.6 miles, moderate) – A loop hike with epic desert views.
Scenic Drives
- Capitol Reef Scenic Drive – A stunning road through rugged landscapes.
- Cathedral Valley Loop – A remote drive featuring enormous sandstone monoliths.
Must-See Attractions
- The Waterpocket Fold – A massive geological wrinkle stretching across the park.
- Fruita Historic District – A preserved pioneer town with orchards where visitors can pick fruit.
- Goosenecks Overlook – A dramatic viewpoint overlooking winding river-carved canyons.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park features over 2,000 natural arches, making it one of the most unique landscapes on Earth.
Best Hikes in Arches
- Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles, moderate to strenuous) – The most famous arch in Utah, best seen at sunset.
- Devil’s Garden Trail (7.8 miles, moderate to strenuous) – A scenic hike passing multiple rock arches.
- Fiery Furnace (Variable, requires permit) – A maze of narrow sandstone canyons requiring a guide or permit.
Scenic Drives
- Arches Scenic Drive – A road with incredible rock formations and viewpoints.
- Windows Road – Leads to some of the park’s largest and most photogenic arches.
Must-See Attractions
- Landscape Arch – One of the longest natural arches in the world.
- Double Arch – Two massive arches connected at the base.
- The Windows Section – A cluster of huge, accessible rock arches.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is the largest of the Utah Big 5, featuring deep canyons, towering mesas, and winding rivers.
Best Hikes in Canyonlands
- Mesa Arch Trail (0.5 miles, easy) – A short hike to a famous sunrise viewpoint.
- Upheaval Dome (1.3 miles, moderate) – A mysterious crater-like geological formation.
- Druid Arch Trail (11 miles, strenuous) – A challenging hike with one of the best views in The Needles district.
Must-See Attractions
- Grand View Point – A panoramic overlook of the canyons.
- Green River Overlook – A scenic viewpoint above the winding Green River.
- Shafer Trail – A steep, scenic dirt road descending into the canyon.
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Conclusion
Utah’s Big 5 National Parks are some of the most beautiful places in the world. Every year, over 10 million people visit these parks, which cover 7,000 square miles of land. Zion has tall red cliffs and deep canyons, Bryce Canyon has thousands of tall rock towers called hoodoos, Capitol Reef has deep canyons and old rock carvings, Arches has over 2,000 stone arches, and Canyonlands has big plateaus and deep valleys made by rivers. These parks have more than 1,500 miles of hiking trails, 500+ scenic viewpoints, and 100+ natural arches to see. Whether you like hiking, taking pictures, or just looking at nature, the Utah Big 5 is a great place to visit. You can go on hikes, drive through scenic roads, or sit and enjoy the views. No matter what you do, these parks will give you great memories. Pack your bags and come see the beauty of Utah’s National Parks!
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Utah’s Big 5 National Parks?
The best time to visit is spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Summer can be very hot, and winter may bring snow in some parks.
2. Do I need a permit to hike Angels Landing?
Yes, a permit is required for Angels Landing due to its popularity and safety concerns. You can apply for one through the National Park Service website.
3. How many days do I need to see all five parks?
A 7-day road trip is ideal to visit all five parks, spending 1-2 days in each park to explore the best hikes and scenic drives.
4. Are the parks suitable for families and beginners?
Yes! Each park has easy hiking trails and scenic drives that families and beginners can enjoy without long or difficult hikes.
5. What should I pack for visiting the Utah Big 5?
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, snacks, and a map or GPS. Weather can change quickly, so dress in layers.