Utah's Mighty Five: the red-rock loop
Five national parks, one unforgettable week.
Zion's canyons, Bryce's hoodoos, the cliffs of Capitol Reef and the arches of Moab — a seven-day loop through the most otherworldly landscape in America.
Valley of Fire State Park
20 km detour off I-15 — vivid red Aztec sandstone formations and easy short trails, great leg-stretch stop.
💡 Fire Wave trail is short and photogenic; go before midday heat.
Moapa Valley
Oscar's Cafe
Local favorite in Springdale with patio views toward the park entrance.
💡 Arrive by early afternoon for lunch to beat the dinner rush.
948 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale
Riverside Walk
Easy paved trail along the Virgin River into the mouth of Zion Canyon, a gentle intro to the park's scale.
💡 Park shuttle required in peak season — catch it at the Visitor Center.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
The classic canyon drive framed by towering red cliffs.
Overnight in Zion National Park (Springdale, UT)
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Zion National Park (Springdale, UT) · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- Zion requires the shuttle in high season — private cars can't drive the canyon road then
- Springdale hotels are walkable to the park entrance — book ahead, rooms are limited
- Fill up on gas in St. George; Springdale prices run higher
- Kolob Canyons+16 mi
Quieter, less-visited section of Zion with a scenic 5-mile drive and fewer crowds.
- Snow Canyon State Park+22 mi
Lava rock and red sandstone slot canyons near St. George, easy detour off the highway.
Angels Landing Trail
Iconic switchback cliff trail; even viewing from the base gives a sense of the exposure and drama.
💡 Angels Landing needs a permit lottery — view from Grotto if you didn't secure one.
Zion Cyn Rd, Springdale
Red Canyon
Small detour just before Bryce with striking red rock arches over the highway — often overlooked.
💡 Pull off at the visitor kiosk for a quick 15-minute walk among the arches.
Red Canyon
Bryce Canyon Pines Restaurant
Hearty diner-style food convenient to the park entrance.
2476 W UT-12, Bryce Canyon City
Bryce Canyon National Park Sunset Point
World-famous amphitheater of hoodoos, best seen in late afternoon light.
💡 Arrive before sunset for the best hoodoo color; parking fills fast.
Sunset Pt Rd, Bryce Canyon City
Bryce Point
Wide panoramic view over the whole amphitheater, especially striking at dusk.
Bryce Pt Rd, Tropic
Overnight in Bryce Canyon City, UT
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Bryce Canyon City, UT · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- Bryce sits at high elevation — nights are cold even in summer, pack layers
- Rim Road parking lots fill by mid-morning in season; use the free shuttle
- Gas up in Springdale or nearby, options are limited near Bryce
- Mossy Cave Trail+3 mi
Short easy hike to a waterfall and cave inside Bryce, less crowded than the main rim.
- Kodachrome Basin State Park+19 mi
Unique sandstone chimney formations, a quiet detour south of Bryce.
Grand Wash Trail
A dramatic, uncrowded canyon hike through the Waterpocket Fold, a highlight detour on the way to Moab.
💡 Flat, easy trail — check for flash flood warnings before entering the narrows section.
The Capitol Reef Kitchen
Simple stop near the visitor center for lunch before continuing east.
2600 UT-24, Torrey
Fruita Schoolhouse
Historic orchards and pioneer homestead inside Capitol Reef, a peaceful short walk to stretch legs.
💡 Pick fruit in season at the orchards for a small fee, self-serve honor system.
UT-24, Torrey
Overnight in Torrey, UT
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Torrey, UT · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- Shortened today's drive to stay under the pace cap — splits the long Bryce-to-Moab leg with an overnight in Torrey
- Torrey is a small gateway town — fuel up here, options are sparse further east toward Moab
- Book lodging in Torrey ahead in high season, it's a small town with limited rooms
- Moab leg now continues on day 4, giving time for Goblin Valley or Dead Horse Point along the way
- Goblin Valley State Park+19 mi
Otherworldly mushroom-shaped hoodoos you can wander freely among, a fun detour off Highway 24.
- Capitol Gorge Trail+3 mi
Short walk through a narrow gorge with pioneer inscriptions carved in the rock, easy and rewarding.
- Torrey's Sunglow Family Restaurant area+2 mi
Local spot near town known for prickly pear pie, a quirky regional treat.
Delicate Arch Trail
The single most iconic arch in the US, and the hike to it is a bucket-list experience.
💡 Timed entry ticket required April–October — book online well ahead.
The Windows Section
Cluster of large arches with a short easy loop, great contrast to the strenuous Delicate Arch hike.
The Windows Section
Milt's Stop & Eat
Beloved Moab burger joint, a local institution since the 1950s.
356 S Mill Creek Dr, Moab
Grand View Point Trail
Sweeping canyon-country views over the confluence of rivers, one of the best vistas in Utah.
💡 Drive to the very end of Island in the Sky road for the full panorama.
Mesa Arch
Short, famous trail to a rim arch framing the canyon below — especially stunning at sunrise.
💡 Go at sunrise if possible; midday brings crowds and less magical light.
- Arches requires a timed-entry reservation in season — book before you arrive
- Bring extra water; both parks have little shade and can be very hot midday
- Fuel up in town before heading to either park, no gas inside
- Fisher Towers+19 mi
Dramatic red rock spires along a quiet trail, a favorite among locals and rock climbers.
- Dead Horse Point sunrise return+9 mi
If missed at sunset, the overlook is equally stunning at dawn with fewer people.
Goblin Valley State Park
A short detour off the highway into a surreal valley of mushroom-shaped hoodoo rocks you can freely explore.
💡 No marked trails — wandering off-path among the goblins is encouraged.
18630 Goblin Valley Rd, Green River
Ray's Tavern
Classic roadside tavern in Green River known for hearty burgers, a local landmark.
25 S Broadway, Green River
Green River State Park
Quiet riverside park along the Green River, a relaxing end to a short driving day.
550 Green River Blvd, Green River
Overnight in Green River, UT
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Green River, UT · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- Short driving day by design — use the extra time for Goblin Valley without rushing
- Green River has limited lodging options — book ahead even though it's a small town
- Fill up on gas here, next real services are sparse heading further south
- San Rafael Swell overlook+12 mi
Vast eroded desert landscape visible from I-70 pullouts, dramatic and little visited.
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
En route detour with ancient Fremont petroglyphs and a small museum, an easy break in a long drive.
3820 Clear Creek Canyon Rd, Sevier
Centro | Woodfired Pizzeria
Well-regarded local pizzeria in Cedar City, a good dinner stop after a long driving day.
50 W Center St, Cedar City
Cedar Breaks National Monument
A smaller, high-elevation cousin of Bryce Canyon with a colorful amphitheater and cooler air.
💡 Road closes in winter; check conditions if traveling shoulder season.
Brian Head
Overnight in Cedar City, UT
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Cedar City, UT · $$
Booking happens on the partner's site.
- Splitting the drive home here keeps each day under the pace cap
- Cedar Breaks sits above 10,000 ft — bring a jacket even in summer
- Cedar City has plenty of chain hotels with easy parking, no restrictions downtown
- Kolob Terrace Road+22 mi
Scenic backcountry road with high meadows and views into Zion's less-visited west side.
Virgin River Gorge
Dramatic canyon the interstate cuts through, a striking stretch of road worth noticing rather than a detour.
Littlefield
CasaBlanca Resort, Casino, Golf & Spa
Convenient stop in Mesquite for a final meal before the last stretch home.
950 W Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite
- Short final leg — no need to rush, trip ends with the drive into Las Vegas
- Gas is cheaper in Mesquite than in Vegas — top off before the final stretch
- No stops planned inside Las Vegas per trip preference
- Valley of Fire State Park (return visit)+12 mi
If missed lighting on day 1, the park is just off I-15 for a final desert detour.
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