Optimal Sequence for Exploring Utah's National Parks
In the heart of the American West, Utah offers a stunning array of natural wonders, and its national parks are a must-visit for any traveler. For many, the "Mighty 5" – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches – are the standout destinations.
Starting from the east, a recommended itinerary for a Class B RV road trip would take you from Moab, home to Arches National Park, and finish near Zion National Park, covering the Mighty 5 over about 10 days.
Day 1-2: Arrival in Moab and exploration of Arches National Park, where you can marvel at the world's biggest concentration of rock arches, including the Delicate Arch, a recognizable landmark from Utah state license plates.
Day 3: Explore Canyonlands National Park, known for its colorful landscape of mesas, arches, and canyons, and home to the Mesa Arch, a large arch jutting out above a deep canyon.
Day 4 (optional): Visit nearby parks like Goblin Valley or Little Wild Horse for an extra dose of Utah's unique landscapes.
Day 5-6: Head west to Capitol Reef National Park, which runs along Scenic Byway 12, a Michelin-rated drive, and features fruit groves where fresh fruit can be picked. The park also offers views of large cliffs and winding canyons, and has lands previously settled by the Fremont Native Americans and Mormon pioneers.
Day 7: Continue to Bryce Canyon National Park, the most visited park in Utah due to its unique rock formations known as hoodoos. The Bryce Amphitheater, a particularly picturesque center in the park, is not to be missed.
Day 8-9: End your park visits at Zion National Park, the favorite of Utah's Big 5 for many travelers, featuring large, sweeping sculptures of bright red and orange rocks, and natural springs and rivers that provide areas for exploration and wildlife encounters.
Day 10: Depart from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, two ideal starting points for exploring Utah's national parks.
Class B RVs are compact, making them ideal for maneuvering in park areas and tighter roads, yet they offer full camping comfort. This itinerary includes roughly 1-2 days at each park, balancing exploration with driving time. The best seasons to visit are spring or autumn for milder temperatures. For RV camping, especially near Zion, areas like St. George and state parks nearby offer RV hookups and good facilities.
Utah has nine national parks, making it the third state with the most in the country. Whether you start from the east or the west, a road trip across Utah's national parks promises a comfortable and scenic adventure.
This Class B RV road trip in Utah offers an outdoor adventure-travel experience, covering the Mighty 5 national parks over 10 days. starting from Moab, home to Arches National Park, and concluding near Zion National Park. (Day 1-2: Explore Arches National Park; Day 3: Canyonlands National Park; Day 4 (optional): Goblin Valley or Little Wild Horse; Day 5-6: Capitol Reef National Park; Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park; Day 8-9: Zion National Park; Day 10: Depart from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City). This travel lifestyle embraces the stunning lifestyle found in Utah's national parks, with each park providing unique landscapes and natural wonders.
