Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyon Lands, and Capitol Reef National Parks
Utah is renowned for its stunning national parks, each offering unique natural wonders and outdoor adventures. Often referred to as the “Might 5” these parks offer unparalleled opportunities for hiking, photography, and connecting with nature. Be sure to plan your visit in advance, considering the season and the specific parks you want to explore, as each has its own unique charm and attractions.
The Same
The Family did all of the Might 5, while the DINKs only did Zion and Bryce. Although it is often overshadowed by the others, we both agree Bryce was our favorite given how unique it is.
Bryce Canyon NP
Each overlook at Bryce Canyon National Park provides a unique perspective of the park’s geological wonders, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Famous for its otherworldly hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is a geological wonderland. The rock formations look like drip sand castles we use to make on the beach as kids. Enjoy scenic drives, hike along the rim, or venture down into the amphitheater for a closer look.
The DINKS
The Dinks took The Queen’s/Navajo Combination Loop hike, which offered breathtaking views of the iconic hoodoos, and the Mossy Cave.
- Navajo Loop Trail: This popular trail descends into the canyon and takes hikers past some of Bryce Canyon’s most famous rock formations, including Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street. The loop trail is approximately 1.3 miles long and offers breathtaking views of the hoodoos and rock spires. Unfortunately Wall street was closed when we were visiting but the trail was still worth it.
- Queen’s Garden Trail: The Queen’s Garden Trail is a scenic option for hikers looking to explore the canyon floor. This moderately rated trail descends into the canyon and leads to the Queen’s Garden, where you’ll find hoodoos resembling figures such as Queen Victoria and the Queen’s Castle. The trail is around 1.8 miles long and can be combined with the Navajo Loop Trail for a longer hike.
The Family
The Family was exhausting after hiking three other parks prior to visiting so they stuck to the scenic overlooks. Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah offers several stunning overlooks, each providing panoramic views of the park’s iconic hoodoos and rock formations. Some of the most popular overlooks include:
- Bryce Point: Located at the southern end of the park, Bryce Point offers expansive views of the amphitheater and is renowned for its sunrise vistas.
- Sunset Point: One of the most visited overlooks, Sunset Point provides breathtaking views of the Bryce Amphitheater, including famous formations like Thor’s Hammer and the Silent City.
- Inspiration Point: Known for its sweeping views of the Bryce Amphitheater and the hoodoos below, Inspiration Point is accessible via a short hike from the Rim Trail.
- Sunrise Point: As the name suggests, Sunrise Point offers spectacular sunrise views over the Bryce Amphitheater, with opportunities to see the hoodoos bathed in the soft morning light.
- Bryce Canyon Visitor Center: While not a traditional overlook, the Visitor Center offers informative exhibits and a panoramic view of the surrounding area, making it a great starting point for exploring the park.
Zion NP
Known for its towering red rock formations and lush canyons, Zion offers numerous hiking trails Neither of us did the two iconic ones; Angels Landing and The Narrows, where you can wade through the Virgin River. We wouldn’t consider either as being Family or Pet friendly.
DINKS
The Dinks spent their time dedicated to hiking, starting with Lower Emerald Pool Trail, Riverside Walk, Pa’rus Trail, and concluding with Canyon Overlook Trail for a stunning sunset view.
- Lower Emerald Pool Trail: We began our day with a leisurely hike along the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, a relatively easy and family-friendly trail that showcases the beauty of Zion’s lush vegetation and tranquil pools. The trail is approximately 1.2 miles round trip and features picturesque waterfalls and hanging gardens along the way.
- Riverside Walk: After completing the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, continue your exploration with a stroll along the Riverside Walk. This paved trail follows the Virgin River and offers panoramic views of towering sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation. The trail is approximately 2.2 miles round trip and is accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. Take advantage of the interpretive signs along the way to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.
- Pa’rus Trail: Meandering alongside the Virgin River, this trail offers sweeping views of the surrounding canyon walls. This paved trail is approximately 3.5 miles round trip and is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, birds, and lizards, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the canyon.
- Canyon Overlook Trail: As the day draws to a close, head to the Canyon Overlook Trail for a breathtaking sunset view of Zion Canyon. This moderately rated trail is approximately 1 mile round trip and features stunning vistas of the canyon below. The trail leads to a scenic overlook where you can watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sandstone cliffs and rock formations. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of Zion at sunset.
The DINKs
We kicked off our Utah adventure with a scenic drive to Lake Powell, a mesmerizing reservoir surrounded by red-rock landscapes. While not one of the Mighty 5 Parks, it is an amazing adventure you shouldn’t miss.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
We rented a kayaking at Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks, and headed to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Home to Lake Powell and the dramatic Glen Canyon, this area offers boating, water sports, and opportunities to explore slot canyons like Antelope Canyon.
While most of Antelope Canyon is on a reservation and main entrance is in Arizona, there is a spot you can get to by boat or Kayak that has about a 4 mile trail into Antelope Canyon before it dead ends. We got our kayak as early as possible and quickly caught up with what looked like a tour group. Directions were clear and it was easy to find where to leave your kayak and adventure into the canyon. The pretty parts are in the first 1-2 miles but we trekked on to successfully reach the end. 8 miles of hiking round trip plus 4-5 miles of kayaking. Not for the faint at heart but an incredible experience for those who can do it.
With all that said, we visited during COVID when Antelope Canyon was closed so this was a great alternative to see some of it.
The Family
We visited Moab first where you can easily do three of the might five parks. So by the time we reached the other two, we were pretty exhausted. I would recommend giving yourself some down time when exploring all of the mighty five.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park, a mesmerizing desert landscape near Moab, is a haven of towering sandstone arches, fins, and balanced rocks. Delicate Arch, an iconic symbol of the American Southwest, frames the landscape with its delicate yet powerful silhouette. The fiery hues of the rocks come alive at sunrise and sunset, casting a warm glow over this geological wonderland. Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, this park boasts incredible geological formations. Don’t miss Delicate Arch and the Windows Section. Get the full details on the Family’s trip to Arches National Park at AffordableFamilyTravel.com.
Canyonlands National Park
A vast expanse of canyons carved by the Colorado River. Divided into districts, including the Island in the Sky and the Needles, each section offers unique perspectives of deep canyons, towering mesas, and arches. Mesa Arch at sunrise is a must-see, as the first light bathes the landscape in a warm, golden glow. This park is divided into four districts, each with its own unique landscapes and recreational opportunities. Island in the Sky and The Needles are popular areas for hiking and exploration.
Capitol Reef National Park
Characterized by the Waterpocket Fold, is a geological marvel that showcases towering cliffs, domes, and canyons. The scenic drive along Capitol Reef’s main artery offers access to petroglyphs, historic orchards, and dramatic viewpoints. Cathedral Valley, with its monolithic structures, adds an extra layer of awe to this less-visited gem. Explore the park’s canyons, cliffs, and orchards while learning about its pioneer history.
Get the full details on how the Family made the trip to the Mighty 5 so affordable at AfforableFamilyTravel.com.
Summary
Exploring Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks offers a contrasting yet equally awe-inspiring experience for both the Family and the Dinks. While both groups marveled at the majestic landscapes of Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, their approaches varied. The Family, having already explored Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks, opted for more relaxed visits focused on scenic viewpoints, allowing them to appreciate the parks’ beauty without extensive hiking. In contrast, the Dinks immersed themselves in hiking adventures at Zion and Bryce Canyon, taking in the hoodoos, slot canyons, and panoramic vistas up close. Additionally, their detour to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area added another dimension to their journey, showcasing the diversity of Utah’s natural wonders. Whether savoring serene lookouts or embarking on challenging hikes, both experiences underscored the unparalleled beauty and geological diversity that define Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks.
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