Zion National Park towering red sandstone canyon walls

Best 5 Days in Utah National Parks — Without Photography

Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef

5 days · 3 cities · 7 activities · route optimized by distance

A mix of nature and adventure. Physically active with some demanding stretches, mostly at your own pace. Includes 2 must-see landmarks across Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef.

Highlights: The Narrows, Angels Landing Guided Hike (Permit Required)

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking

7+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 3 cities

Where you'll stay
Hotel in Zion · From $170/night +2 more
See lodging →
Trip cost
~$979 total · $196/day
See budget →
Top picks
The Narrows, Angels Landing Guided Hike (Permit Required), Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
See itinerary →

Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out

Zion National Park

Zion National Park Zion National Park · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 1 Wed, Jul 1 Full Zion National Park
Morning
The Narrows$~3 hrs

Wade through the Virgin River in one of the world's most famous slot canyon hikes, with towering 1,000-foot walls on bo-

Afternoon
Angels Landing Guided Hike (Permit Required)$$~4 hrs

Tackle the iconic Angels Landing trail with a guide. Since 2022, a permit from the NPS lottery is mandatory for the fina-

$199 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →
🏨 Hotel in Zion

Springdale / Virgin / Hurricane

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection By Hilton $200-350/nightHampton Inn & Suites Springdale $150-250/nightDriftwood Lodge $100-180/night
Book Hotel in Zion from $170/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 2 Thu, Jul 2 Moderate Zion National Park
Morning
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway$$~3 hrs

With switchbacks, views, hikes and a tunnel, the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a scenic road connecting the south entranc

Afternoon
Kolob Canyon$$~3 hrs

North of Canyon Scenic Drive is the "other" section of Zion National Park, called Kolob Canyon. This section of Zion is

🏨 Hotel in Zion

Springdale / Virgin / Hurricane

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection By Hilton $200-350/nightHampton Inn & Suites Springdale $150-250/nightDriftwood Lodge $100-180/night
Book Hotel in Zion from $170/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Zion National Park → Bryce Canyon
2h Drive straight to Bryce Canyon without sightseeing along the route. This is recommended for those who want to maximize t

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon Bryce Canyon · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 3 Fri, Jul 3 Full Bryce Canyon
Morning
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive II$$~3 hrs

Enjoy a second day of exploring the "main drag" of Bryce Canyon National Park. With your second day of exploring, you'll

Afternoon
Horseback Ride through Bryce Canyon$$~3 hrs

See all of Bryce’s breathtaking beauty from horseback as you leave Sunrise Point and descend into the Canyon.

🏨 Hotel in Bryce Canyon

Tropic / Bryce Canyon City

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel $140-220/nightBryce Canyon Pines Lodge $80-140/nightBryce Pioneer Village $110-170/night
Book Hotel in Bryce Canyon from $150/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef
2h 12m Drive straight to Capitol Reef National Park without sightseeing along the route. This is recommended for those who want

Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef Capitol Reef · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 4 Sat, Jul 4 Full Capitol Reef
Full Day
Cathedral Valley 4x4 Exploration$$~9 hrs

Part of Capitol Reef National Park, Cathedral Valley is to the north of the Scenic Drive and only accessible by guide, r

$150 Verified Mar 2026 Book this experience →
🏨 Hotel in Capitol Reef

Torrey / Countryside

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Capitol Reef Resort $130-250/nightRed Sands Hotel $140-280/nightCapitol Reef Inn & Cafe $110-180/night
Book Hotel in Capitol Reef from $140/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 5 Sun, Jul 5 Capitol Reef
Checkout & Depart

Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from Capitol Reef!

Where You’ll Stay

Estimated total: $504–$756

Trip Budget Estimate

$979 estimated total per person
$196 per day
Lodging $630
Activities $349

Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.

Typical range for Utah National Parks

$500 – $2,500 per person for 5 days

Budget: $100/day — Budget motels, fast-casual dining, public transport Mid-range: $250/day — Hotels, restaurants, car rental Luxury: $500/day — Resorts, fine dining, guided tours

Similar Destinations

Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to Utah National Parks.

🧳 Practical Info for Utah National Parks

📄 Visa
ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries. CA citizens visa-exempt. See US entry requirements.
💵 Tipping
18–20% tip expected at restaurants. Standard US tipping culture applies.
💱 Currency
US Dollar ($ USD). Cards accepted everywhere.
🔌 Power
120V, Type A/B plugs. EU/UK/AU travelers need an adapter.
📶 Connectivity
Limited signal in national parks and canyon areas. Download offline maps before visiting.
🚨 Emergency
911 (general emergency)

🚗 Getting Around Utah National Parks

🚗 Car

Car rental essential — the Mighty 5 parks are spread across southern Utah. Book SUV for unpaved park roads.

✈️ Flight

Fly into Las Vegas (closest hub) or Salt Lake City. St. George has a small regional airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season. Check regional weather patterns for specific conditions.

Do I need to rent a car?

A car is essential for road trips and national parks in the US. Public transit is limited outside major metro areas.

How much does a week cost?

Budget: $100-150/day. Mid-range: $200-350/day. Luxury: $500+/day. Costs vary significantly by region and season.

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