Utah National Parks Loop
The Mighty Five — five national parks in one compact Utah road trip
1 states
Utah
600 mi
7-10 days
Spring & Fall
Route Overview
Utah's Mighty Five loop is the most concentrated national park road trip in America. Five world-class parks in 600 miles, each with completely different landscapes and experiences. This is the route that converts people into national park lovers.
Zion's towering canyon walls and Narrows slot canyon hike set the tone. Bryce Canyon's hoodoo amphitheater looks like another planet. Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold is a geological wonder few visitors see. Arches' Delicate Arch is America's most recognizable natural landmark. And Canyonlands' vast mesa-top views make you feel like you're on the edge of the world.
For van lifers, this route is perfect. The compact distance means you can base yourself in one location — Moab or Kanab — and day-trip to all five parks. BLM camping is free and abundant, and Utah's van life community is one of the largest in America.
Route Highlights
Van Life Tips for This Route
Moab is the van life capital — free BLM camping everywhere within 20 miles of town
Kanab is equally good and less crowded — base here for Zion, Bryce, and the North Rim
The America the Beautiful pass covers all five parks for $80/year
Spring and fall are perfect — summer exceeds 100°F in all five parks
Utah has excellent free dispersed camping — more BLM land than any other state
Download recreation.gov app for campground reservations — popular sites book 6 months ahead
Route FAQ
How long does the Utah National Parks Loop take?
The Utah National Parks Loop covers 600 miles through Utah. We recommend 7-10 days to fully experience the route with time for sightseeing, hiking, and rest.
When is the best time to drive this route?
The best season for this route is Spring & Fall. This timing offers optimal weather conditions, road accessibility, and the most scenic views along the way.
What will this route cost?
Estimated costs: fuel ~$150, camping ~$18, food ~$525. Total estimated budget for the trip: ~$693. You can save significantly by choosing free BLM and national forest camping.
States on This Route
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