This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our National Park Service here in the United States. I’m lucky to have access to nine National Parks here in California, but love getting out of the state to visit other National Parks. Utah has 5 of the most spectacular National Parks in our nation, with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands making up what has become known as “The Mighty 5”. This past year, I took a road trip across Utah to visit all five, and was blown away by the unique and spectacular beauty of Southern Utah. Here are 10 reasons you should visit The Mighty 5 this year!
See my full Mighty 5 visitation guide here!
1.) There are few sights more spectacular than sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park
2.) You’ll get to experience the elegant perfection of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
3.) You can hike up the harrowing path to the top of Angels Landing for commanding views of Zion National Park
4.) A chance to feel small under the massive Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park
5.) The landscapes in between the parks are nothing short of amazing. Utah is a beautiful state and makes for one of the best road trips in the United States.
6.) Enjoying the small towns along the road trip and fueling up at charming diners was one of my favorite parts of this adventure
7.) The hypnotizing hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park are a must see
8.) Looking through the windows and arches onto the unforgettable landscape of Arches National Park
9.) The Emerald Pools and flowing water through Zion National Park
10.) A chance to marvel at the existence of balanced rock before time takes it away
Absolutely agree!
Utah is my favourite state 🙂
Such an incredible place!
it is! Arches NP is really wonderful, but all other sites are also amazing! 🙂
I’ve done them all except Zion. Definitely need to get out there. Angel’s Landing looks…intimidating.
That’s pretty awesome that you’ve visiting 4 out of 5. Zion is a special place and Angels Landing is a great hike. I’m hoping to go back out to Zion soon for some canyoneering.
I agree, Utah is awesome. I haven’t been to Capitol Reef yet and I’d like to return to all the others, not to mention the State Parks and National Monuments like Staircase Escalante. Great photos!
Utah is a dream state for roadtrips! We’re hoping to head back out soon to see some new sights and revisit some others 🙂
Thank you for sharing.it’s absolutely beautiful!
Thanks for reading!
Thank you for sharing. Your photos are amazingly beautiful.👍👍👍👍👍 My son moved to ParkCity Utah. I can’t wait to see ” Mighty 5″
That’s awesome! Your son is a lucky guy!
Stunning photos. And those cinnamon rolls.. my God!
haha, I ended up eating 3! 🙂
Reblogged this on My quest for the ironman and commented:
Another great blog post from Trail to Peak!
I love Utah. Zion is one of my favorite national parks. Great post and pics!!!
Thanks!
Amazing. I’ve been wanting to visit Utah for a while. That may have to be my next big trip.
It’s a great state for road trips!
Great pictures! Great places! Been there, done that… more to see in Canyonlands just because of sheer size! I’ll be back… maybe see you on a trail! Thx.
I agree, Mike! I’d like to go and visit more of Canyonlands!
Utah is definitely on my list. Awesome pictures!
Thanks, Danielle!
Fantastic photography! What kind of camera do you use?
Thanks! These were shot with my Sony a6000 and Sony 10-18mm lens.
Awesome! Thanks