What is the Utah Mighty 5?
If you are not familiar with the term Utah Mighty 5, it refers to the very diverse collection of national parks within the state. These parks range from the stunning arched structures of Arches National Park to the landing only angels can alight in Zion National Park. The other three—Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Canyonlands—offer epic, dramatic hoodoos, and wildlife. Visiting these parks on one epic road trip is a real treat since you will explore landscapes shaped over years of rain, wind, and a little magic from Mother Nature!
This post will give you a visual taste of each park on this magical road trip!
Top 6 Places to Visit Near Hanksville, Utah
This hidden gem, Hanksville, nestled in the beautiful but strange landscapes and rock formations of southern Utah, will transport you from Earth to Mars and then the Moon when you visit it. When I covered the Utah Mighty 5 (the five national parks in Utah) on my last road trip through Utah, I didn’t realize I was in Hanksville, and so I missed out on seeing the Moon!
Hanksville is the perfect place to jet off for all kinds of adventures—from national parks, secret slot canyons, hiking, biking, camping, and more. I highly recommend this area, and below I’ll cover the top 6 places you can visit within a three-hour drive!
Let’s go on a Utah adventure, shall we?
Why You Should Road Trip from Denver to Moab
Are you craving an epic road trip with unforgettable views? Then, this trip is for you! I've driven this route three times, and below, I will share what to expect, my favorite tips, and why you should do it!
Let's go on this larger-than-life road trip, shall we?
Discover the Top 2 Must-Visit Camping Spots in Moab, Utah!
After three trips to Moab, I finally ventured beyond my usual campsite and tried something new. Though I was hesitant to leave my tried-and-true favorite, I’m glad I took the leap. Now, I’m excited to share my two favorite camping spots and what makes them truly special!
Top 6 Places to Check Out in and around Moab
I have visited Moab three times now, and here are my favorite places I have checked out—they include parks worth exploring and local businesses to visit. However, if you plan to visit the national parks, you will need a National Park Pass.
Fantastic Places in Kanab, Utah, to Camp, Hike, or Tour (Plus Tips!)
Kanab, Utah, is filled with fantastic places to hike, camp, or tour, and it’s worth visiting if you get a chance. Follow my tips to have an experience that’s even better than mine on your next solo trip to Utah, and remember always to leave no trace.
Why You Should Road Trip from Denver to Moab
Are you craving an epic road trip with unforgettable views? Then, this trip is for you! I've driven this route three times, and below, I will share what to expect, my favorite tips, and why you should do it!
Let's go on this larger-than-life road trip, shall we
Hoodoo…you do..remind me of a babe… Bryce Canyon Trip
Another thing that Bryce is famous for is its most extensive collection in the world of Hoodoos. They formed over millions of years of erosion. There is a famous Native American Story of how these Hoodoos were created. The short version of this story is the Coyote God, who oversaw the land and had invited the Legend People to a grand feast. These people were known to be selfish and abused the land. Legend people dressed to the nines and painted their faces for the feast. But before the Legend People started to gorge on the food, the Coyote God cast a spell on them and turned them into stone. Ones who didn't turn into stone tried to escape by climbing on top of each other until they turned into stone, which is why hoodoos, cling to the sides of the cliffs. Or maybe it's nature, I guess we won't ever know!
Zion and Narrows Tips and Tricks
My tips and tricks for Zion National Park and hiking the Narrows.
Hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park
Finally, I reached Wall Street, the famous part of the hike. This is where the walls of the canyon tower 1500 feet tall, and it’s the narrowest, with the river only being 22 feet wide. Once I passed this section, I hung out at the riverbank, enjoying the view. I kept looking up at the sky because the sun was finally out, and it was a bright blue sky with some white clouds. It made the rocks stand out even more. I was chatting with a few people as I was asked to take a couple of pictures of them. I heard one of them talking about this Floating Rock up from Wall Street. Floating Rock is another stopping point on this hike. It is a giant boulder that looks like it is floating on the river. My curiosity peaked, and I kept hiking after getting some pictures of myself at Wall Street. I went to Floating Rock, and then I turned around and headed back. Looking back now, I should have continued to Big Springs; it’s about another 1-1.5 miles down; this was the last point before you had to turn around because the rest of the Narrows needed a permit.