Utah’s Mighty 5®️ national parks are among some of the most beautiful and iconic national parks in the nation. From Arches’ towering rock spans to the incredible views of Zion’s canyon, each park offers unique features and landscapes just waiting for you to discover.
Want to see it all? On The Mighty 5®️ Scheduled Departure Tour, you’ll get to experience all 5 national parks, as well as some nearby state parks and overlooks. Keep reading to learn a little more about each park, with 5 must-sees in the Mighty 5®️.
1. Canyonland’s Island in the Sky Mesa
The dreamy name of this must-see landmark in Canyonland’s National Park is an apt choice. The incredible Island in the Sky Mesa sits atop sandstone cliffs with sheer drop-offs on every side of over 1,000 feet. Views of this iconic landscape are a big part of what draws visitors to this lesser-known national park. But while Canyonland’s might not be as universally known as Zion or even Arches National Park, the mesa, as well as the park’s other natural features, make it a bucket-list-worthy destination.
There are many different ways to experience the Island in the Sky Mesa. It’s an easy ride from Moab, which is located just 10 miles away. There are many different overlooks offering great views of the Mesa, each more unique than the last. Of course, hiking is one of the best ways to see the Mesa up-close-and-personal. There are also four-wheel-drive roads for off-roading in the backcountry.
2. Capture a Few of Arches’s Arches
Arches National Park is home to more than 2,000 documented arches. This makes it the densest concentration of natural arches in the world. The arches themselves vary widely. Iconic, massive arches like Landscape Arch, which features the longest span, or Double Arch, which not only features two arches but also has the tallest opening and third-largest span, are the best known.
The iconic Delicate Arch is arguably one of the most famous, and the most photographed, natural stone arch in the whole world. But the majority of the park’s 2,000 arches are smaller, with some just small cracks. In a few hundred thousand years, though, these tiny holes in the rock will become massive stone arches.
Bring your camera on your next tour of Arches National Park, because you’re guaranteed to run into an arch or two — or dozens — during your trip.
3. Gaze at Capitol Reef’s Towering Domes
In place of Arches’s natural arches, Capitol Reef National Park is home to towering domes and monoliths. Another lesser-known park, it’s iconic for one dome in particular; Capitol Dome. Formed from white Navaja Sandstone around 180 million years ago, the Dome towers above the park and stands out for its bright, white appearance amid the surrounding shades of red rock and green foliage.
Another iconic feature of the park is its location on the Waterpocket Fold. This geologic marvel is an actual wrinkle on the earth that stretches nearly 100 miles.
4. Look Into Bryce Canyon’s Amphitheater
Now that you’ve seen the Dome in Capitol Reef and the arches in Arches National Park, it’s time to experience the unique Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.
Hoodoos are towering stacks of rocks that look to be precariously balanced. They fill this Southern Utah national park and are the largest concentration of this unique rock formation found anywhere in the world. The best place to see them, and the largest concentration of them in the park, is in the natural amphitheater.
On The Mighty 5®️ Scheduled Departure Tour, you’ll get a chance to stand on the rim of the amphitheater and capture plenty of stunning photos of this unique park.
5. Dip Your Toes in the Virgin River in Zion
Zion National Park holds the title of the third most-visited national park in the country. The reasons for the park’s popularity go beyond its easily accessible location; it’s also a stunning geographic marvel, with amazing hiking, stunning overlooks, and unique landscapes you won’t find anywhere else.
There is an endless number of ways to experience the park. If you’re up for a challenge, hike to the top of Angels Landing. Take a cruise through the Upper Canyon and spot the Checkerboard Mesa. But for a special Zion experience, head to the last shuttle stop in the park, and take a walk along the paved Riverside Walk to the mouth of The Narrows, the iconic hike up the Virgin River. Dip your toes in, and maybe brave an out-and-back hike through the cool waters.
Experiencing the Best of Utah’s Mighty 5®️ National Parks
Ready to experience the incredible natural beauty of Utah’s Mighty 5®? You’re in luck; there are still spots available on The Mighty 5®️ Scheduled Departure Tour for 2022.
Our guided 7-day tour will take you to each of Utah’s national parks, and help you hit the highlights, learn the history of the parks, and more, all while enjoying 4-star accommodations and delicious food. Hike the Islands in the Islands in the Sky Mesa in Canyonlands and dip your toes in the Virgin River in Zion. In between visits to national parks, you’ll even have the chance to experience the wonder of Monument Valley
Spots are filling up fast for our fall 2021 tours. Book your spot today by reaching out directly at (435) 940-4212 or through your local travel agent. Start planning your 2022 vacation to guarantee your choice of trips and dates.
