Utah Mighty 5 | 5-Day Lodging Trip
DURATION:
5 Days/4 Nights
AVAILABILITY:
Mar – Oct
GROUP SIZE:
Max 12
STARTS IN:
Salt Lake City
ENDS IN:
Salt Lake City
TRIP STYLE:
Lodging
Overview
March through the end of October is the perfect chance to explore Utah’s world renowned landscapes while resting at the day’s end in rustic luxury accommodations. Experience what southern Utah is all about as we travel through “Canyon Country” and work our way up the Colorado Plateau to some of the most incredible sights in the American Southwest. One iconic site after another, this tour will provide an unforgettable experience to see all 5 of Utah’s National Parks including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.
Trip Highlights
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- Experience all of Utah’s world famous National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, & Canyonlands National Park).
- Additional spectacular State Parks (Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Red Canyon State Park)
- See some of the most iconic geologic and human history features in the National Park system including Delicate Arch, Mesa Arch, Hoodoos, ancient sand dunes, and petroglyphs.
- Service of a professional guide who will provide in depth information and help make your Utah experience as comfortable and exciting as possible.
- Rest your head in unique, lodge-style accommodations in close proximity to the parks.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Salt Lake City for Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Moab
Today, we’ll depart from Salt Lake City and drive through the beautiful Wasatch mountains en route to the incredible canyons of southern Utah. First up for the five National Parks is Canyonlands, known for being rough, rugged, and desolate…but with much beauty to behold! We will explore the district called Island In The Sky where we’ll hike to some outstanding viewpoints and see an iconic natural arch.
Additionally, we will stop at Dead Horse Point State Park for one of the most awe-inspiring views of the mighty Colorado River. This amazing place has been featured in many movies and television shows ranging from “Thelma & Louise” to HBO’s recent series “Westworld”.
This evening we’ll arrive to our rustic lodge and have a nice dinner.
Driving time: 4 Hours
Hiking: 3+ miles – Minimal elevation gain
Accommodation: Red Cliffs Inn, Hilton Moab, or similar in Moab, Utah
Day 2: Hiking in Arches National Park – Afternoon in Moab
Wake up to breakfast included at your lodge and get ready to explore one of the greatest collections of natural arches on the planet at Arches National Park! We will depart early to view the Windows, Double Arch, and hike 3-miles round-trip to one of the most famous features in the entire southwest, Delicate Arch.
“A weird, lovely, fantastic object out of nature like Delicate Arch has the curious ability to remind us—like rock and sunlight and wind and wilderness—that out there is a different world, older and greater and deeper by far than ours” – Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire
After some additional active options in Arches National Park, we make a trip to their visitor center before returning to Moab for a couple hours of down time at our campsite. Depending on group preference, some additional options this afternoon may include a visit to Castle Creek Winery and/or a visit to Castle Valley just outside of Moab. This evening, you will be dropped off in the town of Moab for an opportunity to shop and dine on your own. We’ll then pick you up and take back to your rustic lodge and allow you to relax for the rest of the night.
Driving time: Local
Hiking: 3-5 miles – 700+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Red Cliffs Inn, Hilton Moab, or similar in Moab, Utah
Day 3: Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley exploration
Departing from Moab, we drive 2 hours to our first adventure for the day at Goblin Valley State Park. This place is out of this world! It is hard to envision a more “alien-like” landscape than what you’ll see here. Small hoodoos, locally known as goblins, fill a former tidal plain and make for one of the most unique destinations in the American Southwest.
After Goblin Valley, we’ll enjoy one of America’s most scenic drives as we explore Capital Reef National Park for a possible hike to view a famous Natural Bridge. Capitol Reef National Park includes 241,904 acres of amazing red rock formations, cliffs, canyons and natural bridges. It is Utah’s wilderness at its best. Capitol Reef is also the least visited of Utah’s National Parks, so it’s definitely worth checking out! This evening we’ll arrive to our rustic lodge near Bryce Canyon National Park.
Driving time: 5 Hours
Hiking: 2-3 miles – 400+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Ruby’s Hotel or similar near Bryce Canyon City, Utah
Day 4: Explore the famous “Hoodoos” of Bryce Canyon National Park
This morning we will enter Bryce Canyon National Park just in time to capture the sun rising over a collection of sandstone spires called “hoodoos”. Explore several viewpoints before we descend into the Bryce Amphitheatre on “The world’s best 3-mile hike”. This trail is rated as moderate and is a wonderful way to view a variety of geology, flora, & fauna.
Later in the day we’ll head to our lodge just outside of Zion National Park! You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the property before we have an incredible dinner.
Driving time: 2 Hours
Hiking: 3-4 miles – 600+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Lodging at Majestic View Lodge or similar
Day 5: Full day in Zion National Park + Return to Salt Lake City
Today we explore our 5th National Park in 5 days at Zion National Park! Marvel at the giant red cliffs that rise over 2,000 feet above the blue-green waters of the Virgin River. We’ll spend the day exploring much of what this park has to offer before making our return trip to Salt Lake City.
*Due to many natural variables in the outdoors, we take what mother nature provides for us when deciding on which hike we will do. Depending on the weather options include: Upper Emerald Pools, Observation Point, The Narrows or similar.
After several hours of optional hiking and exploring, we depart from Zion National Park and begin our return 4.5-hour drive to Salt Lake City.
Driving time: 5 Hours
Hiking: 3-6 miles – minimal elevation gain
Return to Salt Lake City: We plan to return to SLC by approximately 7:00pm. If you plan to depart from Salt Lake International Airport after the trip, be sure you do not book a flight prior to 10:00pm or 22:00 due to various circumstances out of our control.
What to Bring
Check out a more in-depth list of what to bring here.
Our Reviews
- pzlo
Me and my husband just finished our second camping trip with MountainBased to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, our first one was Utah Mighty 5 (five national parks) earlier... read more 
7/07/2019mario c My wife and I travel frequently and I must say this was one of the best trips we have ever made. The guides Jared and James, whom are brothers... read more
9/22/2019 We chose the MountainBased Mighty 5 trip (with lodging) to celebrate my fathers 80th birthday and it was awesome. The trip was well organized and the guides were attentive, knowledgeable,... read more 
DTStet
4/30/2019 - So I got a few inquiries about my camp and hike in Utah last week. I am one of those tends to avoid touring companies if I can. But... read more
Sylvian Y
5/15/2019 The hiking trip through the national parks with Mountainbased exceeded any expectations I had. Jared and Eric were fantastic guides. They are fun and very thoughtful of all their... read more 
jmm421
4/16/2019 Amazing experience! I I truly enjoyed my experience as a solo traveler with the mountain based company! We covered many national and state parks without feeling rushed! Nick, Jared and... read more 
cmancuso818
10/12/2018 -
Justin and Jared, our guides, did a wonderful job in coordinating all the logistics in visiting the 5-National Parks in Utah. Besides visiting the national parks, we also visited several... read more Carolyn Y
5/05/2019 We had an incredible time! Jared and Eric are amazing! Professional, knowledgeable, and fun! The hikes were gorgeous and the lodging was incredible. The views were truly remarkable! They’ve thought... read more 
Choffner
4/12/2019Nomadpj I have done over 100 tours and this was one of the best I've ever done! Everything was incredibly organized and professional. The guides made the trip (Eric and Jared).... read more
6/11/2019
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DepartureMain Lobby at the Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown - 285 West Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
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Departure TimePlease arrive by 7:15AM (07:15)
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Return TimeApproximately 7:00PM (19:00)
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Included4 Nights LodgingRound-trip transportation in a brand new 15 passenger vanA highly experienced, professional guide (Certified Wilderness First Responder)All National Park entrance feesEmergency equipment and first-aid kit4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners includedSmall group experience!
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Not IncludedGuide gratuity (Recommended 15-20% of trip cost)
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