DURATION:
5 Days/4 Nights
AVAILABILITY:
Mar-Oct
GROUP SIZE:
Max 8-10
STARTS IN:
Salt Lake City
ENDS IN:
Salt Lake City
TRIP STYLE:
Lodging
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. Click here to learn more about our relaxed booking and travel options.
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 (Pictured above) 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 lodge and have a nice dinner.
Driving time: 4 Hours
Hiking: 3+ miles – Minimal elevation gain
Accommodation: Hilton Moab, Red Cliffs Inn, or similar in Moab, Utah
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: Hilton Moab, Red Cliffs Inn, or similar in Moab, Utah
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 Capitol 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 lodge just outside of Capitol Reef National Park.
Driving time: 3.5 Hours
Hiking: 2-3 miles – 400+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Red Sands Hotel or similar near Torrey, Utah
This morning we’ll have breakfast and depart for Bryce Canyon National Park! We’ll 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 at one of our local favorites restaurants.
Driving time: 3 Hours
Hiking: 3-4 miles – 600+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Lodging at Zion Canyon Lodge or similar
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.
Wow. Coming all the way from NYC & taking the gamble on going solo to this trip was one of the best decisions i could have made. If you're considering... read more a solo trip then this is for you! I went on the Yellowstone & Grand Teton camping trip. For a first time overnight camping, this was a surprisingly comfortable & pleasant experience. The equipment was top notch & very clean. The Guides, James & Jared are absolute gents, they are super upbeat, fun & easy to get along with. Lastly, the FRIENDS. From Silicon Valley all the way to Alabama, the diversified group of people i've gotten to know in only 5 days time, the bond made with this group of friends is unbreakable. Thank you Mountain Based family for the amazing adventure & everlasting memories. Can't wait for the next trip!
Much Love,
-Orel Danino
I can’t say enough great things about this experience! This amazing hiking/camping trip through Bryce and Zion was led by brothers Jared & James and boy, do they have... read more it all well organized and exceptionally executed. They are both so nice and easy going, yet so knowledgeable about the parks, hikes and surroundings that you have an amazing experience in every way. Great camping sites and they take care of everything!
I’m a recreational hiker (at best) and not a camper but wanted to go with a group to experience these beautiful locations. I didn’t want a “drive by” park experience where you are just on and off a bus. We spent significant time on the best hikes in both parks so you really get a true sense of the diverse beauty they each have. This trip surpassed my expectations and the best part was I didn’t have to plan anything! MountainBased did it all and well enough to please me, a very particular person. Thanks guys for an amazing trip! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great way to see the beauty of America’s national parks. More
My husband and I loved our Mighty 5 Camping trip with Tyler and Justin. Our guides knew the best sites to see, like where the perfect sunrise would be at... read more Bryce Canyon and what to do when Zion National Park flash flooded! The food was great. They made meals that worked with everyone's dietary needs and were also delicious. I still want the recipe for that Lentil Stew. We had the best group, the best guides and it was truly worth the money.
These two guys were amazing! I can't say enough about them. Eric and Nick are great! Their knowledge of the trails and history of the parks is amazing. Their food... read more recommendations are spot on! The lodging choices are very good. However, Ruby's Inn in Bryce Canyon leaves a little to be desired. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience the amazing beauty of Utah. The guys went above and beyond with the safety and cleanliness during Covid. If you're considering a trip to the mighty 5, definitely use these guys!!
These guys are amazing. Second trip I've taken with MountainBased and look forward to taking more in the future
Mountain Based provided such an incredible trip for us! We toured all 5 of the National parks of Utah. Tyler and Eric were our guides. They were both extremely knowledgeable... read more with the parks, even to the extreme detail of which trees and plants were in the park. I signed up for the trip on my own, not knowing anyone else on the trip. I felt very safe and comfortable the entire time. I would recommend a Mountain Based trip to anyone. Looking forward to booking another one soon!
Where to begin? My daughter and I just returned from the Mighty 5 camping trip and it was a fantastic trip from every perspective. The landscape is simply breathtaking. ... read more Nick and Eric are top notch guides! They guided what seemed like a seamless journey through Utah taking in five National Parks and two State Parks. Lots of mileage but it didn’t feel like it because of the multiple hiking and bathroom breaks along the way. They did an excellent job of assessing the abilities within the group and adjusting accordingly. Meals were delicious. Appreciate all the fresh fruit and hearty stew. Campfire every night. I hope to travel with Mountainbased again in the future. I’ll have no hesitation booking another trip.
We did the 5 day camping trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Eric and Steve, our guides were amazing. This was our 3rd trip with MountainBased and... read more we plan to do another as soon as possible.
I just got back from the Mighty 5 trip to Utah (leaving from Vegas) and can't say enough about Mountain Based. These guys are complete professionals, and the... read more trip was amazing from start to finish. Definitely a week I'll never forget. Huge thanks to best guides ever, Jared and Nick! Hope to see you both somewhere down the road.
Check out a more in-depth list of what to bring here.
Spend three unforgettable days in the Moab area as we explore two of Utah’s most spectacular National Parks – Arches & Canyonlands National Park, while staying at the stunning Red Cliff’s Lodge!
Witness the astounding geology of ancient rock shaped by the rushing force of water as you hike through our favorite places in the desert of Southern Utah: Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
Experience all five of Utah’s National Parks in just five days. The sandstone formations, dramatic coloration, and spectacular hiking trails will leave you awe-inspired.