Utah's Mighty Five National Parks

You heard it here first...Underrated! It's the unsung hero of travel spots! Imagine Mars threw a wild rock formation party, and you've got every national park in Utah. Every corner you turn is a jaw-dropping master piece.

Travel Itinerary:

Mighty National Park 1: Bryce Canyon National Park

Mighty National Park 2: Arches National Park

Mighty National Park 3: Canyonlands National Park

Mighty National Park 4: Capitol Reef National Park

Mighty National Park 5: Zion National Park

Now, picture the delightfully puzzled looks you'll get when you tell your friends you're jetting off to Utah. But trust me, those who don't know what Utah has to offer, don't know what they're missing. Drive under archways made of rock, or wind through the mountains of Zion, these red rocks never stop giving awe-inspiring views. Do you like to walk around paved paths or do you prefer more of a daredevil challenge? Overnight adventures or casual strolls? It's like a choose-your-own-adventure story, and Utah has every chapter!

I embarked on my Utah adventure on a nine-person hiking tour, riding in a mini-van, and camping under the stars. Genius, right? Especially for a solo traveler like me – safe, thrilling, and all-around awesome. No planning headaches – just me, my water, snacks, and a bus waiting to whisk me away to who-knows-where each morning. If you're an adventurous soul, dive into the madness below or check out our Shop at Littlegreenmecompany.com for a full Utah itinerary, which has options for every budget (from campers to hotel style, the options are all covered!). Spoiler alert: It involves stunning landscapes and spontaneous wonders.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

Trip highlights

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Rise and shine, fellow adventurers! Set that alarm clock to unearthly hours because you don't want to miss the cosmic spectacle that is Bryce Canyon at sunrise. The hoodoos come alive, casting shadows over the canyon, with vistas that stretch to infinity offering a mesmerising panorama of sculpted rock formations that seem to defy gravity.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

Believe in aliens? Sunset by the campfire, I spot this mysterious thing zipping across the sky. Cue the X-Files music – I'm ready to be the star in my own sci-fi movie. Plot twist: It's just Elon and his Starlink, not the little green men. But hey, Bryce Canyon's night sky is like a blockbuster – can't miss it, even if it's just Elon's version of intergalactic Netflix! Check out our alien inspired merchandise!

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ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

Walk under, through and around all the archways your heart desires throughout the National Park. Some of them, the size of football fields (AFL or NFL? Doesn't matter the archways are massive!) This is one of the more established and developed national parks which means it is more accommodating to wheelchairs, people who are unable to walk too far and provides very clear pathways to hike around the National Park!

Look at this photo! I unknowingly took the exact same shot as my Grandpa 40-years later. Talk about timeless beauty and family legacy seamlessly blending in this breathtaking panorama!

My photo 2023 Grandpa's photo from the 80's

ZION NATIONAL PARK

First up – Angels Landing! Grip onto those chains like you're holding onto the last piece of pizza at a party. It's steep, it's stunning, and hey, it's not as scary as its name suggests. If you're cool with heights, you're in for an amazing hike with views that'll make your Instagram explode.

Now, let's hit the road – literally. It's not just a road trip; it's a red rock road extravaganza! Zion is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Vegas, and the recent developments make navigating this natural wonderland a breeze.

Pro Tips, because we're basically nature's besties:

1. The bus system – a game-changer. Forget the stress of finding a parking spot; let the bus chauffeur you around like the VIP nature explorer you are.

2. Permits are like golden tickets. Check which hikes need them before you lace up those hiking boots.

3. Take it slow – nature doesn't rush, and neither should you. Pause, snap pics, and savor that fresh air like it's a five-star meal.

4. Manage the temps like a pro. Sunrise hikes? Yes, please! Beat the heat and catch those magical sunrises.

Next on the itinerary - The Narrows. This unique activity in Zion was plain and simply not for me. I love hiking, I love rivers, but hiking through a river where there could be flash flooding - big no from me. It seems to be what everyone does when they visit but my view is to give it a pass. If you do want to do it, make sure you do it at the end of the day because your clothes will be soaking wet!

Angel's Landing, Zion National Park, USA

Must Do's in Utah:

• Hike with a lot of water because you cannot get drinkable water everywhere!

• Don't forget to hike with snacks too

• See the sunset at Dead Horse Point Stat Park (the best sunset I've ever seen).

• Always check in with the information center of each National Park to get the most up to date trail conditions.

• Let someone know where you're going and never hike alone if you can help it. Some of the trails are hard to navigate and it's not worth getting lost.

Hiking the Narrows, Zion, USA Basketball with a view! Utah, USA

So there you have it - Utah Rocks! Get a fully planned travel itinerary with options for every budget below!

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