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The National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has embarked on a project to rehabilitate the Scenic Drive and multiple parking lots in Capitol Reef National Park. Due to this closure, groups will be unable to visit Cassidy Arch during their visit to Capitol Reef. This closure is expected to last into the fall and does not yet have an expected completion date. Beginning July 8, the Lower Calf Creek Trail will also be closed due to a renovations project. This closure is scheduled to last at least 2 months. During this time alternate hikes will be visited in this park.

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

9 days, Las Vegas to Las Vegas

Map of the route for Hiking Utah's Mighty 5
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Itinerary Notes

During your time in Zion water shoes are available to rent for your hike through the Narrows. However, you may have to carry them with you for the remainder of the day. Which is why we recommend bringing your own lightweight water shoe/hiking shoe that you would also be comfortable hiking/walking in for the rest of the day to avoid carrying any extra weight.

When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.

Your flight must arrive by or before: Arrive at any time.
Your flight must depart no earlier than: 15:00 on Day 9

Itinerary

Day 1Las Vegas

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or Fremont Street.

This tour leaves Las Vegas in the morning on Day 2; if you would like to spend any additional time here, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Golden Nugget Las Vegas (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Las Vegas/Bryce Canyon National Park

Hit the road from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, travelling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival the group will set up camp before setting off to explore this unique national park in the fading light. After the sun goes down, don't forget to look up to check out this renowned night sky while enjoying s'mores around the fire.

Bryce Canyon National Park Visit
Bryce Canyon National Park

See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.

Private Vehicle
Las Vegas – Bryce Canyon5h-6h400km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 3Bryce Canyon National Park/Moab

Set off early this morning in Bryce Canyon National Park, and stare in wonder at the largest collection of hoodoos in the world as the sun rises. Take a hike into the amphitheater of Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop to walk amongst the hoodoos, walls and fins that make up this geological wonder. In the afternoon, continue to Moab, an adventure capital of the southwest and the gateway to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Set up camp upon arrival and spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the great outdoors.

Please note that weather, in particular the heat, can affect the order in which we do the activities of the day. Your CEO will be checking daily on local conditions and will alter the itinerary if the heat poses a risk to the health and safety of the group.

Bryce Canyon National Park Visit
Bryce Canyon National Park

See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.

Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike
Bryce Canyon National Park2h30m 5km

Trek through the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon to see its famous hoodoos - tall, thin spires of rock that seem to magically balance upon their dusty, red rock base. Begin your hike at Sunrise Point and make your way toward Queen Victoria, the trail's namesake rock formation. Continue through the amphitheater on Navajo Loop past Wall Street or Thor's Hammer, depending on trail conditions. Exit at Sunset Point before walking the Rim Trail back to our starting point. Soak in the views one last time - you'll want to take it all in.

Hiking distance: 4.6km (2.9 mi) Elevation change: 183m (600 ft).

Private Vehicle
Bryce Canyon National Park – Moab4h30m483km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Sun Outdoors Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 4Arches National Park

Enjoy breakfast at camp before driving to Arches National Park. Spend the first part of the day exploring the densest concentration of arches in the world. Take a hike through Devils Garden to Landscape Arch, and continue to Double O Arch, bouldering over rocks to reach the pinnacle views. Head back to Moab in the afternoon where you can take advantage of free time to try some of the optional activities available in the area. Opt to visit Delicate Arch Viewpoint in the evening for a sunset walk. Stand in awe at the over 2,000 sandstone arches ranging in size and shape that make up this park.

Private Vehicle
Arches National Park – Moab1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Arches National Park Visit
Arches National Park1h-5h

Wander throughout this red rock wonderland filled with countless arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins, and giant balanced rocks carved and shaped by eons of weathering and erosion. Explore viewpoints and hike in this National Park that contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches.

Devils Garden Hike
Arches National Park4h 7km

Explore the Arches that make up this national park along the Devils Garden trail. Arches form as narrow rock walls (called "fins") erode over time, causing sections of the rockface to fall. Visit Landscape Arch, the longest in North America, with an opening of 93m (306 ft). Continue to Double O Arch, a challenging, steep section that requires hikers to scramble over rocks. Be rewarded with incredible views at the top, before heading back to the trailhead.

Hiking distance: 7km (4.2 mi) Elevation change: 152-244m (500-800 ft).

Free Time
Moab Afternoon

Take advantage of a free afternoon to try out some optional activities in Moab like, a Hummer tour, rafting, or mountain biking.

Private Vehicle
Moab – Arches National Park1h37km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

2

Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Hummer Tour
Moab2h-4h
88-180USD per person

Experience a rush of freedom travelling by Hummer. Climb to the top of seldom-seen enchanting overlooks and visit secluded canyons and hidden arches.

Rafting
Moab4h30m-5h
57USD per person

Take the opportunity to hit the rapids and whitewater raft on the mighty Colorado River through red rock canyons and inspiring scenery. Get your adrenaline pumping while crashing through the waves aboard a raft with a highly trained river guide.

Accommodation

Sun Outdoors Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5Canyonlands National Park

Travel to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Stop at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, the largest known collection of petroglyphs in the Southwest. Spend the day hiking through desert lands to explore eroded towers of sandstone and fissures in the ground on the Joint Trail to Chesler Park.

Please note that weather, in particular the heat, can affect the order in which we do the activities of the day. Your CEO will be checking daily on local conditions and will alter the itinerary if the heat poses a risk to the health and safety of the group.

Joint Trail and Chesler Park Hike
Canyonlands National Park4h 7km

Trek through the desert grasslands of Chesler Park and admire towering sandstone pinnacles that give this area its name: the Needles District. Follow the Joint Trail into deep, sometimes very narrow slot canyons, before emerging back into open space. Now you understand why it's called the Canyonlands.

Hiking distance: 7km (4.5 mi) Elevation change: 533m (1,750 ft).

Canyonlands National Park VIsit
Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is known for its dramatic desert landscape in southeastern Utah that has been carved by the Colorado River. Uncover a wilderness of endless canyons and striking buttes as you stand and witness nature's unyielding power.

Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument Visit
Canyonlands National Park

With over 650 petroglyphs in a single area, think of a visit to Newspaper Rock as flipping through the news pages of generations past. Created by ancestral Puebloan people who lived, farmed and hunted along a nearby ancient river, examine the intricate carvings they made to document their way of life.

Private Vehicle
Moab – Canyonlands National Park2h119km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle
Canyonlands National Park – Moab2h119km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Sun Outdoors Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Capitol Reef National Park

Travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Known for its geologic monocline, discover the cliffs, canyons, petroglyphs and orchards that make up the park. Learn about the geology and the ancient inhabitants who created the petroglyphs still visible on the cliff walls. In the evening check into the cabins we'll be staying in while in Capitol Reef. Then, take advantage of your free time after dark to look up at the starry night. This national park has been designated a Gold Tier "International Dark Sky Park".

Please note several of the trails we use do not have water accessible. Please bring a bottles/bladder with a capacity of 3 litres. Unexpected trail or road closures may prevent hiking on some of the listed routes. Should this event arise, we will substitute with an alternative hike.

Capitol Reef National Park Visit
Capitol Reef National Park

Travel through twisting canyons, massive domes, monoliths, and spires of sandstone in this stunning and surreal National Park. Stop to look at petroglyphs etched in rock walls and painted pictographs that are sacred remnants of ancient Indians.

Petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park

Travel through twisting canyons, massive domes, monoliths, and spires of sandstone in this stunning and surreal National Park. Stop to look at petroglyphs etched in rock walls (keep an eye for bighorn sheep) dating back to 1300 C.E. when native people of the Fremont Culture made their home at Capitol Reef.

Hike Hickman or Chimney Rock Trail
Capitol Reef National Park1h-3h

Once in the park hike along one of two possible trails.

Chimney Rock 3.3 miles is a relatively short, not so steep trail that will take you to a high elevation viewpoint. Chimney Rock itself is an eroded pillar of red sandstone offering spansive views of the surrounding landscape. The loop is 580 feet in elevation gain and can typically be done in about 90 minutes.

The 2-mile hike Hickman Trail is about 2 miles from the visitor centre. This easy, scenic trail leads hikers right up and under a large natural arch allowing you to gain a true sense of the grandeur present in this beautiful and unforgiving environment.

Private Vehicle
Moab – Capitol Reef National Park3h282km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Thousand Lakes RV Park & Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 7Capitol Reef National Park/Zion National Park

Today, travel along the scenic highway through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Take in the mesas, canyons and arches that make up this diverse geological region. Set off on a hike and discover prehistoric petroglyphs and stunning waterfalls. Opt to cool off in the refreshing waters falling 38m (126 ft) to a natural swimming pool fed from Calf Creek Falls. Continue to Zion National Park, traveling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Enjoy panoramic views and a free evening in the Springdale area.

Private Vehicle
Capitol Reef National Park – Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument1h82km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Lower Calf Creek Falls Hike
Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument4h 10km

Enjoy an easy hike through relatively flat terrain to get to Lower Calf Creek Falls. While you may see a few more hikers than on previous days, this trek is no less spectacular - especially once you sight the clear waters of Calf Creek and its 38m (126 ft) drop into a deep pool. Named for the natural "pen" where early pioneers and ranchers herded their calves for a much-needed drink, today visitors can opt to swim in this cool oasis.

Hiking distance: 10km (6 mi) Elevation change: 61m (200 ft).

Private Vehicle
Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument – Zion National Park3h242km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 8Zion National Park

Spend the day discovering Zion National Park. First hike to Scout Lookout, a challenging, but rewarding 4 mile hike which passes through the iconic Walter's Wiggles before reaching the lookout point along a flat saddle with incredible views of the Zion Canyon.

Head to the valley floor to trek through the river on one of the most popular hikes in the park, the Narrows. Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and opt to turn around at any point. Experience diverse plant and animal life in this narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls. After returning to camp, head into the charming town of Springdale to celebrate the accomplishments of the last week.

Please note that unexpected trail closures due to risk of flooding may arise in The Narrows. Should this happen, we will substitute with an alternative hike.

While water shoes are available to rent you may have to carry them with your for the remainder of the day. We recommend bringing your own lightweight water shoe/hiking shoe that you would also be comfortable hiking in for the rest of the day.

While the trail to Angels Landing is not included in this itinerary, it is available to be done independently. If you’re interested in continuing to the top, you must apply ahead of time for a permit via the National Park’s lottery system at this website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm.

Zion National Park Visit
Zion National Park

Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life, and wade through water in a narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.

Scout Lookout Trail
Zion National Park

This trail is also the same one that goes to Angels Landing, because of this be prepared to gain more than 1,000 ft in elevation and walk up 21 challenging switchbacks to reach the lookout point. The hike begins at The Grotto shuttle stop and once you arrive at the lookout, you'll be able to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the valley before you.

The Narrows Hike
Zion National Park2h 6km

Known as one of Utah's best slot canyon hikes, The Narrows takes you through towering canyon walls along the Virgin River (and yes, this means walking in water!). Enjoy some of the park's best scenery, stop to take photos, and don't forget to watch your footing. Opt to make your way back at any point.

Hiking distance: 6.4km (4 mi) Elevation change: 102m (334 ft).

Accommodation

Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground (or similar)
Campground

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 9Zion National Park/Las Vegas

Take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 3pm.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Private Vehicle
Zion National Park – Las Vegas3h30m266km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

| 9 days - Las Vegas to Las Vegas - from $2249 USD