2022 Spring Break trip to Utah's Mighty 5 National Parks
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- App: Gypsy Guide: Totally worth the $27. Download it before you leave home. It works even when you don't have cell phone signal. We've used it at Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain. Their commentaries, info and stories make the trip more interesting
- App: National Parks app: The "REI" national parks app is better than the official NPS app. Great to research hikes and trails.
- Hike: Little Wild Horse slot canyon hike: Between Capitol Reef and Moab. It was a family favorite! It's not marked on Apple Maps, but easy to find using Google Maps. GPS coordinates: 38.58299444, -110.8029
Day 1
- Flight: MSP -> SLC
- Hotel: Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Lehi
Day 2
- Drive: Salt Lake City to Zion National Park
- Hotel: Zion Lodge- gorgeous historic lodge made it feel like we had the park to ourselves in the morning and evening hours
- Tips: For most of the year, you'll have to ride the park shuttle vs. driving yourself. If you want to hike Angel's Landing, you'll need a reservation.
Day 3
- Drive: Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park
- Hotel: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon- another historic lodge, newly renovated and just steps away from the amphitheater (hoodoos)
- Tips: It's cooler at Bryce Canyon, since it's at elevation. Be sure to catch sunrise and sunset (arrive 20 mins prior).
Day 4
- Drive: Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park
- Hotel: Red Sands Hotel- our favorite hotel with spacious rooms and upscale amenities
- Tips: The Gifford Homestead inside Capitol Reef sells homemade pies and gifts.
Day 5
- Drive: Capitol Reef National Park to Moab
- Hotel: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn- great location in the middle of all of the Moab action, walking distance to shops and restaurants
- Tips: Pasta Jay's has tasty food and great service. Moab is a fun town that attracts adventure-seekers from all over.
Day 6
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Tips: Arches requires a reservation for entry. Keep the QR code handy in case you need to leave and re-enter the park. No food available inside Arches or Canyonlands, so be sure to pack a picnic lunch and snacks.
Day 7
Day 8
