How to structure a Mighty 5 trip
The five parks sit along one loop across southern Utah. The right order depends on your gateway city and the season, but there's only one hard constraint: Zion's Angels Landing permit must be won in a lottery in advance — the other four parks just need a car. Here's each park's role (as of October 2026):
Zion
Stay 2 days · Best for: Hikers, familiesCanyon-floor hiking plus the Angels Landing permit lottery — the only Mighty 5 park where you need to win a permit in advance.
Bryce Canyon
Stay 1 day · Best for: Sunrise chasers, photographersSunrise over natural amphitheaters. High elevation (8,000 ft+) means cool weather and possible snow.
Arches
Stay 1–2 days · Best for: Road-trip families, short hikes2,000+ natural arches. Entrance lines get brutal in peak season — arrival time is everything.
Canyonlands
Stay 1 day · Best for: Scenic drives, wildernessMesa Arch at sunrise plus the Island in the Sky day loop — the strongest wilderness feel of the five.
Capitol Reef
Stay 1 day · Best for: Avoiding crowdsThe least crowded of the five. Fruit picking in Fruita plus the Scenic Drive — almost no lines.
What you'll want to figure out next
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Where to Stay in Zion with Kids: 2026 Family Lodging Decision Table
Family lodging decision table
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Bryce vs Arches: Which One First? A Comparison Decision Table
Comparison decision table
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7-Day Mighty 5 Road Trip from Las Vegas
Day-by-day 7-day itinerary
Want all the steps stitched into one complete route? We're building an itinerary generator — start by planning the hardest piece, the Zion permit.