The Ultimate Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary

What differentiates the people who actually enjoy their vacation from the ones running around like a chicken with its head chopped off…?

It’s planning and research. More specifically, planning out the ideal itinerary.

Lucky for you, if you’re reading this post, you’re already doing just that!

And… seeing as this is a blog post about Utah, you have a wonderful Utah trip in your future.

Well, my friend, you have come to the right place.

This blog post is all about planning the absolute perfect Utah Mighty 5 road trip itinerary. So, if that sounds interesting to you, just read on!

This post may contain affiliate links where, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you use them. I only recommend products I use, trust, and adore. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

How to Plan the Perfect Utah Road Trip

Let’s jump right into the good stuff. HOW do you actually plan the perfect Utah road trip?

Of course, you could always just sit in front of your computer and look up pretty Utah photos all day (I know… it’s like going down a rabbit hole). OR, you could actually make a small to-do list to keep you focused.

I definitely recommend the latter (don’t worry, you’ll be seeing the gorgeous state of Utah in no time).

This little planning-attack-plan will save you time, energy, and hassle.

Here is what you should have on your Utah road trip planning to-do list:

1. Decide When to Visit Utah
2. Create a Small “Must See” List
3. Choose Your Start and End Locations
4. Decide on the Length of Your Trip
5. Create a Rough Itinerary Outline
6. Decide Where to Stay Each Evening
7. Book Flights, Car Rental, and Overnight Stays
8. Research and Finalize Your Itinerary
9. Learn the Best Tips and Tricks for Utah
10. Create a Pre-Trip To-Do List
11. Create a Packing List
12. Finish Preparing and Enjoy Your Adventure!

I’m actually not going to take you through all of these steps in this blog post; I did that for you in my Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Utah Road Trip blog post.

Instead, this post is actually going to help you plan the ITINERARY portion of the planning process (steps 5 and 8 above).

The combination of this post and my Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Utah Road Trip are meant to provide everything you need to ensure you have the best possible trip… so be sure to check out that post too!

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Utah Road Trip

What is the Utah Mighty 5?

Next, you might be wondering… what is the Utah mighty 5?

Great question. And a common one at that.

You see, Utah has 5 National Parks… these combine to create the Utah Mighty 5.

Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks Include:

• Arches National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Capital Reef National Park
• Zion National Park

Each of these five wonderful National Parks is absolutely breathtaking and unique.

Many people (including myself) create their Utah travel itineraries based on these five parks.

That is exactly what we will be doing today.

Related: 55 Road Trip Essentials You Do Not Want to Forget

Other Top Utah Destinations

Before we dive into the itinerary options, let’s take a look at all the other amazing destinations Utah has to offer.

With careful planning, any of these can also be added to your Utah road trip itinerary!

• Salt Lake City
• The Great Salt Lake
• Bonneville Salt Flats
• Park City
• St. George
• La Sal Mountains & The Loop Road
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• Any Slot Canyon Hike – There are a Few Good Ones to Choose From
• Cedar Breaks National Monument
• Lake Powell
• Natural Bridges National Monument
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Four Corners Monument
• Goblin Valley State Park
• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Top Destinations Just Outside of Utah (Worth Your Time!)

If you have a little extra time, you might want to consider some of these other out-of-Utah destinations as well:

• Monument Valley: Arizona – 5 minutes from the Utah state line (partially in Utah)
• Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona – 1 hour and 30 minutes from the Utah state line, a little over 2 hours from Zion National Park
• Horseshoe Bend: Arizona – 15 minutes from Utah state line
• Colorado National Monument: Colorado – 20 minutes from the Utah state line, about an hour and a half from Arches National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park: Colorado – 1 hour from the Utah state line
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Colorado – 2 hours and 15 minutes from Utah state line
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Colorado – Only recommended if you are starting your trip in Denver or are planning a longer trip – 4 hours and 30 minutes from the Utah state line
• Las Vegas: Nevada – 1 hour and 45 minutes from Utah state line
• Great Basin National Park: Nevada – 15 minutes from Utah state line
• Hoover Dam: Nevada – 2 hours and 15 minutes from Utah state line

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Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary Outline

Finally! Let’s take a look at some great Utah Mighty 5 road trip itinerary outlines.

Each of these itinerary ideas can easily be moved around and altered depending on your start/end location, preferred or extra activities, sleeping arrangements, and additional destinations to fit your needs.

Keep in mind that these are just outlines! I have daily itinerary ideas listed for each park further below.

5-Day Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Utah and Drive to Moab, Spend the evening in downtown Moab or drive an extra hour to see Colorado National Monument

Day 2: Arches National Park

Day 3: Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky District & Capital Reef National Park

Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park & Zion National Park

Day 5: Zion National Park & Travel Home

Links to Itinerary on Google Maps:

• 5-Day Google Map Itinerary Starting & Ending in Las Vegas, NV
• 5-Day Google Map Itinerary Starting & Ending in Salt Lake City, UT

7-Day Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Utah and Drive to Moab, UT, Spend the evening in downtown Moab

Day 2: Arches National Park

Day 3: Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky & The Needles District

Day 4: Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon, Goblin Valley State Park & Capitol Reef National Park

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park & Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 6: Zion National Park

Day 7: Zion National Park & Travel Home

Links to Itinerary on Google Maps:

• 7-Day Google Map Itinerary Starting & Ending in Las Vegas, NV
• 7-Day Google Map Itinerary Starting & Ending in Salt Lake City, UT

10-Day Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Utah and Drive to Grand Junction, CO & Explore Colorado National Monument

Day 2: Arches National Park

Day 3: Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky & Return to Arches National Park

Day 4: Canyonlands National Park The Needles District, Natural Bridges National Monument & Drive to Capitol Reef National Park

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Day 6: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument & Slot Canyon Hike in Zebra, Peek-a-Boo, or Spooky Canyons

Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 8: Zion National Park

Day 9: Horseshoe Bend and Grand Canyon National Park

Day 10: Grand Canyon National Park and Travel Home

Links to Itinerary on Google Maps:

• 10-Day Google Map Itinerary Starting & Ending in Las Vegas, NV: First 5 Days & Second 5 Days
• 10-Day Google Map Itinerary Starting & Ending in Salt Lake City, UT: First 5 Days & Second 5 Days

14-Day Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Utah and drive to Salt Lake City, Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city

Day 2: Drive to Grand Junction, CO; Explore Colorado National Monument, Visit a Winery, Drive to Moab, UT

Day 3: Arches National Park

Day 4: Canyonlands National Park Island in the Sky & Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 5: Canyonlands National Park The Needles District & Natural Bridges National Monument

Day 6: Monument Valley (Arizona), Four Corners Monument, Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado) – OR Drive to Capitol Reef for an extra day in the park

Day 7: Capitol Reef National Park

Day 8: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument & Slot Canyon Hike in Zebra, Peek-a-Boo, or Spooky Canyons

Day 9: Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 10: Zion National Park

Day 11: Zion National Park

Day 12: Horseshoe Bend and Grand Canyon National Park

Day 13: Grand Canyon National Park

Day 14: Travel Home

Links to Itinerary on Google Maps:

• 14-Day Google Map Itinerary Starting & Ending in Las Vegas, NV: Days 1-5, Days 6-11, Days 12-14
• 14-Day Google Map Itinerary Starting & Ending in Salt Lake City, UT: Days 1-5, Days 6-11, Days 12-14

Now that you have an idea of what a jam-packed itinerary might look like, let’s dive into a detailed look at what each park has to offer!

Arches National Park

Overview: Arches National Park is located just outside of Moab, UT. It contains over 2,000 natural arches as well as many other amazing geologic formations. Many of the features are so close to the road, you won’t even have to leave your vehicle to enjoy much of the park!

Minimum Time Needed: Can be done no less than 1.5 hours but a full day minimum is recommended

Suggested Arches National Park Itinerary: Arrive early and drive straight to the Devil’s Garden Trailhead. Hike a portion of the loop to see countless arches in a small amount of time. Spend the afternoon driving around the park and stopping at each overlook (be sure to see Double Arch, the Windows, Balanced Rock, and the visitors center). End the day exploring Wolfe Ranch, then a sunset hike to Delicate Arch followed by stargazing.

Alternate or Extra In-Park Activities: Drive the unpaved road to Klondike Bluffs and hike to Tower Arch, complete the full Devils Garden loop, hike to Tapestry and Broken Arch, or hike through Park Avenue.

Attractions Nearby: Corona and Bowtie Arch Trail (2.4 mi moderate hike, 15 min away, very popular), Barlett Wash Trail (13.3 mi hike, 20 min away), La Sal Mountain Loop Drive (just outside of Moab), Colorado National Monument (1 hour and 30 min away, but worth the drive if you have the time), Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon (both on the road between Moab and Capitol Reef National Park)

Where to Stay: My advice? The Devils Garden Campground inside the park is absolutely breathtaking and a once-in-a-lifetime camping opportunity. However, reservations are very hard to get; you must attempt to book the day they open. If you can’t snag a spot there, never fear! Because Arches is so close to the town of Moab, there are countless options for overnight stays including countless campgrounds and plenty of hotels.

Top Tips for Arches National Park:

• The best sunset hike near Moab is Delicate Arch… the sun positioning is perfect
• If you are looking for an sunrise hike, skip over to Canyonlands to see Mesa Arch
• If you plan on visiting the park super early, be sure to print a park map from home incase no one is manning the entrance station
• Arches is a very popular destination, so be sure to have a backup plan in the event a parking lot is full
• Speaking of planning, be sure to plan for any weather condition
• Check out the official suggested itineraries based on time and phsyical ability on the Arches NP Website

Related: A Complete Guide to Visiting Arches National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Overview: Canyonlands National Park is… massive. It occupies 527 square miles of gorgeous buttes, canyons, and sweeping views of nearby rivers. Because of its size, it is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers. The most accessible regions are Island in the Sky and The Needles. Island in the Sky is an easy-to-navigate location with plenty of easy and short hiking trails and overlooks. The Needles, on the other hand, is best seen during longer hikes. They are located about 2 hours and 15 minutes apart.

Minimum Time Needed: Half-day for Island in the Sky + a half-day for The Needles (if you can only do one, go with Island in the Sky)

Suggested Canyonlands National Park Itinerary: Arrive at Island in the Sky while it is still dark to see the sunrise at Mesa Arch. Then drive straight to Grand View Point Overlook and hike the trail to see the sweeping views of White Rim. Visit as many overlooks as you can on your way to hike either Upheaval Dome or Whale Rock. On your way out of the park, check out the visitors center then stop at Dead Horse Point State Park to eat lunch at the gorgeous overlook. Afterward, make your way to The Needles District (about a 2 hour and 15 min drive). Camp in or near the park for an easy early morning. The next day, drive the three-mile scenic (unpaved) road to Elephant Hill and hike a few of the easy trails. Make your way to Big Spring Canyon Overlook then hike the short Pothole Point trail. If you’re up for a longer hike, check out Lost Canyon or Chesler Park. On your way out, check out Roadside Ruin, the Visitors Center, and Newspaper Rock (just outside of the park).

Alternate or Extra In-Park Activities: Island in the Sky: White Rim Overlook Hike, Murphy Point Hike, Aztec Butte Hike, Drive White Rim Road (permit required); The Needles: Slickrock Trail, Chesler Park, or Drive to Colorado River Overlook.

Attractions Nearby: Dead Horse Point State Park (5 minutes from Islands in the Sky entrance), Potash Road to Thelma & Louise Point (50 minutes from Islands in the Sky entrance), Newspaper Rock (between The Needles entrance and the main road), Natural Bridges National Monument (3 hours from The Needles entrance, but makes an easy stop between Canyonlands and Capitol Reef)

Where to Stay: Great campsites can be found at Island in the Sky District, The Needles District, and the neighboring Dead Horse Point State Park. Reservations fill fast. Other great alternatives include grabbing a campsite or hotel in or near Moab.

Top Tips for Canyonlands National Park:

• The best sunrise point in the area is a Mesa Arch (at Island in the Sky)
• Easy hikes and many viewpoints can be found at Island in the Sky District, longer back country hikes are found in The Needles District (about 2 hours and 15 minutes away from each other)
• Canyonlands is a great park to explore at night, the stars are spectacular!
• Be sure to read up on the NPS park safety tips for Canyonlands before you arrive.
• Speaking of the NPS, you can also download various maps and information guides from home. Check out their publication page here.

Capitol Reef National Park

Overview Capitol Reef National Park is such a unique park. It is located in south-central Utah, creating the perfect perfect stop between Moab and Bryce Canyon National Park. It features petroglyphs, orchards, historic buildings, scenic drives, beautiful hikes, and more.

Minimum Time Needed Because the park is located on the highway, many sites are very easily accessible. You could probably squeeze in most activities in an hour or so, but at least a half-day is recommended.

Suggested Capitol Reef National Park Itinerary Drive to the Fruita Area, located along Utah’s Scenic Byway 24, to watch the sunrise from the Visitor Center or Panorama Point. Then drive the Scenic Drive and Capitol Gorge Road to hike the Capitol Gorge Trail. While on the trail, be sure to look for the Pioneer Register (hint: look up and to the right!) and visit The Tanks. Drive back to Fruita Historic District to eat lunch at the Picnic Area. Visit the historic buildings, including the historic Gifford House for an afternoon snack. Depending on your energy levels, end the day with a hike up to Rim Overlook, Hickman Bridge, or Sunset Point (here is a complete list of hikes in the Fruita area), making sure to stop by the visitor’s center before you leave.

Extra Time In-Park Activities Explore the North (Cathedral Valley) district, hike to Cassidy Arch (3.4 mi, moderate), backpack Navajo Knobs (9.5 mi, strenuous), hike Headquarters (slot) Canyon (2.6 mi, easy), hike Cohab Canyon (3.4 mi, strenuous), hike Chimney Rock Trail (3.6 mi, moderate), hike Rim Overlook (4.6 mi, strenuous)

Attractions Nearby Goblin Valley State Park & Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon (both on the road between Moab and Capitol Reef National Park), Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon if you take a slight detour), Henry Mountains (1 hour 50 min away), Mars Desert Research Station (40 min away), Bicknell Bottoms (great for bird watching, 20 min away)

Where to Stay There are some great camping options inside of the park. If you can’t manage to snag a spot, the closest town is Torrey, which has a few great lodging options.

Top Tips for Capitol Reef National Park:

• You can actually enjoy some of Capitol Reef’s gorgeous views for free from Utah’s Scenic Byway 24.
• The orchards in the park are not only beautiful, but are pleantiful too. You can pick your own fruit during certain times of the year… yum!
• Don’t forget to print any park brochures and maps you would like to have on your trip!
• If you don’t want to print anything, download the NPS App… it is absolutly stunning and easy to use.
• Also, be sure to check out the Things To Know Before You Come page from the NPS.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Overview Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos… on Earth! It is absolutely breathtaking, and inspired Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad… need I say more?

Minimum Time Needed During the slow season (winter, early spring, fall), only a few hours to a half-day are needed. If you visit during the busy months, you’ll want a full day to help offset traffic.

Suggested Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary Park at the shuttle station (just outside of the park), and take the shuttle to all stops currently offered, staying for at least 15 minutes at each overlook and pick at least one hike to enjoy (our favorite was the Navajo Loop Trail from Sunset Point). If you’re short on time, head straight to Sunset Point and Bryce Point.

Extra Time In-Park Activities Walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point (1.0 mi, easiest walk in park), Peek a Boo Loop Trail (5.5 mi, hard), Fairyland Loop (8.0 mi, hard), Bristlecone Loop (1.0 mi, easy), or any other hike listed in the NPS hiking guide (all are probably amazing)

Attractions Nearby Widtsoe Ghost Town (20 min away), Dixie National Forest (35 min away), Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (1 hour away), Kodachrome Basin State Park (35 min away)

Where to Stay There is both camping and lodging offered inside and just out of the park.

Top Tips for Bryce Canyon National Park:

• My biggest tip for Bryce Canyon is to actually get out and complete one of the hikes in the hoodoos. This is, in my opinion, the best way to experience the park!
• I highly recommend utilizing the seasonal Park Shuttle Service. It is free, an easy way to see all the top sites, and the best way to avoid traffic and parking issues.
• The online map is not very printer-friendly, so be sure to download and use the NPS App or snag a map at the entrance gate or visitors center for this park.

Zion National Park

Overview Endless colorful cliffs and slow-moving waters fill this gorgeous national park. You’re transported to a magical landscape, feels like a movie!

Minimum Time Needed One full day (at least!)

Suggested Zion National Park Itinerary Arrive early and head straight for the Angel’s Landing trailhead. Take the trail all the way to the top (be careful… this is a dangerous hike) to see some of the best views in the United States! Take a good, long break in the early afternoon to catch your breath. Check out the Visitor’s Center, Zion Human History Museum or drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Eat lunch at a picnic area or at Zion Lodge. In the late afternoon, hike either The Narrows (up to 9.4 mi, but you can turn around anytime, easy to difficult), The Grotto (1.0 mi, easy) or Middle Emerald Pools (2.2 mi, moderate), depending on your energy level. At the end of the day, watch the sunset from Canyon Junction Bridge. If you are lucky enough to visit 2 or more days, save The Narrows hike for another day and try to hike the entire length.

Extra Time In-Park Activities The Watchman Trail (3.1 mi, moderate), Zion Narrows Bottom up to Big Springs (8.9 mi, hard), The Subway Trail (9.1 mi, hard), Pa’rus Trail (3.4 mi, easy) or any other hike (here are all the hikes offered in the park, and here are my top three favorite hikes) or go on a longer backpacking journey. Zion National Park also offers rock climbing, canyoneering, and cycling.

Attractions Nearby Horseshoe Bend (1 hr 50 min away), Grand Canyon National Park (4 hr 10 min away), Sand Hallow State Park (45 min), Snow Canyon State Park (1 hr away)

Where to Stay Ideally, you’ll want to stay in the park. There are various camping options in the park, all are amazing options. The NPS site also lists several alternative campground and lodging options if you can’t get a reservation.

Top Tips for Zion National Park

• Avoid the crowds and parking issues by using the seasonal shuttle system.
• Zion is incredibly popular, be sure to start your day early!
• Stay on top of park conditions by visiting the NPS website regularly.

Related: The Best Hikes in Zion National Park (and everything you need to know for each one!)

Adding Colorado to Your Itinerary

As mentioned before, starting/ending at either Salt Lake City, Utah or Las Vegas, Nevada is probably the quickest and most cost-effective route. However, if you have the extra time or inclination to begin and/or end your journey in Denver, Colorado (like we did!), I would like to give you a few tips and tricks. Because the route between Denver and Moab is so jam-packed with adventures, you won’t regret it!

If you fly in, you will arrive at Denver International Airport. Many people don’t realize this, but it is located in the middle of nowhere (and far from downtown). However, there is a hotel at the airport (The Westin) if needed.

If you rent a vehicle, you’ll need to take a shuttle to whichever company you’re using.

Downtown Denver is about a 30-minute drive from the airport, and definitely a must-see destination! We’ve lived in Denver for about four years and still haven’t seen the entire city. Some of our favorite stops include:

• Denver Union Station
• Denver City Park
• Denver Zoo
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Right next to the Zoo and Denver City Park!)
• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Colorado State Capitol & Civic Center Park
• Denver Art Museum (close to the capitol building)
• United States Mint (offers free tours but you must get there early to get a spot)

Related: 19 Can’t-Miss Things to do in Denver, Colorado

The quickest, and most efficient route to Utah from Denver is I-70. The first thing you should know about this road is that it is well known to close down due to the high frequency of hazards. Fortunately, there are a lot of alternative routes you can take (but make the trip longer). Keep an eye on the Colorado Department of Transportation’s website for the most up-to-date news.

On the plus side, the Colorado I-70 corridor is jam-packed with amazing sites that are worth the extra drive and possible detours.

Here are our favorites (in order from Denver to the Utah state line):

• Rocky Mountain National Park: this is actually about a 1 hr 30 min one-way detour, but worth it! If you only do one thing, hike the Emerald Lake Trail – but be careful of altitude sickness
• Coors Brewery: in Golden, CO – free-to-cheap tours available!
• Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater: You can check out an amazing concert here or just walk around to enjoy the views. If no concert is currently happening, you can walk around the amphitheater freely.
• Dinosaur Ridge: Right across the street from Red Rocks is a free park (and short hike) to see dinosaur tracks in the rocks.
• Buffalo Overlook (a quick-stop on I-70 to see the Bison herd)
• Central City: This old mining town was turned into a cute casino destination.
• Georgetown: A gorgeous mountain town (a must-see during the fall!) that is also home to a historic silver mine you can visit (with a fun train ride included!)
• Vail: An incredibly famous (and gorgeous) ski town. Great to visit in the spring, summer, or fall months (fewer crowds). This is actually my favorite town in Colorado, so I highly recommend a stop here! If you have time, walk through both Vail Village and Lionshead Village.
• Hanging Lake: Requires a permit to hike, but it is worth it… one of the most beautiful hikes in Colorado!
• Glenwood Springs: Makes a great pitstop on your journey. Home to a gorgeous historic downtown area and incredibly famous hot springs.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: This is another detour (roughly 1 hr and 25 min from Grand Junction, CO), but if you are looking to add some more national parks to your itinerary… this one does not disappoint!
• Colorado National Monument: An incredible destination with breathtaking views. Features towering rock formations, gorgeous rock arches, and amazing canyon views.
• Grand Junction: Home to many beautiful wineries and gorgeous landscapes.

Related: The Ultimate Colorado Bucket List

What to Pack on Your Trip

I go into great detail about what I recommend packing for a road trip in this amazing blog post. I swear by this list and turn to it each time I hit the road.

But, for Utah specifically, I would also be sure to add:

Cooler Weather Utah Road Trip Essentials:

• Neoprene Gear: If you’re hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park, you will REALLY want some type of waterproof foot protection, such as neoprene socks, water shoes, waterproof pants and/or a dry suit with water-friendly hiking shoes. Trust me, we didn’t do this and had to turn back. You can also rent this gear at nearby shops.
• Trekking Poles: These are just a no-brainer for any hike, but especially in slick, icey conditions (and definitely in The Narrows).
• Ice Cleats: Especially if you plan on hiking anything that is icey…
• Winter Jacket: Be sure to check the weather to see what to expect, but you’ll probably want a good winter jacket.
• Gloves: Perfect for those cold hikes when your hands are swinging around in the cold air.
• Winter Hat: Keep your ears warm with a good hat or ear warmers.
• Re-Chargable Hand Warmer: These are so awesome… and a great price! Easy way to keep warm.
• Hiking Boots: If you will be doing any hiking, you’ll want some good boots.
• Bug Spray: Depending on the time of year and locaiton, the bugs can get pretty bad.
• Hiking 10 Essentials: You should always carry the 10 hiking essentails with you… on any hike!

Warmer Weather Utah Road Trip Essentials:

• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are a no-brainer, especially on longer trails.
• Water Hiking Shoes: For the Narrows hike, if you’re planning on it.
• Hiking Boots: A must for hiking. Be sure to wear them in before you leave for your trip if you are getting a new pair.
• USF Protective Hat: I’ve already mentioned the magic of USF clothing… totally worth the investment.
• USF Protective Shirts: USF long sleeved shirts make all the difference. I know, sounds counter-intuitive but I promise!
• Breathable Hiking Pants: Another must! Pants help protect you from the sun, bushes, bugs, etc.
• Sunscreen: An absolute must in the sunny weather.
• Bug Spray: If you’ll be near water at any time (likely), you’ll want bug spray. Also a good way to avoid ticks.
• UV Tarp: One of my favorite hacks for keeping tents cool.
• Tent Fan: Another great way to cool down a tent.
• Hiking 10 Essentials: Finally, the 10 hiking essentials should always be on your adventure packing list.

Related: Road Trip Essentials: 55 Items You Can’t Forget!

Further Reading

You’ve come this far, so I know you are serious about planning one amazing Utah Road Trip. Check out these other great, related resources to help you out!

• How to Plan the Perfect Utah Road Trip
• The Ultimate Pre Travel Checklist
• The Ultimate Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary
• The Best Hikes in Zion National Park
• The Ultimate Arches National Park Guide
• Road Trip Essentials: 55 Items You Can’t Forget
• The Ten Hiking Essentials: Everything You Need for the Trails
• The Ultimate Colorado Bucket List

Phew! That was a long one! I truly hope this was helpful and that you now have an idea of how you want your trip to go. Don’t forget to check out my How to Plan the Perfect Utah Road Trip guide to ensure you don’t miss any essential step in the planning process. Have fun and happy travels!

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