A seven-day RV trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks offers a diverse and unforgettable experience. Each park showcases unique landscapes: Zion’s towering cliffs, Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, Capitol Reef’s domes and canyons, Arches’ natural stone arches, and Canyonlands’ intricate canyons. This guide provides an efficient itinerary and practical tips to maximize your adventure, from finding top campgrounds to catching stunning sunsets.
Mapping out Your Week: Long RV Adventure in Utah
Our journey begins at Zion National Park, where trails like Angels Landing offer breathtaking vistas that are well worth the climb. Next, we head to Bryce Canyon National Park for sunrise views over Silent City from Sunrise Point. Capitol Reef’s Hickman Bridge provides a great mid-trip hike, surrounded by historic orchards.
As we move toward Moab, Arches National Park awaits with its iconic Delicate Arch—perfect for an unforgettable photo op under the stars. Finally, we explore the dramatic landscape of Canyonlands National Park with must-do hikes like Mesa Arch before looping back toward our starting point.
This curated seven-day itinerary ensures you hit all the highlights while providing flexibility to explore at your own pace. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Utah’s Mighty 5!
Day One & Two: Zion National Park
Embarking on your RV adventure from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, you’re in for a scenic drive of approximately 160 miles, which translates into about three hours of journey time. As you approach Zion, the landscape transforms dramatically, with red cliffs and canyons carving out the horizon, setting the stage for an awe-inspiring adventure.
Zion caters well to RV travelers, offering several campgrounds with facilities tailored for varying sizes of motorhomes. Watchman Campground is particularly popular due to its proximity to park attractions and full utility hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Here are the top attractions in Zion that you must not miss:
- The Narrows: Wade through the Virgin River while enveloped by towering canyon walls. The hike can be tailored to your comfort level, making it ideal for various fitness levels.
- Angels Landing: Renowned for its thrilling trail and breathtaking vistas. The final segment is not for the faint-hearted as it involves a steep climb assisted by chains.
Day Three & Four: Bryce Canyon National Park
Transitioning from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park unveils another layer of Utah’s natural wonders. The drive itself is quite picturesque and spans about 72 miles, which should take about 1.5 hours. Along this route, every turn reveals ever-changing landscapes that are nothing short of photographic gold.
Bryce Canyon’s unique geological structures, known as hoodoos, are a highlight here. For RV campers, North Campground and Sunset Campground offer great amenities close to the park’s main attractions—both provide no-hookup sites that accommodate different RV sizes and enhance your experience of staying close to nature.
Day Five: Journey to Moab
Embarking on your RV adventure from Bryce Canyon to Moab offers a scenic drive with a rewarding stop at Capitol Reef National Park. This route showcases Utah’s stunning geology, revealing layers of the earth’s history that are etched onto towering cliffs and deep canyons. As you journey, consider timing your visit to Capitol Reef for early morning or late afternoon; the low sun accentuates the multi-colored rock formations, making for breathtaking views and photography.
Upon arrival in Moab, you’ll find a variety of RV parks catering to different preferences. Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground is highly recommended for its amenities and proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. For a quieter experience, try Archview RV Resort & Campground, which offers spectacular views right from your spot. Both parks provide full hookups and are pet-friendly, ensuring a comfortable stay for all travelers.
Day Six: Delving into Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks present a dramatic landscape that captivates all who visit. Here’s a glimpse of what you can explore:
- Delicate Arch is the iconic and most photographed structure in the park.
- Double Arch: A remarkable formation featuring two massive arch spans.
Insider Tips for Sunset Views in Canyonlands:
1. Grand View Point: Arrive early to secure a spot, as this location gets crowded.
2. Green River Overlook: Ideal for capturing the winding Green River against red rock vistas.
3. Mesa Arch: A classic sunrise location but equally stunning at sunset.
Day Seven: Return to Las Vegas
As your RV adventure nears its end, the journey back to Las Vegas offers a scenic route with a highly recommended stop at Dead Horse Point State Park. This detour will let you stretch your legs while enchanting you with some of the most spectacular views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park, providing a perfect, reflective pause before the urban re-entry.
Navigating the return efficiently requires strategic planning. Start early to avoid late-day traffic and consider refueling stops in advance, as gas stations are sparse in remote areas. Always check your RV’s tire pressure and fluid levels to prevent any mechanical issues during these long driving stretches. Moreover, utilizing RVshare’s 24/7 roadside assistance provides peace of mind, ensuring that help is just a call away should any issues arise on your journey back to Las Vegas.
Wrapping up
As our seven-day journey through Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks wraps up, we’ve traversed the awe-inspiring landscapes of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Each park offered unique vistas and thrilling adventures—from the vertiginous heights of Angels Landing to the majestic arches that frame the celestial skies.
Now, it’s your turn to embark on this spectacular RV adventure. Rent an RV with RVshare to streamline your journey and use this guide as your blueprint. Gear up for an unforgettable exploration of Utah’s natural wonders!
Utah Adventure FAQs
1. What is the best time of year for an RV adventure in Utah’s Mighty 5?
The optimal time for an RV adventure through Utah’s Mighty 5 is either spring (April to May) or fall (September to October). During these months, you’ll enjoy moderate temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring, with fewer crowds than during the busy summer season. Avoid winter, when snow can limit access to some park areas.
2. How can I make my RV camping experience in Utah more comfortable?
To enhance your comfort on an RVshare rental, equip your RV with essential gear like a quality mattress topper, portable heaters or fans, and outdoor furniture for relaxation. Prioritize campgrounds with amenities like hookups, clean facilities, and Wi-Fi availability.
3. What do I need to know about RV parking regulations in Utah’s national parks?
Familiarize yourself with each park’s specific RV regulations. Most have size limitations and designated areas for parking. Always book your spot in advance during peak seasons and adhere strictly to the park rules to avoid fines and ensure a smooth experience.
4. Should I extend the 7-day itinerary for a more leisurely travel pace?
Indeed, extending your itinerary can profoundly enrich your journey. If time allows, spending extra days lets you explore less-travelled paths and immerse deeper into the local culture and landscape, making your trip through Utah’s Mighty 5 not just memorable but truly transformative.
5. What are some must-have items for my seven-day RV itinerary in Utah?
Pack navigation tools (GPS and maps), layers for varying temperatures, water containers, sun protection, a first-aid kit, hiking essentials, and a camera or binoculars to capture Utah’s landscapes.
