3-Day Utah Mighty 5 Itinerary

Pick up your rental car and drive to Springdale

Collect a car at Las Vegas airport and take I-15 north through St. George to Springdale, about 160 miles. Stock up on water and snacks in St. George; Salt Lake City arrivals can reverse this route.

Check in at a Springdale hotel or lodge

Springdale sits right at Zion's south entrance, so you can leave the car at your hotel and ride the free town shuttle to the park.

Pa'rus Trail and Riverside Walk

Ride the park shuttle into Zion Canyon and stroll the flat Riverside Walk to the mouth of The Narrows, or bike the paved Pa'rus Trail along the Virgin River.

Sunset at the Watchman and dinner in Springdale

Catch the evening light on the Watchman from the Canyon Junction bridge, then have dinner on Springdale's main street, where patios face the canyon walls.

Early shuttle to your main hike

Board one of the first shuttles and hike Angels Landing if you won a permit, or Scout Lookout without one. In summer, wade upstream into The Narrows instead.

Weeping Rock and Big Bend viewpoints

Hop off at shorter stops such as Big Bend and Weeping Rock for the canyon's best roadside views while the trails get busier.

Emerald Pools trail in the heat of the day

The Lower and Middle Emerald Pools trails offer shade, waterfalls in spring and an easy 2-3 mile walk, a good choice for tired legs.

Relaxed dinner and stargazing in Springdale

Eat in town, then step away from the lights for stars over the canyon. Zion has very dark skies on moonless nights.

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway and the tunnel

Drive east on Route 9 through the 1.1-mile tunnel and slickrock country, stopping at Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile round trip) if parking allows. Large RVs need a tunnel escort permit.

Continue via US-89 and Scenic Byway 12 to Bryce

Head north on US-89 and turn onto Scenic Byway 12 through Red Canyon's red-rock tunnels to Bryce Canyon City, roughly 85 miles from Springdale.

Bryce Canyon rim drive and viewpoints

Check in near the park, then drive or ride the seasonal shuttle to Inspiration, Bryce and Sunset points for your first look at the amphitheater.

Sunset over the hoodoos and dinner

Watch the hoodoos glow from Sunset Point or Paria View, then have dinner in Bryce Canyon City or Tropic. Bring a jacket; it cools fast at 8,000 feet.