Top 10 experiences when visiting The Mighty 5

The Mighty 5 refers to the five National Parks in Utah. When ordering the States based on the number of National Parks that they have, Utah is third (only California and Alaska have more).

To obtain National Park status, the area must be a large area of iconic land or water with natural, cultural, scientific, and/or historical resources. All National Parks have equal status, no matter their size or location.

Utah’s parks gain their unofficial title from the incredible geological grandeur within their boundaries. Specifically the following is what the Parks are acknowledged for:

• Arches National Park was designated as it has the largest concentration of natural stone arches in the world. There are over 2000!
• Canyonlands National Park was designated to preserve the Canyons and Mesas, erosion caused by the Colorado and Green rivers.
• Capitol Reef National Park was designated to preserve the 100 mile Waterpocket Fold, a unique geological feature.
• Bryce Canyon National Park was designated as it has the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world.
• Zion National Park was designated due to its unique geological features, namely the colourful cliffs of the Canyon.

10. The View from Rim Overlook

Capitol Reef National Park

It is a solid 2 mile uphill hike but the viewpoint at the top is simply breathtaking. You can see almost the whole park from the top.

9. Double Arch

Arches National Park

This Arch was beautiful but also fun. The rock beneath the Arch had lots of climbing possibilities so that you could get closer to the where the Arch starts. The point where these two arches meet feels so delicate. It is a beautiful natural formation and you feel special to be able to take that view in.

8. Dark Angel

Arches National Park

The most northern point on the permitted trails in Arches National Park is a large dark rock named Dark Angel. This looming stature is visible long before you reach it and I feel that many people don’t walk the additional mile to visit it, so the special part for me was the isolation when you reached it.

A wonderfully peaceful location for a lunch stop.

7. Grand Viewpoint Overlook

Canyonlands National Park

The view speaks for itself…

6. Fairyland Point

Bryce Canyon National Park

The Fairyland Loop is a hike that I would highly recommend but the scenery at Fairyland Point is simply magical. It really does look like it could be animated in a Disney film. A surreal landscape to stand in.

5. Eating Homemade Apple Pie

Capitol Reef National Park

The Homestead Kitchen at Capitol Reef National Park uses the fruit grown in the Orchards on the land. They have a selection of products to purchase but the homemade pies are a must!

They even sell small tubs of ice cream so that you can have it al a mode. You have to get there early as they only have a certain number each day and when they are gone, they are gone! I had to try the Apple Pie having walked around the Fruita Orchards earlier in the day.

4. Hiking Through the Slot Canyons

Needles District of Canyonlands National Park

Hiking the Chesler Loop with the Joint Trail, takes you through a number of slot canyons. The sheer size of these canyon walls makes you feel tiny yet adventurous as you navigate along the tight walkways.

It was so much fun and a wonderful relief from the sun, as they were beautifully shaded. There were ladders to climb, rocks to scramble over and sections where you remove your bag and walk sideways!

3. Delicate Arch

Arches National Park

I believe that this is one of the greatest reveals on a hike. After a fairly steady climb, you reach a path that walks you around a large rock face. The final turn reveals the iconic Delicate Arch rising above a sweeping bowl. The image is breathtaking!

You can see why this Arch is used on the majority of merchandise and marketing for this Park.

2. Angels Landing

Zion National Park

This legendary hike is not for the faint of heart! Requiring a permit, that you have to enter a ballot to obtain, it is a challenging climb with steep drops on either side. There are chains and metal hand holds along the route to help you but this is not a climb for anyone who suffers from Vertigo or a fear of heights.

If you want to take on the challenge, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular view. The Zion Valley is incredibly beautiful and you sit at the top, taking the whole vista in.

Take care but believe me that it is worth it!

1. The Amphitheatre

Bryce Canyon National Park

Possibly the most beautiful landscape that I have ever viewed.I could have stood and taken the view in forever. The miles of hoodoos that lay in front of you, with winding sandy paths weaving between them and around them. The Douglas fir trees that dot the landscape providing deep green flashes against the fiery oranges of the rock.

Hiking through the Amphitheatre just increases the beauty and I would wholeheartedly recommend the Queen’s Garden/Peekaboo Figure of 8 trail. A wonderful trail that delivers stunning views 100% of the time. If you are not interested in hiking, then view this from the Rim Trail as you can access by car or bus.