Utah National Parks - How Many Days Minimum at Each One?

So you're staying nearly an entire year? Wow that's impressive

Oh my bad

I'd agree with thedude outside of monument valley, I thing it's great. It's just a day trip if you decide to do it though. I would agree I don't really need to go back, unlike Zion and arches where I need to get back soon.

The number of days for Zion, arches, and canyonlands will depend on the size of trails you want to hit.

If you aren't doing the long trails for example you only need a day for arches, and I'd imagine canyonlands as well. Zion is better with at least 2 days.

A full writeup bit by bit of our Vegas to SLC trip with all of the Mighty 5.

We did the Mighty 5 with 2/4 year olds (they were a few weeks away from 3 and 5)

- We spent 2 nights in Zion.

- A half day hike in Bryce (we took a long rim hike and picnic lunch and ventured into the canyon a bit. )

- Half day on the south side of Capitol Reef on a hike and drive-about.

- Half day in Canyonland (mostly park and short hikes for the views)

- 3/4 of a day in Arches but it was rainy with lightning building (very cool site)

I'd love to go back to each one and spend more time, but I feel like for our family at that stage, we spent the right amount of time there. Everywhere we hiked, we both had to be prepared to hike with 40lbs of kid the entire way. They are troopers and luckily minimal carrying, but their "time till bitching" isn't always the longest.

Most of Monument Valley is located on the Navajo Reservation, which is closed to visitors at the present. You can drive the highways through, but otherwise most areas for hiking or tours might be closed.

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Capital Reef = 2
Arches = 2
Bryce Canyon = 1
Zion = 2 to 3
Canyonlands = 2

.........I love all of these parks and have been to each multiple times.

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TheDude, how important /necessary /advantageous do you think it is to stay at a park lodge vs a nearby hotel?

We were planning to visit the 5 parks this summer but with the virus that is changed and will try for next year.

Only 2 (Zion and Bryce) have lodging other than camping I think. It’s almost always best to stay in any park if you can. You are there early and can get a jump on things. Parking won’t be as much of an issue, especially in Zion, and a lot of national park lodges have a cool historic feel. Prices are usually more expensive than accommodations surrounding the parks, but to me it’s worth it. We are doing the mighty 5 and 3 of the 4 in Colorado in early June and we are staying in Zion, Bryce, and Mesa verde lodges.

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Capital Reef = 2
Arches = 2
Bryce Canyon = 1
Zion = 2 to 3
Canyonlands = 2

I was disappointed in Monument Valley. I don't really need to go back.

Zion will require more time because of transportation inside the park. Canyonlands is a favorite of mine but Island in the Sky is the only section you can tour without serious backcountry gear and experience. Bryce is beautiful but small enough to do in one day if you hit it early. I love all of these parks and have been to each multiple times. If you have to skimp on one, lose a bit of time at Capital Reef.

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+1 for all this.

When you go to the Island in the Sky go to Dead Horse Point State Park. Goblin Valley State Park is also dope if you have some extra time.

How would you guys rank the parks from most kid friendly to least? If we decided to skip one due to time which one should we leave off?

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How would you guys rank the parks from most kid friendly to least? If we decided to skip one due to time which one should we leave off?

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capital reef has the fewest facilities...outside of the fruita area its pretty DYI. dont skip it though, you will drive right thru it on hwy 24. y'all can pull over wherever and get out and explore