It may sound like the name of a rock n' roll band, but 'œThe Mighty 5'� refers to a completely different type of rock. It's the collective name for Southern Utah's five national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. These national gems protect some of our country's most precious natural landscapes and offer a world of outdoor adventure to millions of visitors every year. And although they're relatively close in location, each of the mighty five parks have a unique charm that makes them all worth exploring.Arches National ParkThe iconic red rock landscape of Arches National Park is like a vast outdoor playground. The park is an eclectic mix of geological formations, boasting more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches (that's the most in the world) as well as towering spires, fins, pinnacles and more. Honed into shape over thousands of years, the unique formations loom tall over park visitors, a testament to the creative majesty of mother nature. Delicate Arch is the park's most famous formation, a large free-standing arch that is deceptively delicate for its massive 52-foot size (hence the name.) Visitors can hike a variety of trails to scenic viewpoints and cool formations or drive the park's paved auto tour to the most popular scenes. Canyonlands National ParkIn Canyonlands, the mighty Colorado River carves a breathtaking path through miles of colorful high desert country. The park is massive, encompassing more than 337,000 acres of dramatic canyons, arches, buttes, and mesas. It's generally divided into three sections: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. Island in the Sky, the most popular and accessible district in the park, features a wide mesa topped with panoramic overlooks and scenic nature trails. The Needles' more remote location makes it a popular spot for hikers, who enjoy exploring the area in search of its namesake rock spires. The Maze is the park's most rugged and remote wilderness area, and it requires ample preparation and self-sufficiency to explore. Capitol Reef National ParkCapitol Reef may not be the most popular park in the mighty 5, but it's definitely the most peaceful. Located deep in the heart of red rock country, the park's quiet scenes are marked with impressive canyons, white sandstone domes, rocky cliffs, and rugged valleys. It's best known for the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long monocline that forms a distinct wrinkle in the Earth's crust. Capitol Reef is a mecca for hikers and history buffs. There are dozens of hiking trails to explore, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs and challenging backcountry treks. In the Fruita Historic District, visitors can tour historic fruit orchards, view ancient petroglyphs, explore a Mormon homestead and enjoy other tidbits of human history.
Bryce Canyon National ParkBryce Canyon is one of the most recognizable national parks in the country. Visitors flock to the site to explore its natural amphitheaters and famous crimson hoodoos, tall spires of rock that rise from the canyon floor in unique shapes and vibrant colors. Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world, which can be viewed from scenic overlooks or on descending trails that wind through the silent rock city. Hiking is the number one activity in Bryce Canyon National Park, which has a variety of easy, moderate, and strenuous trails. It's also a popular spot for stargazing; thanks to the park's high elevation and lack of light pollution, visitors can see straight to the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy. Zion National ParkBreathtaking canyons, massive sandstone cliffs and verdant river valleys make Zion National Park an outdoor paradise. The mighty Virgin River carves through the ancient lands, forming spectacular canyons lined with rainbow-colored rocks and lush hanging gardens. The park's 232 square miles protect thousands of plant and animal species that make their homes among the maze of high plateaus, narrow slot canyons and bright desert rocks. Zion's pristine canyon country is a haven for hikers, climbers, and canyoneering. The park is home to two of the most popular hikes in the world: The Narrows, a challenging trek through the lowest section of Zion Canyon; and Angel's Landing, a strenuous climb through steep switchbacks and steep drop-offs to a panoramic peak overlook. Book Your National Park Adventure with Family Time Vacation RentalsYou'll need a great homebase for your Mighty 5 adventure. Family Time Vacation Rentals has a wide variety of great vacation rentals across Southern Utah to keep your family in comfort and convenience as you explore our national parks. We even have a collection of rentals that are perfect for park hopping! In a property like Oak Grove Cabin, you'll enjoy a central location near the main park highways and a luxurious place to relax at the end of each day.
Bryce Canyon National ParkBryce Canyon is one of the most recognizable national parks in the country. Visitors flock to the site to explore its natural amphitheaters and famous crimson hoodoos, tall spires of rock that rise from the canyon floor in unique shapes and vibrant colors. Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world, which can be viewed from scenic overlooks or on descending trails that wind through the silent rock city. Hiking is the number one activity in Bryce Canyon National Park, which has a variety of easy, moderate, and strenuous trails. It's also a popular spot for stargazing; thanks to the park's high elevation and lack of light pollution, visitors can see straight to the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy. Zion National ParkBreathtaking canyons, massive sandstone cliffs and verdant river valleys make Zion National Park an outdoor paradise. The mighty Virgin River carves through the ancient lands, forming spectacular canyons lined with rainbow-colored rocks and lush hanging gardens. The park's 232 square miles protect thousands of plant and animal species that make their homes among the maze of high plateaus, narrow slot canyons and bright desert rocks. Zion's pristine canyon country is a haven for hikers, climbers, and canyoneering. The park is home to two of the most popular hikes in the world: The Narrows, a challenging trek through the lowest section of Zion Canyon; and Angel's Landing, a strenuous climb through steep switchbacks and steep drop-offs to a panoramic peak overlook. Book Your National Park Adventure with Family Time Vacation RentalsYou'll need a great homebase for your Mighty 5 adventure. Family Time Vacation Rentals has a wide variety of great vacation rentals across Southern Utah to keep your family in comfort and convenience as you explore our national parks. We even have a collection of rentals that are perfect for park hopping! In a property like Oak Grove Cabin, you'll enjoy a central location near the main park highways and a luxurious place to relax at the end of each day.