Conquering Utah’s Mighty 5 - Friendly Family Adventures

Visit Utah's Mighty 5

The Perfect Family Itinerary

Spring break turned out to be the perfect time to visit Utah. The weather was comfortable, ideal for hiking by day and relaxing under the stars at night. To keep things budget-friendly, we found great flight deals into Las Vegas and rented a car to explore. While each of the Mighty 5 parks is stunning in its own way, it’s the hidden gems along the route that truly make this trip unforgettable.

our Recommendations & Tips

Before you go:

Accommodations – For the best deals, book well in advance. The best places sell out first, and prices increase with last-minute bookings.
Flights – In my experience, flights to Las Vegas are cheapest about 330 days in advance.
America the Beautiful Pass – Valid for one full year from the date of purchase and covers entry to all national parks. If your child is a 4th grader, you can print a free pass.
Pack Appropriate Gear – Make sure everyone has proper hiking shoes, clothing, and water bottles. Temperatures can be hot with little shade, and many of the best hikes are on uneven terrain.

LasVegas to Utah:

Snack Stop – Stop at Walmart or Target before leaving Las Vegas to stock up on water and snacks for the trip.
Fuel Up – Gas stations can be limited along the route. Don’t let your tank get too low.
Pit Stops – Day 1 is a long drive, so make your stops count. Our family recommends Valley of Fire State Park (near Las Vegas), Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona (book in advance), and Monument Valley.

Bluff:

Bluff Dwellings Resort – This was our family’s favorite hotel. We highly recommend it for families. The property features a beautiful pool and hot tub, an on-site restaurant, a playground, sand volleyball, fire pits with s’mores kits, and more.

Moab:

Stay in Moab – Spend at least 2 nights here while visiting Canyonlands and Arches National Park.
Plan for Breaks – There are so many incredible hikes. Choose wisely based on your family’s ability and plan downtime.
Delicate Arch is a Must-See – Visit early in the morning or late in the evening for the best light and more comfortable temperatures.
Bring Essentials – Make sure everyone has proper hiking shoes and plenty of water.
Spend Time in Town – Moab is a lively town with great shops and restaurants.
Accommodations – I’ve stayed at a couple of hotels in Moab; both were acceptable, but I wouldn’t strongly recommend one over another. Most are well-located with solid reviews. If traveling with kids, choose one with a pool; it’s perfect after a long, hot day.
Worthwhile Hikes & Viewpoints –Arches: Delicate Arch, Double Arch, Balanced Rock, The Windows; Canyonlands: Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, Green River Overlook, Candlestick Tower Overlook
Junior Ranger Program – Participate in the program at each national park.
Dead Horse Point State Park – Worth a visit if time permits.

Capitol Reef:

Accommodations – Our family recommends Capitol Reef Resort (hotel rooms, teepees, or covered wagons).
Gifford Homestead – A highlight of our trip. Stop for the homemade pies, but go early—lines form quickly, and they often sell out by 10:00 a.m. Don’t miss this.
Worthwhile Hikes & Viewpoints – Hickman Bridge Trail, Chimney Rock Trail, and Sunset Point.

Bryce Canyon:

Accommodations – Our family recommends Ruby’s Inn. It’s located just outside the park entrance, is clean, and has everything needed for a comfortable stay. Bonus: there’s a laundromat on-site.
Worthwhile Hikes & Viewpoints – Rim Trail, Queen’s Garden Loop, and Sunrise to Sunset Point.
Add an Extra Day – If possible, spend an extra day here. It’s one of the best parks for kids to explore.

Zion:

Worthwhile hikes and lookout points –Riverside Walk, Pa’rus Trail, Lower Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook Trail, and the Narrows.

Las Vegas:

Accommodations – Our family highly recommends MGM Grand for families. It’s located on the Strip and features some of the best pools and a lazy river—perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Activities – The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere (a trip highlight) and Area 15’s ARC experience.

Gifford Homestead

Gifford Homestead is an absolute must-stop, known for its famous homemade pies. Be sure to arrive early, they often sell out by 10:00 a.m.!

Follow this Route

Bluff Dwellings Resort and Spa

Bluff Dwellings was a perfect first night stay with our kids in Utah. My only wish was that we had gotten there a bit earlier to enjoy it. Our family loved the beautiful pool and hot tub. There was a restaurant on site with excellent food and the fire it at night was the perfect way to end our day. We highly recommend this hotel.

MGM Grand Hotel

MGM Grand is our top choice for families who want to spend a couple days in Vegas. It is located on the strip and has the best pools and lazy river. It is a perfect way to spend a sunny day without breaking the bank.

Capitol Reef Resort

Capitol Reef Resort was the perfect stay for our family, with many different options to choose from. Although we stayed in a standard hotel room, there were covered wagons and teepees to choose from as well. The location was beautiful and our family especially enjoyed the firepits at night, with s’mores.

Ruby's Inn Bryce Canyon

Planning a Utah getaway? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.

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