Embarking on a journey hiking through Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks with G Adventures is an adventure that promises breathtaking landscapes, challenging hikes, and unforgettable memories. Over the course of nine days, our group of 12 set out to explore the stunning natural beauty of Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks as well as Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument with our fearless G Adventures’ Chief Experience Officer (CEO). From the iconic rock formations and towering arches to the serene valleys and starlit skies, each day brought new wonders and experiences that left us in awe of the incredible diversity and majesty of these parks.
Traveling in our trusty 15-passenger van, affectionately named “Vanna,” and towing our faithful trailer “White,” we navigated the rugged terrains and scenic byways of Utah. Our days were filled with exhilarating hikes, picturesque picnic spots, and moments of pure tranquility amidst the grandeur of nature. Whether it was scrambling up slickrock, wading through riverbeds, or gazing at ancient petroglyphs, every moment was an opportunity to connect with the landscape and with each other.
This blog chronicles our nine-day adventure, capturing the highlights and challenges, the camaraderie and solitude, the sunrises and sunsets that made this trip truly special. Join us as we recount the details of our journey through Utah’s Mighty 5—a trip that not only tested our endurance but also filled our hearts with wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
Day 1: From Home to the Heart of Las Vegas
The anticipation of our 9-day adventure with G Adventures to hike the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks began early as we left home at 6:00 am. Our destination: the bustling Atlanta airport, bags in hand, where we would catch our flight to Las Vegas. The morning was a blur of excitement as we navigated through security and finally settled on our plane.
We touched down in Las Vegas around noon, greeted by the desert sun and the promise of a thrilling journey ahead. After collecting our luggage, we found our transfer to the Golden Nugget Casino & Resort, our home for the first night. The drive through Las Vegas was a sensory overload, with the vibrant energy of the city making us eager to explore.
Upon arriving at the Golden Nugget, we quickly checked in and dropped off our luggage in our room. The allure of the city was too strong to resist, so we headed straight out for lunch. Our destination was Le Thai on Fremont Street, my husband’s favorite, known for its delicious Thai cuisine. The meal was a perfect start to our trip, with flavors that invigorated our taste buds with plenty of vegan options that prepared us for an afternoon of exploration.
After lunch, we wandered over to the Container Park, an innovative shopping and entertainment district built from repurposed shipping containers. The eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, and eateries provided a unique glimpse into the creative spirit of Las Vegas. We strolled through the park, enjoying the quirky installations and vibrant atmosphere.
With the afternoon sun beginning to wane, we returned to the hotel for a short reprieve. Our excitement was building for the evening’s meeting with our G Adventures’ CEO and fellow travel companions. At 6:00 pm, we gathered outside the CJ restaurant at the Golden Nugget, where our CEO provided an overview of the upcoming adventure. It was wonderful to meet our travel companions and share in the anticipation of the hikes and sights that awaited us.
After the meeting, we had a quick dinner at the Cadillac Mexican Kitchen in The Golden Nugget before heading back out to Fremont Street to do a little souvenir shopping. The neon lights and lively crowds created a captivating ambiance as we took a few more steps, soaking in the quintessential Las Vegas experience. The energy of the street performers and the spectacle of the Fremont Street Experience made for an unforgettable evening.
As the night drew to a close, we headed back to the hotel for an early bedtime. The next morning, we needed to be packed and ready for the van to be pulling out at 8:00 am, heading to our first destination: Bryce Canyon National Park. The adventure was just beginning, and we couldn’t wait to see what the next day would bring.
Day 2: The Journey Begins – From Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park
Our adventure began with a sense of excitement and anticipation as we loaded up “White,” our trusty trailer, and our group climbed into “Vanna,” our 15-passenger van. Aptly named “Vanna White and the Wheels of Fortune,” we departed Las Vegas at 8:15 am PST, eager to start our journey to Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.
As we traveled north on I-15 through Nevada and into Arizona, the landscape transformed before our eyes. Crossing over the Virgin River and navigating through the stunning Virgin River Gorge, we soon entered Utah, greeted by the state’s dramatic red rock formations.
Our first unscheduled stop was at a Utah welcome center for a quick restroom break. Refreshed and ready to continue, we made our way to Cedar City, arriving around noon. Here, we stopped at Walmart to stock up on groceries for the trip. While some of us chose to grab a bite at Chipotle, our CEO, Myles, took charge of the grocery shopping. We gathered a few additional necessities, then meticulously loaded all the food into coolers and dry bins for storage. A quick stop at the liquor store, Starbucks, and a gas station, and we were back on the road by 1:50 pm MST, headed towards Bryce Canyon.
Scenic Detours and Local Charm
Our route took us through the quaint town of Panguitch, renowned for its annual Quilt Walk Festival. The town’s streets were adorned with beautiful quilts, a testament to its rich history. This tradition dates back to the mid-19th century when early settlers used quilts to traverse the snow, ensuring their survival. You can read more about this fascinating history here.
Continuing on Scenic Byway 12, we passed through the vibrant Red Canyon, a prelude to the breathtaking vistas that awaited us. Our destination for the night was Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground.
Setting Up Camp and Exploring Bryce Canyon
Upon arrival, we set up our tents and organized our campsite. With no power at the group campsite, we relied on our preparation and teamwork. We made lunches, prepped for breakfast, and ensured everything was in order.
By 5:30 pm, we headed into Bryce Canyon National Park, ready to hike the Rim Trail. Myles, always keen on letting us shape our adventure, allowed us to choose our trail. We decided to hike from Sunset Point to Inspiration Point, continuing to Upper Inspiration Point and a bit further towards Bryce Point. The 1.5 hours we had until dinner flew by as we marveled at the park’s awe-inspiring views; this was a quick 2.96 mile hike with 446 feet of elevation gain.
Returning to Sunset Point, we were greeted with pizza and salad (catering to us vegans) that Myles had thoughtfully arranged; dinner was provided by G Adventures today. As we enjoyed our meal, we watched the sky’s colors shift with the setting sun, a perfect end to our day.
Settling In for the Night
Back at the campground, we showered and settled into our tents, eager for the day ahead. Tomorrow, we would be up at 5:00 am to catch the sunrise at Bryce Canyon’s Sunset Point, ready to immerse ourselves further in the natural beauty of Utah’s Mighty 5.
Day 3: Sunrise Splendor and Moab Marvels
Early Morning Magic at Bryce Canyon
The day began with a chill in the air, a brisk 29 degrees, as we pulled out of the campground at 5:40 am. Our destination: Bryce Canyon National Park to witness the sunrise at Sunset Point. The early start was worth it, as the first light painted the hoodoos in a magical array of colors, casting long shadows and highlighting the unique rock formations that make Bryce Canyon so mesmerizing.
Breaking Camp and Breakfast
By 6:30 am, we were back at the campground, ready to break camp. Breakfast was quick, simple, and provided by G: a granola bar, fresh strawberries, a spoonful of peanut butter, and hot tea to warm us up. We also made our lunches, also provided by G—peanut butter wraps, bananas, and chips—before loading everything back into “Vanna White”.
Hiking the Heart of Bryce Canyon
At 8:30 am, we headed back into Bryce Canyon National Park, this time parking at the visitor center and taking the shuttle to Sunset Point. Our hike for the day took us along the Navajo Loop, starting at Sunset Point and ending at Sunrise Point. From Sunrise Point, we hiked the Rim Trail back to Sunset Point to catch the shuttle back to the visitor center around 11:45 am.
This hike covered about 3.3 miles with an estimated elevation gain of over 620 feet. The descent into the canyon on the Navajo Loop, with its switchbacks and stunning views of Wall Street, was exhilarating. The climb back up, though challenging, was equally rewarding, with each step revealing more of the park’s breathtaking beauty.
Lunch and Souvenirs
Back at the visitor center, we enjoyed our packed lunches, took advantage of the restrooms, and indulged in a bit of souvenir shopping. By 12:25 pm, we were on the road again, heading towards our next destination: Moab.
The Road to Moab
Our journey to Moab included a few necessary stops. We refueled and took a restroom break after about two hours on the road, then continued on I-70E. An unplanned bathroom stop in Green River at around 4:15 pm offered a brief respite before the final leg of our drive.
We arrived in Moab at around 5:15 pm, pulling into Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown. This campground offered a bit more comfort with water and power at our four sites.
Setting Up Camp and Dinner Prep
Upon arrival, we rearranged picnic tables, set up our tents, and unloaded our luggage. Organization was key, and with everyone pitching in, our campsites quickly took shape.
A few of us then joined Myles to prep and cook dinner (provided by G). The menu was a delightful mix: broccoli slaw with apples, julienned rutabaga, pineapple, tomato, black beans and rice, portobello mushrooms and chicken tacos with a refreshing cantaloupe mint salad.
Evening Relaxation
After dinner, we divided tasks—some of us washed dishes while others built a campfire and prepared s’mores. As the night settled in, the warmth of the fire and the gooey sweetness of the s’mores (provided by G) made for a perfect end to our day.
I took a shower and settled into my tent, ready for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow promised more adventures as we continued exploring Utah’s incredible landscapes.
Day 4: Conquering Arches National Park
Early Morning Start
The day began early once again, with a 5:00 am wake-up. After a quick breakfast of a granola bar and a banana (provided by G), we left the campground at 6:00 am, heading towards Arches National Park, eager to tackle the day’s adventures. Be sure to check to see if you need a reservation to enter Arches National Park; depending on date and time of your visit, timed reservations are sometimes required.
The Thrilling Double O Arch Trail
Our first destination was the Double O Arch Trailhead. This hike, spanning 4.71 miles with a 745-foot elevation gain, was by far the most thrilling—and terrifying—hike I’ve ever done. While I’m comfortable with elevation gains, the slick areas with steep drop-offs and the rock scrambling required on this trail made my heart race and near panic attacks set in. The views and sense of accomplishment, however, were worth every nerve-wracking step. On our way back, we took a detour to see Primitive Arch and revisited the iconic Landscape Arch, adding to the experience.
Exploring Park Avenue Trail
Next up was the Park Avenue Trail. Though shorter at 0.92 miles with a 272-foot elevation gain, it offered stunning views reminiscent of a grand cityscape, with towering rock formations lining the trail. The unique formations and breathtaking scenery made this hike a memorable one.
Souvenirs and a Much-Needed Break
Before leaving the park, we stopped at the visitor center for some souvenirs. It’s always nice to bring back a piece of the places we visit, and the shop had a great selection of memorabilia.
Back at the campground, although G provided lunch for us, a group of us decided to get lunch at Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop instead to change things up. With a nice selection of vegan and vegetarian options, I opted for the bean tacos, which were delicious. After the hot hikes in Arches, we relished the air conditioning and iced cold water, giving us a much-needed break from the heat.
An Unexpected Setback
Unfortunately, my left eye, which had become irritated the night before, worsened throughout the day. By lunch, I could barely keep it open. Hubby did a eye flush and then a quick stop at the grocery store for some medicine provided some relief, and with a bit of rest and some gel, my eye started to feel better. Despite the discomfort, I didn’t want to miss the evening hike to Delicate Arch.
Cooling Off at Moab Brewery
Before our evening hike, we spent some time at Moab Brewery, enjoying the air conditioning and a light snack. The rest was beneficial, giving my eye some more time to recover. This was our dinner because dinner was on our own today, G did not provide dinner today.
Optional Activities
There were optional activities listed in the itinerary such as mountain biking, white water rafting and humvee riding, but the guidance on G Adventures’ and CEO’s part was lacking. We decided to forego any additional activities and just relax at the brewery so we did not risk missing the delicate arch hike.
Evening at Delicate Arch
At 6:00 pm, we headed back into Arches National Park for the hike to Delicate Arch. This 3.06-mile trail with a 604-foot elevation gain was the highlight of the day. The iconic arch, amidst the dramatic moody sky, was a sight to behold. Despite the earlier eye trouble, standing beneath Delicate Arch was a moment I wouldn’t have missed for anything. As we were leaving the trail, we saw six deer grazing in the grass.
Sunset Views and Stargazing Plans
After Delicate Arch, we drove out to the Windows section to hike the loop and relax under the stars. However, wanting to start before dark, our CEO decided it was best to head back to camp.
On our drive back, we were treated to beautiful sunset views, painting the sky with vibrant hues and casting a serene glow over the landscape—a perfect end to a day of incredible adventures.
Back at camp, we settled in, reflecting on the day’s experiences and anticipating the wonders yet to come in our journey through Utah’s Mighty 5.
Day 5: Exploring Canyonlands National Park
Early Morning Routine
The day started with an usual early wake-up at 5:00 am. Despite my worsening left eye, which was now highly sensitive to light and causing intense stabbing pain, I was determined to push through. We had a quick breakfast of granola bars and fruit, made our lunches of hummus wraps, strawberries, and a banana (both provided by G) and set out for Canyonlands National Park.
The Drive to Canyonlands
The drive to Canyonlands was about 1 hour and 45 minutes. My hubby applied more of the eye gel to help alleviate some of the discomfort. I kept my eyes closed and sunglasses on for all of the journey to minimize the pain from the light. When we drove into the park, I had to open one eye to seethe beauty, I had already missed out on too much on the drive in.
The Chesler Park Viewpoint Trail
Upon arriving, we headed down a bumpy dirtroad to the Elephant Hill Trailhead for our hike to the Chesler Park Viewpoint. The hike was challenging, especially with my eye condition. For the first 1.5 miles, I hiked with one eye closed, sunglasses on, hat on, and my head down, shielding myself from the painful sunlight. At one point, I even got the van keys from Myles fully expecting to have to turn around at any point. Despite the struggle, I managed to reach what we thought was the end of the trail. Although we cut the hike slightly short, our CEO reassured us that we had reached the primary viewpoint.
We relaxed at the viewpoint for about 30 minutes, snacking, taking photos, and soaking in the incredible views. The hike covered 5.54 miles with an elevation gain of 1,089 feet and required some rock scrambling, though it was much less intense than the Double O Arch hike in Arches National Park and oh was I so glad about that; no panic attacks on this day.
Scenic Drive and Petroglyphs
After the hike, we returned to the trailhead for lunch, followed by a bathroom break. We then drove along the scenic road, capturing the majestic landscapes of Canyonlands, and stopped at the visitor center. One of the highlights was visiting the Newspaper Rock Petroglyphs, where we took photos of the ancient carvings.
Back to Moab and the Brewery
Returning to Moab, we had some free time before dinner. A small group of us decided to visit the Moab Brewery again for drinks and appetizers, but mostly to enjoy the air conditioning, getting off our feet and the relaxed atmosphere. I discovered a delicious spicy margarita called the Desert Heat, which was so good I ended up having two, despite my aversion to alcohol with my recent weight loss.
Dinner and Evening Activities
Back at camp, we helped finish cooking dinner (provided by G). Tonight’s meal was Buddha Bowls with rice, sautéed kale with nuts and cranberries, corn, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, kidney beans, mushrooms for the vegans and vegetarians, and chicken for the omnivores. We all enjoyed the hearty meal, followed by dish duty and preparing lunches for the next day (provided by G).
The evening was filled with camaraderie as we chatted about the day’s adventures and our plans for the next day. A friendly game of Uno ensued, providing some light-hearted fun before showers and bed. Despite the challenges, especially with my eye, the day was another memorable chapter in our journey through Utah’s Mighty 5.
Day 6: From Moab to Capitol Reef National Park
Morning Preparations
The morning started a bit later than usual, with a 6:00 am wake-up. Today was a day for repacking and reorganizing for the next leg of our journey. After getting dressed and ready, I had a quick breakfast—just a banana (provided by G)—before helping to break down our tents and clean up our campsite. By 8:30 am, we had everything loaded back into “Vanna White” ready to leave Moab behind and head to Capitol Reef National Park.
Journey to Capitol Reef
Our first stop along the way was in Hanksville for a bathroom break. Refreshed, we continued our drive, making an interesting stop at a Petroglyph Panel featuring bighorn sheep, animals, geometric shapes, large, anthropomorphic (human-like) petroglyphs that some of our group conferred the petroglyphs to be “unusual four-fingered robot figures with jazz hands”. These petroglyphs are attributed to the Fremont People, who inhabited the area from 300 to 1300 AD. Their art and carvings provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, and these unique figures are a prime example of their creativity and culture.
Exploring Fruita and Gifford Homestead
We arrived at the picnic area near the Gifford Homestead in Fruita, Utah, within Capitol Reef National Park around noon. You can even try pie and other baked goods at Gifford Homestead, sadly they were sold out when we got there; be sure to check their hours of operation, they are not open year round. We had two hours to explore Fruita, a historic community within the park known for its orchards and pioneer history. After enjoying our packed lunches, we set out to explore.
Our first hike was the Fremont River Trail; I only hiked a 2.23 miles and 305 feet of elevation gain portion. Along this pleasant and scenic walk we also had the chance to pet some horses (and of course I had a little chat with one too) along the trail—a delightful treat.
Cassidy Arch Trail
Next, we tackled the Cassidy Arch Trail after some bumpy dirt road driving, a more challenging hike at 3.1 miles with a 685-foot elevation gain. Named after the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy, this trail offered stunning views and a rewarding endpoint at the arch itself. Although my AllTrails app quit recording, we relied on the trail’s official distance and elevation stats to mark our progress. We finished the hike and exited at the visitor center area around 5:30 pm.
Settling into Torrey
After a brief stop at the National Park sign for some photos, we headed into Torrey, where we checked into the Thousand Lakes RV Park. Unlike our usual tent setups, tonight we had the comfort of a cabin with a proper bed—a much-appreciated luxury. The Campground also had its own restaurant and you can even rent 4 wheel drive jeeps! We shared a cabin with another couple from our group. Our cabin did have a private bathroom as well. Some of our traveling companions did not have bathrooms in their cabins though.
Dinner and Evening Activities
We came over to help Myles finish preparing dinner. Dinner, provided by G, was served at 7:00 pm in the large barn, consisting of pasta with sauce, tomato and cucumber salad, and ground beef with onions for the omnivores. The hearty meal was followed by the usual routine of dishwashing, but we also had time to shop at the gift shop and play some cornhole—a perfect way to wind down. I enjoyed the luxury of a hot shower before bundling up to head back out to stargaze.
Stargazing in Capitol Reef
At 9:00 pm, we headed back into Capitol Reef National Park for a night of stargazing. The clear skies and lack of light pollution made for an incredible display of stars, a sight that left us all in awe. We stayed until about 10:30 pm, soaking in the beauty of the night sky.
A Comfortable Night’s Rest
Returning to our cabin, we settled into our beds. After several days of camping, the comfort of a proper bed was a welcome change. Reflecting on the day’s adventures, I quickly fell asleep anticipating what the next day would bring.
Day 7: From Torrey to Grand Staircase Escalante to Zion National Park
Early Morning Departure
Our day began early at Thousand Lakes RV Park with a quick breakfast (provided by G) before we hit the road by 7:00 am. Our destination was the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument for a hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls (be sure to check for closures; it has some closures coming up in summer of 2024).
Torrey Pit Stop
Our first stop was a few miles from the campground in Torrey for gas and coffee, fueling both our van and ourselves for the journey ahead. The drive to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument from Torrey took us through the picturesque Dixie National Forest, with its beautiful aspen trees providing a scenic backdrop.
Hiking Lower Calf Creek Falls
We arrived at trailhead around 8:30 am and set off on the hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls. The trail was breathtaking, leading us to the stunning 126-foot waterfall. We enjoyed our packed lunches by the falls, and some of the group took a refreshing swim in the pool at the base of the falls. It was a perfect spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty.
Onward to Zion National Park
By 1:00 pm, we left the trailhead and headed towards Zion National Park. Our drive took us through Bryce Canyon National Park and then on to where we stopped, the Rock Stop in Orderville, Utah, for coffee and ice cream—a delightful treat to break up the drive.
Entering Zion National Park
Entering Zion from the East Entrance, we drove through the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel (be sure to check the linked website if you are driving a large vehichle; special permits are required to drive through the tunnel with large vehicles). Emerging from the tunnel, we were greeted with a stunning view of the valley, a preview of the magnificent landscapes that awaited us. If you visit Zion, be sure to come in from the East Entrance just for the dramatic entrance and view of the valley.
Myles was driving us around showing us where some trails were and meeting points, the visitor center, pedestrian gate and a few other key locations and at this point, we thought the Narrows was still closed due to the flow being too high. But as we drove through the parking lot at the visitor center, we noticed someone putting on neoprene socks, so Myles quickly asked me to check the Zion National Park page for closures and low and behold, Narrows had just opened up on May 19th! We got so lucky. We were going to be able to hike the Narrows after all.
Setting Up Camp and Dinner
We arrived at our Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park and checked into our campsites, which were conveniently located right along the Virgin River. These sites did not have water or power hookups. Each of us received two shower tokens, each good for a 6-minute shower—an appreciated luxury after a day of hiking and travel.
As we were setting up camp, it started to rain. To avoid cooking in the wet weather, we decided to eat out for dinner (G was going to provide dinner, but we all agreed that since it was raining, we wanted to do dinner on our own dime). A few of us headed to Whiptail Grill, a charming Mexican restaurant built in an old gas station right next to our campground. The cozy atmosphere and delicious food were a perfect end to a busy day. They had a great spicy margarita there too, it became my go-to on this trip and once again I had two!
Preparing for The Narrows
With the news of the Narrows being open, I assisted in finding gear rental for our group. We all rented our gear from Zion Adventures; it was located right across the street from our campground.
After dinner, we headed to pick up our gear (we got the entire dry suit package-it included neoprene socks, boots, Custom Built Gore-Tex Dry Suit, and walking stick) for our hike through The Narrows, one of Zion’s most iconic trails. Back at camp, we took our showers, enjoying the hot water after a long day. With an early wake-up call ahead, we prepared our lunches for the next day (provided by G), settled into our tents, excited for the adventures the next day would bring in Zion National Park.
Day 8: Adventuring in Zion National Park
Early Start for The Narrows
Our day began in the pre-dawn hours, waking up at 4:30 am to prepare for one of Zion National Park’s most famous hikes: The Narrows. We had to wake up early because getting into te Goretex suit, neoprene socks, and boots was no easy feat, so we wanted to give ourselves plenty of time to get geared up and have breakfast (provided by G). By 5:30 am, we were on our way to the shuttle bus stop, catching the 6:00 am bus (the first bus) headed out to the trailheads. During part of the year, you cannot drive to the main trailheads in Zion; you have to park at the visitors center and ride the shuttle. During the shuttle season visitors cannot drive personal vehicles on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Hiking The Narrows
We arrived at the shuttle stop 9 at Temple of Sinawava to head down to The Narrows at 6:30 am. The hike began with a one-mile walk to the entrance of the Narrows. Once in the Narrows, we waded through the Virgin River, hiking 2.5 miles upstream. The towering walls of the canyon, sculpted by centuries of water flow, created an awe-inspiring corridor of rock and water. The hike, though challenging with its slippery rocks and cold water, was an unforgettable experience. The Goretex suit really helped stay warm even though the water temperature was in the 40s. The river discharge was 127 cubic feet per second the day we hiked the Narrows. The Narrows is closed when the Virgin River is flowing at over 150 CFS. May 19th was the first day this year it was below 150 CFS. If you are interested in hiking the Narrows check the Virgin River Discharge Rate here to ensure that it will be open for your trek.
After exploring the Narrows, we made the one-mile trek back to the shuttle stop, where we rode back to the visitor center to have lunch and rest our weary feet. For the hike from the shuttle stop, in the Narrows and back was 4.58 miles with 1,709 feet elevation gain; I didn’t even make it very far. The river was still rushing very fast and with partial tears in both my rotator cuffs, I never once though that would affect my hiking, but my shoulders hurt so bad, I had to turn back. After stripping off all the waterproof gear, I took some time to browse the visitor center’s souvenirs, picking up mementos of our adventure.
Afternoon Hikes
Reenergized after lunch and a little rest, we hopped back on the shuttle to continue our exploration of Zion. Our next hike was to Scouts Lookout, a steep and strenuous climb offering panoramic views of the park. From there, we ventured onto part of the Rim Trail, enjoying the expansive vistas and the park’s majestic beauty from above. For these two trails, we covered 5.33 miles and 1,644 feet elevation gain.
Evening Relaxation
After our hikes, we took the shuttle back to the visitor center and walked towards the campground, stopping along the way for a refreshing Italian ice at a food truck—a sweet treat after a day full of exertion.
Once back at the campground, we took advantage of the showers, washing away the dirt and sweat from our adventures. Clean and rejuvenated, we headed out for dinner at the Zion Canyon Brew Pub. This dinner was special as we celebrated Myles’ birthday a day early and it was also our G Adventures farewell dinner, knowing tomorrow would be the final day of our tour. The evening was filled with laughter, shared memories, and good food.
Wrapping Up the Day
We returned to camp with tired legs and full hearts, reflecting on the incredible experiences we had in Zion. The combination of The Narrows, Scouts Lookout, and the camaraderie of our group made this day truly special. After a long and fulfilling day, we settled into our tents, ready for a good night’s rest and looking forward to the final day of our Utah Mighty 5 adventure.
Day 9: Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Journey
Morning in Zion
Our last day began with a slight sleep-in, waking up around 7:00 am. The morning was a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as we got dressed and began the familiar routine of tearing down camp. We packed up everything, ate breakfast (provided by G) loaded Vanna White and the Wheels of Fortune, and were on the road by 9:00 am, heading back to Las Vegas.
The Drive Back to Vegas
Our journey included a brief stop in Littlefield, Arizona, for a bathroom break. The drive was smooth and gave us time to reflect on the past week’s incredible adventures. By 11:00 am PST, we arrived at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. Here, we unloaded our gear and said our goodbyes to our travel companions and Vanna White and the Wheels of Fortune that carried us throughout this epic journey.
Over our Nine Days, my phone clocked me at 8,599 feet elevation gain and 67 total miles. Everyone had different journeys as some took longer routes and some took shorter and some even sat some hikes out. I did all the hikes, some accidentally cut a little short and some I added some distance to, so I think, this count is a good average of what to expect if you do all the hikes on this itinerary.
Heading Home
We took an Uber to the airport, preparing for our 4:30 pm flight back to Atlanta. The airport was a bustle of activity, but our minds were filled with the serene landscapes and thrilling hikes we had experienced.
Our flight landed in Atlanta at 11:30 pm. Exhausted but content, we made the final leg of our journey home, pulling into our driveway around 2:00 am.
Reflecting on an Epic Adventure
As our journey through Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks comes to an end, it’s hard not to feel a sense of accomplishment and deep gratitude. Over nine incredible days, we experienced some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, from the towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the awe-inspiring arches of Arches National Park. Each park offered its own unique beauty and challenges, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.
Traveling with G Adventures provided us with not only a structured itinerary but also the flexibility to explore and savor each moment fully. Our guide was knowledgeable and supportive, helping us navigate both the well-trodden paths and the hidden gems of each park. The camaraderie within our group grew with each hike and campfire, turning strangers into friends as we shared stories, laughter, and the occasional blister remedy.
The adventure was not without its trials—early mornings, long hikes, and, for me, an unexpected battle with an eye irritation. Yet, these challenges only heightened the sense of achievement. Standing beneath Delicate Arch at sunset, hiking through the water-carved corridors of The Narrows, and stargazing in Capitol Reef, we were constantly reminded of nature’s grandeur and our small but significant place within it.
As we return to our daily lives, the lessons from this trip linger. We are reminded of the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations, of the value of stepping outside our comfort zones, and of the joy found in simple, shared experiences. This journey through Utah’s Mighty 5 has been more than a vacation; it has been a transformative adventure, reconnecting us with nature and with ourselves.
Thank you for following along on this journey. Whether you are an avid hiker or someone dreaming of your next big adventure, we hope our story inspires you to explore, protect, and cherish the natural world around you. Until the next adventure, keep wandering and wondering.
-S&E
Adaptable Packing List to Hike the Utah Mighty 5 with G Adventures | The Empty Nesters’ Travels
Sunday 26th of May 2024
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