If you’re a lover of sweeping landscapes, vibrant red rock, and jaw-dropping hiking trails, you’ll want to add Utah’s Mighty 5 to your travel list. On a past October adventure, I explored all five parks, immersing myself in nature’s beauty with cooler weather and fewer crowds, a perfect combo! From Canyonlands to Zion, here’s how I spent six unforgettable days trekking through Utah’s rugged terrain. Buckle up for some epic views, hiking tips, and gear recommendations.

Day 1: Canyonlands National Park

Our first stop was Canyonlands, starting at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. Since we were short on time, we focused on hitting a few key spots, but even with a brief visit, Canyonlands offered incredible glimpses of its vast landscapes.

• Mesa Arch Trail: This short, easy trail (0.5 miles) rewarded us with stunning views of the arch framing the canyon beyond. We went in the evening to avoid the crowds, and the soft colors in the sky made for perfect photos.
• Grandview Point Overlook: Next, we drove to this scenic spot for a panoramic view of Canyonlands. The view stretches for miles, making you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world.

Canyonlands has so much more to offer, and if you have extra time, I’d highly recommend exploring more of its rugged beauty. But even with a quick stop, you can get a good feel for its majestic, otherworldly landscape.

Weather Tip: October in Canyonlands was cool in the mornings, around 50°F, warming up to the mid-70s by afternoon. Bring layers—especially for those early hikes.

Day 2: Arches National Park

Arches National Park was our destination for Day 2, and wow, did it deliver on stunning rock formations. The Arches Visitor Center was a great place to get information and refill water before hitting the trails.

• Delicate Arch: This is the hike you don’t want to miss. It’s 3 miles round trip, and although the climb is a bit strenuous, the iconic arch at the top makes it worth every step. We caught it just before sunset—spectacular!
• Double Arch: A short 0.6-mile trail takes you to these two massive arches. The scale is mind-blowing, and you can scramble around the rocks for some fun, up-close views.
• Sand Dune Arch: A much easier, family-friendly hike (0.3 miles), this arch is nestled between sandstone fins, creating a cool, shaded area perfect for a quick stop.

October Weather: Temperatures here were similar to Canyonlands, with crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons. Sunscreen and a hat are musts—even with the cooler air, that Utah sun is strong.

Day 3: Capitol Reef National Park

On Day 3, we ventured to Capitol Reef, which feels a bit more off the beaten path compared to the other parks. The Visitor Center provided great information on the park’s history and unique geology.

• Cassidy Arch Trail: This 3.1-mile round-trip hike was a highlight of the day. The trail climbs above the canyon, and the view from the top of the arch was incredible.
• Hickman Bridge Trail: A shorter, moderate 2-mile round-trip hike that takes you to a natural bridge. We enjoyed the stunning rock formations along the way and the quiet compared to busier parks.

Tip: Capitol Reef is famous for its orchards, so if you visit in the fall, grab some fresh fruit from the trees near the Visitor Center!

Day 4: Bryce Canyon and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Bryce Canyon is famous for its unique hoodoo rock formations, and we arrived just in time to catch the sunrise. The Visitor Center is a good first stop to check trail conditions.

• Navajo/Queens Garden Loop Trail: This 2.9-mile loop was my favorite hike in Bryce. Starting at Sunrise Point, the early morning light made the hoodoos glow a soft pink. It’s a moderate hike that gives you up-close views of these strange rock formations.
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: After Bryce, we headed to Coral Pink Sand Dunes for some sandboarding. The bright orange dunes were such a fun and unexpected change of pace. Renting a sandboard was easy, and sliding down the dunes made us feel like kids again.

Recommendation: If you’re doing Bryce at sunrise, dress warmly! It was chilly in the morning, around 40°F (4°C), but quickly warmed up as the sun rose.

Day 5: Zion National Park

Zion was the grand finale of our Utah road trip, and it didn’t disappoint. The Zion Visitor Center had lots of helpful rangers and information to prepare us for the day’s hike.

• The Narrows: This iconic hike through the Virgin River was a bucket list item for me. We brought our own waterproof shoes and pack, which kept us somewhat comfortable as we waded through the cool water. We hiked as far in as possible until the water reached waist depth, then decided to turn back. The towering canyon walls and the experience of walking through the river made this hike truly unique and unforgettable.

October Conditions: The river was calm but cold—definitely rent the waterproof gear! Zion was warmer than the other parks, hitting the low 80s by the afternoon.

Day 6: Vegas

After all that hiking, we decided to treat ourselves with a night in Las Vegas. We arrived in the late afternoon, cleaned up, and hit the Strip for some well-deserved R&R before heading out for Yosemite the next day.

Top Gear for Utah’s Mighty 5 (October)

Here are my recommendations for essential gear that made our trip more comfortable and enjoyable:

• Layered Clothing: Mornings were chilly, but it warmed up by midday. Pack a light jacket, moisture-wicking base layers, and a sun hat.
• Hiking Boots: A sturdy pair of hiking boots is a must for tackling the rocky terrain, especially for more strenuous hikes like Delicate Arch and Cassidy Arch.
• Hydration Pack: Staying hydrated is key! I brought a 2-liter hydration pack for easy access to water during hikes.
• Trekking Poles: These were especially helpful in Zion’s Narrows and some of the steeper hikes in Capitol Reef and Bryce.
• Waterproof Gear: If you’re planning on hiking the Narrows, waterproof shoes and pants are non-negotiable. Renting in Springdale is a breeze.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Utah’s high desert sun is strong, even in October, so make sure to apply SPF regularly and keep lip balm handy.

This trip was a perfect mix of adventure, stunning views, and peaceful hikes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to explore Utah’s natural beauty, I highly recommend visiting in the fall for cooler temps and gorgeous scenery.

Have you done the Mighty 5? Let me know your favorite hike in the comments below!

Looking for More Hikes? Check Out My AllTrails Profile!

If you’re looking for more hiking inspiration beyond these trails, I’ve got you covered! There’s so much to explore in Utah and beyond. For more detailed hikes, trail reviews, and recommendations, be sure to check out my AllTrails profile here. You’ll find a variety of hikes I’ve done, from easy strolls to challenging adventures, perfect for planning your next outdoor escape.