Why are you flying into SLC? Wouldn't it makes more sense to fly into and out of Las Vegas?

All the national parks are in the southern part of the state, you'll have to drive 5-6 hours from SLC.

I'd fly into Las Vegas and then drive to st George and make that your home base for Zion. By the way, Snow canyon State Park is amazing, you should try to see that.

Just returned from visiting "The Mighty Five."

Zion was a disappointment. It was so overcrowded and the buses were packed all the time with standing room only. The popular hikes (The Narrows) were like a non-stop assembly line of people and many of them were obviously not in physical condition to be doing it. Overheard of several instances where people had fallen or otherwise were hurt. We stayed in the lodge on Zion and even with that head-start it was still packed with people.

There were also large tour groups comprised of busloads of people who were only trying to get the perfect Instagram-type shot and were blocking viewpoints, blocking trails, etc. to do so. Bringing changes of outfits, even! Completely oblivious to the beauty around them.

As far as we were concerned, Zion was a one-and-done and we don't have plans to go back.

Bring Advil. I got AMS at a ridiculously low elevation there.

Try to stay in at least one of the lodges on-site - they tend to book up fast but maybe you'll get lucky. Horseback ride to the bottom of Bryce Canyon is spectacular and well worth it.

Anonymous wrote:We really liked the Desert Pearl Inn in Zion. You could walk to the park, and it has a pool. Zion is behind the Inn, so if you book a room off the back, that is your view, along with a little stream. We also enjoyed e-biking through Zion (we have teens).

A tip about hotels in Springdale - either stay really close such that you can walk or further down the road so that you can get on the shuttle at the first stop. We were in the middle and found the shuttle always full and ended up walking anyway after waiting 20 minutes.

Also recommend Bit & Spur. Make a reservation.

Op- thanks for the recommendations- none of us have been to Utah and we are excited for the hiking and beauty.

I love this trip! I used to live out west and often enjoyed trips to the parks.
We've been to Arches and Canyonlands most often, be sure to do both parts of Canyonlands.
Moab Brewery has great food and good beer! Enjoy!

Anonymous wrote:Capital reef resort is great. Go to the sun glow cafe to try their unique pies.

Capital reef is my favorite Utah park because it offers a lot of diversity with very little crowding.

It’s also like the darkest place in the US. It’s really beautiful.

I’ve been to southern Utah many times. Cant really think of tours or amazing food. It’s all about the scenery. Enjoy.

We really liked the Desert Pearl Inn in Zion. You could walk to the park, and it has a pool. Zion is behind the Inn, so if you book a room off the back, that is your view, along with a little stream. We also enjoyed e-biking through Zion (we have teens).

You should use the search tool for this because there are tons of threads on this itinerary

Capital reef resort is great. Go to the sun glow cafe to try their unique pies.

Capital reef is my favorite Utah park because it offers a lot of diversity with very little crowding.

This donut place near Arches was delicious: https://www.doughbirdmoab.com

I think about these donuts often...

lower your expectations of nice fancy places, which we actually liked not having big places.

Anonymous wrote:Finally, we made a decision for a 10 day trip at the end of May- Flying from DC to SLC, going the 5 NPs in Utah and then ending in Las Vegas for a night or two before flying home. Any hotel/tours that you recommend will be welcomed.

OP here- It is our family of 4, two college students (20,21). We are pretty fit, enjoy hiking, but not into camping or roughing it. We would like any food or off the beat in path tours.

Finally, we made a decision for a 10 day trip at the end of May- Flying from DC to SLC, going the 5 NPs in Utah and then ending in Las Vegas for a night or two before flying home. Any hotel/tours that you recommend will be welcomed.