Utah National Parks Hiking Tour

This trip brings all of Utah’s iconic “Mighty Five” national parks together into one thoughtfully paced hiking journey. You’ll enjoy classic must-see trails combined with quieter corners of the parks, all guided by local experts who share their knowledge of geology, history, and wildlife, while ensuring you have a safe and smooth journey. Comfortable lodging, early starts to beat the heat, and seamless logistics allow you to stay focused on the landscapes—towering arches, vast canyons, sculpted hoodoos, and Zion’s famous Narrows—without worrying about the details.

With decades of experience and a longstanding relationship with the National Park Service, MT Sobek crafts thoughtfully designed Utah adventures that showcase each park’s most remarkable landscapes while treading lightly on the land. Paired with expert local guides who bring Utah’s geology, history, and hidden details to life, every trip is as enriching as it is awe-inspiring.

The standard minimum age for this trip is 18. This itinerary is designed with adult travelers in mind, based on daily activity levels, accommodations, and overall group experience. We recommend that families or groups with younger children check out check out our private departures .

We plan the itinerary carefully, but adjustments may be needed due to weather, trail conditions, or other factors. MT Sobek and our guides make thoughtful decisions when needed in real time to keep the experience safe and enjoyable, and any significant changes will be communicated as early and as clearly as possible.

You should fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and depart from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

Once your reservation with MT Sobek is finalized, we'll notify you of your trip's status. After your departure is confirmed to operate, flights and travel arrangements may be purchased. While we can often confirm departures in advance, some decisions may be finalized closer to final payment. We strongly advise checking directly with your Adventure Coordinator before purchasing any non-refundable air arrangements. For expert assistance with your flight plans, we recommend reaching out to Exito Travel at 800-655-4053 or via email at [email protected].

Once your booking is finalized with MT Sobek and your trip has been confirmed to operate, flights may be purchased. If you are unsure of the status of your trip, be sure to check with your Adventure Coordinator prior to booking non-refundable flights.

Arrive in Grand Junction at least one day before Day 1. Arriving early allows time to settle in, recover from travel, and be ready for the early morning pickup and welcome briefing on the first day.

Depart from Las Vegas after 2:00 pm on Day 8. There is one group transfer to the airport that morning, following an optional hike.

Your tour leaders will meet you on the morning of Day 1 at one of the designated Grand Junction hotels:

8:00 am - La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham (970) 241-2929

8:15 am - Courtyard by Marriott Grand Junction (970) 263-4414

After a welcome briefing and introductions, the group departs together for a scenic drive and a series of introductory hikes in Colorado National Monument, with a picnic lunch along the way. After the day’s activities, you will continue on to your accommodations and gather for a welcome dinner.

If you arrive early in Grand Junction, we recommend staying at one of the designated pick-up hotels to ensure a smooth start on Day 1.

At the end of the trip, guests who wish to stay late in Las Vegas may choose from a wide range of hotels. After our airport drop-off, we can provide transportation to select Las Vegas hotels; if your hotel is on the Las Vegas Strip, we can accommodate a drop-off at the MGM Grand.

From there, the Las Vegas Monorail System on the East side of the Strip stops at 7 stations between MGM Grand and Sahara, making it easy to reach other hotels. There is a cost to ride the Monorail.

The West side of the strip offers a free Tram system. To reach the tram system you will need to walk across the strip. There are a total of three trams that serve Las Vegas: Excalibur-Luxor-Mandalay Bay Tram, Aria Express Tram and Treasure Island Tram.

For more information visit: Monorail & Tram Information

You'll need to make your own way to one of the recommended Grand Junction hotels at the start of the trip. Ask the hotel about complimentary airport shuttles when you book. We'll pick up at these hotels on Day 1. We will drop you off at Las Vegas Airport on Day 8. Transfers outside these scheduled times are not included.

If you want to visit all five of Utah’s National Parks, some time on the road is necessary. Transfer times for this trip range from 1 to 3.5 hours, with longer transfers sometimes interspersed with additional hiking or other activities. You will still get time to enjoy each park’s trails and spectacular rock formations.

Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned van with large viewing windows and USB charging ports. Roads in the National Parks are generally well paved, though some are narrow and winding, which is typical of mountainous and canyon landscapes.

Most days will consist of multiple hikes that range in difficulty from easy to moderate. You should feel comfortable hiking 3 to 5 hours a day up to 7 miles with multiple breaks on most days. The terrain is mostly desert trails, slickrock, and maintained paths. You will be hiking up the riverbed at The Narrows in Zion, so expect to get your feet wet as you make your way up the river and into the canyon. On most trails, the climbs are moderate with elevation gains/losses from 600 to 1,100 feet. You will be hiking at altitude in Bryce Canyon National Park, which sits at 7,000-9,000 feet.

We recommend giving yourself several months to prepare so you can arrive feeling confident and comfortable. Building a steady cardio base is key—activities like hiking, brisk walking, biking, swimming, or stair climbing several times a week all translate well to the trail. Aim for about 75-150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, spread over multiple days.

If possible, include regular hikes and practice carrying the daypack you will use on the trip. Start with just water, snacks, and layers, then gradually add weight so your pack feels familiar and comfortable. Because some parks are at higher elevation, hiking with a bit of added weight also helps simulate the effort of longer days on the trail. Consistent, progressive training—rather than pushing too hard all at once—will go a long way toward making the experience more enjoyable.

Expect hearty, classic American fare on this trip, such as burgers and steak, with fish and veggie options too. You’ll have the chance to check out some local spots, enjoy some picnics in red rock scenery, and dine at historic park lodges.

Breakfast is usually at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant. There may be the option to order off the menu, or sometimes it is buffet style and will include several hot options, cereal, fruit, pastries, yogurt, juices, coffee, and tea.

Lunches will be eaten along the trail or at a local restaurant. Bagged lunches can include items such as sandwiches, fruit, cookies, chips, veggies, nuts, and granola bars. Lunches may be food themed like Mediterranean Day or Southwestern Day and prepared by your guides picnic style.

Dinners are served at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant. Options include beef, chicken, pork, fish, and vegetarian dishes with a variety of sides.

Soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are included at group meals. Alcohol is available for purchase.

Yes, we can accommodate many common dietary restrictions on this trip with advance notice, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.

Let us know about your dietary restrictions and food allergies as soon as possible, so we can coordinate with guides, hotels, and restaurants. Please also list these on your Participant Information Form.

Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. About a third of our travelers go solo, and single room inventory often books up quickly!

You can find more information on solo traveler options here.

Guests should plan to bring one main piece of luggage and a daypack. Because vehicle space for luggage transport is limited, packing efficiently is important.

Yes. Be prepared for a wide range of conditions throughout the season. Spring, late summer, and fall hiking can bring significant temperature swings, with cool mornings and evenings and much warmer conditions mid-day. Early and late season departures—especially in September and October—often require extra warm layers, including a wool or synthetic jacket, thermal base layers, gloves, and a hat. While snow is not common, it is possible at higher elevations later in the season, so waterproof and warm layers are important.

Sturdy, properly fitting hiking footwear is essential for this trip. We recommend hiking boots or supportive hiking shoes with solid soles, good traction, and ankle support to handle uneven trails, slickrock, and variable terrain. Waterproof footwear is strongly encouraged, as trails can be wet or muddy after rain. During the hike in Zion’s Narrows, you’ll want water shoes or water sport sandals with a heel strap for the best experience.

Some hikers are comfortable using low-ankle trail shoes in certain conditions, but you should also bring high-ankle hiking boots in case trail conditions or weather require extra stability.

Whatever footwear you choose, it is critical that it fits well and is fully broken in before the trip. Hiking in unfamiliar terrain for multiple days in a row puts added stress on feet and ankles, and reliable, well-tested footwear makes a meaningful difference in comfort and safety.

Self-serve, coin-operated laundry machines are only available at Hyatt Place Moab, where you will be staying during the first two nights of the itinerary, so we recommend bringing enough clothing for the full trip. You may also choose to hand-wash a few lightweight items in your hotel rooms and hang them to dry overnight, which can be a helpful option between hiking days.

Yes. Your guide will also carry a first aid kit, but we recommend you bring your own supply of basics such as blister care, bandages, sunscreen, lip protection, and electrolytes to have handy. Please bring a sufficient supply of your personal medications.

Weather in Utah National Parks varies significantly by month, elevation, and time of day, which is why packing for a wide range of conditions is important. Spring, late summer, and early fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking, but conditions can still change quickly.

In April and early May, days are often cool to mild, with cold mornings and evenings—especially at higher elevations like Bryce Canyon, which sits between 7,000 and 9,000 feet. Late-season snow is possible at elevation, so warm layers are important. May and June typically bring warmer daytime temperatures, particularly in lower-elevation parks like Arches and Canyonlands, while mornings and nights remain cooler.

Summer months are generally warm to hot, especially in desert parks, with strong sun exposure and higher afternoon temperatures. Early starts help limit time in the heat, and lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. September and October often feel cooler and more comfortable, with crisp mornings, pleasant daytime hiking temperatures, and colder nights—again, especially at higher elevations.

In all months, it’s common to experience a 30-degree difference between daily low and high temperatures. Sudden rain showers and temperature drops are possible, so layering is key. We recommend moisture-wicking base layers, a warm insulating wool or synthetic layer, and a waterproof, breathable rain jacket, along with sun protection for clear desert days.

Standard US electrical outlets are available at the hotels, and you’ll be able to charge phones, cameras, and other personal electronics normally.

For international guests, US electricity operates at 120 volts and has Type A two-pin or Type B three-prong outlets. Check to see if your electronics are dual voltage, or if you need a converter.

Tipping is always optional and based on your experience, but it is a common way to show appreciation for your guide team’s leadership, care, and local expertise.

For US hiking trips like Utah National Parks Hiking, we recommend budgeting $50-$70 per guest, per day, shared among the guide team. Since lunches on this trip are guide-prepared, many travelers choose to tip toward the higher end of the range if they feel service was excellent.

Gratuities can be given in cash or through payment apps such as Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. To ensure tips are distributed fairly across the entire guide team, we ask that all gratuities be given to the trip leader. Tips for included meals, hotel staff, and activity providers are already covered in your trip price. Shape

Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations.

We offer travel insurance with Arch RoamRight and will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please see our Travel Resources page for more information.

There is no standard required clearance from a doctor to participate in this trip. You will have an opportunity to discuss your fitness and preparedness for the trip with MT Sobek. If you have medical concerns or questions about fitness, consult your healthcare provider before traveling.

To get the most out of your Utah adventure, it is helpful to be prepared for the unique desert terrain and environmental conditions of the Southwest. You’ll experience varied trail surfaces, from hiking through the Virgin River in the Zion Narrows to rocky paths at higher elevations (7,000-9,000 feet) where activity can feel more challenging due to altitude. Since you’ll typically enjoy several days in the sun, staying hydrated, using sun protection, and wearing comfortable, broken-in hiking boots are the best ways to keep your momentum going. Your guides are there to support you throughout the journey, managing a steady pace and providing helpful info to help you stay comfortable and focused on enjoying the incredible scenery.

Staying healthy starts with consistent self-care throughout the week. Hydrate regularly—especially on warm hiking days—and eat frequently to keep your energy steady. Many guests find it helpful to bring powdered electrolytes to add to their water.

Foot care is especially important on a multi-day hiking trip. Hot spots and blisters are common if not addressed early, so check your feet daily and treat any irritation right away using blister cushions, moleskin, or bandages. Wearing well-broken-in footwear and keeping your feet clean and dry whenever possible also makes a big difference.

Good hygiene, including regular hand washing or using hand sanitizer, helps prevent illness, and simple habits like trimming toenails before the trip can improve comfort on the trail. Your guides are always available to help with pacing, layering, hydration reminders, and small adjustments that can go a long way toward keeping you feeling strong and comfortable day to day.

Bathroom availability varies. Some trailheads and visitor centers have facilities, but many hikes do not. Guides will review Leave No Trace practices for answering nature’s call off the trail. If you have need of the facili-trees, your guide will direct you.