Utah's Mighty Five

Step into a world of towering arches, crimson canyons, and breathtaking trails on a journey through the Southwest's most iconic landscapes. From the delicate spans of Arches to the hoodoo forests of Bryce Canyon, from the Island in the Sky at Canyonlands to the narrows of Zion, this adventure covers all five of Utah's celebrated national parks. Each day reveals a different canvas of red rock, sculpted sandstone, and vast desert sky — landscapes that have been millions of years in the making and reward every step with wonder.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Walk Rating Key

Incline

Gentle — gain < 200 ft

Moderate — gain 200–1,000 ft

Steep — gain 1,000–2,000 ft

Terrain

🏙️ PavedAlmost entirely on pavement

🥾 TrailsWell-groomed trails, few obstacles

⛰️ RuggedRocky, rooted paths, or soft sand

Day 1

Arrive Salt Lake City · Optional City Walk · Welcome Orientation

2 walks · 15 km

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Travelers arrive into Salt Lake City for the beginning of our tour of remarkable Utah. No activities are planned for the day but walkers are welcome to explore Salt Lake City on a walk sponsored by a local walking club, or join a shorter WAI-guided walk featuring Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, and the Family History Library. We rendezvous at the hotel this evening for a Welcome Orientation. Optional Salt Lake City Capital Walk – 5/10 km, rated 2B. Note: Optional activities will likely require travelers to arrive a day early on May 12.

Salt Lake City Capitol Walk (optional)5 km🥾 Trails

Salt Lake City Capitol Walk (extended, optional) (alternative)10 km🥾 Trails

Day 2

Salt Lake City to Moab · Arches National Park · Windows · Devil's Garden · Park Avenue

3 walks · 12 km

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A lovely drive down country roads takes us into the Colorado Plateau. The small town of Moab serves as a base for two unforgettable national park experiences. Today's 3-part walk in Arches National Park is characterized by graceful, gargantuan arches and windows carved into magnificent reddish sandstone monoliths. The bonus of walking right up to many of the formations adds an almost sacred sense of scale to the experience. Arches National Park Walk – 9 km, rated 1B. Walk #1 Windows/Turret/Double Arch: 3 km (1C). Walk #2 Devil's Garden to Landscape Arch: 4 km (1B) or Challenge Walk – Delicate Arch: 5.3 km (4C). Walk #3 Park Avenue: 1.6 km (2C).

Arches NP: Windows / Turret / Double Arch3 km⛰️ Rugged

Arches NP: Devil's Garden to Landscape Arch4 km🥾 Trails

Arches NP: Delicate Arch (challenge option) (alternative)5 km⛰️ Rugged

Day 3

Canyonlands National Park · Dead Horse Point · Mesa Arch · Grand View Trail

4 walks · 11 km

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A 4-kilometer walk at Dead Horse Point State Park is a great warm up for the main event in Canyonlands — three additional short trails in the aptly-named 'Island in the Sky' section of the national park. A top-of-the-world feeling overtakes us as we walk along mesa rims, looking down 2000 feet to the canyon floor spread before us to infinity. Our eyes are drawn deeper still, into the dark grooves of a third tier of sandstone below, through which the Colorado and Green Rivers have carved their way. Vistas offered on these walks are among the most dramatic we've ever witnessed! Canyonlands Walk – 11 km, rated 2C. Walk #4 Dead Horse Rim: 4 km (2B). Walk #5 Mesa Arch: 1.25 km (1B). Walk #6 White Rim: 3 km (1B). Walk #7 Grand View Trail: 3 km (3C).

Canyonlands: Dead Horse Rim4 km🥾 Trails

Canyonlands: Mesa Arch1 km🥾 Trails

Canyonlands: White Rim3 km🥾 Trails

Canyonlands: Grand View Trail3 km⛰️ Rugged

Day 4

Moab to Escalante · Goblin Valley · Capitol Reef National Park · Highway 12

1 walk · 3 km

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Discover the bizarre rock formations of Goblin Valley. Continue to our third National Park, Capitol Reef, for a canyon hike ending in Fruita's historic orchards. Scenic drive along Highway 12, an All-American Road. Bonus Walk – Grand Wash Canyon Walk – 3 km, rated 2B.

Capitol Reef: Grand Wash Canyon Walk3 km🥾 Trails

Day 5

Grand Staircase-Escalante · Anasazi State Park · Wild West Retreat Dinner

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A born-and-raised local hosts us on a driving tour this morning along Highway 12 through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to Boulder. Our stop at Anasazi State Park Museum sheds light on the mysterious predecessors of the Navajo, the Anasazi, who inhabited this part of the Southwest for over a thousand years. On the return drive, we enjoy the view while our host shares memorable tidbits on the area's history and culture, and maybe even a dinosaur track sighting! This evening, we meet Jenifer, our hostess, for a down-home Utah backcountry dinner at the Wild West Retreat.

Day 6

Escalante to Springdale · Bryce Canyon National Park · Fairyland Rim · Bryce Rim Trail

3 walks · 14 km

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Bryce Canyon boasts some of the most colorful, fantastical rock formations on a journey chock-full of incredible canyons! We walk at our highest elevation here, around 9,000 feet above sea level, and use two different trails to see the canyon. Part 1 has a 'standard' option along the rim or a 'challenge' option that drops down amongst the captivating hoodoo formations of the Queen's Garden trail. We walk Part 2 together, relishing non-stop classic views of formations like the Cathedral and Silent City from the Rim Trail. More scenic driving takes us through tunnels east of Zion National Park to Springdale, our home for the last two nights. Bryce Canyon Walk – 9 km, rated 2B. Walk #10 Fairyland Rim: 4 km (2B) or Challenge – Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop: 5.8 km (2C). Walk #11 Bryce Rim: 5 km (2B).

Bryce Canyon: Fairyland Rim4 km🥾 Trails

Bryce Canyon: Queen's Garden / Navajo Loop (challenge) (alternative)5 km⛰️ Rugged

Bryce Canyon: Rim Trail5 km🥾 Trails

Day 7

Zion National Park · Self-Guided Exploration · Farewell Dinner

1 walk · 10 km

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Zion's excellent shuttle system and network of trails and viewpoints make this a delightful, low-stress way to unwind after 6 days packed with 'amazing'! WAI guides orient you to the park and the shuttle service, providing approach and trail recommendations to Zion; then you are on your own to enjoy the day. We rendezvous this evening for fellowship and reminiscing at a farewell dinner in a favorite Springdale local eatery. Walk #12: Self-guided Zion National Park Walk – 10 km, rated 1B.

Zion National Park Self-Guided Walk10 km🥾 Trails

Day 8

Springdale to Las Vegas · Depart

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Breakfast is followed by a drive across the desert to the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). Here, we say farewell to our walking pals, and to an otherworldly walking adventure in amazing Utah!

Take this itinerary with you.

Download the full brochure with day-by-day details, pricing, and what's included.

What's Included

Included

All land travel
tourist class hotel accommodations
all breakfasts
2 group dinners
12 guided walks across 5 national parks
all national park entrance fees
mini-bus transfers
WAI guide service throughout. Based on double occupancy.

Not Included

Airfare
lunches
most dinners
travel insurance
single supplement
personal expenses

Ready to Explore Utah's Mighty Five?

Reserve Your Spot

Questions? Call 360.260.9393 · Mon–Fri, 7–10am Pacific

Enhance Your Trip

Make your adventure even richer with these optional additions. Pre-nights and activities can be added at any time — before booking, during registration, or later via your trip advisor.

Single Supplement — Pre-Night

Single room supplement for the May 12 pre-night.

$99

Single Supplement — Main Tour

Single room supplement for the main tour.

$975

Pre-Night in Salt Lake City

Arrive a day early in Salt Lake City before the Utah adventure begins.

$99/night

Salt Lake City Capitol Walk

A guided walk through Salt Lake City's Capitol Hill district on Day 1.

Free (included)

Available to add during registration or by calling 360.260.9393.

Before You Book

Start by browsing our tour calendar and finding the adventure that fits your interests, dates, and walking level. There are two ways to secure your spot. You can pre-register for $200 per person to express interest before full details are released — pre-registered travelers receive a Priority Booking Invitation with one week to register before remaining space opens to the general public. Full registration requires a non-refundable $500 deposit ($200 pre-registration + $300 additional, or $500 if registering directly). Final payment is due 90 days before departure and can be made online or mailed by check for a 1% discount. Final payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. You'll receive reminders before each deadline. About 2-3 weeks before departure, you'll receive a final email packet with hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a detailed daily schedule. All registrations are subject to our General Terms & Conditions. Questions? Call us at 360.260.9393 or email hello@walkingadventures.fun.

Several stops on this tour are at elevation — Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000 feet (2,438 m) and parts of Zion reach similar heights. Most travelers adjust fine, but you may feel slightly breathless or tire more quickly at altitude. Stay well-hydrated, take it easy on the first day, and let your guides know if you feel unwell. If you have a history of altitude sensitivity, consult your doctor before the trip.

Airfare is generally not included in the tour price. The starting point for each tour is the arrival airport or first hotel. We recommend booking your own flights so you can use your preferred airline, frequent flyer miles, or travel credit. When air travel is necessary within an itinerary (such as inter-island flights in the Azores), it is usually included in the tour price. We recommend contacting Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. Detailed arrival and departure airport information is provided on each tour page and in your registration materials.

May is one of the best times to visit Utah's national parks. Expect warm days (75-90°F / 24-32°C) and cool nights (40-55°F / 5-13°C). Desert sun is intense — bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible but usually brief. The red rock landscapes are spectacular in the warm light of spring.

Once paid, your registration deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is due before departure — your tour page has the specific dates — and is non-refundable after the due date. We'll send you a reminder a week or two before each deadline so nothing sneaks up on you. If a tour doesn't reach the minimum number of participants needed to run, WAI may cancel the departure — and if that happens, you'll receive a full refund of everything you've paid. It's rare, but we want you to know where you stand. See our General Tour Conditions for complete cancellation and refund details.

This tour ranges from flat paved paths (Arches scenic viewpoints) to more demanding terrain (Delicate Arch trail, Grand View Trail in Canyonlands). Most walks offer a standard and a challenge option, so you can choose your level each day. Some trails involve uneven rock surfaces, sand, and steps carved into stone. Sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support are essential — sandals and sneakers won't cut it here.

WAI believes strongly in the importance of travel insurance for financial and medical protection from unforeseen circumstances before departure or during your adventure. We recommend a policy covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and emergency medical expenses. Be aware that some policies contain time-sensitive provisions — benefits like coverage of pre-existing conditions may only be available if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of booking. Airfare is generally not covered by tour travel insurance. Using SquareMouth.com is a good way to compare pricing. Other options include Allianz, Travel Guard, and Travel Insured International. WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by credit card companies — verify coverage types and limits before relying on them.

Every WAI walk uses a two-part rating: a number (1–3) for incline and a letter (A–C) for terrain. Here’s what they look like:

1 — Gentle (gain < 200 ft)

2 — Moderate (gain 200–1,000 ft)

3 — Steep (gain 1,000–2,000 ft)

🏙️ PavedA — Paved (almost entirely on pavement)

🥾 TrailsB — Trails (well-groomed trails, few obstacles)

⛰️ RuggedC — Rugged (rocky, rooted paths, or soft sand)

Quick Reference

	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Gentle	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Moderate	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Steep	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged

Each tour page also has a Tour Pace rating (1–5) and a Walk Challenge rating (1–5) that summarize the overall difficulty. Use these to compare tours at a glance — then check the day-by-day itinerary for the full picture.

You'll receive a detailed packing list and final email packet about 2-3 weeks before departure, including hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule. Key items for every WAI tour: well broken-in walking shoes (not new ones), layers for variable weather, a lightweight waterproof rain jacket, a small daypack for daily walks, sunscreen, and a hat. For international tours, check your tour page for destination-specific recommendations. Comfortable, modest clothing works for most group dinners — WAI tours are relaxed, not formal.

Most days begin with a group breakfast, followed by a morning walk or cultural visit. Midday includes a lunch stop — sometimes included, sometimes on your own at a local restaurant. Afternoons blend walking with sightseeing, and evenings are usually free with periodic group dinners. You'll never feel rushed, and there's always time to rest, explore on your own, or sit in a café and watch the world go by. Your guides will share a detailed daily schedule before the trip so you'll know exactly what to expect.

You don't need to be an athlete. WAI tours range from gentle strolls through city streets to more adventurous walks on hills and trails — and most walking days offer a shorter or easier alternative so you can choose your level. If you enjoy walking regularly and can handle a couple of miles at a comfortable pace, you'll find tours that fit. More experienced walkers will find plenty to challenge them too. The best preparation is to walk regularly in the weeks before your trip, gradually building up distance. Every tour page shows walk-by-walk ratings so you can see exactly what's involved — and if you're unsure, give us a call. We love helping people find the right fit.

WAI groups are small by design — every group is kept intentionally small so you're never just a face in the crowd. Two WAI guides accompany every trip (plus local national guides on international tours), which means more personal attention, better access to local experiences, and the kind of camaraderie that turns fellow travelers into lasting friends. Check your tour page for specific group size details.

Absolutely — and you won't be alone for long. Many of our travelers come solo and quickly find themselves part of the group. We offer a roommate matching service at no extra charge, or you can book a single room for a supplement (amount varies by tour). Solo travelers consistently tell us that the community feel of a WAI trip is one of the best parts.

Meal inclusions vary by tour — check your specific tour page for details. Most tours include daily breakfast, several group dinners, and select lunches. On free-meal days, your guides will recommend local restaurants that match the group's tastes and budget. Group dinners are a highlight — they're often at locally owned restaurants where the food tells a story about the place you're visiting.

With help from local experts and walking guides, Classic Curated itineraries are crafted with extensive on-site planning by WAI tour planners. Our objective is to capture the essence of a destination by weaving together its culture, history, natural beauty, and culinary traditions into a walking-centric adventure. Think of it as a fully planned trip where each day is thoughtfully designed — not a self-guided hike, not a resort stay, but an immersive journey with a small group led by experienced WAI guides.

After you register, we'll send you an Adventure Advice email with everything you need to plan your trip — recommended flights, arrival airports, timing tips, and important steps to take before departure. One big thing: please don't buy your flights until you've seen this email. It'll save you headaches and help you find the best options. Closer to departure, you'll get a final packet with hotel details, a list of your fellow travelers, and a day-by-day schedule.

If a tour departure doesn't reach the minimum enrollment needed to run, WAI reserves the right to cancel it. If that happens, registered participants receive a 100% refund of all payments made to WAI. Most tours reach minimum enrollment well in advance, and cancellations are rare — but we want you to know we stand behind our commitment if it ever happens. In cases where supplier non-refundable deposits limit what WAI can recover, we'll do our best to apply unrecovered amounts as credit toward a future tour.

Our approach to wellness on tour encourages travelers to: focus on health before the tour so you start healthy; pace yourself while on tour, as travel is inherently stimulating and can mask energy drain; stay hydrated and rested, especially on long-haul travel days and at altitude; and speak up if you're not feeling well — our guides are trained to help and would rather know early. We travel in small groups where everyone looks out for each other, and our guides carry first aid supplies and know local medical resources at every stop. Read our full Wellness on Tour Policy for details.

Utah's Mighty Five

Tour Pace

Walk Challenge