05 Aug Which One Is Your Favorite?

🌄 Ranking Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks (From “Wow” to “Mind-Blown”)

Utah is home to five jaw-dropping national parks — known far and wide as the Mighty 5 — each with its own personality, quirks, and “must-see” moments. It’s like having five rock star siblings, and somehow, they all made it big. But if we had to rank them? Here’s how they stack up…

5️⃣ Capitol Reef – The Underrated Gem

Capitol Reef is the park your friend tells you about when they “don’t want everyone else to know.”

• Why it’s here: It’s gorgeous, but it’s quieter and less famous than the others. That’s also its charm — no bumper-to-bumper hiking traffic.
• Don’t miss: The Waterpocket Fold (a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth) and fresh pies from Gifford House.

4️⃣ Canyonlands – The Grand Canyon’s Cool Cousin

Massive, rugged, and wild, Canyonlands feels like nature’s version of an epic movie set.

• Why it’s here: It’s stunning, but it’s HUGE — you really need multiple trips to see it all.
• Don’t miss: Mesa Arch at sunrise — it’s one of the most photographed spots in Utah for a reason.

3️⃣ Bryce Canyon – Nature’s Red Rock Wonderland

Bryce Canyon looks like it was designed by Dr. Seuss after too much coffee.

• Why it’s here: The hoodoos are out-of-this-world unique — no other park looks like it.
• Don’t miss: Sunrise Point, where the first light of day hits the rock spires like a spotlight.

2️⃣ Arches – The Icon Maker

If Utah had a logo, it would be Delicate Arch — and that’s not even the park’s only showstopper.

• Why it’s here: Over 2,000 natural arches in one park? Come on. That’s rock royalty.
• Don’t miss: Delicate Arch at sunset — bring water, good shoes, and a camera.

1️⃣ Zion – The Crown Jewel

The king of the Mighty 5, Zion National Park is like a rock cathedral you can hike through.

• Why it’s here: Dramatic cliffs, lush canyons, and hikes like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows make it an all-in-one bucket list.
• Don’t miss: The Narrows — wading through the Virgin River with 1,000-foot canyon walls towering above you.

🏆 The Verdict

Whether you agree with this ranking or think your favorite deserves the crown, the truth is: Utah’s Mighty 5 are all worth a spot on your travel bucket list. They’re different enough that you could visit all five and never get the same view twice.