Exploring Utah’s Mighty 5 With Kids: How One Family Made It Happen
Go Far, Girl Episode 3 – Natalie Vereen-Davis
If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Utah’s famous Mighty 5 national parks but felt overwhelmed by the planning, this story is for you. Natalie, a former English professor turned full-time roadschooling mom, is back on the blog after logging over 20,000 miles and visiting 21 national parks with her kids. Her journey from traditional life to full-time adventure is inspiring—but today, we’re diving into the actual trip that kicked off a two-month epic road trip through the American West: Utah’s Mighty 5.
These five parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands—are among the most stunning landscapes in the U.S., and Natalie tackled them all with her two young kids in tow. Here’s what she learned and loved, and how you can plan your version of this unforgettable trip.
First Stop: Zion National Park
Natalie’s favorite of the five is the iconic Zion, and it’s easy to see why. Towering red cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and a vibrant town (Springdale) just outside the park make it an easy favorite. But Natalie’s biggest tip? Skip the shuttle lines and rent an e-bike instead.
“We rented e-bikes that had kid seats and storage on the back,” she says. “It let us skip the parking chaos and see so much more of the park.” Plus, riding through the scenic corridor past landmarks like the Temple of Sinawava was practically a private tour—few others were biking, making it a peaceful and magical way to explore.
She recommends staying at Zion Canyon Campground, just across the river from the official Watchman Campground inside the park. “It had great showers, a pool, activities for the kids—like summer camp with red rock views.”
Next Up: Bryce Canyon
Just a short drive (about 90 miles) from Zion, Bryce Canyon offers an entirely different experience. Think thousands of hoodoos—otherworldly rock formations—that look like they belong on Mars.
“The amphitheaters at Bryce were unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Natalie says. “My kids called it the Silent City and loved learning the Native legend that the hoodoos were people frozen in stone.”
They biked the rim trail, stopped at every overlook, and ventured into nearby Kodachrome Basin State Park, where the kids tried archery and searched for gems in a pretend dinosaur dig. Another favorite? Renting ATVs to explore the Dixie National Forest, spotting prairie dogs, and ancient bristlecone pines.
Bryce Canyon is higher in elevation—over 8,800 feet—so Natalie warns that hikes are harder than expected, especially from sea level.
The Surprise Star: Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef was the unexpected favorite. “It’s the sleeper hit of the trip,” Natalie says. “Where else can you get a fresh pie in the middle of a national park?”
She’s talking about The Gifford House, located in the Fruita Historic District, where pioneer-era orchards still produce fruit. Visitors can pick as much as they want to eat on-site and purchase pies made from the harvest. “We waited in line, grabbed our pies, and ate them on the lawn. It was just so charming and unexpected.”
Capitol Reef is remote but peaceful. “We didn’t realize we were even in the park until we passed the visitor center. There’s no gate, and hardly any crowds.”
The only place they struggled to find parking was at Hickman Natural Bridge, but they shifted plans and returned another day. “Flexibility is key with these parks,” Natalie emphasizes.
Moab: Arches, Canyonlands & Dead Horse Point
Moab makes the perfect base for visiting three major sites: Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park.
Arches, while smaller, is packed with accessible beauty. “Even if you can’t hike, the scenic drive offers incredible views,” Natalie explains. But if you can hike, do it. “You don’t grasp the scale of these arches until you’re standing under them. It’s mind-blowing.”
Her kids were obsessed with Sand Dune Arch, a shaded, sandy playground in the middle of the park. They returned three times!
Canyonlands, however, is another beast. It’s massive, divided into separate districts that are hours apart. Natalie recommends Island in the Sky for first-timers. “It’s not a drive-through park. You have to engage. But that’s the beauty of it—you feel so small in the best way.”
Pro Tips for Planning Your Mighty 5 Road Trip
- Start in Las Vegas. It’s the most convenient airport if you’re flying in.
- Follow this route: Zion → Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef → Moab (Arches, Canyonlands).
- Give each park at least 2 days. More if you can.
- Consider shoulder seasons. You’ll avoid crowds and still enjoy great weather.
- Look beyond the national parks. Utah’s state parks and surrounding national forests are gems with fewer crowds—and sometimes more fun.
Final Thoughts
Natalie’s story is a reminder that travel doesn’t have to follow the traditional rules. With a camper, a sense of adventure, and a flexible schedule, she’s showing her kids the country in the most hands-on way possible.
“I love that my kids get to see this country up close,” she says. “And I love that I get to rediscover it with them.”
If you’re ready to plan your own Mighty Five adventure—or just want to follow more of Natalie’s journey—you can check out her blog at campingkiddos.com or find her on Instagram @campingkiddos.
Great read on exploring Utah’s parks with kids! Quick question: How doable is it to rent e-bikes at Zion during peak season? Just trying to plan ahead and avoid surprises.