There’s something special about exploring new places by yourself – but even more so when you get to share it with the people you care about. Although Utah isn’t on the list of states I still need to visit (only 12 left!), when the possibility of a Utah adventure was put on the table it didn’t take much contemplation to say “let’s do it”!
I spent a hot second in Utah during a trip in 2019 – a night on Antelope Island and breakfast in Salt Lake City before heading east. Now that I’ve jumped head first into the birding world, the idea of revisiting Antelope Island was a very appealing one. Then I realized the Mighty Five also reside within the Beehive State. While bagging National Parks isn’t my travel focus right now, it is a goal. So the loosey goosiest of plans was made.
Slowly, but surely Kristin and I pieced together a pretty kickass trip. From a night in a bougie hotel in Salt Lake City to a night camping beneath the stars, we covered a wide range of activities in a mere 6 day – 5 night trip. The goal is for each day to have it’s own post, but just to get the ball rolling…here’s our itinerary.
Day One: Antelope Island
Davis County, Utah
Over 250 bird species have been recorded on the island with multiple different ecosystems, it’s a birder’s dream. Mammals on the island include Pronghorn Antelope, Bison, Bighorn Sheep, Coyotes, and more! But word of advice…beware the bugs.
Target Birds: all of them
Day Two: Antelope Island + Travel
Davis County, Utah
We went for the Bison…and we found ’em! And the Burrowing Owls!
Target Birds: Burrowing Owl + Lark Sparrow
Day Three: Zion National Park
Springdale, Utah
Verdant is the first word that comes to mind. Soaring rock walls and lush green hanging gardens (a result of the high snowpack and recent rains) characterized the first of the Mighty Five.
Target Birds: California Condor + American Dipper
Day Four: Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon, Utah
The entrance to Bryce Canyon requires a drive through the Dixie National Forest. Roads lined with tall conifers such as Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Firs, and Bristlecone Pines opens up to the crimson colored stones of the Bryce Amphitheater decorated with the unique geological feature known as a “Hoodoo”.
Target Birds: Pygmy Nuthatch
Day Five: Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks
Torrey and Moab, Utah
Capitol Reef and Canyonlands definitely didn’t get their full due, but for a sampler trip it was perfect. Capitol Reef encompasses the Waterpocket Fold (I’m not a geologist…but it was dope!) which is the largest of this type of geological feature we can see in North America and has some neat petroglyphs.
Canyonlands was cool, aptly named. But you need to have a little more time for some down and dirty adventuring than we allotted to fully enjoy the park.
Target Birds: Western Tanager
Day Six: Arches National Park + Travel
Moab, Utah
Arches was the lowest of the parks on my list to visit…but if you’ve gotten the other four, might as well round it out and get five!
We decided to get to the park early and hike the iconic Delicate Arch trail. Once we got to the smooth sandstone, I took my shoes off and hiked the rest barefoot…highly recommend!
Four days. Five National Parks. Over 1,300 driven miles. Over 18 hiked miles. It was a whirlwind trip and not for the faint of heart…but if you’ve gotta pack the parks into a short trip, this is the way to do it!