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How to Book a Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip

See Arches and Zion in the quiet of late autumn without paying interest for over a year.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $120.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Late autumn is the best time for Utah. The summer crowds vanish, the heat turns into a crisp chill, and the red rocks look better in the soft light. You can actually find a parking spot at the trailheads and enjoy the silence of the desert.

A trip like this usually runs about $1800 for a week of travel. If you want to spread that cost out, you can use the Discover it® Cash Back card, which offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. APR is just the interest rate the bank charges you, and this lets you pay for the trip over time without extra fees.

Remember that the 0% intro APR is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance after the 15 months are up, the bank will start charging you interest on what you owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map your route

    Start in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City to rent a car. Plot a loop that hits Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Give yourself at least seven days to avoid burning out on the road.

  2. 02

    Book your lodging

    Look for hotels or campsites near the park entrances early. Staying inside the parks is harder to book but saves you hours of driving each morning. Book these as soon as your dates are locked in.

  3. 03

    Set your payment plan

    Using the Discover it® Cash Back card for your $1800 in expenses means you can pay about $120.00 per month to hit a zero balance by the end of the 15-month intro window. This keeps your cash flow steady while you enjoy the trip.

  4. 04

    Buy an annual pass

    Don't pay for each park individually. Buy the America the Beautiful pass, which covers entrance fees for all national parks for a full year. It saves you money if you plan to visit at least three parks.

  5. 05

    Prep for weather

    Desert nights drop well below freezing in late autumn. Pack layers and a solid jacket so you aren't shivering at sunrise. Check road conditions before you drive between parks.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Is late autumn too cold for hiking?

It is perfect for hiking because you avoid the intense heat of summer. You just need to bring warm layers for the early mornings and evenings when temperatures drop.

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle?

Most major park roads are paved and accessible by any car. You only need a 4x4 if you plan on driving deep into remote areas or unmaintained dirt roads.

How much does the park pass cost?

The annual pass is $80. It covers you and everyone in your car at every national park in the country for 12 months.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% intro APR period early. Always set up an automatic payment for at least the minimum amount due each month to stay safe.