According to forum posts, Arches National Park is a must-see, with travelers highlighting Delicate Arch and the Windows Section as key attractions. Canyonlands National Park is also highly recommended, especially for its expansive views that can be enjoyed from easy-access points like Mesa Arch and Grandview Point.

Some users suggest visiting these parks early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Mid-October is mentioned as a favorable time due to less congestion and pleasant weather, enhancing the experience at these popular sites.

Forum contributors also recommend driving scenic routes within the parks, such as the Scenic Drive in Arches, which features notable stops like Park Avenue and Devils Garden. These routes offer convenient access to major landmarks and are suitable for visitors looking for light hiking opportunities.

According to forum posts, Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort are highly recommended for families with beginners. Park City offers a vast array of slopes suitable for beginner to intermediate skiers and is noted for its convenience and variety. Deer Valley is praised for its excellent grooming and less challenging terrain.

Several travelers have mentioned that these resorts provide ski schools which are ideal for beginners and children. Deer Valley, in particular, is known for not allowing snowboarders, which might be a plus for families with young skiers.

For accommodations, the Canyons Village at Park City and various lodging options at Deer Valley are suggested. These areas offer ski-in/ski-out facilities, enhancing convenience for families.

Park City is also highlighted as a great ski town with plenty of family-friendly activities beyond skiing, such as sledding and ice skating, making it a comprehensive family winter vacation spot.

According to forum posts, Utah offers a variety of scenic driving routes. Highway 12 is frequently mentioned as one of the most scenic drives, offering breathtaking views and connecting several national parks. Another recommended scenic route is the Mount Nebo Scenic Loop, which provides stunning mountain landscapes and is particularly beautiful in the fall.

Some travelers suggested Highway 128, which runs from Moab to the Old Dewey Bridge, as a scenic byway comparable to Highway 12. The drive along Highway 24 to Highway 72 through Loa, and continuing to I-70, is also highlighted for its scenic beauty, with little traffic and views into Cathedral Valley of Capitol Reef.

For a different scenic experience, the route from Highway 89 to Provo, picking up I-15, offers a scenic drive that, while not as dramatic as Highway 12 or the Mount Nebo Scenic Loop, still provides pleasant landscapes. Additionally, Highway 95 past Natural Bridges National Monument offers remote and rugged scenery, part of the Bicentennial Scenic Byway.

According to forum posts, travelers have recommended various hikes in Utah’s Mighty Five that cater to different experience levels. For shorter hikes, Arches National Park offers the Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch trails, while Capitol Reef has the Cohab Canyon and Hickman Bridge hikes. Bryce Canyon is well-known for the Navajo/Queens Garden Loop, and Zion National Park offers the scenic Canyon Overlook Trail.

Some travelers said that while these hikes are relatively short, potential hikers should consider elevation gain and the physical intensity of each trail. For instance, the hike to Delicate Arch involves a significant elevation gain in a short distance, making it more challenging than the distance might suggest. Meanwhile, the Narrows in Zion provides a unique water hiking experience, allowing for as little or as much hiking as desired along the riverbed.

According to forum posts, popular attractions near Monument Valley include the iconic Mitten Buttes, which can be viewed directly from The View Hotel. Every room in this hotel offers a private balcony for observing these famous rock formations.

Travelers have called out Forrest Gump Point as an iconic movie location near Monument Valley that provides a picturesque view of the road with the valley in the background. This spot is favored for photo opportunities due to its cinematic significance.

Some travelers suggested booking a 2-3 hour backcountry tour of Monument Valley to explore more remote and scenic areas within the Tribal Park, enhancing the visiting experience with guided insights and access to restricted areas.

According to forum posts, a recommended itinerary for Zion and Bryce involves spending multiple days at each location to fully enjoy the hiking and scenic views. For Zion, travelers suggest staying for at least two full days to explore the key hikes and utilize the shuttle service, which requires advance ticket purchases.

For Bryce Canyon, users recommend at least one full day to experience the park's unique geological structures and beautiful amphitheater. Sunrise and sunset are particularly highlighted as must-see events. Some travelers suggest staying two nights to fully appreciate the park's natural beauty without rushing.

Travelers have called out the importance of planning and booking in advance, especially for Zion, where shuttle tickets need to be purchased ahead of time. A common recommendation is to start early in the morning to make the most of the daylight and less crowded trails.

According to forum posts, Zion National Park requires visitors to use a shuttle to access the main canyon. Travelers must purchase timed entry shuttle tickets in advance through the official park website, as highlighted by links provided in the forum discussions.

Some travelers mentioned that the Zion shuttle operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no need for advance booking outside of the main canyon area. However, during peak seasons, such as Christmas, the shuttle operates between December 24 and January 2, and tickets must be bought online in advance.

For those unable to secure shuttle tickets, forum users suggested alternatives like staying at Zion Lodge, where guests can access some trails by foot. Additionally, renting a bike is an option for exploring areas outside the main canyon without a shuttle.

According to forum posts, Zion National Park offers a variety of hiking opportunities, including the challenging trails to Angels Landing and the Narrows. Some travelers mentioned the need for permits for certain hikes, and the importance of having the correct gear, such as dry suits for the Narrows during colder seasons.

For those looking for less strenuous activities, horseback riding tours are available in the area. Additionally, the park operates a shuttle system which requires a timed entry ticket, allowing visitors to explore the main scenic areas of the park efficiently.

Travelers have called out the necessity of arriving early to secure parking at the visitor center, or alternatively using the shuttle services available from nearby Springdale. During peak times, such as Thanksgiving, the park experiences high visitor volumes, so planning ahead is advised.