Southwest National Parks Uncovered

Welcome to Vegas! On arrival in Las Vegas, you can take the complimentary hotel shuttle from the airport to the hotel (you may need to call the hotel to arrange this, details will be confirmed in your final booking documentation). The rest of today is free to settle in and head out to uncover some of the glitz and glamour of Vegas.

Please note: This tour involves extensive hiking on uneven terrain, covering an average of 5 to 8 kilometres at a time, but sometimes more. Elevation changes range from 50 to 1,000 feet, and both touring and overnight locations are situated at altitudes between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. Due to the physical demands of this itinerary, participants should be prepared for significant activity.

Las Vegas - Zion National Park - Springdale. Our adventure starts when you meet our guide and the rest of the group this morning and set out for Zion National Park. During our visit, we explore landmarks such as the Great White Throne, the Court of the Patriarchs, and the entrance to Zion Canyon Narrows. For the more adventurous, there are hiking options available, including a trek up to Scouts Lookout, offering stunning views of Angels Landing above and Zion Canyon below. Alternatively, you could take a longer hike through Zion Canyon Narrows or enjoy an easy stroll along the Pa’rus Trail, all depending on weather conditions and available time.

After exploring Zion National Park on foot, we make our way to the small town of Springdale, and there's an included welcome dinner with the group this evening.

Springdale - Grand Canyon National Park - Lake Powell. After breakfast, we depart on a scenic drive up the switchbacks of Zion and through the east entrance towards Kanab, Utah. Along the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, you'll be captivated by stunning rock formations. Once at the Grand Canyon, visit Cape Royal, Point Imperial, and the visitor centre to take in spectacular views of this most iconic natural wonder. There's quite a bit of hiking, but the effort is worth it!

We continue our journey to Page, Arizona, crossing the Navajo Bridge over the Colorado River for a glimpse of the Vermilion Cliffs, known for their brilliant crimson sedimentary rock layers. Our accommodations for the next two nights are located on the picturesque shores of Lake Powell.

Today we enjoy an included guided boat tour through Navajo Canyon. Away from the crowded land tours, we'll bask in the warm glow of Navajo Sandstone and marvel at the unique beauty of the world’s most renowned slot canyons. As we venture deeper into the canyon, you'll be captivated by the intricate Navajo Tapestry-laden walls and learn about the rich history and geology of the area, as well as the Navajo People who have called this land home for centuries.

Later, we explore the stunning Antelope Canyon with its wavy, sculpted sandstone walls. The interplay of light and shadows creates a mesmerizing visual experience. In the evening, immerse yourself in the local culture at the Red Heritage Experience in Page, Arizona. This Native American Dinner Theatre features vibrant dancing, soulful flute playing, and live drum music.

Lake Powell - Monument Valley - Bluff. Today, we head to Kayenta, Arizona, for a brief stop before heading to Monument Valley in an open-air truck. Take in the majestic formations, whether up close or stretched along the horizon. We visit iconic filming locations for classic Western movies and explore less-visited outcroppings in the backcountry. After returning to Goulding's Lodge, savour scenic, Navajo-inspired fine dining. Finally, we stops to admire the Sand Island Petroglyph Panel and make a short stop at historic Fort Bluff before completing our journey to Bluff, Utah for the night.

Bluff - Mesa Verde National Park - Durango. We begin our day with a visit to the Four Corners Monument. Here we can shop and take photos at the famous intersection where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet. We then cross into Colorado and arrive at Mesa Verde National Park. Here we can explore the dramatic ruins of ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings, ingeniously constructed within shallow caves and beneath rock overhangs. Afterward, visit several viewpoints and a museum located on the mesa top before making our way to Durango in the San Juan Mountains. This historic frontier town features a wide variety of restaurants and shopping options, making it the perfect spot to unwind in the evening.

Durango - Moab. Experience a genuine frontier adventure with a steam engine train ride on the Durango and Silverton Railroad. This remarkable track, constructed in 1881, winds through the picturesque canyons of the Animas River Valley. Upon arrival in Silverton around lunchtime, you can dine at one of the historic eateries such as the Shady Lady, Bent Elbow, or Natalie's - all of which are former bordellos now serving as restaurants. Following lunch, navigate the winding Million Dollar Highway on foot, admire the striking orange-hued mountains near Red Mountain Pass, and enjoy some shopping in Ouray before completing the journey to Moab.

Please note: From March 1 to May 1, the train will turn around at Cascade Canyon and return to Durango due to snow.

Spend the day exploring Arches National Park, home to 2,000 natural sandstone arches. We'll encounter several of these remarkable formations firsthand while hiking to Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Devil's Garden, and Courthouse Towers. In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time after returning to the hotel. Then, savour an early dinner at a local restaurant before heading to Dead Horse Point to enjoy a magical sunset over Canyonlands National Park.

Moab - Canyonlands National Park - Capitol Reef National Park - Torrey. Today begins with a scenic drive into Canyonlands National Park to witness the awe-inspiring Mesa Arch in the morning, the optimal time for photography. Afterwards, we pass through the impressive San Rafael Swell, take a brief visit to the unique landscape of Goblin Valley State Park, and then head to Capitol Reef National Park. At Capitol Reef, we'll hike to Hickman Bridge, explore the Grand Wash, and hunt for geodes and other natural treasures in this rarely visited park. The day concludes with dinner and a pleasant evening at a local hotel.

Torrey - Capitol Reef National Park - Bryce Canyon National Park - Bryce Canyon City. We head back into Capitol Reef National Park to discover some more sights this morning, before making our way towards the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument via scenic Highway 12, renowned as the All-American Road for its picturesque views. Along Highway 12, marvel at the deep canyons carved into the landscape before reaching Bryce Canyon National Park, a Utah gem known for its surreal archways and rose-colored hoodoos. Spend the late afternoon hiking one of Bryce Canyon's stunning trails, then unwind and dine in our accommodation.

Bryce Canyon City - Las Vegas. Our final full day in the Southwest's stunning landscape begins with an unforgettable sunrise, illuminating the pink cliffs of Bryce Amphitheatre. Following an exploration and hike through more of the canyon, we'll journey back to Las Vegas. En route, we pause for lunch at a local eatery in Cedar City, Utah, and take in a few last views of Zion National Park from the Kolob Fingers section. We then pass through the Virgin Gorge before arriving in Las Vegas at approximately 18:00.

After a final breakfast, take the complimentary hotel shuttle back to Las Vegas Airport on your own for your departure flight home.