Utah's Mighty Five National Parks

The ‘River City’ extends a warm welcome as your launch pad to an in-depth encounter with the Mighty Five National Parks of Utah. Relax after your arrival or explore on your own before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening for a Welcome Reception.

We head to canyon country this morning and see first-hand the power of the Colorado River carving its way through the rocky red landscape at Canyonlands National Park in our three different hikes. Ascend to the top of the Island in the Sky mesa and admire Canyonlands' spectacular landscape below. Today’s highpoint will surely be the two-mile hike to Grandview Point Overlook where, standing at the “edge of the world,” you’ll be greeted with desert vistas for hundreds of miles. Continue to tackle shorter hikes at Whale Rock and Green River Overlook. After a full day, dive into a filling regional dinner at Canyon Steak and Waffle hosted by local restaurateur Shawn Welch who’ll treat us to authentic American diner fare. After dinner we will be joined by a Local Specialist and renowned National Park photographer who will enlighten us sharing their passion and knowledge in a talk on landscape photography you’ll surely find useful in this gorgeous setting.

Admire the exquisite natural sandstone shapes that dot the landscape in Arches National Park. Learn how Mother Nature’s magic touch has left her indelible mark with wind and rain when you view or embark on a strenuous hike up to famous Delicate Arch. Continue your exploration with a walk to Double Arch, Landscape Arch or Turret Arch. Take a well-deserved break this afternoon or explore the town of Moab at your leisure.

See and hike amongst the other-worldly hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park this morning – these mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles make for a memorable hike and photo opportunity before you arrive at Capitol Reef National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. In the evening, enjoy the rustic charm of this special resort, located on the edge of the park, offering truly spectacular landscapes, and breathtaking views.

Lace up your boots for an exhilarating morning hike in Capitol Reef National Park, whose colorful canyons and capitol-shaped domes provide the perfect backdrop for an adventure. Continue your journey along an "All American Road", Highway 12, one of America’s most scenic highways, before embarking on a hike in Kodachrome Basin State Park. Here, you will have the opportunity to select the trail that best suits your adventurous spirit. This dramatic landscape features striking layered stone spires which are a sight to behold. We continue to Bryce Canyon National Park, where we’ll spend the next two nights.

You’ll have a full free day to relax or explore the eerie landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park today. Everyone will be able to self select hikes and walks that best suit them, from leisurely to strenuous, from an hour to all day. Admire the rusty red limestone spires that rise up surreally from the desert floor to meet Utah’s skies from scenic viewpoints or follow one of the many trails into the hoodoos and beyond.

A pink, red and orange canvas awaits visitors to Coral Pink Sands State Park. Climb up the coral-hued dunes to admire the wind sculpted ripples of the dunes. Embrace today's MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience experience as we hike down into Antelope Canyon in The Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. Our local Navajo guides will explain to us how slot canyons are formed as we are awed by the dramatic beauty surrounding us. Then do a short hike to see Horseshoe Bend and the flowing Colorado River which has carved its way through the red-colored sandstone.

Enjoy a full free day to spend as you wish in the water wonderland that is Lake Powell. Relax and rejuvenate on the lake or consider joining one of the organized optional activities, like our famed Colorado River Float Trip, kayaking through one of the canyons or a helicopter ride up to the top of Tower Butte for 360' views of the world below you.

One spectacular natural sight gives way to another when you drive along the Vermillion Cliffs, witness the striking colors as we wander westward. Arriving into Zion National Park late morning, select from many fantastic hikes including Watchman Trail, Hidden Canyon, Angel's Landing, Observation Point and the Narrows. They range from easy to strenuous. Later, this evening, join your new friends and Travel Director for a well-deserved Farewell Dinner.

Don’t leave Zion without a morning hike under your belt. You’ll have the whole morning to spend as you wish before departing for Las Vegas mid-afternoon.