Southwest National Parks Uncovered - 12 days Tour by On The Go Tours

12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

14 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Las Vegas, USA

Ends

Las Vegas, USA

Highlights

Las Vegas - Start and end your tour in the glittering desert city of Las Vegas, and opt to extend your trip here

Zion National Park - Admire stunning desert views, choose from a variety of hiking options and explore the park on the hop-on, hop-off shuttle (seasonal)

Grand Canyon National Park - Take in a number of viewpoints of the iconic Grand Canyon, probably the USA's most famous natural landmark

Navajo Canyon - Cruise serenely along the Navajo Canyon, admiring the intricate weathered rock face, carved over millenia by the elements

Durango and Silverton Railroad - Ride this narrow-gauge railway in Colorado to take in even more of the state's incredible scenery

Arches National Park - Uncover one of Utah's treasures early, before the crowds descend, with time to admire the unusual rock formations here

Canyonlands National Park - See the famous Mesa Arch, admire the panoramas from the Grand Viewpoint and take in candlestick Tower

Bryce Canyon National Park - Opt to watch the sunrise from Bryce Point and choose a hike or trek to suit your own preference and fitness level

Arches National Park - Uncover one of Utah's treasures early, before the crowds descend, with time to admire the unusual rock formations here

Canyonlands National Park - See the famous Mesa Arch, admire the panoramas from the Grand Viewpoint and take in candlestick Tower

Bryce Canyon National Park - Opt to watch the sunrise from Bryce Point and choose a hike or trek to suit your own preference and fitness level

Itinerary

Picture yourself standing on the rim of Utah’s Bryce Canyon, tracing the Colorado River in Arizona, or riding a historic railroad through Colorado’s dramatic landscapes—this is just a taste of what awaits on the 12-day 'Southwest National Parks Uncovered' tour, starting and concluding in Las Vegas. With a moderate activity level, this journey is well-suited to adventurous travelers who appreciate a balance of comfort and exploration. Hike to breathtaking overlooks at the Grand Canyon, enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Powell, and ride the storied Durango and Silverton Railroad. Experience the splendor of Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’—Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon—each offering unforgettable vistas and hiking opportunities. This small group national parks tour features handpicked accommodations, seamless transport, and meals included, ensuring you can focus on the landscapes and your fellow explorers. What sets this trip apart is its blend of iconic national parks with unique experiences, such as the heritage train ride, making it a must for anyone eager to discover the Southwest’s legendary beauty in depth.

day 1 - Viva Las Vegas!

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.

OverNight:Las Vegas

day 2 - Zion National Park

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Springdale

day 3 - The mighty Grand Canyon

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Lake Powell

day 4 - Navajo Canyon cruise

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Lake Powell

day 5 - Monument Valley

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Bluff

day 6 - Mesa Verde National Park

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Durango

day 7 - Durango and Silverton Railway ride

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Moab

day 8 - Arches National Park

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Moab

day 9 - Canyonlands & Capitol Reef national parks

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Torrey

day 10 - Bryce Canyon National Park

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Bryce Canyon City

day 11 - Bryce Canyon sunrise & back to Vegas

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Las Vegas

day 12 - Las Vegas

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

Meals:1 Breakfast

Southwest National Parks Uncovered - 12 days

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What's Included

Accommodation

11 nights 3 star hotelsComplimentary airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 12 via hotel shuttle (Note you will have to organise the arrival transfer yourself)

Meals

11 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 3 dinners

Transport

Comfortable Transportation in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van

Guide

Escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide

Others

Navajo Canyon CruiseDurango Silverton Railroad ExperienceMonument Valley TourAntelope Canyon tour700 Years TourNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Entrance

All national park entrance fees

What's Excluded

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