Southwest National Parks Uncovered - 12 days
Southwest National Parks Uncovered - 12 days
Southwest National Parks Uncovered - 12 days
12 Days Starting and ending in Las Vegas, USA
Visiting: Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Page, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Age range:
6-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the American Southwest with the "Southwest National Parks Uncovered" tour. Begin and end your journey in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, and explore iconic national parks such as Zion, Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon. Experience the serene beauty of Navajo Canyon on a guided boat tour, and ride the historic Durango and Silverton Railroad through Colorado's stunning scenery. Discover the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde and the majestic formations of Monument Valley. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and included meals as you traverse this awe-inspiring region. With a knowledgeable local guide, you'll uncover the natural wonders and cultural heritage of this remarkable area, making memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Marriott Las Vegas/Henderson or similar
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.
Accommodation: Courtyard Marriott Las Vegas/Henderson​ or similar
Day 2: Zion National Park
Location: Zion National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel DeNovo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Hotel DeNovo or similar
Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park
Location: Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell​ or similar
Day 4: Lake Powell
Location: Page
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell​ or similar
Day 5: Monument Valley
Location: Monument Valley
Accommodation Name: Desert Rose Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: Desert Rose Inn or similar
Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park
Location: Mesa Verde National Park
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn & Suites or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites or similar
Day 7: Moab
Location: Moab
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place or similar
Day 8: Arches National Park
Location: Arches National Park
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place or similar
Day 9: Canyonlands National Park
Location: Canyonlands National Park
Accommodation Name: Broken Spur Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: Broken Spur Inn or similar
Day 10: Bryce Canyon National Park
Location: Bryce Canyon National Park
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel or similar
Day 11: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree Las Vegas or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: DoubleTree Las Vegas or similar
Day 12: Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a final breakfast, take the complimentary hotel shuttle back to Las Vegas Airport on your own for your departure flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-star hotels -
11 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 3 dinners
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11 nights 3 star hotels
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Complimentary 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)
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Escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide
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All national park entrance fees
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Navajo Canyon Cruise
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Durango Silverton Railroad Experience
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Monument Valley Tour
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Antelope Canyon tour
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700 Years Tour
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Any meals or drinks not specified in the inclusions
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Items of a personal nature
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Optional activities
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Tips for your tour guide - an entirely personal gesture!
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Please note: This tour involves a lot of walking and hiking, and a decent fitness level is required. Please speak to us before booking your tour if you have concerns or questions about your level of fitness.
Age Policy
Minimum age 6 years. All passengers must be able to hike a moderate distance, both young and old! Please see 'RED FLAGS' for more detail.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van, including complimentary airport transfers and scenic drives through stunning landscapes, ensuring a seamless journey from start to finish.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in 3-star hotels throughout the tour, including Courtyard Marriott, Hotel DeNovo, and DoubleTree Las Vegas, ensuring a restful experience after each day's adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides comfortable transportation in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van.
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Are there any meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?
Yes, the tour involves a lot of walking and hiking, and a decent fitness level is required. It is recommended to speak with the tour provider if you have concerns about your fitness level.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 6 years. All passengers must be able to hike a moderate distance.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, there is a complimentary airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 12 via hotel shuttle. However, you will need to organize the arrival transfer yourself.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 11 nights in 3-star hotels.
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Are national park entrance fees included in the tour?
Yes, all national park entrance fees are included in the tour.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.