Southwest National Parks Uncovered - 12 days

Southwest National Parks Uncovered - 12 days

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12 Days From

$6005

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:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 14

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

6-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $6005

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Las Vegas - Start and end your tour in the glittering desert city of Las Vegas.

  • Zion National Park - Admire stunning desert views and explore the park on the hop-on, hop-off shuttle.

  • Grand Canyon National Park - Take in a number of viewpoints of the iconic Grand Canyon.

  • Navajo Canyon - Cruise serenely along the Navajo Canyon, admiring the intricate weathered rock face.

  • Durango and Silverton Railroad - Ride this narrow-gauge railway in Colorado to take in incredible scenery.

  • Arches National Park - Uncover one of Utah's treasures with time to admire the unusual rock formations.

  • Canyonlands National Park - See the famous Mesa Arch and admire the panoramas from the Grand Viewpoint.

  • Bryce Canyon National Park - Opt to watch the sunrise from Bryce Point and choose a hike to suit your preference.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Accommodation
    3-star hotels

  • 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 3 dinners

  • 11 nights 3 star hotels

  • 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)

  • Escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide

  • All national park entrance fees

  • Navajo Canyon Cruise

  • Durango Silverton Railroad Experience

  • Monument Valley Tour

  • Antelope Canyon tour

  • 700 Years Tour

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What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

  • Any meals or drinks not specified in the inclusions

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Optional activities

  • Tips for your tour guide - an entirely personal gesture!

  • 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

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides comfortable transportation in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van.

  • Are there any meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 3 dinners.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a knowledgeable local tour guide.

  • 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.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 11 nights in 3-star hotels.

  • Are national park entrance fees included in the tour?

    Yes, all national park entrance fees are included in the tour.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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