Utah Mighty 5 National Parks: Small Group 7-Day Tour

Ziua 1 · USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park and Moab

1. 1

   Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   If Salt Lake City is chosen as the pick-up location, we will start the tour at the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum. At this museum, you can discover what life was like thousands to millions of years ago in Southern Utah. This museum contains over 700,000 archaeological artifacts, ranging from complete sets of dinosaur bones to pictographs left by the Fremont people more than 2,000 years ago. No matter your interests, you are bound to find something you enjoy.

2. 2

   Dead Horse Point State Park

   45 min Intrarea inclusă

   Located only a few miles from Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park offers a unique view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. While driving around, your tour guide will tell you the unusual story of how this park got its name.

3. 3

   Canyonlands National Park

   2 h 30 min

   Canyonlands National Park is made up of three distinct regions: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. We will be touring the Island in the Sky region which is situated far above the Colorado River. From this vantage point, we will see deep into the virtually untouched canyons below, giving us a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

4. 4

   Moab

   45 min

   Located between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Moab is seen as the gateway to many of Utah’s greatest natural landscapes. You’ll love your stay here just as much as the parks themselves!

Wingate by Wyndham Moab, Best Western, or a similar quality hotel. Upgrades to luxury accommodations are available.

Ziua 2 · Arches National Park, Potash Road and Adventure in Moab

1. 1

   Arches National Park

   4 ore

   With more than 2,000 arches, Arches National Park has the densest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world! With only a short hike, many world famous arches can be seen up close, including landscape arch, delicate arch, and double arch. This is a national park you won’t want to miss!

2. 2

   Moab

   4 ore

   Choose from optional activities in Moab, such as river rafting, horseback riding, guided hiking, a riverboat tour, a scenic air tour, or an off-road 4×4 adventure. These activities are at your own expense and can be arranged through your guide, subject to availability.

   If you would like to book optional activity, please contact us in advance to discuss available options.

3. 3

   Potash Road

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Located right outside of Moab, Potash road winds along the Colorado river with water on one side, and a huge rock cliff on the other. Along this road, your tour guide will show you ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks, as well as additional arches that can be accessed by foot.

Included

Wingate by Wyndham Moab, Best Western, or a similar quality hotel. Upgrades to luxury accommodations are available.

Ziua 3 · Monument Valley, Mexican Hat and Goosenecks State Park

1. 1

   Monument Valley

   2 ore

   Composed of vast buttes that tower over 1,000 feet in the sky, Monument Valley is the perfect place to stretch your legs from the long car ride and take some pictures. These buttes have made appearances in many movies, the most famous of which being the running scene in Forrest Gump.

2. 2

   Goosenecks State Park

   45 min Intrarea inclusă

   Gooseneck State Park offers stunning views of a river that cuts deep into the landscape, creating a canyon full of tight turns. You’ll also be able to see Mexican Hat, an incredible sombrero-shaped rock.

3. 3

   Oprirea 3

   3 ore Intrarea nu este inclusă

   Discover Monument Valley through the eyes of the Navajo with this family-friendly, Navajo-owned tour company. Perfect for cultural explorers and photographers alike, these tours take you beyond the public routes to sacred sites, ancient petroglyphs, and dramatic sandstone arches.

   Led by expert Navajo guides, you’ll hear stories of history, tradition, and personal experience that bring the landscape to life. Families will love the drumming and singing inside the arches—an unforgettable moment for kids and adults. Photographers will enjoy exclusive access to stunning, lesser-seeing locations bathed in golden sunset light.

   Highly recommended: the 3-hour sunset tour, with time for photos, shopping, and meaningful cultural connection.

   Note: Monument Valley Navajo-Guided 4x4 Jeep Tour included ONLY if selected as the one complimentary experience; otherwise paid optional.

4. 4

   Mexican Hat

   30 min

   A Scenic Desert Stop

   Explore Mexican Hat, a small town in southeastern Utah named after a striking sombrero-shaped rock formation. This unique 60-foot-wide red sandstone rock balances dramatically on a pedestal and is easily accessible via a short hike or dirt road. Located along U.S. Route 163 near the San Juan River, it’s a perfect photo stop, especially at sunrise or sunset.

   Nearby attractions include cultural experiences and local trading posts within the Navajo Nation, as well as scenic destinations such as Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park, and Monument Valley. Ideal for road trippers, photographers, and geology enthusiasts, Mexican Hat is a memorable highlight of the American Southwest.

Included

Cabin in Dukes Slickrock Campground & RV Park or similar quality accommodation.

Ziua 4 · Goblin Valley State Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Scenic Byway 12 and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

1. 1

   Goblin Valley State Park

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   The “goblins” in Goblin Valley get their name from the thousands of unique hoodoos, or columns of weathered stone, that dot its surface. In this State Park, there are no official paths, allowing you to walk up close to the hoodoos and take pictures. If time permits, your tour guide will take you on a hike to Goblins Lair, an incredibly tall cave.

2. 2

   Capitol Reef National Park

   2 ore

   Capitol Reef National Park has a rich history and a unique geology. Over 1,000 years ago, the Fremont people lived in this region, making pictographs on the cliffs that can still be seen today. We’ll also explore the remnants of Fruita, a small town established in the 1880s.

3. 3

   Scenic Byway 12

   Trecere fără oprire

   Route 12 is known as one of the most scenic roads in the US. This 124-mile highway cuts through steep sandstone canyons and narrow winding roads, offering incredible views that are a must see amongst visitors. In addition, multiple national and state parks dot this road, including Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase-Escalante.

4. 4

   Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

   Trecere fără oprire

   The 1.88 million acres of land that make up Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is considered some of the most remote in the US. Although we won’t be stopping, you’ll appreciate the vastness and beauty of this region.

Included

Capitol Reef Resort, or Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, or similar accommodation.

Ziua 5 · Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and Kanab

1. 1

   Bryce Canyon National Park

   4 ore

   From its beautiful pink and white cliffs to its thousands of hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to leave a powerful impression on you. This park features many incredible, easily accessible viewpoints that provide excellent locations to take photographs. For the more adventurous, your tour guide will take you down into the canyon along the Navajo-Queen’s Garden Trail, passing through breathtaking rock formations that took thousands of years to shape.

2. 2

   Zion National Park

   4 ore

   Zion National Park offers gorgeous wind-sculpted canyons and hikes along incredible trails. This park has something for everyone: for those who would rather stay in the car, you will love the intricate patterns found on Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock. For amateur hikers, you’ll enjoy the stunning views from the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Riverside Walk. For experienced hikers, you’ll have the choice to hike to either through the Narrows, or up to Angel's Landing.

3. 3

   Kanab

   1 h 30 min

   The small town of Kanab is a common stopping point for visitors to Southwest Utah. Home to destinations such as The Wave and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, this is the perfect place to stop after a long day's journey.

Included

Best Western, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, or similar accommodation.

Ziua 6 · Wave Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Moqui Sand Caves and Museum

1. 1

   The Wave at Coyote Buttes

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   The Wave is the ultimate dreamland for photographers and travelers alike. This canyon is composed of many colorful layers, carved out over thousands of years of natural erosion. In order to protect this delicate environment from increased erosion, only 20 people are permitted to visit each day. These individuals are selected using an in-person lottery system. To maximize your chances of entry, we will make Kanab our home base for a few days as we explore the region. If unable to obtain tickets, we have alternate activities that are just as amazing!

2. 2

   Horseshoe Bend

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Horseshoe Bend is a U-shaped turn of the Colorado River located near Page, Arizona. With only a 0.6 mile hike, you’ll reach a vista overlooking a 1000 foot drop, offering incredible views of this world-famous attraction.

3. 3

   Moqui Cave

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Located outside of Kanab, Moqui Sand Caves are an exciting place to explore! These caves, formed naturally through erosion, can be explored after a brief hike to reach them. Additionally, one of the caves has been converted into a natural history museum, containing items such as Native American artifacts, dinosaur tracks, and various rocks and minerals.

   We'll have dinner in Kanab or Page. Afterward, your guide will drop you off at your hotel.

Included

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Lake Powell Resorts Page, or similar accommodation.

Ziua 7 · Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Mystic Hot Springs and Salt Lake City/Las Vegas

1. 1

   Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

   1 h 30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Due to its spectacular red sandstone cliffs and unique plants, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park has been used as the set of many famous Hollywood shows and movies, including the Lone Ranger, Planet of the Apes, and Arabian Nights. You'll fall in love with these unique landscapes

2. 2

   Mystic hot Springs

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   If you choose to depart from Salt Lake City and time permits, you'll have the chance to soak in the relaxing Mystic Hot Springs at Monroe, Utah.

   Admission: Included ONLY if selected as the one complimentary experience; otherwise paid optional

3. 3

   Salt Lake City

   30 min

   If you choose to depart from Salt Lake City, your tour guide will drop you off either at the airport or a hotel of your choosing. Settled in 1847 by a group of pioneering Mormons, Salt Lake City has blossomed into the vibrant capital of Utah and gateway to the west.

4. 4

   Las Vegas

   Trecere fără oprire

   If you choose to depart from Las Vegas, unfortunately, you may miss the opportunity to visit Mystic Hot Springs. Your tour guide will drop you off at either the airport or a hotel in Las Vegas around noon. Afterward, your tour guide will drive 6 to 7 hours back to Salt Lake City.

   Note: For everyone's safety, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations limit commercial drivers to 10 hours of driving per day, so the day's schedule is fixed and cannot be stretched.

Included