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.

Head to Dead Horse Point State Park this morning to reach great heights with stellar views. Have your cameras ready at the famed Dead Horse Point to capture your own perspective from one of the most famous scenic vistas in the world. Next up at Canyonlands National Park, see first-hand the power of the Colorado River carving its way through the rocky red landscape with the option of three different hikes. Ascend to the top of the Island in the Sky mesa and admire Canyonlands' spectacular landscape below. A high point may 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. You may opt to tackle shorter hikes at Whale Rock and Green River Overlook.

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 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.

Get ready for the other-worldly hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park. These mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles referred to locally as “goblins” make for memorable photo opportunities before you arrive at Capitol Reef National Park. Explore the area down through the canyons or up to the overlooks in sections of the park including Sulphur Creek, Cohab Canyon, Hickman Bridge, Rim Overlook, on your own. In the evening, enjoy the rustic charm of the Capitol Reef Resort, located on the edge of the park, offering truly spectacular landscapes and breath-taking views.

Unlock the best of Capitol Reef National Park, where colourful canyons and capitol-shaped domes provide the perfect backdrop for an adventure, with the option to hike on your own. Continue your journey along an "All American Road", Highway 12, one of America’s most scenic highways, before arriving in Kodachrome Basin State Park. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the Visitor Centre, sightsee with your Travel Director or select the trail that best suits your adventurous spirit. This dramatic landscape features striking layered stone spires which are a sight to behold.

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. 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. Opt to climb up the coral-hued dunes to admire the wind sculpted ripples of the dunes. Embrace today's MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as we explore Antelope Canyon in 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 take a short hike to see Horseshoe Bend and the flowing Colorado River which has carved its way through the red-coloured sandstone. Finish the day connecting to the soul of the land over a hosted meal on the Navajo Nation by Dine’ tribe local Baya, her husband Paul and storyteller Eli Secody.

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 or a helicopter ride up to the top of Tower Butte for 360' views of the world below you. This evening, enjoy an unforgettable Farewell Dinner in the Rainbow Room at Lake Powell Resort overlooking the peaceful waters of Lake Powell.

One spectacular natural sight gives way to another when you drive along the Vermillion Cliffs and witness the striking colours as you wander westward. Arrive at Zion National Park in the late morning, then enjoy a picnic lunch at Zion Lodge before selecting from many fantastic hikes ranging from easy to strenuous including Watchman Trail and Hidden Canyon. Or, opt to take it easy and sightsee around the park with your Travel Director. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

You have the whole morning to spend as you wish before departing for Las Vegas mid-afternoon. Wake up early to catch the sun rise over Zion, go for a leisurely stroll appreciating the quiet sounds of morning or hike into the canyon before departing for Las Vegas. Say farewell to your fellow travellers, arriving at Las Vegas International Airport at 5:00 p.m.