
May 28, 2021
Marvel at the grandeur of five epic national parks – Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Capitol Reef as we travel through Utah’s distinctive terrain May 28-June 4, 2021.
Click HERE to watch a complimentary webinar about Utah’s National Parks trip.
Day 1: Friday
Today our fellow travelers will meet at Raleigh-Durham airport for a group departure to Grand Junction, Colorado. Upon arrival, our tour director will meet and greet for a transfer to our hotel. After settling in at the beautiful Wine Country Inn, our home for the evening, meet in the lounge for an afternoon wine reception followed by a welcome dinner at the Inn. (D) Wine Country Inn or similar
Day 2: Saturday
Enjoy breakfast at the Wine Country Inn before heading out to canyon country. This morning you will see first-hand the power of the Colorado River carving its way through the rocky red landscape at Canyonlands National Park. Ascend to the top of the Island in the Sky mesa and admire Canyonlands’ spectacular landscape below. We will take a walk to Grand View Point Overlook, Mesa Arch, and White Rim Overlook to take in the amazing views. In the afternoon, we will be met by a renowned national park photographer, Tom Tils, who will give a tutorial for best photo tips for capturing the majesty in your own photos. In the evening, we will connect with locals at the Moab Grill as special guests of the owner. (B, L, D) Homewood Suites Moab or similar
Day 3: Sunday
Join your fellow travelers for breakfast in the morning before departing for Arches National Park. Learn how Mother Nature’s magic touch has left her indelible mark with wind and rain as you take a leisurely guided walk to Double Arch (length of walk can be modified for those needing accommodation). Lunch will be on the go (boxed lunch, included) as we take in all of the sights of Arches National Park. Take a well-deserved break in the afternoon and enjoy a wine tasting before turning in for the night in Moab. (B, L)
Day 4: Monday
Breakfast in the morning will be followed by check-out from our Moab hotel. Continuing on our national park journey, we come to Capitol Reef National Park. See other-worldly hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park, which make for a memorable walk and photo stop, as we travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore on you own. In the evening, we will check into our resort which overlooks the spectacular landscapes of the park, the Capitol Reef Resort. Dinner will be included at the resort before retiring for the night. (B, D) Capitol Reef Resort or similar
Day 5: Tuesday
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before making your way to the stunning Bryce Canyon National Park, our home for the next two days. Our journey on the All-American Scenic road, Highway 12, takes us by the Kodachrome Basin State Park. Here you will have the opportunity to venture out for a snapshot and enjoy some free time before we continue on to Bryce Canyon National Park. Striking scenery abounds during our drive. We will check into our hotel, the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon followed by an included dinner in the evening. Enjoy a live Country Western Music show following dinner at Ebenezer’s Bar and Grill! (B, D) Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon or similar
Day 6: Wednesday
Enjoy all things Bryce Canyon as we make our way into the park for a guided tour and walk. Our group will learn about the unique story of Bryce Canyon’s history by listening to a Ranger discuss the geology of the canyon. After a stop for lunch (on own), our group will board a shuttle and enjoy a leisurely tour that covers 40 miles with stops along many of the park’s scenic viewpoints. In the afternoon, retire to the hotel for the night (dinner on own). (B)
Day 7: Thursday
A pink, red, and orange canvas awaits visitors at Coral Pink Sands State Park. Climb the coral-hued dunes to admire the wind sculpted ripples in the sand formations before continuing to the infamous Zion National Park. Here, you will have time for exploring the vistas of Zion before continuing on to our hotel for the evening. We will meet with your new friends, hosts, and tour director for a farewell dinner. (B, D) LaQuinta Inn Springdale or similar
Day 8: Friday
After enjoying breakfast, we will check out from our hotel and make our way to the airport in Las Vegas for a group departure back to Raleigh-Durham airport.