The Canyon Country Experience | 2023

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive Phoenix

Arrive in Phoenix today. A shuttle transfer will take you to your hotel in Phoenix. Your Tour Director is there to greet you and assist with check in. Dinner is on your own this evening.  

Day 2:  Phoenix - Grand Canyon

This morning travel north across the Sonoran Desert making your way to the bustling artists village of Sedona with some free time to explore the many shops, art galleries and then grab some lunch on your own. Later, you'll trade the charm of this bustling village for the grandeur of nature in Oak Creek Canyon, the incomparable setting for Zane Gray's Call of the Canyon, written here in 1921. As you travel north you will sightsee along the canyon's towering red sandstone cliffs, which are home to a multitude of wildlife. This afternoon travel to Grand Canyon National Park, *A UNESCO World Heritage Site, for sightseeing. This 1.2-million-acre National Park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. Learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty at all the best viewpoints along the South Rim including Grand Canyon Village. The Colorado River is the main contributor in the creation of the vast canyon and can still be seen carving its way through the rock roughly a mile below. After time to visit many of the scenic points, check into the hotel just outside the park. Join the group for a welcome dinner. (B, D) 

Day 3: Navajo Nation - Monument Valley

This morning we will take in more sightseeing of Grand Canyon National Park. We will explore the views and area of the Grand View and Desert View before exiting the park. We will then depart Grand Canyon and enter the Navajo Nation and make our first stop at the Cameron Trading Post. Here you will find authentic jewelry, blankets, pottery, rugs, and sand paintings, all produced by the local Indians. After time to browse at the post, continue your journey through Indian country and the Arizona badlands. Next, you are on your way to an area that has been called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," Monument Valley, on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Today you will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the “Dineh” people. Their arts, music and livelihood are all closely tied to the dramatic desert landscape that is their home. After checking in, meet your Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley, location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. Then experience an evening of Navajo culture, food, and entertainment. (B, D) 

Day 4:  Arches National Park

Depart Monument Valley traveling north to Blanding where the Anasazi Indians will come alive today as you learn of their history and discover their artifacts at Edge of the Cedars Museum & Ruins. Next, we make our way to the town of Moab, also known as the “Adventure Capitol of Utah,” and have some free time for shopping and lunch on your own. Then you are off to nearby Arches National Park for sightseeing. The 18,000 square-foot visitors’ center will introduce you to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary. Visit all the park highlights including Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows, and Delicate Arch. In the late afternoon, join the group for a unique experience as you take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while you learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology, and history. After a thrilling ride, enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River before returning to your hotel. (B, D) 

Day 5: Dead Horse Point - Capitol Reed National Park

This morning travel to Dead Horse Point State Park for one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. You will see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. Next, we arrive at Capitol Reef National Park for a wonderful picnic lunch. The park was established to protect a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth’s crust called “The Waterpocket Fold”. Here we will see towering cottonwood trees and views of ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons, and pioneer history. Next enjoy a drive on one of America’s most spectacular roads. Scenic Highway 12 has been designated as an “All American Road,” the crown jewel of the Scenic Byways system. Drive up and over Boulder Mountain reaching altitudes over 9,000 feet with incredible views of Capitol Reef, the Circle Cliffs, and the Henry Mountains. Then travel through Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument, with vast expanses of cream- and rose-colored Navajo sandstone. There are dramatic cliffs, high mesas, beautiful streams, and deep canyons in multi-hued colors across the
1.9-million-acre monument. This evening, arrive Bryce Canyon and check into your hotel located just outside the park. (B, L)  

Day 6: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks

Enter Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. The hues and intricate shapes of Bryce Canyon carry even the most mature adult away into a fairyland fantasy. We’ll have the day to explore Bryce. The Paiute Indians used a word to describe Bryce that translates into, "red rocks standing like men in a bowl-shaped canyon." Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce, for whom the canyon was named, described it as "a hell of a place to lose a cow." Later this afternoon we’ll take a short drive to see Utah's oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. An early Mormon settler described the park's massive formations as "temples built by hands, not of man." The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot-high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. Tonight, we will gather for our last group dinner to recall all the great times we had in Utah’s Canyon Country  (B, D)  

Day 7: Zion National Park - Las Vegas

Zion National Park is a fitting climax to your western adventure! Today you are in charge: If you’re feeling very adventurous, choose the hike through the Zion Narrows or try the more relaxing but still beautiful Emerald Pool Hike. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed a magnificent experience! After lunch on your own in the park, make your way back to Springdale. We’re off to "The Entertainment Capital of the World," Las Vegas (B)  

Day 8: Journey Home

After breakfast, transfer to the Harry Reid International Airport for your departure home. As you travel home, remember all the wonderful memories and friends you have met on your fabulous vacation! (B)

Please Note - * This tour requires average physical activity. Participants should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground or unpaved trails. This tour covers areas of higher altitudes including overnight locations above 6,000 ft. and touring above 8,000 ft.