Gems of Utah | Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive Salt Lake City, UT

Today you will arrive in Salt Lake City, a beautiful Olympic host city also known as “The Crossroads of the West.” Upon arrival enjoy a look at the city’s highlights on a tour of Salt Lake City that includes the Utah State Capitol, the University of Utah and world-famous Temple Square. After checking into your downtown hotel, enjoy some time to relax and freshen up before joining the group for a welcome dinner. (D) 

Day 2:  Zion National Park - Bryce Canyon National Park

After breakfast, depart the Wasatch Mountains and travel along the western face of the Rocky Mountains southbound through Provo, Beaver and Cedar City with a rest stop along the way. Arrive in Springdale, the gateway to the park for lunch on own. Then enter Utah's oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. There will be time for some short hiking and to explore Zion Canyon. After a wonderful experience in Zion, take a short drive to the outskirts of Bryce Canyon National Park for overnight. (B) 

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park - Deadhorse Point State Park

This morning 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. After an included lunch, depart Bryce Canyon for the journey 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. (B, L) 

Day 4:  Arches National Park - Moab, UT

This morning enter Arches National Park. 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. Enjoy lunch on own and take the chance to pursue a wide variety of optional activities including a Horse Back Trail Ride, Hummer 4x4 Tour, Guided Hiking and much more – rejoin the group for a unique experience as you take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons (depending on water levels). 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: Carbon County

Start your morning with a journey back in time to the Jurassic period and visit the Jurassic National Monument which contains the densest concentration of Jurassic-aged fossils ever found. Leave the monument and head north to Utah's coal producing capitol, Price and Helper. Enjoy lunch in the historic town of Helper, Utah before visiting the Western Mining & Railroad Museum. Next you will journey to the town of Vernal, Utah and home to the Dinosaur National Monument. Check in to your hotel before enjoying dinner on own in this scenic town. (B)  

Day 6: Vernal - Sundance - Salt Lake City, UT

Travel back in time this morning as you make your way to Dinosaur National Monument, where more dinosaur fossils have been discovered than any other place in the world. Next, travel through eastern Utah’s mountainous region for a stop in Heber City for lunch on your own. Continue through the Rocky Mountains to Sundance Mountain Resort. From Sundance it is just a short drive to your hotel in Salt Lake City. This evening joins the group for special farewell dinner. (B, D)  

Day 7: Home

After breakfast, transfer to the Salt Lake Airport for your departure home. What an incredible journey through Utah! (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.