9-Day Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 Tour from Las Vegas【Max 16 Pax Small Group】: Arches National Park & Zion National Park
What you'll experience
Highlights
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners included
• Go stargazing in Capitol Reef National Park
• See the largest known collection of petroglyphs in the Southwest
• Stand in awe of over 2
• See the sunrise over Bryce Canyon's hoodoos
• Trek through the Narrows river hike in Zion National Park
9 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Las Vegas
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or Fremont Street.
This tour leaves Las Vegas in the morning on Day 2; if you would like to spend any additional time here, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.
【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group】
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Golden Nugget Las Vegas - Carson Tower - 2
Day 2 — Las Vegas - Bryce Canyon National Park
Hit the road from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, travelling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival the group will set up camp before setting off to explore this unique national park in the fading light. After the sun goes down, don't forget to look up to check out this renowned night sky while enjoying s'mores around the fire.
【Bryce Canyon National Park Visit】
See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground - 3
Day 3 — Bryce Canyon National Park - Moab
Set off early this morning in Bryce Canyon National Park, and stare in wonder at the largest collection of hoodoos in the world as the sun rises. Take a hike into the amphitheater of Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop to walk amongst the hoodoos, walls and fins that make up this geological wonder. In the afternoon, continue to Moab, an adventure capital of the southwest and the gateway to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Set up camp upon arrival and spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the great outdoors.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
【Bryce Canyon National Park Visit】
See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.
【Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike】
Trek through the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon to see its famous hoodoos - tall, thin spires of rock that seem to magically balance upon their dusty, red rock base. Begin your hike at Sunrise Point and make your way toward Queen Victoria, the trail's namesake rock formation. Continue through the amphitheater on Navajo Loop past Wall Street or Thor's Hammer, depending on trail conditions. Exit at Sunset Point before walking the Rim Trail back to our starting point. Soak in the views one last time - you'll want to take it all in.
Hiking distance: 4.6km (2.9 mi) Elevation change: 183m (600 ft).Bryce Canyon National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Sun Outdoors Campground - 4
Day 4 — Arches National Park
Enjoy breakfast at camp before driving to Arches National Park. Spend the first part of the day exploring the densest concentration of arches in the world. Take a hike through Devils Garden to Landscape Arch, and continue to Double O Arch, bouldering over rocks to reach the pinnacle views. Head back to Moab in the afternoon where you can take advantage of free time to try some of the optional activities available in the area. Opt to visit Delicate Arch Viewpoint in the evening for a sunset walk. Stand in awe at the over 2,000 sandstone arches ranging in size and shape that make up this park.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
【Arches National Park Visit】
Wander throughout this red rock wonderland filled with countless arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins, and giant balanced rocks carved and shaped by eons of weathering and erosion. Explore viewpoints and hike in this National Park that contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches.
【Devils Garden Hike】
Explore the Arches that make up this national park along the Devils Garden trail. Arches form as narrow rock walls (called "fins") erode over time, causing sections of the rockface to fall. Visit Landscape Arch, the longest in North America, with an opening of 93m (306 ft). Continue to Double O Arch, a challenging, steep section that requires hikers to scramble over rocks. Be rewarded with incredible views at the top, before heading back to the trailhead.
Hiking distance: 7km (4.2 mi) Elevation change: 152-244m (500-800 ft).
Arches National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Sun Outdoors Campground - 5
Day 5 — Canyonlands National Park
Travel to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Stop at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, the largest known collection of petroglyphs in the Southwest. Spend the day hiking through desert lands to explore eroded towers of sandstone and fissures in the ground on the Joint Trail to Chesler Park.
【Joint Trail and Chesler Park Hike】
Trek through the desert grasslands of Chesler Park and admire towering sandstone pinnacles that give this area its name: the Needles District. Follow the Joint Trail into deep, sometimes very narrow slot canyons, before emerging back into open space. Now you understand why it's called the Canyonlands.
Hiking distance: 7km (4.5 mi) Elevation change: 533m (1,750 ft).
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
【Canyonlands National Park Visit】
Canyonlands National Park is known for its dramatic desert landscape in southeastern Utah that has been carved by the Colorado River. Uncover a wilderness of endless canyons and striking buttes as you stand and witness nature's unyielding power.
【Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument Visit】
With over 650 petroglyphs in a single area, think of a visit to Newspaper Rock as flipping through the news pages of generations past. Created by ancestral Puebloan people who lived, farmed and hunted along a nearby ancient river, examine the intricate carvings they made to document their way of life.
Canyonlands National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Sun Outdoors Campground - 6
Day 6 — Capitol Reef National Park
Travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Known for its geologic monocline, discover the cliffs, canyons, petroglyphs and orchards that make up the park. Learn about the geology and the ancient inhabitants who created the petroglyphs still visible on the cliff walls. In the evening check into the cabins we'll be staying in while in Capitol Reef. Then, take advantage of your free time after dark to look up at the starry night. This national park has been designated a Gold Tier "International Dark Sky Park".
【Capitol Reef National Park Visit】
Travel through twisting canyons, massive domes, monoliths, and spires of sandstone in this stunning and surreal National Park. Stop to look at petroglyphs etched in rock walls and painted pictographs that are sacred remnants of ancient Indians.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
【Petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park】
Travel through twisting canyons, massive domes, monoliths, and spires of sandstone in this stunning and surreal National Park. Stop to look at petroglyphs etched in rock walls (keep an eye for bighorn sheep) dating back to 1300 C.E. when native people of the Fremont Culture made their home at Capitol Reef.
【Hike Hickman or Chimney Rock Trail】
Once in the park hike along one of two possible trails.
Chimney Rock 3.3 miles is a relatively short, not so steep trail that will take you to a high elevation viewpoint. Chimney Rock itself is an eroded pillar of red sandstone offering spansive views of the surrounding landscape. The loop is 580 feet in elevation gain and can typically be done in about 90 minutes.
The 2-mile hike Hickman Trail is about 2 miles from the visitor centre. This easy, scenic trail leads hikers right up and under a large natural arch allowing you to gain a true sense of the grandeur present in this beautiful and unforgiving environment.
Capitol Reef National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Thousand Lakes RV Park & Campground - 7
Day 7 — Capitol Reef National Park - Zion National Park
Today, travel along the scenic highway through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Take in the mesas, canyons and arches that make up this diverse geological region. Set off on a hike in Kodachrome Basin State Park to enjoy the vast open landscape before continuing to Zion National Park. Travel past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stop at several viewpoints along the way, and enjoy a free evening in the Springdale area with panoramic views of the rising sandstone rock.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
【Kodachrome Basin State Park】
Visit Kodachrome Basin State Park where you'll have the opportunity to navigate the park's short network of trails (3 miles) among the multi-hued landscape and dramatic columns of sedimentary rock that rise from the basin floor.
Zion National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground - 8
Day 8 — Zion National Park
Spend the day discovering Zion National Park. First hike to Scout Lookout, a challenging, but rewarding 4 mile hike which passes through the iconic Walter's Wiggles before reaching the lookout point along a flat saddle with incredible views of the Zion Canyon.
Head to the valley floor to trek through the river on one of the most popular hikes in the park, the Narrows. Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and opt to turn around at any point. Experience diverse plant and animal life in this narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls. After returning to camp, head into the charming town of Springdale to celebrate the accomplishments of the last week.
【Zion National Park Visit】
Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life, and wade through water in a narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.
【Scout Lookout Trail】
This trail is also the same one that goes to Angels Landing, because of this be prepared to gain more than 1,000 ft in elevation and walk up 21 challenging switchbacks to reach the lookout point. The hike begins at The Grotto shuttle stop and once you arrive at the lookout, you'll be able to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the valley before you.
【The Narrows Hike】
Known as one of Utah's best slot canyon hikes, The Narrows takes you through towering canyon walls along the Virgin River (and yes, this means walking in water!). Enjoy some of the park's best scenery, stop to take photos, and don't forget to watch your footing. Opt to make your way back at any point.
Hiking distance: 6.4km (4 mi) Elevation change: 102m (334 ft).Zion National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Zion Canyon RV Resort & Campground - 9
Day 9 — Zion National Park - Las Vegas
Take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 3:00 pm.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Zion National Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- 8-night accommodations(Hotel (1 nt), Cabins (1 nt), participation camping (6 nts))
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Petroglyphs at Capitol Reef National Park
- Stargazing in a Dark Sky Park
- Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument Visit
- The Needles in Canyonlands
- A portion of the Joint Trail and Chesler Park Hike
- Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike
- Scout Lookout Hike
- The Narrows Hike
- Entrance fees to all national parks and monuments with hiking and walking excursions
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking
- 1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners (Allow USD140-185 for meals not included)
Not included
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
- Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
- It is customary in North America to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, at approximately 18-20%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip any local guides used. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $2-8 USD per activity depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5-10 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide. If your CEO(s) exceeded your expectations, feel free to tip more.
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–31 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 31 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 32–61 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 32 days to 61 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 62+ days before | 90% | Cancellation Made 62 or more days prior to departure, Refund 90% of total purchase amount |
Read the full cancellation terms
Important info
Special notes
- Be prepared before you leave for your trip
Please carefully read all of the info below as it's designed to help you have a smooth travel experience.
* One of our core values is to lead with service. Our Global Connection Officers (or GCOs, the people who answer when you call us) and travel agent partners will do their very best to provide you with the latest information before your trip. There are, however, certain things that are the responsibility of the traveller.
* All the travellers are responsible for arranging and obtaining the required entry documentation for the countries they intend to visit.
* In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, entry requirements and restrictions dictated by foreign governments can change frequently and irrespective of your intended date of travel. These requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors such as your country of residence, passport nationality, destination and transit points, as well as previous travel history. Given these considerations, it is the traveller’s responsibility to research and to understand the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination which are most relevant to them at the time of travel and to the destination(s) they are planning to visit, as well as to keep themselves up to date.
* Important Notes:
- Please note that this tour combines with other tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may continue after this tour ends.
- Please note that while the trail to Angels Landing is not included in this itinerary, it is available to be done independently. If you're interested in continuing to the top, you must apply ahead of time for a permit via the National Park's lottery system at web.
- All walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It's a healthy way to discover North America's beauty and landscape.
- In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different parks and cities along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days.
- Las Vegas is known for glitz and glamour, and is an adult's playground for the senses. However, hotel standards are different than in many other cities. Most hotels have an onsite casino, and smoking is permitted indoors. Although we only use non-smoking rooms on our tours and do our best to offer a smoke free environment, please be aware that standards may result in smoke permeating non-smoking areas of hotels.
- Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
- Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out in Las Vegas is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don't plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind.
While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities. - Dossier Disclaimer
* The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
* VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. - Itinerary Disclaimer
* While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
* Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. - About Accommodation
* Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Most of the nights on tour are spent camping in tents in public and private campgrounds, but we will also use permanent canvas tents, twin-share rooms in hostels, and simple motels.
* All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including comfortable camp mattresses. We supply dome tents that take only 5 minutes to assemble/disassemble. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard, oversized 2-person tents, each with 2 separate and convenient zip-up doors, so that each person has his/her own entrance.
* We use 2 types of campgrounds in North America:
* Private campgrounds: These are privately run sites, usually with all services such as fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets & shower buildings. Some have small outdoor swimming pools and laundry facilities. These campgrounds are typically located near national park entrances or towns.
* Public campgrounds: These are park-run sites, usually with basic facilities such as fire pits, picnic tables, and drinking water. In some cases, this type of campground doesn’t have showers, only pit toilets and a lake! In other locations, toilet and shower facilities may be located outside the campground, or at times in another location a drive away. Some may have shower fees for onsite facilities ($2-6/shower). - Group Leader Description
* This group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and sometimes the driver - this person is knowledgeable in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
* As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
* While our CEOs are trained and have resources to assist them along the way, the United States is the fourth largest country on the planet, and it is impossible for them to know everything about this massive country. We recommend local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
* Please note that specific tour guide licenses are required to guide in certain cities and regions, and as such, our CEOs will oftentimes provide brief orientation walks or drives to point out useful places like supermarkets, main squares and ATMs but for more specific or in depth destination information, an official guided tour is recommended. - All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.
- About our Transportation
* For this trip we use 15-passenger vans for up to 14 people plus the CEO/Driver. These vans are durable vehicles that allow us to drive on most types of roads in North America.
* Each van has a front passenger seat and 4 benches that will accommodate 3 people each with mandatory seat belts to keep us secure and safe. No standing is permitted in these vehicles.
* This is not a physically demanding journey. There is air conditioning to cool things down on warm days to keep everyone more comfortable. Travelling can be difficult, with long drives and limited space in the van. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary. Despite some of the long days, most travellers feel that the diversity of the North American landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience! - What to Take
* You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
* For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.
* We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
* The American west is generally known for warm weather, but temperatures do vary significantly in the mountain and desert areas especially. The day time temperature could exceed 30 C, while the night time temperatures do regularly decrease to single digits, or even possible below freezing. It is therefore important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings - a light jacket is necessary.
* Seasonal temperature ranges:
- March - May ; September to December: -7 C to +30 C
- June – August: 0 C to + 35 C
* Additionally, a set of smart casual clothes is also advisable. - Laundry can be done at least once a week while on tour. Some private campgrounds and most cities have laundromats where you can buy soap and wash your laundry in coin-operated machines. Your CEO will advise you along the trip where you will be able to do your laundry.
- Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
- Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US Dollars as cash (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), traveller's cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is very difficult to find in the USA and most banks do not accommodate. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
- The National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has embarked on a project to rehabilitate the Scenic Drive and multiple parking lots in Capitol Reef National Park. Due to this closure, groups will be unable to visit Cassidy Arch during their visit to Capitol Reef. This closure is expected to last into the fall and does not yet have an expected completion date. Beginning July 8, the Lower Calf Creek Trail will also be closed due to a renovations project. This closure is scheduled to last at least 2 months. During this time alternate hikes will be visited in this park.
- During your time in Zion water shoes are available to rent for your hike through the Narrows. However, you may have to carry them with you for the remainder of the day. Which is why we recommend bringing your own lightweight water shoe/hiking shoe that you would also be comfortable hiking/walking in for the rest of the day to avoid carrying any extra weight.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price for Double applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Children under 18 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people.
Tour operator
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