Get ready to be transported to a land of geologic wonder! From the brilliant red spires of the Fisher Towers to the soaring heights of Angel’s Landing to the intimate waterfalls of The Narrows trail, the Utah National Parks Tour will sweep you into an alien landscape that will have you questioning whether you’ve traveled to another (very beautiful) planet. The arid landscapes of Utah are world-renowned for their stunning beauty. The Utah National Parks Tour weaves its way through Utah’s Mighty 5. The most striking national parks in the world. Whether you’re looking up from the bottom of a slot canyon or down from a lofty desert overlook, you will experience places that will engage all of your senses. Evenings will be marked with rustic elegance punctuated by great local cuisine.
On This Tour You Will Visit The Following Utah National Parks
Zion National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Capitol Reef National Park
Arches National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Mighty 5 Utah Tour Highlights
Walk beneath delicate natural arches and through gardens of sandstone hoodoos. Dine on gourmet meals both in fine local restaurants as well as prepared trailside by your expert guides. Wade through a cool river at the bottom of a canyon while hanging gardens sway in the breeze overhead. The Mighty Five will leave you with vivid memories that will last a lifetime. Get your feet wet in The Narrows, a hike that’s more stream than trail, walking through a canyon punctuated by waterfalls and hanging gardens
Enjoy hitting five national parks in one week, and marveling at the diversity of landscapes that are only a few short miles apart
Explore Capitol Reef’s colorful landscape of tilted buttes, jumbled rocks, and sedimentary canyons in the Land of the Sleeping Rainbow
Look up at some of the clearest skies in the world. You’ve never seen the Milky Way like you will in the desert
Seek out the incredible diversity of life that calls Southern Utah home with the help of your knowledgeable guides
Ascend Walter’s Wiggles and Scout Lookout as you make your way up one of the most famous trails in the world to Angel’s Landing
A few more reasons why you've gotta see the Mighty 5:
01
The national parks: On this itinerary, you visit all five of Utah's national parks: Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon & Zion!
02
The scenic drives: Don’t expect to sleep between destinations. The scenery along the highways is shockingly beautiful. Red rock canyons, mesas, and dwarf forests will keep your eyelids open in-transit.
03
The hiking: With famous treks like Angel's Landing and the Narrows in Zion National Park featured on this itinerary, you're sure to experience a few unforgettable hikes.
Grand Junction Arrival: Welcome to Colorado! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel.
Transfer Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Canyonlands National Park: A unique national park located near Moab, this site offers four districts to explore: Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles, and The Rivers. The Green and Colorado Rivers wind their way through this many-layered national park. Within the park’s hundreds of thousands of acres, feast your eyes on the rock formations and natural architecture including arches, buttes, mesas, and of course canyons.
Grand View Point Hike: The sprawling landscape encompassing canyon valleys and walls will be stretching out for miles around you on this two-mile out-and-back hike. Upon arrival to Grand View Point, you’ll be awed by the scene of distant mountains, canyons, basins, and the White Rim Road stretched out in front of you.
Upheaval Dome Hike: Upheaval Dome can be described as a colorful, circular “belly button” unique among the broad mesas and deep canyons of the Colorado Plateau. On this 0.8-mile round trip hike, you’ll trek up some steep terrain with sandstone steps as you view the crater and surrounding rock formations at various outlooks.
Mesa Arch Hike: This short half-mile loop hike provides a close-up experience with rock formations, where you can walk near the arch that lies atop a cliff edge. Peer out the opening of Mesa Arch and take in the spectacular canyon desert landscape. Watch out for the cryptobiotic soil crust that’s made from living organisms — be sure not to step on it so as not to destroy it!
About Canyonlands Inn
Located in the heart of downtown Moab, this hotel is within walking distance of many local restaurants and souvenir shops. This hotel will serve as our base camp for the exploration of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Your room was styled to capture and reflect the natural beauty of the surroundings. A warm palette featuring earthy browns and greens accented by luxurious natural granite is highlighted with photography by renowned local artist Tom Till.
Fisher Towers Hike: Views of the earth’s natural skyscrapers, the Fisher Towers, are unforgettable on this hike. Trek 4.4 miles out-and-back with an 833-feet elevation gain on this moderate trail lined with some sandstone steps. You’ll get to hike underneath the shade of the towers and end the last short leg of the hike in the sunshine.
Moab Free Time: Lying in southeastern Utah, Moab is home to just over 5,000 people but welcomes millions of visitors each year. Moab’s natural environment is one of Redrock wonders that tower over the city, while its quaint downtown showcases small shops and businesses. Spend some free time in town exploring on your own.
Arches National Park: Be awed over the beauty of this park that guarantees sights of just what you might expect: Arches. Over 2,000 impossibly natural arches grace the landscape of this place that boasts rich textures, rocky layers and swirling colors. Peer through the arches like a window or a picture frame, and watch the blue sky collide with the deep reds, oranges, and purples of the land.
Delicate Arch Hike: This adventure will lead us to an absolutely jaw-dropping landscape – be prepared to be wowed by even more amazing scenery and geology. A beautiful yet more challenging 3-mile round trip journey with a 600-foot elevation gain, this activity offers many stunning views, but none as amazing as the view of the iconic Delicate Arch that will greet you at the end of your hike. Trek along winding slickrock before coming upon the arch that stands miraculously on its own at the edge of a rock outcropping.
Devil’s Garden Hike: Feast your eyes on spectacular desert views while hiking to three different arches, including Landscape Arch. This arch stretches almost 300 feet wide, earning its right to be called the longest arch in North America. Awe over the wildly thin design of this arch. Explore more of the fiery reds and breathtaking blues of the hidden gems of Arches National Park. Hike Tapestry Arch to Sand Dune via Broken Arch. Admire the beauty of the natural, monolithic sculptures for this 1.5-mile hike with 100-foot elevation gain.
Transfer Time: 3 Hours and 30 minutes
About Capitol Reef Resort
Located at the doorstep of Capitol Reef National Park, Capitol Reef Resort offers an abundance of lodging options sure to satisfy. Enjoy indulgent room accommodations alongside stunning views of the red rock cliffs. From guestrooms and luxury cabins to Conestoga wagons and teepees; guests will find a unique and comfortable destination, along with fine amenities, to recharge for your next adventure.
Capitol Reef National Park: When early explorers and settlers saw the dome-shaped sandstone rocks in this area, they were reminded of capitol building architecture that were often topped with white dome features, hence the name! This park is famous for its Waterpocket Fold, known as a wrinkle in the earth that was caused by fault movement. Native Americans once called this colorful park landscape of tilted buttes, jumbled rocks, and sedimentary canyons the Land of the Sleeping Rainbow.
Cassidy Arch Hike: Named after the infamous western character Butch Cassidy, this 3.5-mile hike will bring you to a view of the Waterpocket Fold that Capitol Reef is known for and of course a perspective of the Cassidy Arch. Though there are no routes that take you to the base of the arch, you’ll get an interesting look at the arch from atop, surrounded by a horizon of colorfully layered rock walls.
Cohab Canyon Hike: Hike two miles one-way near the Waterpocket Fold, trekking over a 440-foot elevation change. Let your eyes wander across the bizarre natural features like rock fins, hoodoos, and slots. This canyon’s name is short for “cohabitation”, stemming from a legend about a time when local polygamist Mormons allegedly hid their wives in the canyon when plural marriage was banned in the late 1800s.
Transfer Time: 3 Hours
Bryce Canyon National Park: Bryce Canyon National Park, named after Ebenezer Bryce who was a Mormon homesteader in the 1870’s, will satisfy your adventurous spirit with its options for magnificent bike rides and awe-inspiring hikes. Here you can witness nature’s powerful force on the earth, where rock and sand are twisted and formed by wind, water and other elements.
Queens Garden, Peek-a-Boo & Wall Street Trails Hike: Try your hand at a more challenging trek for an all-day activitiy that takes you through natural sculpted rock gardens of brilliantly colored spires, cliffs, and natural amphitheaters. You may also spy Queen Victoria during your hike overlooking her garden full of hoodoos. This hike leads you through eight miles of sightseeing from Peek-a-Boo Loop trail and ending at Sunset Point, covering an elevation gain of 1,000 feet.
Red Canyon Bird’s Eye Trail Hike: A 1.8-mile hike of unforgettable landscapes along the Bird’s Eye Trail is located just outside Bryce Canyon National Park. With a 249-foot elevation gain, this trail promises bird’s eye views of hoodoo scenery and red rock majesty.
Transfer Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Zion National Park: Known for its slot canyons, soaring towers and monoliths, and scenic sandstone, Zion National Park is full of unique formations begging to be explored. Find yourself in awe as you wind through the magnificent canyon walls and towering cliffs that make up this majestic park. Delve into the 150-million-year-old history of Zion canyon’s geologic formations.
Angel’s Landing Hike: One of the most popular activities in Zion, Angel’s Landing hike leads you on a breathtaking 5.5-mile, 1,400-foot ascent up a trail to what is known as the Angel’s Landing, a towering rock formation. Catch a thrill trekking the canyon pathways up to the top. Be careful walking the thin trail to the landing and make a memory arriving at your destination.
Night on Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day!
About SpringHill Suites
The award-winning SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park offers a comfortable, elegant setting for travelers seeking inspiration, family adventure, and relaxation. Located only one mile from Zion’s gate in the town of Springdale, this hotel is centrally located to explore all that Zion National Park has to offer. The outdoor pool and hot tub with amazing canyon views are the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring Zion!
The Virgin River Narrows Hike: The Narrows hike is recognized as one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic and is one that you will not soon forget. Spend a full day walking and wading along the Virgin River, into the sheer walled canyon of the Narrows, a more challenging hike. Soak up the captivating scenery as you pass waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens.
Afternoon Exploring Springdale: To wind down from your all-day hike, discover the little hidden gems in the town of Springdale on your own.
Watchman Trail Hike: This relatively easy 3.5-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation gain will give you a panoramic view of Zion National Park’s mountainous desert landscape. The sweeping rugged terrain will catch your eye around every bend of the three-mile round trip trail.
Transfer Time: 1 Hour
St. George Departure: Your guides will shuttle you back to St. George to get ready for your departure home.
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Meals Included
B.L
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Start Date
End Date
Status
April 23, 2022
May 1, 2022
Open
May 3, 2022
May 11, 2022
Open
September 4, 2022
September 12, 2022
Open
September 13, 2022
September 21, 2022
Open
September 23, 2022
October 1, 2022
Open
October 3, 2022
October 11, 2022
Open
** On the 4/23/2022 and 9/13/2022 departures, the Itinerary runs in reverse.
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts in Grand Junction, CO at 7:00 or 7:20 am, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at the St. George Airport at 12:00 PM or your St George hotel at 12:30 PM. Please make flights out of St. George for 1:30 PM or later.
Activities
Hiking: 1 to 8 miles per hike, easy to strenuous terrain (sometimes multiple shorter hikes will be completed within one day).
Discovery: Learn about how the Canyonlands contains over 200 million years of geological history and continues to serve as an outdoor laboratory for scientists from all over the world. From the Island in the Sky’s Upheaval Dome to the Grabens area of the Needles, Canyonlands possesses many uncommon landforms. Stare up in awe at the 900 foot Titan at Fisher Towers: the first climb took place in 1962 and was sponsored by the National Geographic Society! Discover why Moab, with its unique combination of beautiful red rock scenery, two national parks, and the cool waters of the Colorado River, is one of the most sought out vacation destinations in the west. Check out Capitol Reef National Park’s centerpiece – the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile monocline (buckle in the earth’s crust) that blocked explorers’ westward migration as a reef block a ship’s passage. Learn about Canyon Country geology, including hoodoos, arches, alcoves, and fins. Known for its slot canyons, soaring towers and monoliths, and scenic sandstone, Zion National Park is full of unique formations begging to be explored. Delve into the 150 million-year-old history of Zion canyon’s geologic formations. Bryce Canyon National Park, named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon homesteader in the 1870’s, will satisfy your adventurous spirit with its options for awe-inspiring hikes. Discover your inner thrill-seeker as you ascend the narrow switchbacks to Angel’s Landing. Absorb the magnificence of one of the most legendary canyons in all of Zion National Park, the Zion Narrows, as you walk and wade along the North Fork of the Virgin River in the midst of towering canyon walls. Come explore Red Rock Country and five national parks with Austin Adventures to witness for yourself what all the hype is about!
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners – except one dinner on own your own – refreshments and receptions.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags, and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner on your own.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
National Parks Expert
Kasey Austin
As President of Operations at Austin Adventures, Kasey Austin can tell you the logistical ins and outs of every single trip. More than that, though, Kasey has lived and breathed most of the company’s featured destinations and will eagerly share her contagious passion for the transformational power of active travel. Kasey grew up in the adventure travel business; she knows the positive, lifelong impact of family travel, a quality that earned her the distinction of being named top family travel guide by Outside Magazine in 2014.
