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Trip Style
Basix
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
SSRI
Overview
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 8 Day Utah Parks Circuit. Utah packs a lot into 200,000 square kilometres – more than many countries, let alone states, could ever imagine. Hit the road and head into the vast desert on this eight-day adventure. Leave Vegas behind to discover the tranquillity of the hidden gardens of Zion, iconic Monument Valley, the inspiring scenery of Moab and the majestic spires of Bryce Canyon. Find the heart of this giant continent on a journey to some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parts of the USA.
Itinerary
Welcome to Las Vegas! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6 pm today. If you arrive early in the desert city, there's plenty to see and do, even if gambling isn't your thing. Hit the shops, feel your stomach drop on a rooftop roller-coaster or simply stroll along the extravagance of the Strip, walking through the casinos and past the desert palms. In the evening, perhaps feast in one of Vegas’ restaurants or buffets, check out one of the large array of stage shows on offer or party the night away in a Vegas nightclub.
Today, leave Nevada and drive to Zion National Park. The park is home to stunning desert landscapes, sculpted sandstone formations, waterfalls and hanging gardens. There will be plenty of time on arrival to stretch your legs and have a good look around the park. The Emerald Pools trail, a two-hour stroll past a lush stream, is a good option for those who don't want anything too strenuous. In the evening, set up camp for the night.
You’ll have a full day to explore what you missed yesterday in Zion. It would be the ideal time to head on a longer hike, potentially to admire the beauty of the flowing streams along The Narrows. If you are feeling adventurous and have a decent level of fitness (plus aren't afraid of heights), you might want to tackle the trail to Scout Lookout. This isn't for the faint of heart. However, the views from the top of the rock formation are spectacular. The national park can also be discovered via shuttle or an optional float trip, giving your feet a well-deserved rest. At night, don’t forget to look up at the dazzling night skies while camping and enjoy and try your luck at stargazing – quite perfectly combined with some s’mores around the campfire.
Drive through southern Utah to Monument Valley, so-named for the giant sandstone formations scattered across the desert. Passing by stunning lookouts and by Forrest Gump’s desert running scene, make sure to also check out the Navajo roadside stalls for some authentic goods, and if you’re lucky, some fried bread. The backdrop for countless Westerns, the valley is part of a massive Navajo reservation, and there’s no better way than heading out on an incredible guided jeep tour. Get your camera out and snap some photos of the spectacular landscape, which changes colour with the setting of the sun. Take in the stunning night skies and spend the night in a hogan, a traditional Navajo hut made of logs and earth. (D)
Continue on your journey this morning through the impressive landscape of Utah. On the way north to Moab, you’re going to see some incredible scenery, including Goosenecks State Park overlook, Muley Point and Moki Dugway. Moab is a small city in Utah that attracts hikers, mountain bikers and nature enthusiasts to the incredible Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Arches National Park is punctuated with spectacularly eroded sandstone formations and contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches. Take a group hike at sunset to see famous sights such as Delicate Arch.
Experience Moab for a second day, filled with towering rock formations, winding trails and never-ending horizons. Hopefully there will be time to take a group hike in the Arches in the morning before the day gets too hot. Perhaps book yourself into a raft float trip down the Colorado River, or test your balance with some stand-up paddleboarding. If you need to give your weary muscles a rest, a Slickrock Hummer tour might be your thing – though keep in mind it’s not exactly a smooth journey. At nightfall, maybe head into town and hit the local brewery.
Bryce Canyon National Park is next on the list. On the way, you’ll stop and admire the golden sandstone of Capitol Reef, and refuel at the unique Kiva Koffeehouse, which overlooks the expanse of the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument. Once arrived, there is a chance to hike a section of Bryce Canyon: from the easy Rim Trail, to the moderate Queen's Garden Trail or the strenuous Peek-a-boo Loop. The canyon is famous for its 'hoodoos' – odd-shaped rock spires formed by centuries of erosion. Wherever you walk, there are unique landscapes and a kaleidoscope of desert colours, especially at sunset. If you're keen to live out a Wild West fantasy, chat to the group leader about a horse-riding optional activity.
Today, drive across the border into Nevada and back to Las Vegas, where your trip ends on arrival. No accommodation is provided for tonight, however, if you do wish to spend extra time in Las Vegas, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Trip Inclusions
- Check all of the 'Big Five' Utah national parks off your list with visits to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.
- Learn about indigenous culture and history in Monument Valley during a tour led by a Navajo guide and spend the night in a traditional hogan hut.
- Hike past sculpted sandstone formations, waterfalls and hanging gardens in Zion National Park, roasting s’mores around a campfire by night.
- Explore Bryce Canyon, known for its crimson-coloured hoodoos which are spire-shaped rock formations.
- See the exquisite sandstone arches of the aptly named Arches National Park and witness spectacular desert colours during a sunrise hike to Delicate Arch.
- Get closer to nature in cabins and campsites, the perfect way to take advantage of Utah’s dark skies for some premier stargazing.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Multishare cabin (2 nights)
- Multishare Hogan (1 night)
- Camping with facilities (3 nights)
- 1 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Utah Parks Circuit' Reviews
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Utah 8 day trip 1
Viki, QLD, Australia, Sep 2023
Loved the trip, probably next time we’ll opt for a glamping journey. So much to do and see. I miscalculated our start date but was assisted with my enquiry by a very helpful lady from Melbourne who sorted out my misunderstanding. Highlights for me visiting Bryce and Dead Horse point. Our guide Lana went the extra mile, absolutely fabulous guide.
Brochure
Intrepid Family Adventures (2022-24)
Intrepid’s family adventures are a chance to travel the world with the centre of yours. Take your education outside the classroom to places where textbooks come to life, every local is a teacher and the most important lessons aren’t necessarily planned. From the preserved history of Pompeii to Morocco’s wild, windswept dunes, these global adventures...more are the perfect way to inspire the next generation of global citizens.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
