Canyon Lands Tour

Tour Highlights

Visit spectacular Zion National Park
Be mesmerized by the HooDoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
Spend three nights on the shores of Lake Powell
Tour through the heart of scenic Monument Valley
Marvel at Glen Canyon as you float down the Colorado River
Spend the night on the Rim of the Grand Canyon
Final night in exciting Las Vegas

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – HOME TOWN/ST GEORGE
Depart this morning on our flight to Las Vegas, Nevada. On arrival in Las Vegas we are met by our deluxe motor coach, and continue traveling northeast into the rugged desert of the Colorado Plateau. We cross through the northern tip of Arizona and into the Virgin River Gorge, literally a mini-Grand Canyon, it contains the equivalent geologic layers that are found in the more famous national park located due east. Enjoy the fabulous scenery and keep an eye out for the distinctive Joshua Trees that dot the area. This afternoon we arrive in southern Utah and the town of St. George, situated on an attractive stretch of green beneath red rock cliffs in Utah’s desert southwest. This evening we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2 – ST GEORGE (Zion and Bryce National Parks)
Today we drive to spectacular Zion National Park with its multi-colored sandstone cliffs one of the geological wonders in southern Utah. The sheer red and white sandstone cliffs tower up to 2,500 feet above the North Fork of the Virgin River, and gradually become closer together upstream until they are only 30 feet apart in places. We’ll stop in at several view points before we depart Zion and head for Bryce Canyon National Park where the Hoodoos cast there spell. Erosion has shaped Bryce Canyon with colorful limestone, sandstones, and mudstones into a spectacular array of spires, fins, and pinnacles known as “hoodoos.” These whimsically arranged hoodoos remind viewers of church steeples, gothic spires, castle walls, animals, and even people. Formations with names such as the Wall of Windows, the Chessmen, Thor’s Hammer, Tower Bridge, and the Poodle, suggest but a few of the likenesses. A legend of the Paiute Indians, claims the colorful hoodoos are ancient “Legend People” who were turned to stone as punishment for bad deeds. Surrounded by the beauty of southern Utah and panoramic views of three states, these hoodoos cast their spell on all who visit. (B)

Day 3 – ST. GEORGE/LAKE POWELL
We depart St. George this morning and travel through the high desert along the Utah Arizona border. A mixture of Mesas, Pine Forests and barren landscape. We will visit the Pipe Spring National Monument, for hundreds of years Native Americans and Pioneers have relied on the life-giving water found at Pipe Springs. We will see the famous Winsor Castle at Pipe Springs, a fortified ranch house built directly over Pipe Springs. We’ll learn about the early settlers and the Paiute Indian Tribe that has inhabited the Arizona Strip for centuries. We continue with the Vermillion Cliffs to our north, an amazingly colorful escarpment that stretches for 30 miles. This afternoon we arrive at the shores of the sparkling Lake Powell, this 186-mile long lake offers sandy beaches, cool blue water, and exceptional red-rock scenery. This evening we enjoy dinner at our resort. (B, D)

Day 4 – LAKE POWELL (Colorado River Float Trip)
Today we explore the only untamed section of the Colorado River, just south of Lake Powell and the mighty Glen Canyon Dam. Sit back and relax as our Wilderness River guide leads us on a breathtaking journey framed by Glen Canyon’s rock walls rising over a thousand feet above you, amidst soaring wild life, Indian petro-glyphs, folklore, and natural and human history. Our float trip comes to an end at historical Lees Ferry, complete with early settlers’ cabins. This afternoon is at leisure on the shores of Lake Powell. (B)

Day 5 – LAKE POWELL (Monument Valley)
This morning we drive through the Navajo Nation with the endless vistas of mesas and open lands to Monument Valley, one of the most majestic and photographed points on earth. Our Navajo guide will take us on a jeep tour of Monument Valley. We will see the most celebrated buttes, spires and panoramic views from different angles. This great valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that graciously roam the desert floor. The angle of the sun accents these graceful formations, providing scenery that is simply spellbinding. The landscape overwhelms, not just by its beauty but also by its size. The fragile pinnacles of rock are surrounded by miles of mesas and buttes, shrubs, trees and windblown sand, all comprising the magnificent colors of the valley. All of this harmoniously combines to make Monument Valley a truly wondrous experience. We will enjoy an included lunch at the famous Gouldings Lodge and Trading Post, in operation since 1920. Make sure to visit the historical museum nest to Gouldings for more insight on the history of the Valley. We return to Lake Powell in the evening. (B, L)

Day 6 – LAKE POWELL/GRAND CANYON
Today we depart Lake Powell travel through the Navaho Nation to the Grand Canyon National Park. We enter the park at the eastern entrance and take the Desert View Rim tour west to Grand Canyon village and our hotel. Along the route we will see Desert View where we find the Watchtower, a re-creation of the unusual towers erected by the ancient native peoples of the Southwest. The view from atop the Watchtower is nothing short of breathtaking. We also stop at Lipan Point often said to be the most spectacular viewpoint on the East Rime. This afternoon we arrive at Grand Canyon village and our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy dinner at the Bright Angel Restaurant on the edge of the Rim!! (B, D)

Day 7 – GRAND CANYON/LAS VEGAS
This morning is free in Grand Canyon village. In the afternoon we depart the Grand Canyon and drive west through the rugged desert to the Hoover Dam. We enter Nevada and continue to Las Vegas and our hotel. The reminder of the day is at free in fabulous Las Vegas! (B)

Day 8 – LAS VEGAS/HOME TOWN
This morning is at leisure in Las Vegas to enjoy this fabulous city. This afternoon we transfer to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport for our return flight home. (B)