Colorful Canyonlands of Utah

Package Price Per Person:

Double: $2295

Single: $2995

Triple: $2095

Quad: $1995

Tour Dates: September 9-18, 2024

 

From winding rivers, wide open spaces, to Canyon vistas and valleys as far and wide as the eye can see- our tour out west features four scenic National Parks. After overnighting our first night enroute, our next two nights brings us to Navajo Nation—and we check into Thunderbird Lodge. The historic Thunderbird Lodge is the only hotel in Canyon De Chelly. Navajo owned and operated, the charm and comfort of the lodge, and friendly Navajo staff, add to your visit to Navajoland. To enjoy the true canyon experience, you are invited to "stay in Canyon De Chelly." Adjacent to the lodge is the restaurant, located in the original Trading Post built in 1896. In this historic setting you can enjoy regional specialties. Combining professional training and ancestral heritage, the restaurant’s Navajo chefs prepare a number of Navajo and non-Navajo dishes. The next day we’re off to tour the Canyon. But this is not just any tour….this one is conducted on Pinzgauer army troop carriers, built by Steyr-Puch of Austria, manufacturer of the Mercedes G Wagon. The Pinzgauers are very impressive off road, and in 6wd with 3 axles locked, they will go places where Hummers and Jeeps fear to tread. Our model is the Soft Top 6×6 with two rear axles. The soft tops are easily and quickly rolled up for exceptional viewing. Our Navajo guide will teach you the history of the canyons and about Ancestral Pueblo, Hopi and Navajo peoples. Every guide is certified by the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department.

After two nights in Navajoland… we head to nearby Moab, Utah, for our next two night adventure. Moab’s access to thousands of square miles of amazing red rock landscapes, along with the cool waters of the Colorado River, has made it one of the most sought-after destinations in the American Southwest. While in Moab, marvel at stunning arches in Arches National Park, which contains the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. Although over 2,000 arches are located within the park, it also contains an astounding variety of other geological formations. Colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires humble visitors as you explore the park’s viewpoints. Enjoy an included lunch by the Colorado River, before we continue our day in Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse State Park. Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah, and its diversity staggers the imagination. It is a unique destination full of spires, buttes, arches, rivers and most spectacular of all, vast canyons. Then, take in the unmatched views at Dead Horse State Park- one of Utah’s most spectacular state parks. The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands’ sculpted pinnacles and buttes. Our day ends with a cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner and a slow moving evening boat ride on a calm part of the Colorado River. It is by far one of the most unique sound and light shows in the world. It has been hailed by many as "the highlight of our vacation." After dinner,a flat-bottomed boat will take you up river with a knowledgeable and entertaining guide who will point out things of interest and ignite your imagination. Once darkness settles in, 40,000 watts of natural light illuminates the canyon wall. Lights, shadows, music, and narration make the stories of the canyon’s formation, creation, and history come to life on the walls above the river—as learned from the early settlers of the area. After Moab we’ll continue to our next destination—a two night stay at the world famous Capitol Reef Resort --Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2023 Winner! This 58-acre resort situated in Torrey, Utah, just one mile from the entrance of Capitol Reef National Park, offers a delightful blend of breathtaking sightseeing, stunning mountain views, and a serene atmosphere, ensuring it caters to all your desires. Notably, Capitol Reef Resort recently achieved recognition as one of the Top 10 Resorts, as honored in the 2023 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards! While there, we will of course visit Capitol Reef National Park. Lying in Utah’s south-central desert you’ll experience an oasis of colorful sandstone cliffs, impressive domes, and soaring monoliths. Once called "Wayne Wonderland," the park got its name in part from the great white rock formations which resemble the U.S. Capitol building, and from the sheer cliffs that presented a barrier to early travelers. Early inhabitants referred to the area as the "land of the sleeping rainbow" because of its beautiful contrasts: multi-colored sandstone surrounded by verdant riverbanks and arid desert vegetation, all nestled beneath deep blue skies.�You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy our great resort for some downtime—unwind with views of the canyon--an awe-inspiring way to relax. Our next day is another highlight…a guided tour of Monument Valley. Hop aboard an open-air safari-type tour into the Valley. Our exclusive tour travels through Monument Valley Tribal Park and beyond. Sit back and enjoy fascinating geological and historical information about this amazing area known as the "Land of Long Shadows. Our tour guide is a local Navajo who grew up in and around the Monument Valley area. During your tour, you will have the opportunity to stop and gaze at the panorama where John Ford, John Wayne, and countless other historical figures of the Southwest have left their footprints.�We’ll overnight in Chinle, AZ tonight, before our final night in Texas we make our way back. The adventure tour is mighty and so are the views. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping scenery that is unrivaled and promises to create picturesque moments that will be remembered forever. Tour includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, 10 days/9 nights lodging, (2 nights en route, 3 nights in Navajoland, 2 Nights Moab, 2 Nights at Capitol Reef Resort), 10 Meals (4 Breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners), Pinzgauer carriers safari tour of Canyon De Chelly, Guided Tour Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, , Capitol Reef National Park, Dead Horse State Park, Monument Valley Open-Air Navajo Guided Tour, Sound and Canyon Wall Light Cruise on Colorado River, cowboy style dutch-oven dinner, Hole in the Rock House, and all taxes and applicable fees!

Tour Price Includes:

10 Days/ 9 Nights Hotel Lodging

Motorcoach Transportation

10 Meals (4 breakfast/ 3 lunches/ 3 dinners)

Canyon De Chelly Tour in Pinzgauer army troop carrier

Monument Valley Tour Navajo Open-Air Tour

Arches National Park Guided Tour

Canyonlands National Park Guided Tour

Capitol Reef National Park

Dead Horse State Park Guided Tour

Hole in the Rock House

Sunset Jet boat ride on Colorado River and Cowboy Dutch Dinner