Utah’s Arches & Canyonlands National Parks

Date
April 19-23, 2024 | Fri / Tue – 5 Days

Location
Moab | Arches National Park | Canyonlands National Park | Dead Horse Point State Park

Ambassadair Trip #8749

WAITLISTING

Overview

Located upstream from the Grand Canyon near Moab, Utah, are Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. The Colorado River snakes through countless colorful canyons and red sandstone here, just as it does in Arizona, and the vistas, mesas and buttes are just as breathtaking.

Take to the waters of the Colorado River for a mild whitewater rafting/floating adventure. See the unusual rock spires and outcroppings of Arches National Park. A Jet boat and SUV tour through Canyonlands National Park reveals a vast array of twisting red rock canyons and a high plateau rising 2,000 feet. And at Dead Horse Point State Park savor a picnic dinner while overlooking the canyon.

Your adventure headquarters is the Red Cliffs Lodge, located outside of Moab. Meals at the Cowboy Grill Restaurant offer delicious, hearty food and magnificent views of the Colorado River, the Fishers Towers and the towering red rock cliffs that surround the lodge. A film museum is on the grounds and mountain biking and horseback riding are just some of the activities you can do while on the ranch.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

Jet boat and SUV tour of Canyonlands National Park
Guided tour of Arches National Park
Picnic dinner at Dead Horse Point State Park
Colorado River rafting adventure
Visit Colorado National Monument
Stay at the majestic Red Cliffs Lodge

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Grand Junction, Colorado
Escorted
4 nights accommodations
Breakfast daily
1 lunch, 3 dinners
Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
Ground transportation
Hotel baggage handling

NOTE:

This itinerary covers areas of higher altitudes and includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required.

Itinerary

Fri, Apr 19: Depart Indianapolis for Grand Junction, Colorado. Visit Colorado National Monument, located high on the Colorado Plateau, and take in the breathtaking views. Keep your eyes open for bighorn sheep and soaring eagles. After checking in to your conveniently located hotel, enjoy a group Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. (Meal: Dinner)

Sat, Apr 20: Transfer by motorcoach to Moab, Utah and begin today’s full day adventure with a jet boat tour deep into the wilderness of Canyonlands National Park. Stop to see geologic wonders, historical sites, prehistoric Native American ruins and magnificent scenery. All along the way, red rock canyon walls soar 1,500 feet on either side of the river. Next, transfer by 4×4 vehicle past rock bridges, pinnacles, precarious balanced rocks and climb to the top of the Island in the Sky, a spectacular mesa in Canyonlands National Park. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, descend from the top of the mesa to the meandering river corridor below via the winding switchbacks of famous Shafer Trail. Throughout the day your knowledgeable guide will provide information on the history, archeology, and geology of the area. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery overlooking the canyon rim above the Colorado River during a picnic dinner inDead Horse Point State Park before returning to the lodge. Check in to the Red Cliffs Lodge. (B,L,D)

Sun, Apr 21: After a leisurely morning, enjoy free time to explore the town of Moab and grab lunch before a guided tour of Arches National Park. See the famous Balanced Rock, Courthouse Towers, La Sal Mountains, Petrified Dunes and Panorama Point. (B)

Mon, Apr 22: This morning, grab a paddle for a rafting/floating adventure along seven miles of the Colorado River with mild Class I & II stretches of whitewater. Your guide will skillfully maneuver the raft and talk about the unique geology of Castle Valley. Start at Ida Gulch rapids, with stops to relax as you approach famous White’s Rapid. Return to the lodge and have your afternoon at leisure. Consider a visit to the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage with “100 years of Cowboy History,” located at the lodge or take advantage of its many optional amenities, including horseback riding. Join the group for a prime rib Farewell Dinner at the Lodge and take in the stunning views one last time. (B,D)

Tue, Apr 23: Transfer to Grand Junction and fly home. (B)

Hotel

Hampton Inn, Grand Junction. Conveniently located in historic downtown Grand Junction, near restaurants and shops. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, microwave • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • outdoor pool • fitness center.

Red Cliffs Lodge. Located beside the Colorado River and Castle Creek, the lodge is surrounded by stunning scenery of White’s Rapids and 2,000-foot towering red cliffs. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, microwave • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • outdoor pool • fitness center.

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