National Parks of Utah
Experience the Mighty Five
Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of Utah’s five national parks on this adventure with Ambassadair! Upon arrival in the vast American West, visit spectacular Colorado National Monument. Journey through the red-rock utopia of Arches and Canyonlands, taking in vistas of famous stone arches, giant balanced rocks, massive rock fins, and soaring pinnacles! Explore the hidden treasures of Capitol Reef, the depths of Bryce Canyon, and finally, Utah’s first—Zion National Park, where you may follow the paths people have explored for thousands of years. Enjoy guided park tours and scenic drives, along with ample free time for hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting—the possibilities are endless! Stay two nights in Moab, an adventure epicenter overflowing with local charm. Discover the kaleidoscope of colors found in America’s rocky western landscapes!
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
PACKAGE INCLUDES
NOTE:
This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. This itinerary also covers areas of higher altitudes.
Itinerary
Tue, May 13: 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 downtown hotel, enjoy a group Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. (Meal: Dinner)
Wed, May 14: Transfer by motorcoach to Moab, Utah and 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. Check in to the Red Cliffs 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 dinner at the Lodge, and enjoy the stunning views of the Colorado River and 2000-foot red cliffs. (B,D)
Thu, May 15: Begin today’s adventure with a guided tour into Canyonlands National Park. Stop to see geologic wonders, historical sites, prehistoric Native American ruins and magnificent scenery. A scenic drive up from the river valley takes you past rock bridges, pinnacles, and precariously balanced rocks 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. Take a short hike to Mesa Arch for an up-close view of one of the most photographed arches in the Southwestern US. Throughout the day yourknowledgeable guide will provide information on the history, archeology, and geology of the area. Enjoy an included dinner in Moab before returning to the lodge for the rest of the evening at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Fri, May 16: Depart Moab in the morning and cross another of America’s natural wonders off your bucket list, Capitol Reef National Park. One of the lesser visited parks, Capitol Reef is known for the peace and serenity of the seemingly limitless sky and desert sandstone. Stop at the visitor center for interactive exhibits and souvenir shopping before a scenic drive takes you to see the dramatic landscape from the comfort of the motorcoach. After a stop for lunch in nearby Torrey continue to our next stop, Bryce Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled as we traverse Scenic Byway 12, designated as an “All-American Road” due to the unique features that you will find nowhere else, such as Grand Staircase-Escalante. Arrive in Bryce Canyon City in the evening and check in at the hotel, located directly outside of park with easy access to shops and restaurants, as well as the park shuttle. Dinner is included tonight at the hotel. (B,D)
Sat, May 17: This morning, embark on a narrated tour of Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the way, take in views of Thor’s Hammer and see Bryce Point, offering stunning views of the Silent City, an assemblage of rock spires resembling figures frozen in the rock. In addition, a great view of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Visit Sunrise and Sunset Points, and by far the most iconic section of the park, the Bryce Amphitheater—a bowl-shaped area shaped by the drainage of seasonal rains and melting snow and home to the greatest concentration of irregular rock spires (aka “hoodoos”) found anywhere on earth. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish enjoying Bryce Canyon National Park. Hop around the park on the shuttle, attend a ranger program, or take a hike—Hat Top Trail, Peek-A-Boo Loop and others await your exploration. Horseback rides, or ATV excursions may also be purchased as an option. Gather this evening for a one-of-a-kind dinner with fellow travelers. A scrumptious buffet with steak and salmon precedes stellar entertainment from the Bryce Canyon Wranglers. Their voices will carry you through their “Timeless” concert, a tribute of eternal hits and classic songs from iconic artists. Hear songs from artists like Alabama, Randy Travis, Taylor Swift and more, reminding you of the musical threads that bind us together. If it is a clear night, gaze at the stars twinkling in the dark sky before turning in. (B,D)
Sun, May 18: After breakfast at the hotel, pack up and take in the scenic drive from Bryce to Zion, passing though theMount Carmel Tunnel along the way. The intensity of the colors: the vivid ruby of the rocks, the clear sapphire of the sky, and the emerald of the trees make Zion National Park a treasure of the West. Reconnect with nature and the wilderness as you tour the park on a narrated open-air tram ride. With soaring canyon walls on both sides and the Virgin River running parallel to the tram you’ll see some of the most treasured spots in the park! It’s the perfect introduction. Afterward, have lunch and free time before checking into your woodsy retreat for two nights—Zion Lodge, located inside the park. Relax and enjoy dinner at the lodge. (B,L,D)
Mon, May 19: Spend a full day at leisure discovering the spectacular network of colorful canyons, forested mesas, and striking deserts of Zion National Park. The parks shuttle system provides easy access to all the sites including the Zion Human History Museum, Zion Scenic Drive, Weeping Rock, and Canyon Junction, just to name a few. Tonight, the group reconvenes for a private stargazing tour! Both Zion and Bryce parks have designations as International Dark Sky Parks. Depart for a secluded observation site then relax in your zero-gravity lounge chair as your guide provides a night sky orientation. Once the group has become acquainted with the sky, and twilight has officially set in, the lead astronomer will begin to discuss topics such as the solar system, constellations, nebulae, galaxies and more. They will share the history of astronomy and other stories from ancient civilizations. Marvel at the deep space grandeur, view objects through telescopes, and chat with the astronomer while you sip hot beverages. (B,D)
Tue, May 20: Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Las Vegas to 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, Moab. 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.
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel. Breathtaking scenery is just outside the doors of this comfortable hotel with modern amenities. Just a block from Rubys Horse Rides, Bryce Canyon ATV, and gift shops, you can take in the superb scenery in a unique way! Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, microwave • complimentary WiFi Internet access • indoor and outdoor pools and hot tub • fitness center • laundromat available for a fee.
Zion Lodge, Zion National Park. Casual, comfortable, main lodge rooms at the only lodging facility inside the park, it is the ideal location for exploring. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant. NOTE: WiFi access can be slow and spotty.
Pricing
*Subject to change due to fuel surcharge