Compare Trek The Canyons by Discover Adventure vs Utah's National Parks from Las Vegas by Tours of Distinction

Day 1: London – Phoenix

Depart London bound for Phoenix, capital of Arizona. We transfer to our hotel, have dinner and relax! Night hotel.

Day 2: Phoenix – Sedona – Grand Canyon

After an early breakfast and a detailed trip briefing we have a scenic drive north (approx 2 hours) through the Sonoran Desert. We arrive in the beautiful area of Sedona, known for its beautiful red sandstone landscapes and dramatic rock formations. We spend the rest of the day walking along the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, often referred to as the Grand Canyon’s small cousin! This is the perfect acclimatisation trek, helping our bodies to get used to the heat and the terrain. We then meet our vehicles and transfer to our campground near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Night camp.

Drive approx. 2 hrs; trek approx. 3-4 hrs / 5-6 miles; drive approx. 2.5 hrs

Day 3: Grand Canyon

Today we descend into the heart of the Grand Canyon! Bright Angel Trail was originally used by Native Americans to access the vital water source now called Indian Gardens, 3000ft (910m) below. Early western pioneers followed suit, and we follow in their footsteps. As we descend into the Canyon we pass through 750 million years of rock layers – a humbling way to start our trek. Despite the well-maintained trail it’s a challenging day, but the magnificent views that greet us the length of the trail are well worth it! We trek to the giant cottonwood trees of Indian Gardens; depending on conditions and group pace we may continue to Plateau Point, where the Colorado River can be seen below. We then return, with an arduously steep climb back up to the Rim, pausing to find rock art created by Havasupai Indians hundreds of years ago. Night camp.

Trek approx. 6-8 hrs / 9-12 miles

Day 4: Grand Canyon – Zion National Park

We have an early breakfast and break camp, before descending once more into the depths of the Grand Canyon. A shorter trek does not diminish the views; we come to the aptly-named Ooh-Ahh Point, then continue our downhill trek through magnificent vistas to Cedar Ridge. The downhill walking should soften up any aching muscles before the tough uphill climb back to the Rim! After this spectacular morning’s trek, we leave the Grand Canyon for our next National Park adventure. En route we break our journey with a walk over Jurassic-era sand to the famous viewpoint at Horseshoe Bend, where the tremendous blue-green Colorado River curves widely around a sandstone escarpment. The contrasting colours of the river and the red-pink rocks, which change with the sun and shadows, make this a real highlight of our adventure. We drive on, crossing from Arizona into Utah, and to Zion National Park. Night camp.

Trek approx. 4-5 hrs / 6-7 miles; Drive approx. 3.5 hrs

Day 5: Zion National Park

Zion National Park is known for its wide open spaces and spectacular deep, narrow ‘slot’ canyons. Today’s adventure takes us steadily uphill as we zig-zag steeply up the red sandstone slopes of Mt Baldy and through the deep gorge of Echo Canyon. Our destination is Observation Point, where we are rewarded by magnificent vistas over the surrounding cliffs, mountains and monoliths. We can admire the rock sculptures eroded by the elements into striking formations, and the lush valley of the Virgin River far below. It’s a tough day, with a descent that’s tiring and tough on the legs, but once more the views and sense of achievement are unforgettable. We enjoy our last night of camping under the clear Utah skies. Night camp.

Trek approx. 5-7 hrs / 8 miles

Day 6: Zion National Park – Las Vegas

Our last day sees us tackling The Narrows, often described as one of the best hiking experiences in the US. The cool shade of this deep chasm, carved through rock by the north fork of the Virgin River, is wonderful on a hot day. We walk upstream through the slot canyon, often wading through shallow water, admiring the sculpted rock and the perpendicular canyon walls towering above us – so narrow that in places we can touch both sides. Although the ground is only gently sloping, the going can be strenuous at times as we negotiate mossy boulders and water channels – a real adventure for our last day. Coming back to the trailhead and our vehicles, we drive through wonderful wilderness scenery for the last time as we cross into Nevada and arrive in Las Vegas, entertainment capital of the world. On arrival we are free to relax and explore – check out the famous sound-and-light fountain shows, fake erupting volcanoes, Elvis impersonators and replicas of everything from the Eiffel Tower to the Sphinx! It’s not subtle, but it’s a real contrast to the past few days and great fun! We enjoy a slap-up meal to celebrate our achievements of the past week. Night hotel. (Dinner not included)

Trek approx. 3-4 hours / 5-6 miles; drive approx. 3 hours

Day 7: Depart Las Vegas

We are free to explore or relax until we transfer to the airport for our international flight home. (Lunch not included if not in-flight)

Day 8: Arrive London

Day 1 - Arrive Las Vegas, NV

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Las Vegas. Upon our arrival, we transfer to our hotel on the Las Vegas strip. This evening, there is a Tours of Distinction exclusive welcome reception with the remainder of the evening free to explore the vibrant nightlife that is Vegas.

Day 2 - Grand Canyon Village, AZ

After breakfast, we depart Las Vegas and travel past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam as we enter Arizona. We stop in Kingman to tour the Route 66 Museum, which highlights the glory days of cross country automobile travel. We travel Route 66 heading east through northern Arizona. This afternoon, we will see “One of the Wonders of the World,” Grand Canyon National Park. This 1.2 million acre national park hosts a vast variety of wildlife and scenic wonders. We will learn about the geology and history of the canyon while taking in its breathtaking beauty at all the best view points along the South Rim, including Grand Canyon Village. After, we check into our hotel just outside of the park. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 3 - Lake Powell, UT

Breakfast is included this morning before we make one more pass along the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. We include a stop at Desert View before exiting the park. Then, enter the Navajo Nation with a rest stop at Cameron Trading Post with time to explore the amazing gift shop.  Next travel past the Vermillion Cliffs as you make your way to Page for an included lunch.  Then take a spectacular tour through Antelope Canyon.  The mysterious and haunting beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits the adventurous traveler who seeks to discover one of the most spectacular attractions of the Lake Powell area.  A tour to this awe-inspiring sculpture set in stone is a must for amateur and professional photographers alike.  An optional short hike to Horseshoe Bend for a stunning view of the Colorado River is available.  Arrive Lake Powell Resort with the evening free to explore and have dinner on your own.

Day 4 - Monument Valley

The morning starts with breakfast and a scenic cruise on Lake Powell. The contrast of the red rock walls and emerald blue waters are a stunning sight as we glide through the canyons. After, there is time for lunch, on own. This afternoon, we depart Lake Powell and travel to famed Monument Valley, a sacred place to the Navajo. We will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the ‘Dineh’ people. Their arts, music and livelihood are all closely tied to the dramatic desert landscape that is their home. After checking in to our hotel, we meet our Navajo guide and board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a scenic tour of Monument Valley; location for scores of famous western films, television programs and commercials. As we travel through the valley and visit famous locations, such as John Ford Point, Artist Point and The Totem Pole, we will also learn more of the Navajo traditions and way of life. This evening, we experience Navajo culture, food and entertainment at a Navajo Cookout. After a wonderful day, we settle into our hotel.

Day 5 - Arches National Park

After breakfast, we depart Monument Valley and head north, arriving at Dead Horse Point State Park for a picnic lunch and one of the most spectacular scenes in the southwest. We have the chance to see the expanse of Canyonlands National Park stretching to the south and the mighty Colorado River 2,000 feet below. From here, we are off to nearby Arches National Park for sightseeing. The 18,000 square-foot visitor center (with over 2,000 named arches within its 73,000-acre boundary) will introduce us to the unique geologic forces that created the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. We visit all of the park’s highlights including: Park Avenue, Balance Rock, The Windows and Delicate Arch. In the late afternoon, we embark on a fabulous experience, as we take a Jet Boat Ride on the mighty Colorado River through spectacular red rock canyons. As the sun dips in the west, the canyon colors come to life while we learn about the river’s ecosystem, geology and history. After the thrilling ride, we enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner served on the banks of the Colorado River. We later arrive at the beautiful Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge which is located on the bank of the mighty Colorado, and check in for a two night stay. This area has been the site of numerous classic western movies including Rio Grande with John Wayne.

Day 6 - Canyonlands National Park

Our day starts after breakfast by meeting our professional driver guide and board 4x4 vehicles for a Jeep Tour of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is the focus of this outstanding tour. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor, we descend from the top of the mesa via the famous Shafer Trail. Using switchbacks, the tour will take us from atop the mesa to the meandering river corridor below. Throughout the tour, our guide will provide information on the Park and the scenery. What an exciting morning in Canyonlands! Enjoy free time in Moab to have lunch on own, and to do some shopping and exploring. This afternoon, we return to Red Cliffs where we have the rest of the day free to relax and soak in the scenery. There is time to visit the Utah Movie Museum and the Castle Creek Winery, both included, at your leisure. Dinner, this evening, will be served outside with the quintessential western scenery of Castle Valley in full view.

Day 7 - Bryce Canyon National Park

From breakfast, we depart Moab for Capitol Reef National Park. We pass through the town of Green River and the San Rafael Swell. We will see ancient petroglyphs, beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and pioneer history followed by a wonderful picnic lunch under towering cottonwood trees. We will drive scenic Highway 12, designated as an ‘All American Road,’ through Grand Staircase ~ Escalante National Monument, before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park for sightseeing. Later, we check into our hotel for the evening. This evening is free to enjoy dinner, on own.

Day 8 - Zion National Park - Depart Las Vegas

We depart after breakfast on a short drive to see Utah’s oldest and most famous national park, Zion National Park. The Paiutes believed mischievous spirits lived among the 2,000-foot high towers and would not enter the canyon alone or remain there after dark. There will be time for lunch on own before crossing the desert returning to the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. After an amazing trip through some of our nation’s greatest natural treasures, we enjoy a farewell dinner before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.