Compare Enchanting Canyonlands by Globus vs Wild Southwest USA by Culture Trip
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,459 | $ 3,499 |
| Price Per Day | $ 405 | $ 437 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | Seven breakfasts, two dinners |
| Description | If you haven’t stood before fairy chimneys or squatting goblins, then you haven’t been on a vacation that truly rocks. Leading you to the nation’s most fascinating chasms, hoodoos, and other rock formations, this canyonlands vacation is as multilayered as the ancient tiers of stone that formed them. Starting under the neon lights of Las Vegas, you’ll make your way to the flame-colored walls of six national parks throughout Arizona and Utah, including Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks. Rock on with a 4-wheel drive ride through the Navajo Nation’s majestic Monument Valley. Backcountry barbecues, rustic and resort lodges, all within a stone’s throw of the nation’s most spellbinding views only deepen your canyonlands experience. | The lush granite mountains of Colorado and the mighty red-rock deserts of Utah: there is arguably no other state divide in the US where two more remarkable landscapes converge. On this eight-day trip, you’ll hike through the Moab canyonlands, bike down dusty trails in Arches National Park and go rafting on the Colorado River. You’ll also visit quaint alpine towns, soak in hot springs, and – with any luck – spot a black bear or two in the Colorado Rockies. Designed with thrill-seekers in mind, this trip brings you non-stop adventure, combining both Moab and the Rocky Mountains in a single trip. Foodies and culture fiends won’t be disappointed either, with cocktails at the hotel from The Shining (1980) and wine tasting at Grand Junction. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Las Vegas with the free time to stroll the bright lights of the Strip, maybe throw a few dice, or try your hand at the slot machines. Your Tour Director has all the tips you need to experience Vegas in style. Check your GlobusGO mobile app for maps and dining suggestions as well!
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Day 2: LAS VEGAS–GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, ARIZONA
Life is Grand Leave the bright neon lights of Las Vegas behind and cross the old Mojave gold-strike country. Travel on a stretch of the legendary Route 66 to Grand Canyon National Park. There’s time to wander along the canyon rim, join a ranger-led program, or simply savor the sunset. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Grand Canyon National Park spans 278 miles of the Colorado River on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World as you experience the dramatic views across one of the most spectacular examples of landscapes carved by water and wind found anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim.
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Day 3: GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK–LAKE POWELL
Taking the Plunge For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take our optional flightseeing excursion over the heart of the Grand Canyon for incomparable views of crimson canyon walls plunging 4,800 feet into the Colorado River. Later this morning, we travel north to the shining shores of Lake Powell, created in 1963 when the Glen Canyon Dam held back the waters of the mighty Colorado River, forming a vast blue lake surrounded by beautiful sandstone walls. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT SCENIC TREASURES Tucked among the red rocks canyon and mesas on the Colorado Plateau, Glen Canyon has been carved by the Colorado River, its several tributaries, powerful wind, and time. Sharing this spectacular region of the American Southwest is Lake Powell and its vast blue waters. Explore the history of more than 10,000 years of culture and exploration with stories that highlight the deep connection between the landscape and the people who have called it home.
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Day 4: LAKE POWELL
Earth, Wind & Water This morning, explore [LF] Antelope Slot Canyon with a local Navajo guide. The rest of the day is free in Lake Powell, where sparkling blue water laps against towering red-rock canyon walls and sandy beaches. (Breakfast)
LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Join a local Navajo guide to explore the spectacular shapes, light, and geological wonders of Antelope Slot Canyon. You’ll be mesmerized by an amazing fantasy world of stone, created by wind and water. Learn the history of this amazing canyon—a photographer’s dream!FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE at Lake Powell to enjoy all the amenities your resort offers. Consider an optional flightseeing trip over Lake Powell for a new perspective of the vast rugged area seeing the famous Rainbow Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam.
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Day 5: LAKE POWELL–MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK
Campfire Stories This morning, continue into Navajo country to Goulding’s Lodge in the heart of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. As you approach the lodge, witness one of the most dramatic and photographed points on earth. Upon arrival, take a dip in the pool and admire the Western sky above or perhaps explore the Goulding’s Museum and Trading Post, home to a wonderful collection of movie memorabilia and Indian artifacts. Tonight, travel with a Navajo guide into the red rock backcountry for a private [LF] Navajo backcountry cookout. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Join a Navajo Guide for an authentic experience in the red rock backcountry with a private cookout around the fire. Hear fascinating stories of legends and folklore that bring this remarkable region to life.
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Day 6: MONUMENT VALLEY NAVAJO TRIBAL PARK–MOAB, UTAH
Four-Wheeling & Weaving Stories In the cool hours of morning, set out on a [LF] 4-wheel-drive backcountry tour with a Local Navajo Guide. Later, we continue north to Moab, an outdoor mecca, for a relaxing 2-night stay at Red Cliffs Lodge on the Colorado River. Enjoy a [LF] Western BBQ overlooking the Colorado River. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Explore the Monument Valley with a local Navajo guide in an open-air safari vehicle to explore exclusive areas of the park in the coolness of morning. Be awed by the amazing landscapes and desert rock formations while learning about the beautiful customs and traditions of the Navajo Nation. Later, you’ll gaze at Moab’s Colorado River views while feasting at a traditional Western BBQ. TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Settle into the luxurious Western charm of Red Cliffs Lodge high on the banks of the Colorado River for a ranch-style experience in the wide-open spaces where classic movie Westerns like Rio Grande, with famed legend John Wayne, were filmed.
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Day 7: MOAB. EXCURSION TO ARCHES NATIONAL PARK-CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK-DEAD HORSE POINT STATE PARK
Crimson Canyons This morning, we visit Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. Be on the lookout for the elusive desert big horn sheep high on the cliff sides. Next, on to magnificent Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park for aerial views of winding river through deep red rock canyons. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at your resort. Wander through the onsite Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage, enjoy the outdoor pool (seasonal), or simply relax taking in the views of 2,000 foot cliffs that surround the resort. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Explore the magnificent views of Canyonlands National Park to see deep canyons stretching across the Colorado Plateau, an intricate canyon labyrinth with a million crimson hues. Then, on to Dead Horse Point State Park to see a vast mesa with an incredible view of the Colorado River as it twists through a gooseneck canyon 2,000 feet below.
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Day 8: MOAB–CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK–BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
This morning, drive along Utah’s Journey Through Time Scenic Byway and through Capitol Reef National Park. Continue through the land of natural bridges, narrow canyons, and expansive views to Bryce Canyon National Park. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT SCENIC WONDERS Journey Through Time Scenic Byway and Capitol Reef National Park amid dramatic and diverse, remote, and ruggedly beautiful landscapes. Drive through the pristine environment where the land bends into a giant ripple having been tortured and twisted over millions of years. Marvel at the twists and turns over hogbacks, slick rock, and through steep canyons. Keep your camera handy as this route is one of the most spectacular drives in North America.
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Day 9: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Rock Stars A day of rich contrasts leads you to a full day to explore Bryce Canyon National Park. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Explore Bryce Canyon’s fantastically sculpted rock formations called Hoodoos that resemble castle towers, cathedral spires, and squatting goblins. As the light changes throughout the day, the natural amphitheaters and canyons glow between distinct oranges, reds, and yellows creating a striking background for photographic masterpieces. Spend the day hiking into the park’s natural amphitheaters, photographing the changing light on the Hoodoos, or searching for one of the dozens of species that call this unique place home.
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Day 10: BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK–ZION NATIONAL PARK–LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Stones that Touch the Sky After breakfast, say goodbye to the Hoodoos and descend into a stunning ½-mile-deep canyon for Zion National Park. Enjoy a boxed picnic lunch on the front lawn of Zion Lodge with free time to explore. Continue to Las Vegas where your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATIONAL PARK PERFECTION Meaning a place of peace and refuge known to nourish the soul, Zion’s sandstone walls rise thousands of feet above the valleys and cliffs high above the canyon floor’s lush greenery and snaking Virgin River. Here, Native people and pioneers first gazed skyward at soaring cliffs of cream, pink, and red piercing the brilliant blue sky.
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Day 11: LAS VEGAS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more of Las Vegas? Extra nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)
DAY 1
Welcome to Denver, Colorado
On arrival in Denver, you’ll be greeted by our Local Insider who will accompany you throughout the trip. Meet your fellow travellers at 6pm and spend the evening mingling at an authentic Denver brewpub, where dinner and a selection of local beers will be served.
ACCOMMODATION
- The Curtis
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Welcome dinner
DAY 2
Transforming landscapes and hiking in Arches National Park, Utah
The adventure really begins on Day 2, as you journey from the American plains and across the Colorado Rockies, where you’ll stop off for wine tasting in Grand Junction. Continuing on, watch the landscape transform from sky-grazing granite peaks into the canyonlands of Utah. You’ll be staying in Moab, gateway to the Arches National Park. Spend the afternoon hiking to the Delicate Arch, where you’ll tuck into burritos as you watch the sun set over the desert. Bed down in a hotel overlooking the Colorado River later that evening.
ACCOMMODATION
- Red Cliffs Lodge
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Wine tasting
- Arches Park Avenue walk
- Delicate Arch sunset hike
DAY 3
Rafting the Colorado River and off-roading in Moab
After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, you’ll spend the morning rafting the Colorado River. There are no rapids in this part of the waterway, so expect a calm trip with ample time to marvel at the red-rock scenery. Following a river swim, you can opt between hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and canyoneering back in the national park or exploring downtown Moab instead. Come nightfall, take an off-road Hummer tour through the surrounding slickrock to really experience Utah.
ACCOMMODATION
- Red Cliffs Lodge
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Rafting on the Colorado River
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Sunset Hummer tour
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Horse riding
- Canyoneering
DAY 4
Devil’s Garden and Dead Horse Point State Park
Receive a sunrise wake-up call to beat the desert heat on your early hike in Arches National Park. You’ll be taking the Devil’s Garden route, which leads past the Landscape Arch, the longest naturally formed stone arch in the world. There will also be a chance to go wild swimming here. After exploring, you’ll head back to Moab for downtime in the hotel pool and hot tub before driving to Dead Horse Point State Park. Watch the sun set over Canyonlands National Park, a bucket list-worthy sight.
ACCOMMODATION
- Red Cliffs Lodge
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Devil’s Garden sunrise hike
- Dead Horse Point State Park sunset hike
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Horseback ride
DAY 5
Steamboat Springs and soaking under the stars
It’s back over the border to Colorado today; the pretty alpine village of Steamboat Springs is your destination. On the way, you’ll stop for lunch in the quiet town of Rifle before continuing into the Colorado Rockies. Take some time to explore downtown Steamboat before heading into the mountains for a soak at Strawberry Hot Springs. Tucked amid a pine forest, these natural thermal pools are the perfect vantage point to stargaze come nightfall.
ACCOMMODATION
- Residence Inn
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Strawberry Hot Springs entry
DAY 6
Hike Rocky Mountain National Park
You’ll be making your way into the Rocky Mountain National Park this morning, traversing the Trail Ridge Road which stretches up to 12,000ft (3,658m) above sea level. Expect magnificent vistas along this route – and keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, elk and black bears on the way. Inhale fresh mountain air while enjoying a picnic lunch, combined with a short walk along the Tundra Communities Trail. You’ll then continue on to the mountain town of Estes Park, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel Estes
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Trail Ridge Road scenic drive
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Guided Tundra Communities Trail hike
DAY 7
Swimming in Bear Lake and cocktails at Stanley Hotel
Your last full day sees you hike the Bear Lake trailhead, which is dotted with picturesque waterfalls. There are easy, moderate and challenging routes from which to choose – and don’t forget your swimsuit as there might be an alpine lake you can’t resist along the way. Later, movie buffs will be in their element as cocktails are served at the supposedly haunted Stanley Hotel, famous for its appearance in the film The Shining (1980). Dinner tonight comes courtesy of the food trucks at The Barrel; regulars include a lobster shack, waffle lab and wood-fired pizza van.
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel Estes
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Guided hike from Bear Lake trailhead
- Farewell dinner
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Cocktails at Stanley Hotel
DAY 8
Return to Denver with a Boulder detour
There’s a short drive back to Denver today, but not before stopping at the mountain community of Boulder for lunch. Here, you’ll have a few hours of free time to visit one of the best farmer’s markets in the United States, pop into a local brewery and browse shops along historic Pearl Street. You’ll also swing by the famed Red Rock Amphitheatre – which has seen the Beatles, Stevie Nicks and U2 grace its stage – before returning to Denver and saying your final goodbyes to the group at 4pm.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Red Rock Amphitheatre visit
