Compare Mountains of Colorado & Utah Self-Drive by Audley Travel vs Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 18 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 4,847 | $ 2,167 |
| Price Per Day | $ 269 | $ 241 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Camping |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
New England’s crimson, yellow and orange fall foliage. After-hours art gallery tours in New York. Utah’s red-rock landscapes. Wild West towns and abandoned Puebloan cliff dwellings… What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go. |
Utah is home to five of America's most compelling national parks. This nine-day tour will take you through Utah's Mighty 5, as they're affectionately called, with incredible experiences in each. Boulder over rocks to reach pinnacle views in Arches National Park, discover prehistoric petroglyphs, take a dip in waterfalls that end in a natural swimming pool, and trek through the famous Narrows in Zion National Park. If that all doesn't take your breath away, the stunning views certainly will. |
Day 1 : Denver
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Denver. On arrival in Denver make your own way to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax.
Day 2 : Denver
Spend a day exploring the highlights of Denver. Don't miss the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado History Museum or explore the city's many excellent art galleries. Alternatively, relax in Larimer Square and sample some excellent local cuisine while people watching.
Day 3 : Estes Park
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Day 4 : Estes Park
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Day 5 : Grand Junction
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Day 6 : Moab
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Day 7 : Moab
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Day 8 : Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
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Day 9 : Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
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Day 10 : Mesa Verde National Park
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Day 11 : Durango
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Day 12 : Durango
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Day 13 : Crested Butte
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Day 14 : Crested Butte
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Day 15 : Vail
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Day 16 : Vail
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Day 17 : International return flight
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Day 18 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1 Las Vegas
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or Fremont Street. This tour leaves Las Vegas in the morning on Day 2; if you would like to spend any additional time here, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.
Day 2 Las Vegas/Bryce Canyon National Park
Hit the road from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, travelling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival the group will set up camp before setting off to explore this unique national park in the fading light. After the sun goes down, don't forget to look up to check out this renowned night sky while enjoying s'mores around the fire.
Day 3 Bryce Canyon National Park/Moab
Set off early this morning in Bryce Canyon National Park, and stare in wonder at the largest collection of hoodoos in the world as the sun rises. Take a hike into the amphitheater of Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop to walk amongst the hoodoos, walls and fins that make up this geological wonder. In the afternoon, continue to Moab, an adventure capital of the southwest and the gateway to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Set up camp upon arrival and spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the great outdoors.
Please note that weather, in particular the heat, can affect the order in which we do the activities of the day. Your CEO will be checking daily on local conditions and will alter the itinerary if the heat poses a risk to the health and safety of the group.
Day 4 Arches National Park
Enjoy breakfast at camp before driving to Arches National Park. Spend the first part of the day exploring the densest concentration of arches in the world. Take a hike through Devils Garden to Landscape Arch, and continue to Double O Arch, bouldering over rocks to reach the pinnacle views. Head back to Moab in the afternoon where you can take advantage of free time to try some of the optional activities available in the area. Opt to visit Delicate Arch Viewpoint in the evening for a sunset walk. Stand in awe at the over 2,000 sandstone arches ranging in size and shape that make up this park.
Day 5 Canyonlands National Park
Travel to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Stop at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, the largest known collection of petroglyphs in the Southwest. Spend the day hiking through desert lands to explore eroded towers of sandstone and fissures in the ground on the Joint Trail to Chesler Park.
Please note that weather, in particular the heat, can affect the order in which we do the activities of the day. Your CEO will be checking daily on local conditions and will alter the itinerary if the heat poses a risk to the health and safety of the group.
Day 6 Capitol Reef National Park
Travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Known for its geologic monocline, discover the cliffs, canyons, petroglyphs and orchards that make up the park. Learn about the geology and the ancient inhabitants who created the petroglyphs still visible on the cliff walls. In the evening check into the cabins we'll be staying in while in Capitol Reef. Then, take advantage of your free time after dark to look up at the starry night This national park has been designated a Gold Tier "International Dark Sky Park".
Please note several of the trails we use do not have water accessible. Please bring a bottles/bladder with a capacity of 3 litres. Unexpected trail or road closures may prevent hiking on some of the listed routes. Should this event arise, we will substitute with an alternative hike.
Day 7 Capitol Reef National Park/Zion National Park
Today, travel along the scenic highway through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Take in the mesas, canyons and arches that make up this diverse geological region. Set off on a hike and discover prehistoric petroglyphs and stunning waterfalls. Opt to cool off in the refreshing waters falling 38m (126 ft) to a natural swimming pool fed from Calf Creek Falls. Continue to Zion National Park, traveling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Enjoy panoramic views and a free evening in the Springdale area.
Day 8 Zion National Park
Spend the day discovering Zion National Park. First hike to Scout Lookout, a challenging, but rewarding 4 mile hike which passes through the iconic Walter's Wiggles before reaching the lookout point along a flat saddle with incredible views of the Zion Canyon. Head to the valley floor to trek through the river on one of the most popular hikes in the park, the Narrows. Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and opt to turn around at any point. Experience diverse plant and animal life in this narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls. After returning to camp, head into the charming town of Springdale to celebrate the accomplishments of the last week.
Please note that unexpected trail closures due to risk of flooding may arise in The Narrows. Should this happen, we will substitute with an alternative hike. While water shoes are available to rent you may have to carry them with your for the remainder of the day. We recommend bringing your own lightweight water shoe/hiking shoe that you would also be comfortable hiking in for the rest of the day.
Day 9 Zion National Park/Las Vegas
Take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 3pm.
