An odyssey through Utah’s ochre deserts

ZION NATIONAL PARK
After landing in Las Vegas, begin your road trip north into Utah via the spectacular Virgin River Gorge, a fitting preview of what lies ahead.

Zion is one of the most striking landscapes in the American Southwest and deserves at least a full day of exploration through its sheer-walled canyons. Don’t miss wading through the Virgin River, hemmed in by the canyon’s towering cliffs, on a hike through the famous Narrows.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Bryce Canyon, close by, is just as compelling as Zion but entirely different in character. At higher elevation, the sandstone of Zion Canyon gives way mainly to limestone. The resulting hoodoos — an army of surreal rock columns framing sweeping views over the Colorado Plateau — are breathtaking. There are multiple ways to take in the landscape depending on your appetite for adventure, and we’ll tailor your experience accordingly.

Leaving Bryce to the east, you’ll cross idyllic farmland surrounding several Mormon towns before entering Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This spectacular wilderness spans over 7,500 km² of rock canyons, deserts, prehistoric villages, and otherworldly rock formations. You’ll drive through this striking landscape along the famous Million Dollar Road, a scenic route that delivers one dizzying view after another.

GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT
Spend the next two days in the small, remote town of Boulder. It is home to an excellent lodge, one of Utah’s best restaurants, and sits perfectly placed for exploring the wider region. Step back in time at Anasazi State Park, a village dating to 1050, hike through willows and cottonwoods to the magnificent Calf Creek Falls, or let us guide you through a more adventurous exploration of the surrounding area.

CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK
Your great journey through Utah’s national parks continues with a visit to the must-see Capitol Reef on the way to Moab. Less visited than the other parks, it is no less remarkable. The park holds beautifully sculpted rock strata and geological formations thousands of years old, spanning a full rainbow of colors. Capitol Reef also offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Mormon pioneers who planted orchards, built the Fruita schoolhouse, and generally found a way to thrive in this demanding environment.

MOAB, ARCHES AND CANYONLANDS
It’s no surprise that Moab is often ranked among the best adventure hubs in the world. Its location on the banks of the Colorado River, at the junction of two of Utah’s five national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, makes it a haven for outdoor lovers. Staying at the magnificent Sorrel River Ranch on the banks of the Green River, you’ll appreciate the luxurious comfort after a day of exploring. We recommend spending a full day in each of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, either with one of our local guides or at your own pace. Use your last day in Moab to try one of the adventure sports the region is known for, such as mountain biking, rafting, or off-roading.

BLUFF AND MONUMENT VALLEY
After three days of adventure in Moab, it’s time to head south again — but not before stopping to ponder the meaning of the ancient petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock. The small town of Bluff makes an excellent base for visiting the legendary Monument Valley, which needs no introduction (Western films have taken care of that for us!).

GRAND CANYON
Arriving at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in mid-afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to settle into your lodge before heading to the canyon’s edge to watch the sunset. It’s a sight you won’t forget anytime soon.

The next day, your guide will join you for a hike into the canyon’s depths, offering a completely different perspective on this magnificent landscape. Every bend in the trail reveals a subtly different view, each more striking than the last. Your guide will walk you through the area’s diverse flora, remarkable geology, and the Grand Canyon’s cultural history.

After a day on the trail, close out your journey with a well-earned dinner in the historic dining room at El Tovar.