Painted Canyons of the West featuring Utah’s Five National Parks

Painted Canyons of the West featuring Utah’s Five National Parks

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9 Days From

$3249

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Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Painted Canyons of the West, featuring Utah's five stunning national parks. Begin your adventure in Denver, Colorado, and traverse the majestic Rocky Mountains to Grand Junction, where you'll enjoy a delightful dinner and wine tasting. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Colorado National Monument and Moab, Utah's outdoor adventure hub. Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and marvel at the views from Dead Horse Point State Park. Travel along Utah's Scenic Byway 24 to Capitol Reef National Park, and witness the vibrant hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. Experience the grandeur of Zion National Park aboard an open-air tram, and conclude your tour with the vibrant energy of Las Vegas. This tour promises mesmerizing scenery, unique geological formations, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of America's natural wonders. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Behold incredible views at Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab.

  • Explore the amazing spires of Bryce Canyon National Park, known as hoodoos.

  • Marvel at the sleek white formations at Capitol Reef National Park.

  • Spend two nights in Moab with time to explore Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

  • Take in mesmerizing scenery on Utah’s most picturesque byways.

  • Climb aboard Zion's open-air tram with an expert guide.

  • Enjoy dinner and a wine-tasting in Colorado’s wine country.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Denver, Colorado

Location: Denver

Accommodation Name: Sheraton Denver Downtown

Trek across the Southwest as you take in the sienna-colored canyons, towering spires and desert landscapes found in Utah’s five national parks. Your journey begins in the mile-high city of Denver – an urban gateway to America’s natural beauty.

Day 2 : Denver - Grand Junction

Location: Grand Junction

Accommodation Name: Doubletree Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

The Rocky Mountains are your traveling companions on the drive to Grand Junction. Look out at the natural scenery as you pass by Glenwood Canyon, a product of the Colorado River, carved more than 3 million years ago. Dine together at a family-owned vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting in the midst of Colorado wine country.

Day 3 : Grand Junction - Colorado National Monument - Moab, Utah

Location: Moab

Accommodation Name: Element Moab Hotel

Set out to explore the Colorado National Monument this morning along Rim Rock Drive. Make your way to Utah on the Upper Colorado Byway, known by the locals as “River Road.” As the iconic Fisher Towers loom over breathtaking mesas, make your way to Moab, Utah’s outdoor adventure center.

Day 4 : Moab - Arches - Canyonlands - Dead Horse Point - Moab

Location: Moab

Journey through the otherworldly oases of two national parks. Hike* along red rock features as you make your way through Arches National Park. Continue to Canyonlands National Park, resting in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, and discover a world of mesas and canyons. Close by, at the Island in the Sky, look out over a landscape of ethereal valleys and dreamy horizons. Today’s park pilgrimage ends atop the sheer sandstone cliffs of Dead Horse Point State Park.

Day 5 : Moab - Capitol Reef National Park - Bryce

Location: Capitol Reef National Park

Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel

Travel through the dramatic Utah desert on Scenic Byway 24. Visit Capitol Reef National Park, named for the curved white walls that resemble the U.S. Capitol building. On the Million Dollar Road, take in views of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where layers of warm reds and oranges melt into smooth sided peaks. Spend the night in Bryce, your jumping-off point to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Day 6 : Bryce Canyon National Park - Springdale (Zion)

Location: Bryce Canyon National Park

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express

Spend the day in Bryce Canyon National Park and see the famous hoodoos – vibrant rock formations likened to fairy chimneys. Perhaps you’ll start your morning with a hike,* getting up-close and personal with the graceful geology. Take in the sprawling vistas as you walk along Sunset Point, leading into Sunrise Point Rim Trail. As the day draws to a close, settle into Springdale, a small town perched just outside of Zion National Park.

Day 7 : Springdale - Zion National Park - Springdale

Location: Zion National Park

There are few places on earth that match the beauty of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Zion. Make the most of an entire day exploring this rock-ridden paradise. On Zion’s open-air tram, wind along the Virgin River through the 2,400-foot deep, half-mile wide Zion Canyon. Choose how you spend the afternoon because it’s your choice! Hike* independently -OR- visit Zion’s Human History Museum.

Day 8 : Springdale - Las Vegas, Nevada

Location: Las Vegas

Accommodation Name: Paris Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Age-old nature is replaced with captivating energy, vibrant lights, and endless excitement in Las Vegas. Toast with your travel companions at a farewell lunch. Then, the evening is yours – spend your time along the neon-lit strip however you please.

Day 9 : Las Vegas - Tour Ends

Location: Las Vegas

Say goodbye to Las Vegas and the painted canyons of the west as you depart for home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Sheraton Denver Downtown, Doubletree Hotel, Element Moab Hotel, Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, and Paris Hotel during the tour.

  • Guided Tours

    Climb aboard Zion's open-air tram with an expert guide.

  • Wine Tasting

    Enjoy dinner and a wine-tasting in Colorado's wine country.

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What's Not Included

  • Meals

    Meals are not included unless specified otherwise.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and gratuities are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as independent hiking or visiting Zion's Human History Museum are not included.

Experiences

  • Spend two nights in Moab with time to explore Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
  • Take in mesmerizing scenery on Utah’s most picturesque byways.
  • Climb aboard Zion's open-air tram with an expert guide.

Culinaries

  • Enjoy dinner and a wine-tasting in Colorado’s wine country.

Must See

  • Behold incredible views at Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab.
  • Explore the amazing spires of Bryce Canyon National Park, known as hoodoos.
  • Marvel at the sleek white formations at Capitol Reef National Park.

Choice Highlights

Colorado National Monument Located on desert land on the Colorado Plateau, the Colorado National Monument hosts a variety of wildlife, including red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, ravens, desert bighorn sheep and coyotes. The area was first explored by John Otto in the early 20th century, when many residents believed the canyons to be inaccessible to humans. The park was then established on May 24, 1911. Today, many come to hike, horseback ride, bicycle and take scenic drives through the park.

Moab Spend two nights in the picturesque desert town of Moab, Utah, a popular base camp for those seeking to explore both Arches and Canyonlands national parks. You’ll have ample time to do some exploring of the city and the national parks yourself.

Arches National Park Located along the Colorado River, Arches National Park contains over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. One of the most famous attractions in the park is Delicate Arch, which is known worldwide. The national park lies atop an underground salt bed, which is the main cause of the formation of the arches. Humans occupied the region from the last ice age 10,000 years ago up until about 700 years ago. Today, visitors come not only for the view but to hike and rock climb as well.

Canyonlands National Park The Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape eroded into canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River. The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. The park was first established in 1964 and is now visited by over 450,000 people in a year. Canyonlands is a popular recreational destination. The trails are welcome to hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers and four-wheelers, and the rivers are welcome to rafters and kayakers.

Dead Horse Point State Park Stand atop the sheer sandstone cliffs of Dead Horse Point State Park, and take in awe-inspiring views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. Legend says the point was used as a corral for wild mustangs that roamed the mesa top.

Utah's Scenic Byway 24 Take in some of Utah's most beautiful landscapes as you travel along Scenic Byway 24. The longest Scenic Route in Utah, this highway runs through Dixie National Forest and Capitol Reef National Park and along the eastern edge of San Rafael Reef and Goblin Valley State Park.

Capitol Reef National Park Travel to Capitol Reef National Park, filled with colorful sandstone geological formations, and named in part for the white Navajo Sandstone formations that resemble the U.S. Capitol building.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Catch a glimpse of the stunning Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, one of the most remote places in the US and the last piece of wilderness in the lower 48 states to be mapped.

Bryce Canyon National Park A small national park in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon is named after the Mormon Pioneer Ebenezer Bryce, and became a national park in 1928. Known for its unique geology, consisting of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters, slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called "hoodoos", Bryce is a virtual stone forest tinted with colors too numerous and subtle to name.

Zion National Park As Utah's first National Park, Zion became a national park in 1919. The word Zion translates from the Hebrew as a place of safety or refuge. This area that has been settled by people since 6000 BC and became home to Mormon pioneers in the 1860s. A staggering mix of canyons and sandstone mountains, Zion today welcomes over 3 million visitors a year and is Utah's most visited national park.

Las Vegas A desert oasis, Las Vegas is also known as Sin City. With the legalization of gambling in Nevada in 1931, Las Vegas became a hotspot for casino owners. Today it bills itself as the Entertainment Capital of the World with its mega casinos and entertainment venues.

Mode of Transport

Travel through the stunning landscapes of the Southwest with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, journeying by road to explore national parks and scenic byways, and enjoy a ride on Zion's open-air tram with an expert guide.

Accommodation

Stay at the Sheraton Denver Downtown, Doubletree Hotel, Element Moab Hotel, Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express, with a final night at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect in Moab during the tour?

    In Moab, you will have the opportunity to explore both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. You can hike along red rock features in Arches National Park and discover mesas and canyons in Canyonlands National Park. Additionally, you will visit Dead Horse Point State Park for breathtaking views. ...more ...less

  • What is unique about the Bryce Canyon National Park visit?

    At Bryce Canyon National Park, you will see the famous hoodoos, which are vibrant rock formations likened to fairy chimneys. You can also enjoy sprawling vistas from Sunset Point leading into Sunrise Point Rim Trail.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Zion National Park?

    In Zion National Park, you will explore the stunning red and white sandstone cliffs. You will ride on Zion's open-air tram along the Virgin River through Zion Canyon. You have the option to hike independently or visit Zion's Human History Museum.

  • What is the significance of the Colorado National Monument on this tour?

    The Colorado National Monument is known for its desert landscape on the Colorado Plateau, hosting a variety of wildlife. It offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and scenic drives through the park.

  • What kind of experience is offered in Colorado's wine country?

    In Colorado's wine country, you will enjoy a dinner and a wine-tasting experience at a family-owned vineyard.

  • Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?

    Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.

  • Can my children travel on tour?

    Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.

  • What is the difference between a twin room and double room?

    In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.

  • Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?

    Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.

  • Do I need a passport?

    Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.

  • Is there a lot of walking on tour?

    We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

Reviews of this operator

Valeri White (Google Reviewer)  

If you’re looking for a...

06-Jan-2024

If you’re looking for a worry free group travel experience, Collette is perfect! You’ll be picked up at your door and taken to the airport. When you land at your destination, one of their professional tour managers will meet you at the airport. From there, you will be part of the highest quality tour company. They take pride in taking care of their travelers and creating memories in each location. Have loved every tour! ...more ...less

Rachel Epple (Google Reviewer)  

In 2024 I took two...

16-Dec-2024

In 2024 I took two Collette trips and had a wonderful time! I recommend Collette for travelers who are looking to learn and be active while touring new destinations. The Canadian Rockies by Train tour in Fall was beautiful. My Collette Tour Manager, Clare Martin, was amazing- knowledgeable, kind and very organized. The itinerary was so much fun and the hotels were great. We spent a lot of time outdoors, exploring the national parks, lakes, mountains and towns. Banff & Lake Louise were stunning! The food selections were varied and incorporated a lot of local flavors. There was a fair amount of down time if you do not elect to partake in the optional excursions. Sunny Portugal in October was the perfect time to go. My Tour Manager, Jose Eleuterio Alves Nunes Ferreira, ensured our group saw the best of Portugal! He was able to surprise us with live music and wonderful local treats each day. The optional excursions for a cave and grotto boat cruise as well as the Fado night were exceptional. I enjoyed the Algarve the best, but our itinerary was outstanding. We even had a picnic, on a mountain side, with a bread making demo. On both trips, Collette used brand new Mercedes Benz motor coaches with excellent drivers. We were kept safe and well attended to the entire trip. From the hometown pick up transportation to the airport to the flight scheduling, all our needs were met. I cannot recommend Collette enough! You’ll have a wonderful time, eat plenty of local food/drinks, and meet many fun loving individuals while seeing the best sights. ...more ...less

Dirk Ebener (Google Reviewer)  

We visited Italy with Collette...

16-Feb-2025

We visited Italy with Collette Tours, and toured Tuscany and Umbria. It was a 5 Star experience! Everything was extremely well planned, the hotel selection was fabulous, and the program very well done. It was the perfect mix of sight seeing, culture, education, and local impressions. Our tour guide Luca, together with our bus driver, was very, very knowledgeable, and they provided an excellent tour experience. The restaurant recommendations and selections were spot on. We always felt independent and part of a great tour. Collette Tours is the very best way to travel in a tour experience. ...more ...less

Deborah Bozarth (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a group...

24-Oct-2023

I went on a group tour through Collette. It was fabulous. Our Tour director, Paula, could not have been better. We went to Sicily and Southern Italy. Everything we did was so fun and the dinners were delicious. Paula made sure those with food issues had exactly what they needed. I am planning another tour next Spring and will definitely be using Collette Tours! ...more ...less

Diane Clifton (Google Reviewer)  

More than half of our...

01-Nov-2024

More than half of our tour days were rainy. Our tour manager said it was Italy’s rainy season when we complained. Why offer a tour during the rainy season? Half of our group came down with colds. A few tours were canceled due to the weather. Definitely don’t go to Italy in October. ...more ...less

Mark Mattingly (Google Reviewer)  

This is what Collette Travel...

30-Mar-2025

This is what Collette Travel has done to myself and 17 other travel guests that booked a recent tour to Iceland. Our flight was delayed from our layover from Philadelphia to Boston through American Airlines. This made us miss our scheduled international travel to Iceland via Icelandic Airways. At no time did Collette’s Tour Agency reach out, show concern or arrange anything for us when we became stranded in Boston airport. We were entirely on our own to make accommodations, try and rebook our reservation to Iceland, or schedule our trip to make up for the over 24hrs we missed on our trip. Collette Travel then lied to our entire traveling group about their ability to “help” and repeatedly have then lied to the other 17 members of your tour group. We were assured that we would be rebooked through their travel service for the following 24hr later flight. We actually were even emailed our alternative travel plan from Collette Tours. When arriving at the airport for our next day (24hr delayed travel that made us miss a full day of our excursion to Iceland) none of us had valid airline tickets to our international destination of Iceland and no one at Icelandic Airlines was able to accommodate our travel or plane tickets because it was not correctly booked through our travel agency Then, when you arrive at the airport to board your plane for the excursion you paid top dollar for, the international ticket was booked incorrectly and you THEN must call their emergency international toll free number and speak to multiple agents that aren’t helpful, put you on perpetual hold AND continue to lie to you while you are READING them the emails their company sent to you 10 hours before.. After being on the phone with this travel agency for over two hours and asking Icelandic representatives if the problem had been remedied; I was put on hold for 25 MORE minutes until I received word from the emergency travel agency staff that our plane tickets “should” now work. I will be posting receipts and email notifications of the “assuring” correspondence from Collette as proof that they lie, placate and mislead their customers when any issue arise. This travel agency is not trustworthy to be accurate OR informative and I strongly recommend you look elsewhere when booking a travel excursion with this company… ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Monday

Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026
$3249 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

Jul 19, 2026 - Jul 27, 2026
$3249 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

Painted Canyons of the West featuring Utah’s Five National Parks

9 Days Starting in Denver, USA and ending in Las Vegas, USA

Visiting: Denver, Grand Junction, Moab, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Collette

Tour code:

15224

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 44

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3249 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 20-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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