Spend 5 days exploring some of the most beautiful national parks in America. With this package, guests will visit all five of Utah’s national parks, including Canyonlands, Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef.
Tour Overview
In this small group tour (2-8 people), explore every one of Utah's national parks in only 5 days. Some highlights of this trip are Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch, and Double Arch up close at Arches National Park, hoodoos at Bryce Canyon, and following the historical footsteps of the Fremont people.
Itinerary
DAY 1: USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum - Dead Horse Point State Park - Canyonlands National Park - Moab
Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum
After we pick you up from Salt Lake City International Airport, we will start the tour at the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum. Here, you can discover what life was like when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. View real dinosaur bones, full-body dinosaur mounts, and even some items from the Fremont people and mammal skeletons from the Ice Age.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Located only a few miles from Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park offers a unique view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. While driving around, your tour guide will tell you the unusual story of how this park got its name.
Canyonlands National Park
This national park is made of three main districts: The Maze, The Needles, and Island in the Sky. For this tour, we will be exploring the Island in the Sky district, known for its rock climbing locations and stargazing sites. Island in the Sky allows you to overlook places in the valley, such as the Colorado River, from atop high canyons.
Moab
Here sits the town between to two national parks, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. With many attractions in the area, you will be able to walk downtown to check out shops and restaurants before going to your hotel to prepare for the next day.
Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum
After we pick you up from Salt Lake City International Airport, we will start the tour at the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum. Here, you can discover what life was like when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. View real dinosaur bones, full-body dinosaur mounts, and even some items from the Fremont people and mammal skeletons from the Ice Age.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Located only a few miles from Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park offers a unique view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. While driving around, your tour guide will tell you the unusual story of how this park got its name.
Canyonlands National Park
This national park is made of three main districts: The Maze, The Needles, and Island in the Sky. For this tour, we will be exploring the Island in the Sky district, known for its rock climbing locations and stargazing sites. Island in the Sky allows you to overlook places in the valley, such as the Colorado River, from atop high canyons.
Moab
Here sits the town between to two national parks, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. With many attractions in the area, you will be able to walk downtown to check out shops and restaurants before going to your hotel to prepare for the next day.
DAY 2: Arches National Park - Potash Road - Moab Adventure
Arches National Park
We will start the morning going to Arches National Park, widely known for having over 2,000 natural stone arches. Check out Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and many more. This is a national park you sure won't want to miss!
Potash Road
After visiting Arches, your tour guide will come pick you up from your hotel and take you to see Potash Road. Located right outside of Moab, this road winds along the Colorado river with water on one side, and a huge rock cliff on the other. Along this road, your tour guide will show you ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks, as well as additional arches that can be accessed by foot.
Moab
After returning to Moab from your visit to Arches National Park, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the area on your own (please note: these activities are not included in the tour price). Moab offers plenty of exciting options, such as river rafting, speed boating, or even taking a scenic helicopter ride. If you prefer something more relaxed, you can explore the town, go for a hike, or just enjoy the local atmosphere.
Arches National Park
We will start the morning going to Arches National Park, widely known for having over 2,000 natural stone arches. Check out Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and many more. This is a national park you sure won't want to miss!
Potash Road
After visiting Arches, your tour guide will come pick you up from your hotel and take you to see Potash Road. Located right outside of Moab, this road winds along the Colorado river with water on one side, and a huge rock cliff on the other. Along this road, your tour guide will show you ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks, as well as additional arches that can be accessed by foot.
Moab
After returning to Moab from your visit to Arches National Park, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the area on your own (please note: these activities are not included in the tour price). Moab offers plenty of exciting options, such as river rafting, speed boating, or even taking a scenic helicopter ride. If you prefer something more relaxed, you can explore the town, go for a hike, or just enjoy the local atmosphere.
DAY 3: Highway 12 - Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument - Goblin Valley State Park - Capitol Reef National Park
Goblin Valley State Park
The “goblins” in Goblin Valley get their name from the thousands of unique hoodoos, or columns of weathered stone, that dot its surface. In this State Park, there are no official paths, allowing you to walk up close to the hoodoos and take pictures. If time permits, your tour guide will take you on a hike to Goblins Lair, an incredibly tall cave.
Capitol Reef National Park
This national park is known for its white domes and its Waterpocket Fold, a large geologic fold of stone that runs for almost 100 miles. This fold is also known as a "wrinkle on the Earth" as that is essentially what happened, the earth's tectonic plates buckled the earth's surface. This area is also popular for its Fremont influence, as pictographs and artifacts are commonly found here. We will also explore the remnants of Fruita and if we are lucky, may even be able to taste some fruit from the orchards.
Highway 12 Scenic Byway
Route 12 is known as one of the most scenic roads in the US. This 124-mile highway cuts through steep sandstone canyons and narrow winding roads, offering incredible views that are a must see amongst visitors. In addition, multiple national and state parks dot this road, including Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
The 1.88 million acres of land that make up Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is considered some of the most remote in the US. Although we won’t be stopping, you’ll be able to appreciate the vastness and beauty of this region.
Goblin Valley State Park
The “goblins” in Goblin Valley get their name from the thousands of unique hoodoos, or columns of weathered stone, that dot its surface. In this State Park, there are no official paths, allowing you to walk up close to the hoodoos and take pictures. If time permits, your tour guide will take you on a hike to Goblins Lair, an incredibly tall cave.
Capitol Reef National Park
This national park is known for its white domes and its Waterpocket Fold, a large geologic fold of stone that runs for almost 100 miles. This fold is also known as a "wrinkle on the Earth" as that is essentially what happened, the earth's tectonic plates buckled the earth's surface. This area is also popular for its Fremont influence, as pictographs and artifacts are commonly found here. We will also explore the remnants of Fruita and if we are lucky, may even be able to taste some fruit from the orchards.
Highway 12 Scenic Byway
Route 12 is known as one of the most scenic roads in the US. This 124-mile highway cuts through steep sandstone canyons and narrow winding roads, offering incredible views that are a must see amongst visitors. In addition, multiple national and state parks dot this road, including Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
The 1.88 million acres of land that make up Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is considered some of the most remote in the US. Although we won’t be stopping, you’ll be able to appreciate the vastness and beauty of this region.
DAY 4: Bryce Canyon National Park - Horseshoe Bend - Kanab
Bryce Canyon National Park:
From its beautiful pink and white cliffs to its thousands of hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to leave a powerful impression on you. This park features many incredible, easily accessible viewpoints that provide excellent locations that offer excellent opportunities for photography. For the more adventurous, your tour guide will take you down into the canyon along the Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden Trail, passing through breathtaking rock formations that took thousands of years to shape.
Horseshoe Bend
Experience one of the Southwest’s most iconic natural wonders. A short, scenic walk (approximately 1.5 miles round-trip) leads you to the stunning overlook of Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree curve through the vibrant red sandstone cliffs. From the edge of the overlook, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and capture unforgettable photos of this geological marvel, especially striking at sunrise or sunset. Your guide will share insights into the area's geology, history, and cultural significance, making this stop both visually spectacular and enriching. Accessibility Note: The trail is not fully wheelchair accessible, but those with limited mobility may still be able to enjoy parts of the path with assistance. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and prepare for sun exposure.
Kanab
After that, we’ll head to Kanab. Due to its spectacular red sandstone cliffs and unique plants, Kanab has been used as the set of many famous Hollywood shows and movies, including the Lone Ranger, Planet of the Apes, and Arabian Nights. While in Kanab, you will see the alluring Pink Coral Sand Dunes and the impressive Moqui Sand Caves.
Bryce Canyon National Park:
From its beautiful pink and white cliffs to its thousands of hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to leave a powerful impression on you. This park features many incredible, easily accessible viewpoints that provide excellent locations that offer excellent opportunities for photography. For the more adventurous, your tour guide will take you down into the canyon along the Navajo Loop/Queen’s Garden Trail, passing through breathtaking rock formations that took thousands of years to shape.
Horseshoe Bend
Experience one of the Southwest’s most iconic natural wonders. A short, scenic walk (approximately 1.5 miles round-trip) leads you to the stunning overlook of Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree curve through the vibrant red sandstone cliffs. From the edge of the overlook, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and capture unforgettable photos of this geological marvel, especially striking at sunrise or sunset. Your guide will share insights into the area's geology, history, and cultural significance, making this stop both visually spectacular and enriching. Accessibility Note: The trail is not fully wheelchair accessible, but those with limited mobility may still be able to enjoy parts of the path with assistance. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and prepare for sun exposure.
Kanab
After that, we’ll head to Kanab. Due to its spectacular red sandstone cliffs and unique plants, Kanab has been used as the set of many famous Hollywood shows and movies, including the Lone Ranger, Planet of the Apes, and Arabian Nights. While in Kanab, you will see the alluring Pink Coral Sand Dunes and the impressive Moqui Sand Caves.
DAY 5: Zion National Park - Salt Lake City/ Las Vegas
Zion National Park offers gorgeous wind-sculpted canyons and hikes along incredible trails. This park has something for everyone: for those who would rather stay in the car, you will love the intricate patterns found on Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock. For amateur hikers, you’ll enjoy the stunning views from the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Riverside Walk. For experienced hikers, you’ll have the choice to hike to either through the Narrows, or up to Angel's Landing.
Salt Lake City
If you choose to depart from Salt Lake City, your tour guide will drop you off either at the airport or a hotel of your choosing. Settled in 1847 by a group of pioneering Mormons, Salt Lake City has blossomed into the vibrant capital of Utah and gateway to the west. If time permits, your tour guide will take you to see the twin hearts of this city: Temple Square and the Capitol Building.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn, or similar quality hotel
Meal arrangement: Breakfast Included
Zion National Park offers gorgeous wind-sculpted canyons and hikes along incredible trails. This park has something for everyone: for those who would rather stay in the car, you will love the intricate patterns found on Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock. For amateur hikers, you’ll enjoy the stunning views from the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Riverside Walk. For experienced hikers, you’ll have the choice to hike to either through the Narrows, or up to Angel's Landing.
Salt Lake City
If you choose to depart from Salt Lake City, your tour guide will drop you off either at the airport or a hotel of your choosing. Settled in 1847 by a group of pioneering Mormons, Salt Lake City has blossomed into the vibrant capital of Utah and gateway to the west. If time permits, your tour guide will take you to see the twin hearts of this city: Temple Square and the Capitol Building.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn, or similar quality hotel
Meal arrangement: Breakfast Included
What's Included
- Private Transportation
- All national and state park entrance fees
- Unlimited snacks and bottled water
- All activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary***
- 4 Breakfast
What's not included
- Airfare
- Trip and Cancellation Insurance
- Dinner and Alcoholic Beverages
- Any additional excursions at guest's expense
- Guide gratuities (5-10% of tour price recommended)
PICK-UP / DROP-OFF DETAILs
Information about Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) pick-up and drop-off:
Arrival
Guests are requested to arrive at the airport before 12:00 PM (noon). Later arrivals may require changes to the itinerary.
Departure
Guests are requested to schedule departure flights after 8:00 PM. Earlier departures may require changes to the itinerary. We suggest you schedule departure flights for the next day after getting back.
Arrival
Guests are requested to arrive at the airport before 12:00 PM (noon). Later arrivals may require changes to the itinerary.
Departure
Guests are requested to schedule departure flights after 8:00 PM. Earlier departures may require changes to the itinerary. We suggest you schedule departure flights for the next day after getting back.
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- The travel agent is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveler as a result of any unforeseen circumstances outside of the travel agent’s control. This could include but is not limited to: disease, weather conditions, criminal acts, social unrest, or mechanical failures. Guests are encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
- Itineraries may change due to unforeseen issues such as flight arrival and departure times and road and weather conditions.
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
- Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) Pick-up - Guests are requested to arrive at the airport before 09:00 AM. Later arrivals may require changes to the itinerary and additional fees.
- At least two people are required to schedule a tour. If you’re a solo traveler, please contact us and we’ll help you join another group.
- Booking early is highly recommended as availability is limited.
- Children five years or younger may not be able to participate in all of the activities listed on the itinerary. If you have children who are five years or younger, please let us know so we can make adjustments.
- If cancellation occurs 30 days prior to the start date of the tour, the cost of the tour will be rolled over into a credit that must be used within six months of the original tour date. Alternatively, we could refund 50% of the total tour cost back to the card. This credit can be used towards the cost of any tour offered by Nomad Unlimited Adventures. If cancellation occurs within 30 days of the start date of the tour, 50% of the total cost of the tour will be rolled over into a credit that must be used within six months of the original tour date. This credit can be used towards the cost of any tour offered by Nomad Unlimited Adventures. For any additional questions, please reach out to us directly.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.