Spend a week 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.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Salt Lake City - USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum - Canyonlands National Park - Dead Horse Point State 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 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 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 - Delicate Arch Hike/River Rafting - Four Corners Monument
Arches National Park
With more than 2,000 arches, Arches National Park has the densest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world! With only a short hike, many world-famous arches can be seen up close, including Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch, and Double Arch. This is a national park you won’t want to miss!
Moab
Choose your own adventure! After returning to Moab from Arches, you'll have the opportunity to choose one of the many activities like river rafting, speed boating, riding in a helicopter, etc... (included in the price of your tour). If time remains afterwards, you'll be able to walk around the town, go hiking, or enjoy other activities.
Potash Road
Located right outside of Moab, Potash 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.
Arches National Park
With more than 2,000 arches, Arches National Park has the densest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world! With only a short hike, many world-famous arches can be seen up close, including Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch, and Double Arch. This is a national park you won’t want to miss!
Moab
Choose your own adventure! After returning to Moab from Arches, you'll have the opportunity to choose one of the many activities like river rafting, speed boating, riding in a helicopter, etc... (included in the price of your tour). If time remains afterwards, you'll be able to walk around the town, go hiking, or enjoy other activities.
Potash Road
Located right outside of Moab, Potash 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.
DAY 3: Four Corners Monument - Monument Valley - Goosenecks State Park
Goosenecks State Park
This state park was created after the San Juan River meandered and cut through the earth leaving 3 horseshoe bends in its wake. Here we will hike and sightsee the views that extend for miles and see Mexican Hat, an incredible sombrero-shaped rock.
Four Corners Monument
Visit the one point in which four states touch, specifically Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. However, this is not the only thing that makes this land special. This place also marks the boundary of the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Reservation. Here you can also visit Navajo Vendors that sell goods and foods nearby.
Monument Valley
After driving through the 17 mile loop for the scenic drive, take a hike to stretch your legs while seeing buttes that reach heights over 1,000 feet. This is also where they filmed the scene in Forest Gump where he runs across the country. Don't forget to bring your camera as this landscape is considered by NASA as of the most photographed places in the world.
Goosenecks State Park
This state park was created after the San Juan River meandered and cut through the earth leaving 3 horseshoe bends in its wake. Here we will hike and sightsee the views that extend for miles and see Mexican Hat, an incredible sombrero-shaped rock.
Four Corners Monument
Visit the one point in which four states touch, specifically Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. However, this is not the only thing that makes this land special. This place also marks the boundary of the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Reservation. Here you can also visit Navajo Vendors that sell goods and foods nearby.
Monument Valley
After driving through the 17 mile loop for the scenic drive, take a hike to stretch your legs while seeing buttes that reach heights over 1,000 feet. This is also where they filmed the scene in Forest Gump where he runs across the country. Don't forget to bring your camera as this landscape is considered by NASA as of the most photographed places in the world.
Learn More about Monument Valley
DAY 4: Goblin Valley State Park - Capitol Reef National Park - Highway 12 - Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Goblin Valley
Next, we’ll travel to 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 the surface of this exciting park. In this State Park, there are no official paths, allowing you to walk right 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 that must be seen to believe!
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 appreciate the vastness and beauty of this region.
Goblin Valley
Next, we’ll travel to 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 the surface of this exciting park. In this State Park, there are no official paths, allowing you to walk right 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 that must be seen to believe!
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 appreciate the vastness and beauty of this region.
DAY 5: Bryce Canyon National Park - Zion National Park - 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.
Zion National Park
This park will surely take your breath away as you drive through gorgeous wind-sculpted canyons and hike along incredible trails. This park has something for everyone: for those who want to remain in the car, you will love the intricate patterns found on Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock. For those who want to do a little hiking, you will enjoy the stunning views from the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Riverside Walk. For those who are experienced hikers, you will appreciate the thrill of hiking along the Narrows and Angel’s Landing.
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, the impressive Moqui Sand Caves, and if time permits, the magnificent Toadstools and Horseshoe Bend.
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.
Zion National Park
This park will surely take your breath away as you drive through gorgeous wind-sculpted canyons and hike along incredible trails. This park has something for everyone: for those who want to remain in the car, you will love the intricate patterns found on Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock. For those who want to do a little hiking, you will enjoy the stunning views from the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Riverside Walk. For those who are experienced hikers, you will appreciate the thrill of hiking along the Narrows and Angel’s Landing.
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, the impressive Moqui Sand Caves, and if time permits, the magnificent Toadstools and Horseshoe Bend.
Day 6: Wave Canyon - Horseshoe Bend - Moqui Sand Caves and Museum
The Wave
The Wave is the ultimate dreamland for photographers and travelers alike. This canyon is composed of many colorful layers, carved out over thousands of years of natural erosion. In order to protect this delicate environment from increased erosion, only 20 people are permitted to visit each day. These individuals are selected using an in-person lottery system. To maximize your chances of entry, we will make Kanab our home base for a few days as we explore the region. If unable to obtain tickets, we have alternate activities that are just as amazing!
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.
Moqui Caves
With a cool interior temperature of 65°F or lower, this spot provides a refreshing escape on hot days. Originally created by glass harvesters in the 1970s, the caves have since become much more than a historical curiosity. Step inside to discover a surprising collection of wonders, including Native American artifacts, dinosaur tracks, and fluorescent minerals. Whether you're visiting with kids or looking for unique souvenirs, this hidden gem is well worth the trip.
The Wave is the ultimate dreamland for photographers and travelers alike. This canyon is composed of many colorful layers, carved out over thousands of years of natural erosion. In order to protect this delicate environment from increased erosion, only 20 people are permitted to visit each day. These individuals are selected using an in-person lottery system. To maximize your chances of entry, we will make Kanab our home base for a few days as we explore the region. If unable to obtain tickets, we have alternate activities that are just as amazing!
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.
Moqui Caves
With a cool interior temperature of 65°F or lower, this spot provides a refreshing escape on hot days. Originally created by glass harvesters in the 1970s, the caves have since become much more than a historical curiosity. Step inside to discover a surprising collection of wonders, including Native American artifacts, dinosaur tracks, and fluorescent minerals. Whether you're visiting with kids or looking for unique souvenirs, this hidden gem is well worth the trip.
Day 7: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park - Mystic Hot Springs - Salt Lake City/Las Vegas
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Due to its spectacular red sandstone cliffs and unique plants, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park has been used as the set of many famous Hollywood shows and movies, including the Lone Ranger, Planet of the Apes, and Arabian Nights. You'll fall in love with these unique landscapes
Mystic Hot Springs*
Following Zion National Park, we’ll head over to Mystic Hot Springs, a rustic hot springs in a little town called Monroe. These springs are the perfect place to relax. The mineral containing water from these springs will not only keep your skin healthy but will also help you unwind and remove stress from the body.
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.
Las Vegas
If you choose to depart from Las Vegas, unfortunately, you may miss the opportunity to visit Mystic Hot Springs. Your tour guide will drop you off at either the airport or a hotel in Las Vegas around noon.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Due to its spectacular red sandstone cliffs and unique plants, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park has been used as the set of many famous Hollywood shows and movies, including the Lone Ranger, Planet of the Apes, and Arabian Nights. You'll fall in love with these unique landscapes
Mystic Hot Springs*
Following Zion National Park, we’ll head over to Mystic Hot Springs, a rustic hot springs in a little town called Monroe. These springs are the perfect place to relax. The mineral containing water from these springs will not only keep your skin healthy but will also help you unwind and remove stress from the body.
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.
Las Vegas
If you choose to depart from Las Vegas, unfortunately, you may miss the opportunity to visit Mystic Hot Springs. Your tour guide will drop you off at either the airport or a hotel in Las Vegas around noon.
Pick up/Drop off details
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.
*If you are not arriving or departing from SLC International Airport, please let us know ahead of time to see if we can make different arrangments
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.
*If you are not arriving or departing from SLC International Airport, please let us know ahead of time to see if we can make different arrangments
What's Included
- USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum Entry Fees
- All National and State Park Entrance Fees
- 4×4 Jeep Tour in Monument Valley
- Coyote Buttes Lottery for the Wave Permit
- 6 Days' Accommodation as Indicated in the Itinerary
- 6 Days' Breakfast
- 7 Days' Unlimited Snacks and Bottled Water
What's Not Included
- Souvenirs
- Any additional activities, excursions, or entertainment
- Trip and Cancellation Insurance
- Airfare or related transportation between your home and Salt Lake City airport
- Guide gratuities (8-10% of tour price recommended)
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 has 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 good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- 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.