Utah & Arizona National Parks: Small Group 7-Day Tour

The Utah & Arizona National Parks: Small Group 7-Day Tour offers an in-depth exploration of some of the most striking landscapes in the southwestern United States. Priced at $3,295 per person, this seven-day adventure is designed for those who want to see seven national parks, four state parks, and many other incredible sights within a week. The tour is operated by Nomad Unlimited Adventure, known for its flexibility, including a guaranteed departure with just two travelers and customizable options.

This tour departs from Salt Lake City, with pickup and private transportation included. It balances popular landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Zion with lesser-visited but equally breathtaking spots such as Goblin Valley and Capitol Reef. The group is limited to eight travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience, and admission fees, hotel stays, and most activities are covered. While the tour involves some moderate physical activity and walking, it is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level.

A notable review highlights the knowledgeable guides and the flexibility of this tour, making it particularly appealing for travelers seeking a personalized experience. However, it’s important to plan ahead, as booking at least 38 days in advance is recommended to secure a spot, and cancellation policies are strict, with no refunds once booked.

Key Points

• Seven national parks and four state parks visited over 7 days in Utah and Arizona
• Price of $3,295 per person, including entrance fees, hotel stays, and most activities
• Guards are knowledgeable, providing insight at key landmarks like Canyonlands and Monument Valley
• Small group of up to 8 travelers ensures a more personal experience
• Flexible departure guarantee with only two travelers required to confirm
• Moderate physical activity involved, with some walking and hiking at parks and landmarks

Starting in Salt Lake City: Visiting the Prehistoric Museum and Dead Horse Point

The tour begins in Salt Lake City, with an initial visit to the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum. Here, over two hours, you explore over 700,000 artifacts, including dinosaur bones and ancient Fremont pictographs, providing a fascinating look into the area’s distant past.

From there, the group heads to Dead Horse Point State Park, offering spectacular views of the Colorado River from 2,000 feet above. The guide shares the story behind the park’s name, adding context to the stunning scenery. This location provides a perfect introduction to Utah’s dramatic landscapes.

Next, the journey continues to Canyonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky region. From this vantage point, visitors see deep into the untouched canyons below, offering breathtaking vistas and a glimpse into millions of years of geological history.

In the afternoon, the group visits Moab, a hub for outdoor activities and the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands. Here, travelers have time to eat and explore the town before checking into their hotel.

Exploring Utah’s Natural Marvels at Arches National Park

The second day is dedicated to Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including famous formations like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. The tour includes about four hours of sightseeing, focusing on the densest concentration of arches in the world.

Afterward, visitors can opt for various adventure activities in Moab, such as river rafting, speed boating, or helicopter rides, all included in the tour price. This flexibility allows each traveler to choose their preferred way of experiencing the region.

The afternoon also features a scenic drive along Potash Road, where the guide points out petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and additional arches accessible by foot. These stops provide opportunities for photos and short walks, enhancing the experience of this rugged landscape.

Crossing into Arizona: The Four Corners and Monument Valley

On day three, the tour moves into Arizona with a visit to the Four Corners Monument, the only point where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado meet. The site offers a chance to buy Native American jewelry and souvenirs, and take memorable photos at this unique geographical location.

Next, the group visits Goosenecks State Park, where the deeply carved river canyons create a landscape of winding curves, and the Mexican Hat rock formation adds to the scenic beauty. This stop includes about three hours of sightseeing.

The afternoon is reserved for Monument Valley, where towering buttes over 1,000 feet high create iconic southwestern scenery. The landscape has appeared in numerous movies, including the famous scene from Forrest Gump. After a brief visit, the group heads to Flagstaff, Arizona, to relax in a city surrounded by ponderosa pines.

Visiting the Petrified Forest and Meteor Crater

Day four features a visit to the Petrified Forest National Park, where 225 million-year-old fossilized trees demonstrate how ancient forests turned to stone through mineral replacement. The site provides about 90 minutes of exploration.

Following this, the group visits Meteor Crater, a 550-foot deep, mile-wide hole created by a meteor impact over 50,000 years ago. The Barringer Space Museum nearby offers insights into the impact event, and the crater resembles a lunar landscape—an early training site for NASA Apollo astronauts.

In the evening, the tour arrives in Sedona, famous for red rock formations and scenic hiking trails. The guide leads a walk through the landscape before returning to Flagstaff for the night.

Experiencing the Grand Canyon’s North Rim

Day five involves a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park, specifically the North Rim, a less crowded but equally impressive area. Visitors enjoy two hours of sightseeing, with panoramic views of the Colorado River carving through the canyon over 6 million years.

Afterward, the route continues along highway 89 past the Vermillion Cliffs, adding scenic beauty to the drive. The group then reaches Kanab, Utah, a town known for red sandstone cliffs and its history as a filming location for movies like Planet of the Apes.

Discovering Zion and Bryce Canyon

Day six centers on Zion National Park, where visitors can choose from a variety of trails and viewpoints. The Canyon Overlook Trail and Weeping Rock are accessible options, while experienced hikers might opt for the Narrows or Angel’s Landing.

Following Zion, the tour explores Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its pink and white cliffs and thousands of hoodoos. The guide offers a drive to key viewpoints and an optional hike along the Navajo-Queens Garden Trail to see the formations up close.

Visiting Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley on the Final Day

The last day begins at Capitol Reef National Park, where the Fremont petroglyphs and historic Fruita town are highlights. Visitors spend about two hours exploring these features.

Next, the group visits Goblin Valley State Park, known for its thousands of hoodoo formations called goblins. This site allows close-up walks among the columns, with an optional hike to Goblins Lair, a tall cave.

Finally, the tour concludes either in Salt Lake City, with a visit to Temple Square and the Capitol, or in Las Vegas, depending on the chosen departure. Both options provide a fitting end to this adventure through some of the most striking landscapes in the southwestern US.

Final Thoughts on the Utah & Arizona 7-Day Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive and flexible way to see the best of Utah and Arizona’s parks and landmarks. The small group size enhances the experience with more personalized attention from guides, who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. The itinerary balances popular highlights with less-visited gems, ensuring a well-rounded exploration.

While the pace is lively, it involves enough hiking, walking, and outdoor activity to satisfy those comfortable with moderate physical fitness. The inclusion of most entrance fees and activities adds to the value, though the strict cancellation policy warrants careful planning.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate guided flexibility, want to experience iconic landscapes like the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, and enjoy the comfort of private transportation and hotel stays. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability, and the maximum group size of 8 ensures an engaging, intimate journey across some of the most stunning areas in the Southwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price of $3,295 covers private transportation, all national and state park entrance fees, hotel accommodations, most activities and excursions, breakfasts, and two lunches. Snacks and bottled water are unlimited, and many activities like river rafting and helicopter rides are included.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour involves some walking and hiking at parks and landmarks, suitable for those with moderate physical fitness. The itinerary offers accessible options for many sites, but some hikes like Angel’s Landing or the Narrows are for experienced hikers.

Can I customize my experience?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility, and if additional locations or considerations are desired, the providers encourage travelers to communicate. Also, the 2canGo package guarantees departure with just two travelers.

What are the departure options?
Departures are from Salt Lake City or Las Vegas, with transfers available to either city at the end of the tour. In Salt Lake City, the group is dropped off at the airport or hotel; in Las Vegas, a longer drive back to Salt Lake City occurs if applicable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children five years or younger may not participate in all activities. It’s recommended to inform the provider if traveling with young children to adjust the itinerary as needed.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking at least 38 days in advance is advised due to limited availability and popularity. The tour operates year-round, with availability confirmed upon booking.