Meet your guide at 7:00 am in Salt Lake City for introductions and a brief orientation before hitting the road. We begin our adventure with a scenic drive south, passing through wide-open Utah landscapes, distant mountains, and desert plains. Along the way, we’ll make stops for snacks and photo ops, including a detour through the Kolob Canyons area of Zion for a taste of what’s to come. By early afternoon, we’ll arrive in Springdale, the gateway to Zion.

After checking into our lodge, we’ll stretch our legs with a warm-up hike to Emerald Pools or stroll along the Pa’rus Trail, both of which offer stunning views of Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs. The evening is yours to relax, explore the town, or join your guide for a group dinner. Tomorrow, we dive deep into the canyon. TBD

Drive Time: ~4.5 hours from Salt Lake City
Distance & Elevation (optional hike): 2–3 miles, minimal elevation gain
Meals Included: Lunch

Today, we venture into the heart of Zion Canyon, where towering sandstone cliffs and lush riverbanks create one of the most scenic landscapes in the Southwest. We’ll tackle the Angels Landing Trail (permit required) or an alternate route through Scout Lookout for those who prefer a less exposed challenge. Along the way, we’ll pass sheer cliff walls, winding switchbacks, and unforgettable canyon views. After our hike, we’ll settle in at our cozy hotel in Springdale, just outside the park entrance. TBD

Depart Zion early for the 2-hour scenic drive to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Drive Time: 2 hours to Bryce Canyon
Distance & Elevation: 5 miles, ~1600 feet elevation gain
Meals Included: Lunch

We start our day with a scenic drive through Bryce Canyon National Park, taking in some of its most iconic viewpoints. At Sunrise Point, you’ll gaze out over a vast amphitheater filled with fiery hoodoos—tall, slender rock formations shaped by wind and time. We’ll stop at several overlooks along the Rim Drive, including Inspiration Point and Bryce Point, each offering a different angle of this surreal, colorful landscape. From the comfort of the road and short walkable viewpoints, you’ll witness the highlights of the park, like Thor’s Hammer, Wall Street, and the Silent City, all without a long hike. This is one of the most visually stunning drives in the Southwest, and perfect for soaking in the beauty at a relaxed pace. Afterward, we travel along the beautiful Scenic Byway 12 toward Capitol Reef National Park.

Drive Time: ~2.5 hours from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef
Distance & Elevation: 8 miles, 2300 feet of elevation change
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This lesser-known gem offers a mix of stunning rock formations and historical charm. We’ll hike the Hickman Bridge Trail, a moderate out-and-back that winds through canyons and slickrock terrain before reaching the impressive natural bridge. In the afternoon, we visit Fruita, a historic orchard settlement where you can sample in-season fruit right from the trees. Then we head east toward Moab, home to both Arches and Canyonlands.

Drive Time: 2.5 hours to Moab
Distance & Elevation: ~5.5 miles, 1000 feet elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we enter Arches National Park and begin our exploration with a sunrise hike to Delicate Arch—Utah’s most iconic landmark. The moderate trail traverses slickrock and gently climbs to a natural amphitheater that frames the arch in dramatic fashion. Later, we explore highlights like Balanced Rock, The Windows, and Double Arch. We wrap up the day with a sunset view over the red rock landscape and a hearty dinner in Moab.

Drive Time: 40 minutes
Distance & Elevation: 9 miles total, ~700 feet elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Our final day takes us to the sweeping views of Canyonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky district. We’ll start with a sunrise visit to Mesa Arch, one of the most photogenic spots in the Southwest. From there, we’ll hike the Grand View Point Trail, a relatively easy but immensely rewarding path along the canyon rim. The views stretch for miles over the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before starting our return journey to Salt Lake City.

Drive Time: 40 minutes to Canyonlands, 4 hours back to Salt Lake City
Distance & Elevation: 4 miles, minimal elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Daily Overview: Bid farewell to Utah’s Mighty Five with one last dose of scenic beauty. Optional stops ensure you soak up every last moment before the drive home.

• Optional Stop: Explore Kolob Canyons, Zion’s hidden gem, on your way out.
• Drive: ~4.5 hours back to SLC.