Itinerary
Wonders of Utah & Legendary Yellowstone
The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer
Lydia Gibbs
Graduate Travel Specialist
01242 386 474
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Wonders of Utah & Legendary Yellowstone
See America’s geological and ecological standouts like never before. Discover the wonders of Utah’s red tinged rock formations, from the petrified sand dunes and ancient lava flows of Snow Canyon State Park to the desert ridges and twisting canyons of Moab, taken in on horseback. Immerse yourself in Yellowstone’s impressive ecosystem, with the chance to see simmering springs and gushing geysers. Look out for wolves, bison, bears, elk, and moose in what has long been North America’s greatest wilderness for its concentration of wildlife, all while accompanied by the indispensable knowledge of expert guides. What’s more, sleep soundly knowing you’re staying in some of the best lodges around.
Arrive at Las Vegas, USA
Arrive at Las Vegas after travelling overnight. Here you will stay at the glamorous Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas complete with sky lobby before collecting your car to start your exciting self-drive itinerary across Utah.
Las Vegas to Zion National Park
Depart towards Snow Canyon State Park, known for its dramatic petrified sand dunes, sandstone cliffs, and ancient lava flows as you journey to Springdale, Utah. Here you will explore the unique desert ecosystem of Zion National Park. Slot canyons, shady alcoves, and hanging gardens line the walls of Zion Canyon, while sandstone cliffs catch fire at sunrise. As you traverse the canyons and plateaus, keep watch for desert bighorn sheep and California condors.
Zion National Park
Enjoy a private tour of Zion National Park. Your guide will take you hiking to incredible look-out points and interpret the flora, fauna, and geology of your surroundings as you go. Take in spectacular rock formations including the Three Patriarchs, Cathedral Mountain and Checkerboard Mesa. Wind and water continue to erode Zion’s sedimentary layers to this day, revealing the iconic red and coral hues of the Southwest. Stop for a gourmet picnic along the way.
Zion National Park to Capitol Reef
Drive with the sunrise to a hiking tour of Bryce Canyon National Park, home to intricate and detailed rock formations flushed by a myriad of reds and oranges. Stop for a picnic among 2,000-year-old pine trees before continuing to Torrey, your home base for exploring Capitol Reef National Park. Early Mormon travellers were dazzled by the red rock landscape, and this unique part of southern Utah continues to amaze.
Capitol Reef National Park
Meet your private guide at the lodge this morning for a full day of four-by-four driving and a hiking tour to the Cathedral Valley area of Capitol Reef National Park. The Bentonite Hills, Gypsum Sinkhole, Upper/Lower South Desert, Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon are just some of the surreal natural sights you will witness before enjoying lunch in beautiful fields.
Capitol Reef to Moab
Today you’ll head to the adventure hub of Moab with a potential stop at Goblin Valley State Park with its many hoodoos, known locally as goblins, which are formations of mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles. With a lively local arts scene, endless activities and two national parks, Moab may be the cultural highlight of your journey. Walk alongside the powerful Colorado River before relaxing under an authentic red rock sunset at your upscale retreat.
Arches & Canyonlands
Experience two parks in one day as a knowledgeable guide shows you areas of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks seldom seen. Arches has the greatest concentration of natural stone archways in the world, a spectacular example of erosion at work. Discover unusual geologic formations such as the 60-foot-tall Delicate Arch, the Marching Men, and the famous Eye of The Whale. You’ll also learn about those who inhabited this area over 1,000 years ago.
Colorado River
Rendezvous with your river guide for a day rafting on the wild Colorado River. Westwater Canyon is a canyon of serene solitude surrounded by red sandstone spires. The river cascades through the ever-deepening sandstone monuments and into the narrow Black Granite Gorge creating the fast and furious rapids that give Westwater its reputation as one of the most exciting rafting trips on the Colorado River. A delicious picnic lunch at midday is the perfect respite.
Moab to Park City
Day at leisure and then a four-hour drive to Park City. A warm welcome awaits at Waldorf Astoria Park City.
Park City to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Take the scenic route by car to Jackson Hole, a well-known valley surrounded by impressive mountains.
Grand Teton National Park
Set off early with your naturalist guide to search for wildlife in Grand Teton National Park. Animals are most active early in the day, providing good opportunities for finding bears, moose, antelope, bison, and elk. You’ll also visit Jackson’s National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooking the National Elk Refuge. A museum expert will lead you on a comprehensive tour of the galleries and share insight into the artists and over 5,000 exhibits.
Snake River
After a leisurely morning exploring the valley, set out on a private afternoon float down Snake River in a traditional wooden Mackenzie River dory – a quieter time to travel when wildlife becomes more active. After an hour, you will arrive at a Tipi Camp in time to enjoy appetizers at the fire pit with spectacular views of the Tetons. Your chef will cook and serve dinner by candlelight, which may include fish, beef or wild game.
The Antelope Flats, Mormon Row
The Antelope Flats tour is perfect for families and travellers who want to experience the quieter corner of Grand Teton National Park. Your guide will lead you around the historic Mormon Row area which is surrounded by sagebrush and wildflowers and dotted with wildlife, stopping for a delicious lunch to take in the views. Along the way, they will share their indispensable knowledge of the local flora, fauna, geology, and history of the Greater Yellowstone area.
Drive to Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park – the first national park of its kind – comprises the largest intact ecosystem in the US. This vast wilderness has one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife in North America; wolves, bison, bears, elk, and moose all roam here. What’s more, hydrothermal wonders like geysers and hot pools are sure to grab your attention as you explore untouched forests, valleys and mountains.
Lamar Valley
Spend another day in Yellowstone National Park with a local wildlife guide, setting out early to scout when the park is at its most active. You'll make your way to the iconic Lamar Valley where wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995. Depending on the season you may also witness bears, moose, elk, otters, eagles and more. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon to relax.
Depart from Bozeman
Depart from Bozeman to make the journey back home after an enriching trip of geological and natural beauty.
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