Grand Canyon, Moab, & Arches

Day 1

Welcome to Utah!

Morning

  • Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 am at the designated meeting spot in Salt Lake City, go over the plan for the week, then hit the road...it’s time to go to Moab!

Afternoon

  • Arrive in Moab and set up your tent at the campsite, which will be your home away from for the next couple of days.
  • Head into Arches National Park for your first day of exploring. After passing through the Visitor Center, enjoy a short, one-way, hike along the Park Avenue Trail.

Evening

  • Enjoy a hike on Delicate Arch Trail and enjoy the sunset and your first dinner as a group.
  • Extend your evening with an optional night out or return to camp after a long day and settle into your tent as you let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep.

Day 2

Canyonlands National Park

Morning

  • Visit Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky District. Enjoy leisurely walks to Mesa Arch and hike along the Grandview Trail for views of the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers.

Afternoon

  • Return to Moab and take the short hike to Mill Creek Canyon. 
  • Once you arrive, cool off from the desert heat with a well deserved swim.

Evening

  • Spend your evening exploring the city of Moab and grab a bite to eat.
  • Looking to amp up your evening? Take an optional backcountry sunset Hummer tour!

Day 3

Arches National Park

Morning

  • Wake up early, sip some hot coffee, and return to Arches National Park.
  • Hike the Devil’s Garden Trail and admire numerous arches, including the largest arch on the planet - Landscape Arch!

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch back in Moab for lunch and recharge by the pool or take advantage of some free time to explore the town. 
  • In the late afternoon, head up to Deadhorse Point State Park for more spectacular views of the surrounding canyon country.

Evening

  • Cook dinner at a picnic area in Deadhorse Point State Park while the sunset paints the sky brilliant hues of orange and red behind you.
  • Return to camp and spend some time hanging out by the campfire and keeping an eye out for shooting stars.

Day 4

Navajo Country

Morning

  • Begin your morning going from Moab to the Navajo Reservation and Monument Valley Tribal Park.
  • Drive the Moki Dugway road, known for its tight switchback turns and steep cliff drop offs, and we’ll be sure to stop for stellar photo ops along the way.

Afternoon

  • Visit Gooseneck State Park for views of the meandering San Juan River and its surrounding canyons.
  • Upon arrival at the Monument Valley Visitor Center, leave the van and your suitcase behind, taking just an overnight pack as you embark on an overnight backcountry tour of the park. 
  • Your Navajo guide will take us to areas of the park that you are not able to visit without a local guide. They will show us many interesting and beautiful rock formations, petroglyphs, and tell us about Navajo culture. 

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional dinner of ‘Navajo Tacos’ with your guide and other Navajo locals, followed by a campfire under the stars!
  • Once it is time to tuck in for the evening, choose to either sleep inside the Navajo Hogan, a traditional dome-shaped structure, or outside under the night sky. 
  • This night will be off-grid (no Wi-Fi or running water, though a water tank will be provided for drinking) so sit back, relax, and enjoy your natural surroundings!

Day 5

Lake Powell & Horseshoe Bend

Morning

  • Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the formations of Monument Valley. 
  • After welcoming in the new day, return to the visitor’s center to freshen up a bit before hitting the road.
  • Make a stop for a short walk at Navajo National Monument to see ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings located in a distant canyon. 

Afternoon

  • Arrive at Lake Powell in time for lunch and enjoy some time to swim if you’d like. 
  • Visit the immense Glen Canyon Dam, similar in scale to the Hoover Dam. 

Evening

  • Check into your motel for a much-needed shower, and a little relaxation.
  • Take a short sunset hike to the Horseshoe Bend viewpoint followed by dinner at a local restaurant in Page, Arizona.
  • Head back to your accommodations to catch some shut-eye or enjoy an optional night out.

Day 6

The Grand Canyon

Morning

  • Wake up from a good night’s rest and head towards the Grand Canyon.
  • Trust your Trip Leader as they lead you, blindfolded, to the edge of the canyon...making for a memorable first look!

Afternoon

  • We will have lunch on the edge of the canyon, and then drive to the main visitor section of Grand Canyon National Park where everyone will get a safety briefing for tomorrow’s hikes.
  • Enjoy some free time and even take an optional helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. 

Evening

  • Arrive at your campsite and set up your tent before enjoying another home cooked meal around the campfire.

Day 7

Hiking Grand Canyon National Park

Morning

  • Wake up to the sounds of nature as you enjoy a hearty camp breakfast.
  • Discuss with your new friends which of the many Grand Canyon National Park trails you want to conquer today, then begin your adventure!

Afternoon

  • After exploring the park by foot, reconvene with the group and make your way back to your campsite.
  • Refill your water bottle and grab your camera before venturing back out to the rim to enjoy one last western sunset.

Evening

  • Enjoy a glass of wine and do a sunset toast to the last week of adventures!
  • Return to camp and share a final home cooked dinner and campfire out in nature.

Day 8

Route 66 & Departure

Morning

  • After enjoying your final breakfast with your new group of friends, bid adieu to your campsite and begin your journey to Las Vegas along the famous Route 66!
  • Along the way, stop for lunch at a famous Route 66 diner before continuing on your drive.

Afternoon

  • Finish off your week-long journey at the designated ending point in Las Vegas.

Extending your stay? Check out more outdoor hiking and camping options near Las Vegas.

Day 9

Day 10

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