Highlights of the American Southwest

Itinerary Highlights

Enjoy a two-day Rocky Mountaineer rail journey between Denver city and the sandstone mountains of Moab
Witness awe-inspiring, ever-changing landscapes through glass-dome windows onboard one of the finest luxury trains
Drive to Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ National Parks of Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion
Experience hiking, mountain biking, ATV tours, white water rafting, horseback riding, canyoneering, and rock climbing
Best time to travel April - October

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
Domestic Flights
GPS Device
International Flights

11 nights from £4,765 per person

Greig

Travel Specialist

01244 433 057

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect North America holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

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Begin your American Southwest adventure in Denver, Colorado, where you’ll board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day rail journey to the scarlet city of Moab in Utah. Travel in superb style and experience world-class service on board, as you glide past North America's most legendary scenery.

Then, embark on a self-drive tour across southern and central Utah to see every National Park in the state. Known as ‘The Mighty 5’, you’ll spend two days at each of the the National Parks to allow plenty of opportunities to explore iconic landscapes, and join optional outdoor adventures such as white-water rafting, mountain biking, hiking, jeep safaris and horse rides.

Itinerary

Day 1 Travel to Denver

Denver

Travel from the UK to Denver, Colorado, then take a private car transfer to Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Denver where you can enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing or exploring the downtown. Overnight: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Denver

Day 2 Rocky Mountaineer (Denver to Glenwood Springs)

Glenwood Springs

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at Denver Union Station for a spectacular rail journey to the resort town of Glenwood Springs. As you settle into your comfy reclining seat, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery through the oversized windows and glass roof. The journey takes you across the Continental Divide, through rugged canyons and along the Colorado River. On arrival at Glenwood Springs, you’ll check-in to your assigned hotel for the night. Overnight: Glenwood Springs

Day 3 Rocky Mountaineer (Glenwood Springs to Moab)

Your Rocky Mountaineer rail tour continues this morning from Glenwood Springs to Moab, travelling over the Colorado-Utah border with stunning mountain views in the background. As you approach Moab, the scenery changes to red sandstone deserts, canyons and red rock mountains. On arrival at Moab, you’ll leave the Rocky Mountaineer train and transfer to your hotel.

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Exterior of Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa

Day 4 Arches & Canyonlands National Parks

No National Park is more appropriately named than Arches National Park, with it being the site of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Must-see attractions include Delicate Arch that loops 65ft out of an orange bluff, and Landscape Arch, the largest natural arch in the world. Neighbouring Canyonlands is the largest National Park in Utah; the best way to experience its staggering diversity is to drive The Island in the Sky.

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Day 5 Arches & Canyonlands National Parks

Both parks offer a diverse range of activities to help make the most of your time in this outstanding region. Adventurous travellers can zipline, take a horseback ride, white water raft or join a canyoneering experience. There are also guided hikes and 4x4 or helicopter tours which showcase the stunning landscapes from sunrise to sunset. Back in Moab, enjoy the small-town hospitality, great restaurants, micro-breweries and boutiques selling local arts and crafts.

Day 6 Moab to Capitol Reef National Park (136 miles)

Capitol Reef National Park

On the 136-mile drive from Moab to Capitol Reef National Park, you can take a stop at the Sego Canyon Petroglyphs and San Rafael Swell. Follow the scenic Highway 24 that twists and turns along the Fremont River. You’ll drive past immense red stone cliffs and rock formations, and a valley of orchards and historic buildings. Take in the beautiful views at Panorama Point and look out for impressive petroglyphs on rock faces.

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Day 7 Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park

Spend the day exploring Capitol Reef National Park. Take an early morning hike and watch the colours of the rocks change as the sun rises, or hike through Cathedral Valley for views of this impressive rock formation. Take a backcountry Jeep tour to discover rugged landscapes, then finish off the day with a stargazing experience – the area is said to have some of the darkest skies of any National Park in the USA, which makes it perfect for spotting the Milky Way.

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Day 8 Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park (116 miles)

Follow the Scenic Byway 12, ranked as one of the USA’s most scenic drives to Bryce Canyon National Park. There are so many scenic viewpoints along this 116-mile route, and you can easily spend a full day enjoying this drive.

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Day 9 Bryce Canyon National Park

Known for its dramatic landscapes and the enchanting spire-shaped rock formations called hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park is an adventurer and photographer’s dream. With miles of walking and biking trails, you can spend hours and even days occupied with the Navajo Loop and Fairyland Loop offering some of the most dramatic and mind-blowing vistas.

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Day 10 Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park (80 miles)

Continue along the Scenic Byway 12 to the exceptionally scenic Red Canyon, a journey of 80 miles. The real beauty starts at the Zion Mount Carmel Highway as you follow the windy cliffside road and take in dramatic views as you exit Zion Mount Tunnel. Zion National Park offers awe-inspiring views at every turn. Hike or rent a mountain bike for the day to explore the park at your pace.

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Day 11 Zion National Park

Spend a full day exploring Zion National Park. Catch the Zion Canyon shuttle and hop off at each of the stops to take in the breathtaking views. Hike to Emerald Pools where there are three pools, waterfalls, and beautiful views of Zion Valley. Riverside Walk is an easy paved trail that winds through hanging gardens of wildflowers in spring and summer.

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Day 12 Depart Zion National Park

Make your way to St George Municipal Airport for your flight back the UK. If you’d like to extend your holiday, we can arrange a self-drive or transfer to Las Vegas for an experience like no other.