8 DAY UTAH HISTORY AND HOODOOS
UTAH TOUR
Five National Parks on one road trip. History and Hoodoos is all about hitting the best of the best efficiently as you experience the best adventures across five National Parks.
READ MORE >
Start Location: Salt Lake City
End Location: Las Vegas
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Time in Salt Lake City to explore Temple Square
- Expert guided tour through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Introductory horseback trail ride in Bryce Canyon
- Mesa Arch
- Grand View Point and Newspaper Rock
- Monument Valley
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
- Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
- Optional: Add Rocky Mountaineer’s iconic ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ luxury 2 day train journey to this tour
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City
In 1847, Brigham Young famously led Mormon pioneers into this Utah valley declaring "This is the right place." There are several highlights that are well worth a stop in this scenic city. On top of a hill at the northern end of Salt Lake's main State Street is the elegant Utah State Capitol, patterned after America's Capitol Building, that has free guided tours available most of the year. Sculpture, murals and exhibits throughout the building tell the story of the settling of the West. Nearby recommended stops include the Pioneer Memorial Museum, Memory Grove Park, City Creek Canyon, and Council Hall for visitor information. For an overview of the region, we suggest a visit to the Natural History Museum of Utah. The main lobby opens up into a towering slot canyon, reflecting the geology of Southern Utah. Visitors work their way through exhibits covering past epochs, life, land, gems and minerals, first peoples, Great Salt Lake (with a view), indigenous voices, and rotating exhibits. The museum is also the trailhead for the city's Bonneville Shoreline Trail System. *Ask us about adding Rocky Mountaineer’s iconic ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ luxury 2 day train journey to this tour.*
Overnight: Salt Lake City
Day 2: Arches National Park
Pick up your rental car and embark on an adventure through The Mighty 5 National Parks. 300 million years of erosion carved unbelievably dramatic landscapes sculpted by the passage of time. Start with Arches National Park which contains about 2,000 windowed arches, towering spires, harrowing hoodoos, and precarious pinnacles on display, including Delicate Arch, perhaps Utah's most iconic feature - a must-hike destination in the park. A paved 36-mile scenic drive from the park entrance provides numerous parking areas for trail access and scenic overlooks. You will discover a sun-soaked red rock wonderland of eroded sandstone fins, towers, ribs, gargoyles, hoodoos, balanced rocks and arches.
Overnight: Moab
Day 3: Canyonlands National Park
We combine both Arches and Canyonlands this day into one full day of guided sightseeing and exploring. Although you may have seen parts of Arches on the previous day, this guided tour by 4x4 vehicle adds a different dimension. We start high atop the Island in the Sky mesa and descend via the Shafer Trail’s steep switchbacks. We traverse part of the White Rim for incredible views of the Colorado River corridor below. We’ll stop here for some stunning views before continuing on. The Ancestral Pueblo peoples left evidence of their lives and culture in the canyons. We‘ll stop to investigate their mysterious and beautiful rock art before entering Arches National Park. Our knowledable guides add even more color to the iconic landforms and arches as we make our way to the Devils Garden for lunch. After lunch, we depart for the Arches backcountry from near Doc Williams point. We’ll climb a steep, but short rock wall, cut across a valley and wind through sandstone fins and dunes. Along the way we’ll see the Marching Men, Tower Arch, and the Eye of the Whale. We exit via an old cowboy trail and see Dinosaur tracks on our way back to Moab.
Overnight: Moab
Day 4: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
The large petroglyph panel of Newspaper Rock is on the scenic road to the Needles District of Canyonlands. From there, continue to the Edge of the Cedars State Park and then Bluff Fort before heading south to Monument Valley.The next experience is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, an iconic symbol of the American West and the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation. This complete package Jeep tour brings you through the restricted area in the backcountry of Monument Valley to see pictographs, ancient ruins, cliff dwellings, and more. This land is a notable sacred site and homeland for the Navajo People. Guided by Navajos who are born and raised in Monument Valley, this off the beaten track tour visits the delicate, breathtaking arches that withstand the contrasting, massive buttes. You will also visit the famous places in Monument Valley that once served as real-life backdrops for numerous movies like: Stagecoach, The Searchers, How The West Was Won, Back To The Future part 3, Thelma and Louise and many more. Optional: if you like – your guide will take you to visit a traditional Navajo hogan (home) where their Grandmother will demonstrate her famous art of Navajo rug weaving. Your guide will share with you how their people learned and developed their arts and crafts, such as carding, spinning wool, rug weaving, and basket weaving.
Overnight: Monument Valley
Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park
Head north on S.R. 261 up the switchbacks and cross Cedar Mesa for a stop at Natural Bridges National Monument. Even if you only stop at the scenic overlooks, the three massive bridges are a wonder to behold. You cannot see the chaotic landscape of this remote monument from the highway. The amazing force of water has cut three spectacular natural bridges in White Canyon. A nine-milescenic drive has overlooks into the canyon. Next is the Capitol Reef National Park with its splashes colour and drive a through a wilderness of sandstone formations, rock art petroglyphs that tell the story of early indigenous Fremont Culture people, and the large fruit orchards of an early pioneer settlement. In this world of spectacular coloured cliffs, hidden arches, massive domes and deep canyons, you get a feel for what the earth might have been like millions of years before life appeared. Don't forget a slice of pie at Gifford Homestead, open seasonally.
Overnight: Torrey
Day 6: Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Grand Staircase Escalante contains the most extensive network of slot canyons in Utah. On the All-American Road, the Scenic Byway 12, travel over the high-alpine Boulder Mountain and traverse the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The allure of the Grand Staircase region is phenomenal. A sequence of brightly coloured cliffs mark the transitional "step" zone between Bryce Canyon National Park and the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
Overnight: Bryce Canyon City
Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a series of natural amphitheatres sunk into pink cliffs and filled with delicate red rock "hoodoos." Over millions of years, water and wind, as well as freezes and thaw cycles, have carved endless fields of towering orange hoodoos, narrow fins and natural bridges in the high-elevation plateau. The most brilliant hues of the park come alive with the rising and setting of the sun. Summertime offers a myriad of walking and hiking trails and a 37-mile scenic drive overlooking incredible vistas (with a summer shuttle option to avoid traffic and parking). Historic Bryce Canyon Lodge's location within the park means great access to the sites, hikes and starry skies of the park. Winter snowfall brings a whole new array of outdoor activities. For a scenic tour of the Bryce Canyon area, we include a 1 ½ hour horseback ride in the Dixie National Forest and the rim of Water Canyon Amphitheater, the first canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park. Leaving the rim, we climb Bristlecone Pine Ridge withstanding 1500 year old Bristlecone Pines. (One of the oldest living things on the North American continent.) From this ridge, you will also see Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship Peak, some of the higher points in Fairyland Amphitheater. This is a 6 km loop. Continue south to Kanab and gather information at the Kanab Visitor Centre, if possible, for local recommendations.
Overnight: Kanab
Day 8: Zion National Park and Las Vegas
The allure of Zion becomes abundantly clear from the moment you pass through the park's gates. Zion translates to "The Promised Land." For you, that means some of the most spectacular walks and drives of your lifetime and impossibly beautiful landscapes you will never forget. Carved by water and time beyond the stretch of the imagination, Zion National Park is a sanctuary of the natural order. The soaring vermillion cliffs and verdant valleys of Zion are a postcard backdrop to the gateway town of Springdale. The Zion Canyon Shuttle System will take you to all the top spots throughout the park.To truly experience the park, consider planning for extra days with nights for stargazing and make an effort to take in other places around the national park. Continue your short 2.5-hour long drive south to Las Vegas. Head to the airport for your rental car return after your epic drives through some of the most stunning landscapes on earth. Depart from Las Vegas unless you want additional nights in the city that can easily be arranged by us.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* * * * This itinerary is an independent package, it can be adjusted to suit your travel interests, time frame and budget. Please do not hesitate to call one of our travel specialists for a customized package.
Pricing is based on per person/double occupancy. (does not include applicable taxes)
Single, triple and family pricing is available on request.
The above pricing and itinerary is subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates for the suppliers.
Please contact our office for updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel date.
* * * * This itinerary is an independent package, it can be adjusted to suit your travel interests, time frame and budget. Please do not hesitate to call one of our travel specialists for a customized package.
Pricing is based on per person/double occupancy. (does not include applicable taxes)
Single, triple and family pricing is available on request.
The above pricing and itinerary is subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates for the suppliers.
Please contact our office for updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel date.
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 8 nights of accommodation
- Intermediate size car rental
- Horseback trail ride in Bryce Canyon
- Guided tour through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Guided tour in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- 6 breakfasts
- Taxes as applicable
EXCLUSIONS
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Gratuities for Local Guides
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- National Park Fees
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
DOWNLOAD
Tour Code
8HHU
8 day Utah History and Hoodoos
8 days
Created On: 26 Jun 2022
Highlights
- Time in Salt Lake City to explore Temple Square
- Expert guided tour through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Introductory horseback trail ride in Bryce Canyon
- Mesa Arch
- Grand View Point and Newspaper Rock
- Monument Valley
- Natural Bridges National Monument
- Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
- Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
- Optional: Add Rocky Mountaineer’s iconic ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ luxury 2 day train journey to this tour
Inclusions
- 8 nights of accommodation
- Intermediate size car rental
- Horseback trail ride in Bryce Canyon
- Guided tour through Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
- Guided tour in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- 6 breakfasts
- Taxes as applicable
Exclusions
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Gratuities for Local Guides
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- National Park Fees
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Moderate
Salt Lake City
Las Vegas
$2,370 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* * * * This itinerary is an independent package, it can be adjusted to suit your travel interests, time frame and budget. Please do not hesitate to call one of our travel specialists for a customized package.
Pricing is based on per person/double occupancy. (does not include applicable taxes)
Single, triple and family pricing is available on request.
The above pricing and itinerary is subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates for the suppliers.
Please contact our office for updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel date.
* * * * This itinerary is an independent package, it can be adjusted to suit your travel interests, time frame and budget. Please do not hesitate to call one of our travel specialists for a customized package.
Pricing is based on per person/double occupancy. (does not include applicable taxes)
Single, triple and family pricing is available on request.
The above pricing and itinerary is subject to seasonal surcharges and operational dates for the suppliers.
Please contact our office for updated pricing and itinerary for your specific travel date.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City
In 1847, Brigham Young famously led Mormon pioneers into this Utah valley declaring "This is the right place." There are several highlights that are well worth a stop in this scenic city. On top of a hill at the northern end of Salt Lake's main State Street is the elegant Utah State Capitol, patterned after America's Capitol Building, that has free guided tours available most of the year. Sculpture, murals and exhibits throughout the building tell the story of the settling of the West. Nearby recommended stops include the Pioneer Memorial Museum, Memory Grove Park, City Creek Canyon, and Council Hall for visitor information. For an overview of the region, we suggest a visit to the Natural History Museum of Utah. The main lobby opens up into a towering slot canyon, reflecting the geology of Southern Utah. Visitors work their way through exhibits covering past epochs, life, land, gems and minerals, first peoples, Great Salt Lake (with a view), indigenous voices, and rotating exhibits. The museum is also the trailhead for the city's Bonneville Shoreline Trail System. *Ask us about adding Rocky Mountaineer’s iconic ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ luxury 2 day train journey to this tour.*
Overnight: Salt Lake City
Day 2: Arches National Park
Pick up your rental car and embark on an adventure through The Mighty 5 National Parks. 300 million years of erosion carved unbelievably dramatic landscapes sculpted by the passage of time. Start with Arches National Park which contains about 2,000 windowed arches, towering spires, harrowing hoodoos, and precarious pinnacles on display, including Delicate Arch, perhaps Utah's most iconic feature - a must-hike destination in the park. A paved 36-mile scenic drive from the park entrance provides numerous parking areas for trail access and scenic overlooks. You will discover a sun-soaked red rock wonderland of eroded sandstone fins, towers, ribs, gargoyles, hoodoos, balanced rocks and arches.
Overnight: Moab
Day 3: Canyonlands National Park
We combine both Arches and Canyonlands this day into one full day of guided sightseeing and exploring. Although you may have seen parts of Arches on the previous day, this guided tour by 4x4 vehicle adds a different dimension. We start high atop the Island in the Sky mesa and descend via the Shafer Trail’s steep switchbacks. We traverse part of the White Rim for incredible views of the Colorado River corridor below. We’ll stop here for some stunning views before continuing on. The Ancestral Pueblo peoples left evidence of their lives and culture in the canyons. We‘ll stop to investigate their mysterious and beautiful rock art before entering Arches National Park. Our knowledable guides add even more color to the iconic landforms and arches as we make our way to the Devils Garden for lunch. After lunch, we depart for the Arches backcountry from near Doc Williams point. We’ll climb a steep, but short rock wall, cut across a valley and wind through sandstone fins and dunes. Along the way we’ll see the Marching Men, Tower Arch, and the Eye of the Whale. We exit via an old cowboy trail and see Dinosaur tracks on our way back to Moab.
Overnight: Moab
Day 4: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
The large petroglyph panel of Newspaper Rock is on the scenic road to the Needles District of Canyonlands. From there, continue to the Edge of the Cedars State Park and then Bluff Fort before heading south to Monument Valley.The next experience is Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, an iconic symbol of the American West and the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation. This complete package Jeep tour brings you through the restricted area in the backcountry of Monument Valley to see pictographs, ancient ruins, cliff dwellings, and more. This land is a notable sacred site and homeland for the Navajo People. Guided by Navajos who are born and raised in Monument Valley, this off the beaten track tour visits the delicate, breathtaking arches that withstand the contrasting, massive buttes. You will also visit the famous places in Monument Valley that once served as real-life backdrops for numerous movies like: Stagecoach, The Searchers, How The West Was Won, Back To The Future part 3, Thelma and Louise and many more. Optional: if you like – your guide will take you to visit a traditional Navajo hogan (home) where their Grandmother will demonstrate her famous art of Navajo rug weaving. Your guide will share with you how their people learned and developed their arts and crafts, such as carding, spinning wool, rug weaving, and basket weaving.
Overnight: Monument Valley
Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park
Head north on S.R. 261 up the switchbacks and cross Cedar Mesa for a stop at Natural Bridges National Monument. Even if you only stop at the scenic overlooks, the three massive bridges are a wonder to behold. You cannot see the chaotic landscape of this remote monument from the highway. The amazing force of water has cut three spectacular natural bridges in White Canyon. A nine-milescenic drive has overlooks into the canyon. Next is the Capitol Reef National Park with its splashes colour and drive a through a wilderness of sandstone formations, rock art petroglyphs that tell the story of early indigenous Fremont Culture people, and the large fruit orchards of an early pioneer settlement. In this world of spectacular coloured cliffs, hidden arches, massive domes and deep canyons, you get a feel for what the earth might have been like millions of years before life appeared. Don't forget a slice of pie at Gifford Homestead, open seasonally.
Overnight: Torrey
Day 6: Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Grand Staircase Escalante contains the most extensive network of slot canyons in Utah. On the All-American Road, the Scenic Byway 12, travel over the high-alpine Boulder Mountain and traverse the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The allure of the Grand Staircase region is phenomenal. A sequence of brightly coloured cliffs mark the transitional "step" zone between Bryce Canyon National Park and the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
Overnight: Bryce Canyon City
Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a series of natural amphitheatres sunk into pink cliffs and filled with delicate red rock "hoodoos." Over millions of years, water and wind, as well as freezes and thaw cycles, have carved endless fields of towering orange hoodoos, narrow fins and natural bridges in the high-elevation plateau. The most brilliant hues of the park come alive with the rising and setting of the sun. Summertime offers a myriad of walking and hiking trails and a 37-mile scenic drive overlooking incredible vistas (with a summer shuttle option to avoid traffic and parking). Historic Bryce Canyon Lodge's location within the park means great access to the sites, hikes and starry skies of the park. Winter snowfall brings a whole new array of outdoor activities. For a scenic tour of the Bryce Canyon area, we include a 1 ½ hour horseback ride in the Dixie National Forest and the rim of Water Canyon Amphitheater, the first canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park. Leaving the rim, we climb Bristlecone Pine Ridge withstanding 1500 year old Bristlecone Pines. (One of the oldest living things on the North American continent.) From this ridge, you will also see Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship Peak, some of the higher points in Fairyland Amphitheater. This is a 6 km loop. Continue south to Kanab and gather information at the Kanab Visitor Centre, if possible, for local recommendations.
Overnight: Kanab
Day 8: Zion National Park and Las Vegas
The allure of Zion becomes abundantly clear from the moment you pass through the park's gates. Zion translates to "The Promised Land." For you, that means some of the most spectacular walks and drives of your lifetime and impossibly beautiful landscapes you will never forget. Carved by water and time beyond the stretch of the imagination, Zion National Park is a sanctuary of the natural order. The soaring vermillion cliffs and verdant valleys of Zion are a postcard backdrop to the gateway town of Springdale. The Zion Canyon Shuttle System will take you to all the top spots throughout the park.To truly experience the park, consider planning for extra days with nights for stargazing and make an effort to take in other places around the national park. Continue your short 2.5-hour long drive south to Las Vegas. Head to the airport for your rental car return after your epic drives through some of the most stunning landscapes on earth. Depart from Las Vegas unless you want additional nights in the city that can easily be arranged by us.
