PAINTED CANYONS OF THE WEST

Featuring Utah’s Five National Parks

Explore the amazing spires of Bryce Canyon National Park, known as hoodoos; Spend two nights in Moab with time to explore Arches and Canyonlands national parks; and enjoy dinner and a wine-tasting in Colorado’s wine country.  Take in mesmerizing scenery on Utah’s most picturesque byways; Behold incredible views at Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab; Climb aboard Zion’s open-air tram with an expert guide.  Marvel at the sleek white formations at Capitol Reef National Park; and experience a ‘Cowboy Dinner’ in Moab as the sunset illuminates canyon walls above the Colorado River**.

Highlights include Colorado National Monument, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Las Vegas, and more.  9 days, 11 meals, hotel, airfare, and taxes.  Double $3,699, Single $4,599, Triple $3,649.

Day 1: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

Day 2: Grand Junction Hotel, Grand Junction, CO

Days 3-4: Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab, UT

Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce, UT

Days 6-7: Zion National Park Hotel, UT

Day 8: Las Vegas Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

Day 4: Wednesday, June 2, 2021: Journey through the otherworldly oases of two national parks.  Hike* along sunset-colored arches as you make your way through Arches National Park.  Continue to Canyonlands National Park, resting in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, and discover a world of mesas, canyons, and arches.  Close by, at the Island of the Sky, look out over a landscape of ethereal valleys and dreamy horizons. Today’s park pilgrimage ends atop the sheer sandstone cliffs of Dead Horse Point State Park.  (B, L) 

Day 5: Thursday, June 3, 2021: Travel through the dramatic Utah desert on Scenic Byway 24.  Visit Capitol Reef National Park, named for the curved white walls that resemble the U.S. Capitol building.  On the Million Dollar Highway, take in views of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where layers of warm reds and oranges melt into smooth sided peaks.  Spend the night in Bryce, your jumping-off point to Bryce Canyon National Park.  (B)

Day 8: Sunday, June 6, 2021: Age-old nature is replaced with captivating energy, vibrant lights, and endless excitement in Las Vegas.  The day is yours – spend your time along the neon-lit strip however you please. (B) 

Day 9: Monday, June 7, 2021: Say goodbye to Las Vegas and the painted canyons of America as you depart for home. 

*While there is opportunity to hike on this tour, all hiking is elective and should only be undertaken by people who are physically fit and have prior hiking experience, especially at high elevations.

**This tour requires average physical activity – Level 2.  This means you like a balanced approach to travel.  You feel confident walking at least 30-45 minutes at a time over a variety of terrains – from cobblestone streets to easy straightaways to a couple hills or flights of stairs.  You’re comfortable walking a few city blocks at a time but need some time to unwind and relax.

For Travel within the USA –It is recommended that you carry a passport if you have one.  Effective for travel October 1, 2020 forward, the REAL ID Act standards for identification wile travelling will be in effect.  This means a standard issued driver’s license used as a form of identification will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel within the United states.  Instead, a Real ID compliant form of identification must be presented both at the time of booking air travel with Collette and upon checking in at the airport to board any flight.  Any fees associated with changing a reservation resulting from a not-compliant identification will be the responsibility of the guest.  For more information on Real ID, please visit the Department of Homeland Security website: htts://www.dhs.gov/real-id    

Experience it!  Arches National Park 

Just north of Moab, bordered by the Colorado River, discover the natural beauty of Arches National Park.  There are more than 2,000 stone arches within the park’s boundaries, formed as a result of the underground salt bed that the park rests upon.  The arches are 65 million years in the making, serving as a geological window into the past.  In addition to arches, you’ll find towers, balancing rocks, and massive sandstone boulders.  Wander along the winding hiking trails and take in the otherworldly nature – wildflowers bloom her in bright yellows, purples, and greens, and clear skies (due to lack of light pollution) lead to unparalleled star gazing.