Crimson Canyons & Mesas National Parks Tour

Welcome to Denver, one of the most up-and coming cities in the U.S. The Mile High City is Colorado’s buzzing capital, where urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure! Guests who book their air through YMT will be greeted by a YMT representative and transferred to their hotel. The night is yours to relax.

Take in the beautiful Rocky Mountains today on our drive through Colorado. Enjoy the scenery as you travel through Arapaho National Forest, which straddles the Continental Divide in the Front Range west of Denver. Stop for lunch on your own in the resort town of Vail, a popular getaway at the base of Vail Mountain. This evening, arrive in Grand Junction, the hub of Colorado’s wine country, for your stay. (B)

Explore Canyonlands National Park, a magical outdoor wonderland of enchanting vistas! The colorful park is divided into four districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the combined Green and Colorado Rivers, which carved two large canyons into the Colorado Plateau. Marvel at the wild beauty and drama of this spectacular landscape unlike anywhere else in the world! Continue to your hotel in Moab this evening, the ideal gateway for a visit to both Arches and Canyonlands National Park. (B)

A stunning highlight awaits! For the past 150 million years, the more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches of Arches National Park have been sculpted by the natural erosion of wind, water, sun, and frost—creating an unmistakably unique landscape. See Balanced Rock, one of the park’s most iconic features; the impressive 52-foot tall Delicate Arch; and the Windows Section, a unique area with many arches that is considered the beating heart of the park. (B)

Discover Capitol Reef National Park. The area boasts a diverse landscape unlike anywhere else in Utah—stunning red rock formations and canyons, pristine meadows, alpine forests, and lush green valleys. Also throughout the park, you’ll find the Capitol Reef Petroglyphs, impressive rock art figures created by ancient Native Americans. Continue this evening to your hotel in Bryce Canyon. (B)

Today we visit Bryce Canyon. Despite its name, Bryce is not a canyon but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters. Its distinctive geological structures, called hoodoos, were formed by frost weathering and stream erosion from the river. Standing at the rim, you are offered spectacular views in red, orange and white that will surely be spellbinding. (B))

Our drive then continues as we head to Zion National Park. The half-mile deep park floor is lush with foliage, as well as mule deer, wild turkeys, gray foxes, and the occasional porcupine. This afternoon, we see Horseshoe Bend, a u-shaped area of the Grand Canyon along the Colorado River near Page, Arizona. Marvel at the view of this stunning rock from 1,000 feet above—be sure to bring your camera for a spectacular shot! Continue to Lake Powell. Supported by the Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell is a beautifully situated water reservoir on the Colorado River, surrounded by red rocks). (B)

We continue to the grandest of all parks in the West—the Grand Canyon! The park shuttle system makes it easy to take it all in at your own pace, or for an unforgettable experience, join us for an optional helicopter tour over the canyon (additional cost). The evening and the sunset, which lights the canyon in many hues of red and purple, is yours to enjoy! (B)

Rise early to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the canyon by walking to the rim on your own. We’ll continue in the afternoon to Las Vegas for an evening at leisure. Just outside your hotel’s doorstep await neon lights, gambling, or glamorous shows!

On certain tour dates, you may choose to combine this with our other national parks tours. If you are joining us for our Ultimate Canyons & Rocky Mountains tour or our Ultimate National Parks tour, you can enjoy Denver today, including entrances to the city’s top attractions, before continuing on our Rocky Mountains & Black Hills itinerary.

Start your tour with the grandest of all parks in the West—the Grand Canyon! Travel via I-40, crossing historic Route 66 before you enter the spectacular Grand Canyon, and end your day by the South Rim. The park shuttle system makes it easy to take it all in at your own pace. The evening and the sunset, which lights the canyon in many hues of red and purple, is yours to enjoy!

Explore Canyonlands National Park, a magical outdoor wonderland of enchanting vistas! The colorful park is divided into four districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the combined Green and Colorado Rivers, which carved two large canyons into the Colorado Plateau. Marvel at the wild beauty and drama of this spectacular landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. This evening, we make our way to our hotel in Grand Junction, the hub of Colorado’s wine country.(B)