Crimson Canyons & Mesas National Parks Tour

Arrive in Denver

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.

Denver to Grand Junction

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)

Canyonlands National Park

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)

Arches National Park

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)

Capitol Reef National Park

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)

Bryce Canyon National Park

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))

Zion National Park and Page/ Lake Powell

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)

Grand Canyon

We continue on historic Route 66 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)

Yavapai Lodge West or similar

OPTION:SIGNATURE GRAND CANYON SUNSET HUMMER TOUR:Experience the Grand Canyon during sunset and see the majestic colors of the rocks aboard a Hummer! $135 p/p. Please add this option at time of booking

 

 

Grand Canyon & Las Vegas

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!

Depart for Home (B)

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.

Las Vegas

Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas! Guests who book their air through YMT will be greeted by a YMT representative and transferred to their hotel. The night is yours to enjoy this city. Just outside your hotel’s doorstep await neon light, gambling, or glamorous shows. The choice is yours!

The Grand Canyon

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!

Page/Lake Powell

Wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the canyon this morning! Today 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! Our drive then continues to Lake Powell for an overnight stay. Supported by the Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell is a beautifully situated water reservoir on the Colorado River, surrounded by red rocks.

Zion National Park via Horseshoe Bend

This morning, 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! 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. (B)

Bryce Canyon

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)

Capitol Reef National Park

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 to your hotel in Moab this evening, the ideal gateway for a visit to both Arches and Canyonlands National Park.(B)

Arches National Park

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)

Canyonlands National Park

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)

Grand Junction to Denver

Take in the beautiful Rocky Mountains today on our drive through Colorado. Enjoy a change of 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 we arrive for an overnight stay in 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!(B)

Depart for Home

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.(B)