Go deep into geologic time in all five of Utah's epic national parks. Expect desert solitude, cobalt blue skies, and rugged red-rock landscapes as you follow expert local guides on spectacular hiking trails. Explore the wonderland of Arches with its magnificent stone formations and giant balanced rocks. Raft Class III-IV rapids on the legendary Colorado River through Canyonlands and see the sheer cliffs of Capitol Reef. Marvel at Bryce's fantastical pinnacles and hoodoos, then wind your way through Zion's narrow slot canyons. To top it off, pamper yourself in comfortable lodges at these stunning locations. Explore Getting to Moab, Utah
Go deep into geologic time in all five of Utah's epic national parks. Expect desert solitude, cobalt blue skies, and rugged red-rock landscapes as you follow expert local guides on spectacular hiking trails. Explore the wonderland of Arches with its magnificent stone formations and giant balanced rocks. Raft Class III-IV rapids on the legendary Colorado River through Canyonlands and see the sheer cliffs of Capitol Reef. Marvel at Bryce's fantastical pinnacles and hoodoos, then wind your way through Zion's narrow slot canyons. To top it off, pamper yourself in comfortable lodges at these stunning locations. Explore Getting to Moab, Utah
Hike through five treasured national parks - Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion - in just eight days
[Description] => Hike through five treasured national parks - Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion - in just eight days
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Traverse a scenic slot canyon riverbed on the Virgin River Narrows and hike among labyrinthine spires of Bryce Canyon
[Description] => Traverse a scenic slot canyon riverbed on the Virgin River Narrows and hike among labyrinthine spires of Bryce Canyon
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Stargaze beneath the Milky Way - four of the five national parks are certified Dark Sky Parks
Take a Scenic Drive to Moab & Hike in Colorado National Monument
Day 1
Welcome to Colorado! Your guides will pick you and your fellow adventures up this morning from your pre-trip hotel. After an orientation meeting, wake up your travel legs with a series of short hikes in Colorado National Monument, a picnic lunch, and an opportunity to learn at the visitor's center. In the afternoon drive a spectacular scenic route to Moab along the Colorado River and past iconic Fisher Towers before arriving in Moab, Utah — your home for the next three nights. Tonight's welcome dinner is at a local's favorite!
Meet your MT Sobek guide at breakfast ready for a full day of exploring the magnificent stone arches and giant balanced rocks of Arches National Park. Home to more than 2,000 natural arches, one is so famous that it graces nearly every travel brochure and license plate for the state of Utah. Today hike to Delicate Arch and some of the other amazing arches including Landscape Arch which spans an impressive 306 feet! Return to Moab and a leisurely dinner.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Activity: 4-5 hours/5-7 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft the Colorado River
Day 3
Today offers a thrilling day of whitewater rafting on the Colorado River! Follow Westwater Canyon past red sandstone spires as it deepens into narrow Black Granite Gorge and tackle Class III and IV rapids such as Funnel Falls, Last Chance, The Steps, and the infamous Skull Rapid! Perfect for adventure seekers and canyon lovers, all equipment is provided, and no previous experience is required. Enjoy a riverside picnic lunch along the way. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to enjoy Moab as you choose.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Activity: Full day Rafting (Class III/IV - depending on water level)
Transportation: 2.5-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Canyonlands National Park & Stargazing
Day 4
This morning, depart Moab for Grand View Point and Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Marvel at towering rock walls, ancient pictographs, and sweeping sandstone landscapes as you journey into the heart of the park. Learn while you lunch at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum. Next explore the phantasmagoric Valley of the Goblins and marvel at this geologic wonder on our way to Capital Reef National Park and our lodge. After settling in and an early dinner this evening, learn about Capitol Reef's designation as an International Dark Sky Park as you enjoy a special stargazing experience with an astronomer! The Utah desert's predictable weather, low humidity and dark night skies make it the perfect location for viewing the Milky Way Galaxy, millions of stars, recognizable constellations and even some far off galaxies millions of light years away.
Accommodation: Capitol Reef Resort
Activity: 4-5 hours/4-6 miles hiking; 1-hour stargazing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Capitol Reef National Park
Day 5
This morning, set off on a journey to remote and rugged Capitol Reef National Park. Capitol Reef offers hikers not only dramatic desert scenery, but also serenity and solitude due to its light visitation. Experience the wonders of the park as you follow expert guides on a day hike along the Grand View Wash Trail and along the upper portion of the Waterpocket Fold - a massive geological wrinkle in the Earth's surface. Enjoying dinner together is a perfect way to end a day filled with adventures and astounding landscape diversity.
Accommodation: Capitol Reef Resort
Activity: 3-4 hours/4-6 miles hiking
Transportation: 1-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning Hike in Bryce Canyon & Head to Zion
Day 6
Depart early for a scenic drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Words cannot describe the sweeping views from the rim of Bryce's amphitheater, the starting point for the hike along the rim trail to Sunset Point. Descend into this wild land of rock, through a surreal maze of pink hoodoos, spires and rock windows. After exploring this otherworldly landscape, continue to Zion National Park with its epic trails and narrow slot canyons.
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites at Zion Park-Springdale
Activity: 4-5 hours/5-6 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain/loss
Transportation: 3.5-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike in Zion National Park
Day 7
Meet your guide this morning for a full day bottom-up hike in the Narrows of Zion National Park. On this spectacular slot canyon hike, you will walk along the banks and in the Virgin River to the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Your feet will get wet, so your day will begin with proper outfitting for the hike. You will be outfitted with special footwear, neoprene socks, a hiking pole and a dry day pack. Relax by the riverside while you enjoy a picnic lunch in the afternoon. This evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in Springdale.
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites at Zion Park-Springdale
Activity: 5-7 hours/5-6 miles hiking - in/out of water all day (gear provided)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Las Vegas
Day 8
This morning you can rise early and take in one more hike in Zion or have the option to relax at the hotel before departing for Las Vegas to catch afternoon homebound flights.
Activity: 1-2 hours/3 miles hiking with 370 ft elevation gain (optional)
MT Sobek delivers this grand-slam in just eight days — ideal if you don't have loads of time but want a real-deal adventure.
Along the way, professional naturalist guides offer insights into the region's incredible geology and diverse flora and fauna.
You will visit some of the premiere Southwest National Parks with the luxury of lodges and resorts. A fantastic way to visit these treasures and recover for your next epic daily hike.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Jack W.
Growing up in Chicago, Jack wasn't originally exposed to the great outdoors, but after his first Outward Bound course - white water rafting the Salmon River, his life changed forever. For most of his adult life, Jack has worked to travel and further his understanding of this beautiful planet of ours. He has ventured to 50 countries and volunteered with aid organizations all over the world. For the past seven years, Jack has had the great fortune of showing people from all over the world this great country - our national parks and diverse cities. All told, he's driven 250,000 miles, crossed the country 30 times, and been to all 50 states on personal journeys and leading trips.
Joel C.
There’s an old saying here in the desert,” I once heard Joel say. “What you see in the desert is a reflection of your own soul.” Never without his old battered hat, given to him by his grandfather, Joel has a passion for the wide-open spaces of the West. He has thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the Arizona Trail, and charted his own cross-country trek across the Mojave Desert, a total hike of approximately 10,000 miles. Joel is an experienced guide with four years leading horse rides in Southern Utah, and ten years leading adventure tours throughout the West. Despite it all, Joel doesn’t think of himself as a hiker per se. “Walking is just a nice pace to see the world,” he says. Off duty you’ll find him on the tennis court, playing ping pong, volunteering, and reading Western history alongside a cup of coffee.
Charlie T.
Charlie began guiding in North America over 10 years ago, and since then he has been crisscrossing, circling, driving, flying, surfing, and hiking all over the continent, from Hawaii to all the way up at the Arctic Circle. In his free time, you will find him with his family and friends in his home state of Washington or traveling the world. At home or abroad, he enjoys many things that involve being outside and sharing it with others. You can always count on finding him exploring, seeing live music, snowboarding and surfing.
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Meet your MT Sobek guide at breakfast ready for a full day of exploring the magnificent stone arches and giant balanced rocks of Arches National Park. Home to more than 2,000 natural arches, one is so famous that it graces nearly every travel brochure and license plate for the state of Utah. Today hike to Delicate Arch and some of the other amazing arches including Landscape Arch which spans an impressive 306 feet! Return to Moab and a leisurely dinner.
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Today offers a thrilling day of whitewater rafting on the Colorado River! Follow Westwater Canyon past red sandstone spires as it deepens into narrow Black Granite Gorge and tackle Class III and IV rapids such as Funnel Falls, Last Chance, The Steps, and the infamous Skull Rapid! Perfect for adventure seekers and canyon lovers, all equipment is provided, and no previous experience is required. Enjoy a riverside picnic lunch along the way. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to enjoy Moab as you choose.
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Meet your guide this morning for a full day bottom-up hike in the Narrows of Zion National Park. On this spectacular slot canyon hike, you will walk along the banks and in the Virgin River to the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Your feet will get wet, so your day will begin with proper outfitting for the hike. You will be outfitted with special footwear, neoprene socks, a hiking pole and a dry day pack. Relax by the riverside while you enjoy a picnic lunch in the afternoon. This evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in Springdale.
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[ActivityHighlight] => You should be prepared to hike 3-6 hours per day and up to 6 miles on uneven terrain. The hiking will be broken up across multiple different trails on most days with driving breaks between trails. While the river rafting requires no prior experience, you should be ready to tackle class III and IV rapids and it can be more challenging due to water levels. In spring, it may be necessary to raft alternative routes.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. You should be prepared to hike 3-6 hours per day and up to 6 miles on uneven terrain. The hiking will be broken up across multiple different trails on most days with driving breaks between trails. While the river rafting requires no prior experience, you should be ready to tackle class III and IV rapids and it can be more challenging due to water levels. In spring, it may be necessary to raft alternative routes. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
3-4 hours/3-4 miles hiking (multiple trails - longest 2.6 miles)
Day 2
4-5 hours/5-7 miles hiking
Day 3
Full day Rafting (Class III/IV - depending on water level)
Day 4
4-5 hours/4-6 miles hiking; 1-hour stargazing
Day 5
3-4 hours/4-6 miles hiking
Day 6
4-5 hours/5-6 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain/loss
Day 7
5-7 hours/5-6 miles hiking - in/out of water all day (gear provided)
Day 8
1-2 hours/3 miles hiking with 370 ft elevation gain (optional)
Accommodations
A variety of comfortable and ideally located accommodations carefully selected with your travel style and budget in mind.
Located just one mile from the National Park, Capitol Reef Resort is surrounded by natural wonders including natural bridges, sandstone cliffs, magnificent canyons, and domes. The comfortable accommodations feature stunning views of the red-rock cliffs. After a day of adventures, relax in the heated outdoor pool or hot tub. The Pioneer Kitchen offers delicious comfort food and a casual atmosphere.
Located just one mile from downtown Moab and five miles from Arches National Park, Hyatt Place Moab is the perfect basecamp for adventure. The hotel features spacious, comfortable rooms all with flat screen TVs, a coffee maker and mini refrigerator and blackout curtains. The hotel also offers a business center, fitness center, outdoor pool, complimentary WiFi, complimentary breakfast and an onsite bar featuring regionally inspired bar bites.
Located in Springdale, LaQuinta Inn is located less than a mile away from Zion National Park and offers spectacular views of the towering sandstone cliffs. The manicured grounds feature a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center and comfortable accommodations. The central location is perfect for exploring the nearby shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Weather
Expect warm, sunny days and cool evenings; weather is variable depending on elevation. Daytime highs can range from 60° to 100°F and evening lows from 40° to 60°F.
Apr
May
Jun
Sep
Oct
Arches National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Arches National Park
69
40
79
49
92
59
85
54
71
41
Canyonlands National Parks
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Canyonlands National Parks
67
37
78
46
90
56
84
51
70
38
Zion National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Zion National Park
59
36
69
42
82
49
78
48
66
39
Know Before You Book
Accommodation The national park accommodations on this trip provide great access to the top activities in the area. However, they are simpler compared to what we usually consider comfortable lodgingâ€"the rooms being more basic. Some buildings date back to the early 1900s and have been minimally renovated to follow park regulations. Overall, the service might feel slower and meal quality and selection much more limited compared to other MT Sobek trips. Keep in mind that internet and cell phone service are very limited throughout the parks.
FAQs
How should I train for my Southwest trip?
The best training is hiking. Work up to hiking similar distances with your daypack loaded with the same weight you will be carrying on your day hikes.
What kind of wildlife am I likely to see?
Wildlife commonly seen includes: Mule Deer, Utah Prairie Dogs, Chipmunks, Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels, Pronghorn (antelope), Gray Fox, Ravens, Steller's Jays, Clark's Nutcrackers, Red-tailed Hawks, Turkeys, and Mountain Short-horned Lizards. Black Bear, Elk, and Mountain Lions are rarely seen.
What do I need to take to hike the Narrows?
You will be hiking in knee-deep water and should plan to be in/out of the water all day. Strong water-friendly footwear with toe protection is a must and hiking poles really help with keeping your stability. So you will be provided with specialized footwear, neoprene socks, dry day pack, hiking poles, and optional dry pant/dry suit.
When is the best time to go on this trip?
The canyons of the Southwest are wonderful destinations from late April through mid-October.
When should I arrive for the trip?
Guests should arrive in Grand Junction, Colorado the day before the trip starts. We recommend staying at the Courtyard Marriott Grand Junction and LaQuinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Grand Junction for the pickup transfer that will happen on Day 1.
What is the rafting like?
The rapids are Class III and IV but dependent on the water levels at that time of the year. During Spring time, the runoff may create high water levels on the river, in which case, the group will raft at Fisher Towers instead of Westwater Canyon.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.