Utah National Parks Multi-Adventure Tour
Pinnacles & Canyons of The Mighty Five
- Available: April, May, June, September, October
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
-
Group Size:
8-12 Guests
Min Age: 14
Highlights
- Hike through five treasured national parks -- Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion -- in just eight days
- Wade through a scenic slot canyon riverbed on the Virgin River Narrows and hike among labyrinthine spires of Bryce Canyon
- Stargaze beneath the Milky Way -- four of the five national parks are certified "Dark Sky" parks
Itinerary
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, drive a spectacular scenic route to Moab along the Colorado River Gorge. Stop along the way for short hikes in Colorado National Monument, a picnic lunch, and afternoon hike at Fisher Tower's before arriving in Moab, Utah - your home for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Activity: 3-4 hours/3-4 miles hiking (multiple trails - longest 2.6 miles)
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Explore Canyonlands National Park
Day 2
This morning, enjoy a hike to Grand View Point in Canyonlands National Park. Marvel at towering rock walls, ancient pictographs, and sweeping sandstone landscapes as you journey into the heart of the park. After lunch on the trail hike to Mesa Arch before returning to Moab for dinner.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Moab
Activity: 4-5 hours/4-5 miles hiking (multiple trails - longest 2 miles)
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
Hiking Arches National Park & Stargaze
Day 4
Meet your guide this morning for a full day of exploring the magnificent stone arches and giant balanced rocks of Arches National Park. Today you will hike to Delicate Arch and some of the other amazing arches including Landscape Arch which spans an impressive 306 feet! Spend time exploring the park before departing Moab for your accommodation near Capitol Reef National Park. 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 (multiple trails - longest 3 miles): 1-hour stargazing
Transportation: 2 to 3-hour private vehicle transfer
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.
Accommodation: Capitol Reef Resort
Activity: 4-5 hours/4-5 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: Cliffrose Lodge
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: Cliffrose Lodge
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)
Transportation: 3-hour private vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $4,895 price per person dbl occ+$950 single supplementCheck for AvailabilityConfirmed
- $4,895 price per person dbl occ+$950 single supplementAvailable
- $4,895 price per person dbl occ+$950 single supplementAvailable
- $4,895 price per person dbl occ+$950 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $4,895 price per person dbl occ+$950 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
3 guests from $8,395 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
5 to 6 guests from $6,595 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $6,195 per person double occupancy
8 guests from $5,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Sep 10 - 17, 2023
- Sep 19 - 26, 2023
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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April, May, June, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
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.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.
Nicole Stratman
When Nicole was introduced to the world of guiding, she finally knew she had found her tribe. After spending time working in New Zealand and Australia, she returned home with a new world perspective and spent the next five years guiding internationally clients around North America. It brings her great joy to educate guests about geology, history and to find intriguing new spots along the journey. When she's not guiding, you can find her living on the road full-time with her fellow guide and partner, Jack, in their converted Dodge Promater, working with United By Blue national waterway cleanups, and skydiving with whoever cares to take the plunge.
Jack Warren
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.
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/4-5 miles hiking (multiple trails - longest 2 miles)
Day 3
Full day Rafting (Class III/IV - depending on water level)
Day 4
4-5 hours/4-6 miles hiking (multiple trails - longest 3 miles): 1-hour stargazing
Day 5
4-5 hours/4-5 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.
Capitol Reef Resort
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.
Cliffrose Lodge
Located in Springdale, Cliffrose Lodge sits on five acres along the Virgin River, just steps from Zion National Park. The manicured grounds feature an outdoor heated pool, riverside hot tubs, and comfortable accommodations. The central location is perfect for exploring the nearby shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Hyatt Place Moab
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.
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.
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.
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Guest Reviews
"Unbelievable natural beauty in these five Utah parks was more than complemented by the accommodations, the fascinating members of our group, and our ultra-competent guides."
Laura S.
MT Sobek Guest, Utah National Parks Multi-Adventure
"I've taken six MT Sobek trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"
Margaret I.
MT Sobek Guest