The Grand Circle Tour: Utah’s Breathtaking National Parks
Immerse yourself in Utah’s spectacular national parks on this 12-day trip of a lifetime through iconic sites, from Monument Valley and Moab to the glorious Grand Canyon.
Trip Highlights
- Traverse the narrow canyons and crystalline waters of Zion National Park
- Take a sunset horseback ride along the winding Colorado River
- Discover the Dead Horse Point State Park via mountain bike
- Soar over The Grand Canyon in a private helicopter
- Explore the mesmerizing Lake Powell by private chartered boat
Itinerary summary
Explore Utah’s world-famous national parks on this immersive, 12-day Grand Circle tour, which takes in the desert state’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. Ideal for active adventurers, the trip offers customized hikes for any age and fitness level. Your adventure starts among the narrow canyons and crystalline waters of Zion National Park, before continuing into the maze of hoodoos that make-up the otherworldly landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park. Spend two unforgettable nights at a private desert campsite in Escalante, take a heartstopping UTV Tour near Capitol Reef, learn how to lasso with a cowboy during a private roping lesson, and discover the striking geological formations of Arches National Park on mountain bike and horseback. For your grand finale, cruise across glistening Lake Powell in your own chartered boat, and soar over the Grand Canyon in a private helicopter ride. Along the way, stay in luxurious and characterful accommodation that connects you closely to this soul-stirring land and its ancient legends.
Length: 12 days/ 11 nights
When to go: March — November
At a Glance
Day 1–3: Zion National Park
Day 3–5: Grand Staircase-Escalante Luxury Campsite
Day 5–7: Capitol Reef National Park
Day 7–9: Moab
Day 9–12: Canyon Point
Day 1- Arrival in St. George and transfer to Zion National Park
Upon arrival at St. George, transfer to Zion National Park on a scenic drive offering views of iconic features such as the West Temple, the Watchmen, and the famous Zion Tunnel and Arch.
After checking in to the Ranch, enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Unwind from your journey without venturing far; take in the panoramic views of the Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon, relax by the campfire, or admire the sparkle of the stars from your outdoor porch.
Set in Zion National Park, the Zion Mountain Ranch is a remote, rustic retreat of cozy wooden cabins amid 2,700 acres of high mountain meadows where buffalo herd graze and roam. Relax in the reading nook while a fire crackles in the huge stone fireplace, take a bath in the en-suite’s victorian clawfoot bathtub, or simply gaze out at breathtaking views of Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon National Parks.
Day 2- Private full-day Zion Hiking Tour
Today, spend the full day exploring the natural wonders of Zion National Park with your guide. There are several hikes and sightseeing options for your time in Zion. Take a walk across the picturesque Virgin River Bridge, hike a two-mile trail among the crystalline waters of the Emerald Pools, or visit the Temple of Sinawava alongside the narrowest point of the canyon trails. Should you wish to embark on a more strenuous hike, the five-mile round trip to Angel’s Landing offers some of the most phenomenal views of Zion. At the end of your tour, transfer for just under two hours to Canyon Point.
Day 3- Encounter the vast desert landscape at Bryce Canyon National Park
Immerse yourself in the two largest amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon, hiking into the maze of hoodoos that make Bryce a unique experience. Choose to embark on an easy hike or strenuous trail, and later discover some of the great viewpoints along the 17 mile scenic drive of the Paunsaugunt Plateau including Bryce Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point.
After exploring the great outdoors and enjoying a well-earned lunch, head to your private luxury camp in Escalante to unwind in your tent before savoring a seasonal dinner designed by award-winning Executive Chef Shon Foster. In the evening, gaze up at the galaxy through a specially set up telescope and toast s’mores around the crackling campfire.
Our private Escalante Luxury Campsite offers an unmatched opportunity to connect with the spectacular high desert landscape and dramatic canyons that make Escalante famous. Snuggle in your large, canvas-walled tent, relax in the lounge area with a good book, or step outside and watch shooting stars fall from the dark desert sky.
Day 4- Privately guided full-day Escalante sightseeing and hiking tour
Today, join your expert guide on a hike of the Escalante’s incredible canyons, hoodoos, and creeks on a trail selected just for you. Opt to explore the Devil’s Garden, a unique desert playground of hoodoos and arches carved by wind and water over the centuries, then head down Hole-in-the-Rock Road to the stunning Spooky Gulch and Peek-a-boo Slot Canyons.
Day 5- Calf Creek Falls Escalante hike, UTV tour near Capitol Reef and roping lesson with a cowboy
Today, join your expert guide on a hike along scenic sandy trails to Calf Creek Falls, a 126-foot high cascade with a plunge pool that’s perfect for a dip followed by a picnic on the rocks. Afterwards, embark on an exciting off-road adventure into the backcountry surrounding Capitol Reef National Park, home to southern Utah’s iconic high mountain plateaus and vast canyons. Then, on arrival at your new accommodation, meet your wranglers for a tour of the luxury ranch, including the horse stable and outdoor riding arena and learn about lasso techniques while watching the cowboys fine tune their skills during a private roping lesson. In the evening, meet your own private chef and enjoy a special dinner under the stars.
Set amid the dramatic scenery of southern Utah, the unique Cougar Ridge Lodge and luxury ranch is the perfect gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. Stay in the vast sandstone lodge or opt for a cozy casita, enjoy your own private rodeo, and plunge into a hot tub and gaze up at the stars.
Day 6- Privately guided full-day Capitol Reef sightseeing and hiking tour
This morning, transfer to the Capitol Reef National Park to explore Waterpocket Fold, a 90-mile long ridge in the earth’s crust that runs from nearby Thousand Lake Mountain to the Colorado River.
Some trail options in Capitol Reef include the Chimney Rock Loop, a three-and-a-half mile route that follows the top of Mummy Cliff while passing close to Chimney Rock, an impressive solitary pillar of Moenkopi sandstone. Or, take the Cassidy Arch trail, located in the central portion of the park, offering spectacular views of graceful arches and vast open desert. Just two miles east of the Capitol Reef’s visitor center, the trailhead to Hickman Bridge also offers an easy, spectacularly scenic trek of domes and twisting canyons culminating in an imposing natural arch. Enjoy lunch during your hike and transfer back to your hotel to enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 7- Mountain biking in Goblin Valley and Moab
Today, transfer to Moab, stopping en route to discover Goblin Valley State Park, one of Utah’s most spectacular state parks. The area takes its name from the thousands of mushroom-shaped rock hoodoos, referred to locally as goblins, that dot the horizon.
Refuel with a picnic lunch before saddling up for an exhilarating mountain bike ride through Dead Horse Point, a slickrock trail offering awe-inspiring views into the vertiginous canyons.
Set amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in the American Southwest, Sorrel River Ranch is a sanctuary of exceptional luxury in Moab, offering a range of log cabin-style studios and suites. Relax in the riverside lounge, savour a farm-to-table meal in the restaurant, and enjoy a treatment at the indulgent spa.
Day 8- Hiking in Arches National Park and sunset horseback ride along the Colorado River
This morning, hike through Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous, 52-ft-tall (16 m) Delicate Arch. After lunch, transfer to Onion Creek to meet your wranglers and saddle up on a horse matched to your experience for an atmospheric ride along a scenic canyon near the Colorado River, as the sun sets behind the desert’s iconic spires and hoodoos.
Day 9- Hike the scenic trails of Monument Valley with a Navajo guide
Today, transfer to Canyon Point in the company of a local Navajo guide with a stop along the way at Monument Valley, one of the southwest’s most majestic areas.
Traverse the red sandstone desert landscape, visiting the largest Elephant Butte and the Three Sisters spires at John Ford’s Point, as well as the valley’s famous Big Chief Monument and Sleeping Dragon Rock. Further into the restricted area, venture underneath Sun’s Eye Arch and find some of the valley’s oldest Anasazi ruins, petroglyphs, and pictographs. Hike up the sand dunes at Ear of the Wind Arch and walk inside the Big Hogan, Monument Valley’s largest amphitheater, before continuing your transfer to your luxury accommodation.
Located in the wilderness near the Arizona border, the Amangiri Resort is surrounded by a protected valley and the immense cliffs of the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. Step onto your private terrace and enjoy breathtaking views of the flat-topped mountains, and savor a carefully crafted, four-course Native American tasting menu in the restaurant.
Day 10- Private aerial Grand Canyon helicopter ride and South Rim hiking tour
After breakfast, transfer to the helipad and set off to discover one of the Seven Wonders of the World: The Grand Canyon. Climb aboard your private helicopter for an unforgettable aerial tour of Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest, home to the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest. Touch down at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim Viewpoint to meet your guide and hike into the canyon for park views from an entirely different vantage point. Back at the hotel, come back down to earth with a grounding massage in the luxurious Aman Spa.
Day 11- Privately captained Lake Powell boat charter
Today, take a 35-minute transfer to Antelope Point Marina and step aboard your private charter boat to discover Lake Powell, a breathtaking water sports playground that’s home to isolated coves and canyons, perfect for exploring on paddle boards or kayaks, or simply for an idyllic swim in the calm, glistening waters.
Day 12- So long, Southwest!
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, and soften your departure by reflecting on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure among the wonders of the southwest.
Price: USD 19,797 per person*
What’s included:
- Meet and greet airport service
- Accommodation with breakfast (full board at your Escalante Luxury Camp and the Amagiri)
- Private transfers and tours throughout
- All entrance fees
- Meals where stated
- 24/7 ground support
- All amenities included in a bespoke Terracotta Travel luxury trip
*Rate calculated based on four people traveling
