Compare Hiking Utah's Mighty 5 by G Adventures vs The Best of Utah's Grand Circle of Parks and Monuments by Road Scholar

Day 1 Las Vegas

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or Fremont Street. This tour leaves Las Vegas in the morning on Day 2; if you would like to spend any additional time here, we recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.

Day 2 Las Vegas/Bryce Canyon National Park

Hit the road from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon, travelling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival the group will set up camp before setting off to explore this unique national park in the fading light. After the sun goes down, don't forget to look up to check out this renowned night sky while enjoying s'mores around the fire.

Day 3 Bryce Canyon National Park/Moab

Set off early this morning in Bryce Canyon National Park, and stare in wonder at the largest collection of hoodoos in the world as the sun rises. Take a hike into the amphitheater of Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop to walk amongst the hoodoos, walls and fins that make up this geological wonder. In the afternoon, continue to Moab, an adventure capital of the southwest and the gateway to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Set up camp upon arrival and spend the evening enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the great outdoors.

Please note that weather, in particular the heat, can affect the order in which we do the activities of the day. Your CEO will be checking daily on local conditions and will alter the itinerary if the heat poses a risk to the health and safety of the group.

Day 4 Arches National Park

Enjoy breakfast at camp before driving to Arches National Park. Spend the first part of the day exploring the densest concentration of arches in the world. Take a hike through Devils Garden to Landscape Arch, and continue to Double O Arch, bouldering over rocks to reach the pinnacle views. Head back to Moab in the afternoon where you can take advantage of free time to try some of the optional activities available in the area. Opt to visit Delicate Arch Viewpoint in the evening for a sunset walk. Stand in awe at the over 2,000 sandstone arches ranging in size and shape that make up this park.

Day 5 Canyonlands National Park

Travel to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Stop at Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, the largest known collection of petroglyphs in the Southwest. Spend the day hiking through desert lands to explore eroded towers of sandstone and fissures in the ground on the Joint Trail to Chesler Park.

Please note that weather, in particular the heat, can affect the order in which we do the activities of the day. Your CEO will be checking daily on local conditions and will alter the itinerary if the heat poses a risk to the health and safety of the group.

Day 6 Capitol Reef National Park

Travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Known for its geologic monocline, discover the cliffs, canyons, petroglyphs and orchards that make up the park. Learn about the geology and the ancient inhabitants who created the petroglyphs still visible on the cliff walls. In the evening check into the cabins we'll be staying in while in Capitol Reef. Then, take advantage of your free time after dark to look up at the starry night This national park has been designated a Gold Tier "International Dark Sky Park".

Please note several of the trails we use do not have water accessible. Please bring a bottles/bladder with a capacity of 3 litres. Unexpected trail or road closures may prevent hiking on some of the listed routes. Should this event arise, we will substitute with an alternative hike.

Day 7 Capitol Reef National Park/Zion National Park

Today, travel along the scenic highway through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Take in the mesas, canyons and arches that make up this diverse geological region. Set off on a hike and discover prehistoric petroglyphs and stunning waterfalls. Opt to cool off in the refreshing waters falling 38m (126 ft) to a natural swimming pool fed from Calf Creek Falls. Continue to Zion National Park, traveling past towering cliffs and massive canyon walls, stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Enjoy panoramic views and a free evening in the Springdale area.

Day 8 Zion National Park

Spend the day discovering Zion National Park. First hike to Scout Lookout, a challenging, but rewarding 4 mile hike which passes through the iconic Walter's Wiggles before reaching the lookout point along a flat saddle with incredible views of the Zion Canyon. Head to the valley floor to trek through the river on one of the most popular hikes in the park, the Narrows. Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky and opt to turn around at any point. Experience diverse plant and animal life in this narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls. After returning to camp, head into the charming town of Springdale to celebrate the accomplishments of the last week.

Please note that unexpected trail closures due to risk of flooding may arise in The Narrows. Should this happen, we will substitute with an alternative hike. While water shoes are available to rent you may have to carry them with your for the remainder of the day. We recommend bringing your own lightweight water shoe/hiking shoe that you would also be comfortable hiking in for the rest of the day.

Day 9 Zion National Park/Las Vegas

Take the short drive from Zion to Las Vegas. Tour ends on arrival. Onward travel should be booked no earlier than 3pm.

Day 1 Check-in, Program Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner St. George

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Program Registration. Our Group Leader will be waiting in the hotel lobby to register participants upon arrival. You will receive your room assignment, room key, and welcome packet containing your name-tag and up to date schedule that reflects any last minute changes. Orientation will take place after dinner. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you arrive. The Holiday Inn Convention Center is about 6 blocks (1 mile) from the Dixie State University Campus. We’ll transfer via motorcoach to campus for dinner.

We’ll then return to the hotel for the rest of our evening programming. Orientation. The Group Leader will lead everyone in a welcome and introduction session. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach unless otherwise specified. Be sure to bring a daypack, water bottle, sun protection, sturdy walking shoes and anything else you think you will need during our hikes in the desert. Durations of hikes vary depending on the group. This program has a Group Leader who will deal primarily with logistics, an Instructor who lead most field trips and lectures, and a bus driver who will accompany us throughout the program. Some days offer choices in the length of hikes and, in the event that participants wish to go on different hikes, each smaller group will be led by either the Group Leader or Instructor. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in available activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

In our private meeting room at Dixie State University, we'll enjoy a delicious welcome banquet featuring a buffet, plus coffee, tea, water.

Day 2 Snow Canyon State Park & Area History St. George

Walking up to 2 miles on sandy, uneven, and rocky trails with a max elevation change of 100 feet. Getting on/off motorcoach for short drive to Snow Canyon State Park.

In the hotel meeting room we’ll gather with our instructor who will present a lecture on the geology, ecology, flora and fauna of Southern Utah. Through this presentation, we’ll gain a greater understanding of the incredible formations we will explore during the week. We’ll then begin our adventure with a field trip via motorcoach to Snow Canyon State Park where our instructor will introduce the area’s geology on a short hike to a viewpoint along the rim where we'll soak in the beauty of the scenery and notice the exquisite red and white sandstone cliffs, rolling mounds of petrified sand dunes and lava (basalt) rock formations.

Returning to the hotel we’ll be treated to an informative presentation by an expert archeologist on the prehistoric civilization of Southwest Utah, followed by a field trip via motorcoach to visit local petroglyph sites.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, the breakfast buffet includes eggs, hot and cold cereals, fruit, yogurt, pastries, toast, coffee, tea, milk, juice and water.

At a local restaurant, choose from an expansive selection of local favorites on the buffet. Fountain drinks, coffee, iced tea and water are included.

At a local restaurant, enjoy a plated meal with choices including fish, chicken, steak or vegetarian options. Coffee, tea, and water are included. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Day 3 Zion National Park Bryce Canyon National Park

Walking 1-2 miles; mostly paved trails, some uneven and slippery terrain, maximum elevation change of 200 feet. Elevation of Zion is approximately 4,000 feet. Driving approximately 130 miles total throughout the day: Saint George to Zion is approx. 45 miles, about 1 hour; Zion to Bryce is approximately 85 miles, about 2 hours.

After checking out, we will travel via motorcoach to Zion National Park. Upon arrival we’ll explore various trails and visit the museum. Our instructor will provide information about the Virgin River and Zion Canyon’s geology and plant habitat along the way.

We’ll continue our exploration as we travel via motorcoach to the east side of Zion National Park and through the 1.1 mile long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel that was eventually completed in 1930, thereby linking Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon to Zion. Along the way, we will view Checkerboard Mesa and continue to Bryce Canyon National Park. Upon arrival in Bryce, Utah, we’ll check into the hotel and have some time to relax before dinner.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

Boxed lunch that includes a sandwich, chips, fruit and cookie.

At Ruby's Cowboy Buffet & Steak Room, we’ll enjoy a buffet dinner with choices including a variety of classic western meat dishes, fish, vegetables, cornbread, soup and salads with coffee, tea, soft drinks, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Hike Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase, Anasazi State Park Capitol Reef National Park

Walking up to 2-3 miles in Bryce Canyon; uneven, unpaved trails with steep inclines and declines of about 350 feet; elevation is approximately 8,000 feet at the rim of Bryce Canyon. Driving about 160 miles total, approx. 3 hours with stops: Bryce to Escalante is about 48 miles, 1 hour; Escalante to Torrey, Utah, is approx. 112 miles, about 2 hours.

After checking out of our hotel, we’ll travel via motorcoach a very short distance to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce is world-renowned for its unique geological features, carved by nature into hoodoos, pinnacles and fins of an amazing palette of colors. We'll hike with our instructor along the rim and into the canyon, via the Navajo Loop trail, to view the iconic structures and formations. We’ll then transfer from Bryce to Wild West Retreat in Escalante, Utah.

We’ll then depart for a scenic drive along the famed All-American Road, Highway 12, through a portion of the Grand Staircase to Anasazi State Park where we will view Ancestral Puebloan ruins and enjoy a presentation by an archeologist about the area’s history of human settlement. We’ll continue along Hwy 12 to Torrey, Utah, where we will check into the hotel.

At leisure.

At Ruby's Cowboy Buffet, choose from dishes including fresh fruit, yogurt, assorted baked goods, hot and cold cereals, an egg dish, breakfast meats, potatoes, coffee, assorted teas, juice, milk and water.

At the Wild West Retreat, we’ll enjoy a tasty Dutch oven buffet meal consisting of favorite local dishes and dessert with soft drinks, ice tea, lemonade and water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated meal with dessert and coffee, tea, soft drinks, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Capitol Reef National Park Capitol Reef National Park

Walking up to 3 miles total throughout the day; about 3 hours; dry streambed terrain in Grand Wash, short walks on boardwalks at the Petroglyph Panel. Driving about 20 miles one way; approx. 1/2 hour.

We’ll transfer via motorcoach to Capitol Reef National Park, where we will begin our day with a hike of the Grand Wash and view towering cliffs of sandstone as we walk through the upper portion of the Waterpocket Fold. The wash connects the Scenic Road as it heads south past Cassidy Arch, to Highway 24 just east of Spring Canyon. The wash is level throughout the entire route, though it is full of streambed sediment. We'll return via motorcoach to a park near the Capitol Reef Visitors Center for lunch.

We'll then drive a short distance to Petroglyph Panel to view rock art attributed to the Fremont Culture, which existed in this area of Utah from approximately 600 – 1300 C.E. Our instructor and Group Leader will point out and describe the petroglyphs found along the boardwalk. We’ll then return to the hotel to rest before departing by motorcoach for dinner.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, the buffet includes eggs, potatoes, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, breakfast meats, waffles, toast, juice, tea and coffee.

At the park, we’ll have boxed lunches that include a sandwich, chips, fruit and cookie.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with dessert and coffee, iced tea, and water available; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 6 Powell Museum, Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands National Park Moab, Utah

Walking up to 1 mile total at Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands. Drive from Torrey to Moab is approximately 155 miles, about 3 hours.

We’ll travel by motorcoach to the John Wesley Powell Museum in Green River, Utah, where we will have time for independent exploration of this world-class museum that captures the spirit of the famous, determined Western explorer. It’s also a fitting introduction as we approach the Colorado River that Powell first explored and mapped in the 1870s.

Continuing by motorcoach, we’ll go to Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands National Park to view a variety of unusual rock formations along with deeply eroded canyons interspersed with sheer-sided mesas. Upon reaching Dead Horse Point and hiking with our instructor to the viewpoint we’ll be able to see nearly 100 miles with the mighty Colorado River below. We’ll then travel to our hotel in Moab and check in.

At leisure. You may wish to explore Moab and see what activities the town’s nightlife has to offer or just relax at the hotel.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant in Green River, we’ll enjoy a buffet with soups, salads, various choices of entrees, fruit, dessert, soft drinks, lemonade, coffee, tea and water.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in downtown Moab. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 7 Arches National Park Geology Field Trip Moab, Utah

Walking 2-3 miles throughout the day; groomed trails with some elevation change. Minimal driving.

We'll travel by motorcoach to Arches National Park, which contains more than 2,000 natural stone arches along with red rock canyons, spires, fins and balanced rocks. While here, you will be able to choose from a variety of hikes including an instructor-led hike to Landscape Arch as well as independent hikes to Double Arch and the many arches found in the Windows section of the park.

We’ll continue exploring the park as we drive to the Delicate Arch Overlook and the Visitor Center. Delicate Arch is the most iconic arch in Utah and possibly the most beautiful arch in the world. After having some time to admire the arch and continue to the Visitor Center, we will peruse the exhibits and park video on our own before boarding the motorcoach and returning to the hotel.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, the buffet includes eggs, potatoes, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, breakfast meats, waffles, toast, juice, tea and coffee.

On the trail, we’ll have boxed lunches including a sandwich, fruit, chips and cookie.

On your own to explore the local fare in downtown Moab.

Day 8 Edge of the Cedars Museum, Monument Valley Lake Powell - Page, AZ

Walking up to 1 mile in museums and visitor centers. Drive from Moab, Utah, to Lake Powell, Arizona, is approximately 280 miles; about 4.5 hours with a stop for lunch in Monument Valley.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll travel to Blanding for independent exploration at the Edge of the Cedars Museum. This museum has the largest collection of intact Ancestral Puebloan pottery found in the Four Corners of the U.S. as well as archaeological sites and repository.

Our next stop will be the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center where we will learn through independent exploration about Navajo culture, tradition, language and history from the perspective of the Navajo people. The exhibit displays are a combination of pictorial information, interactive media and actual artifacts. Subjects include a unique exhibit on the WWII Navajo Code Talkers, the Navajo Nation government structure, the history of uranium mining in the area, and the legacy of Hollywood films in Monument Valley. We’ll then continue to Lake Powell and check into hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel, the buffet includes eggs, potatoes, oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, breakfast meats, waffles, toast, juice, tea and coffee.

At historic Goulding’s Trading Post in Monument Valley, staffed by local Diné (Navajos) and the shoot location of many classic Western movies, we’ll enjoy traditional Navajo foods, soup and salad bar, or sandwich. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water included.

At local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a choice of plated entrees from a select menu with dessert, plus soft drinks, lemonade, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 9 Colorado River Float Trip Lake Powell - Page, AZ

Getting on/off a motorized raft; the float trip is about 3.5 hours with a bathroom break at the half way point. Drive time back to Page, AZ is 1 hour.

We travel by motorcoach a few miles to the banks of the Colorado River, where we begin our flat water float trip, led and operated by local experts. Our field trip begins with an exciting ride down the two-mile long Glen Canyon Dam access tunnel. With the dam soaring 700 feet above, we’ll board a motorized pontoon raft for our journey downstream, where we will experience one of the most dramatic stretches of river found in the western United States. While underway, we’ll hear about the area’s story of soaring sandstone cliffs, crystal blue-green waters, abundant wildlife, former habitation by native cultures, exploration by Major John Wesley Powell, and the Colorado River’s modern role in the Southwest’s water and power delivery system.

Upon reaching Lee's Ferry, we’ll disembark and travel back to our hotel in Page, AZ for a short break. We then board our motorcoach to the Native American Performing Arts Theater. We’ll get a fascinating glimpse into Navajo history, culture, and traditions via music and dance presented by Navajo tribal members.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, the breakfast buffet includes choices such as fresh fruit, yogurt, bacon or sausage, eggs, hot and cold cereals, assorted pastries, coffee, tea, juice, water.

Aboard the raft, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Enjoy a traditional Navajo Taco dinner after the presentation.

Day 10 Antelope Slot Canyon St. George

Walking up to 1 mile in Antelope Canyon; sandy trails. Drive from Page, Arizona, to St George, Utah, is approximately 150 miles; about 3 hours, with one rest stop in the afternoon at the Grand Staircase Visitors Center in Kanab, Utah.

After check-out we’ll depart for Antelope Slot Canyon, the most photographed slot canyon in the Southwest, and embark on an expert-led hike of Upper Antelope Canyon upon arrival. The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tse' bighanilini, which means "the place where water runs through rocks." Located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation, Upper Antelope is an awe-inspiring slot canyon with narrow sandstone walls that rise 120 feet above the sandy trail. Discover why this beautiful canyon has rightly earned its world-renowned reputation.

Afterwards, we’ll make our way back to St. George, Utah, and check into the hotel.

At leisure. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends! Be sure to prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a choice of plated entrees from a select menu with coffee, soft drinks, ice tea, lemonade and water.

In Dixie State University's banquet room, we’ll enjoy a lovely farewell buffet dinner with coffee, tea, water.

Day 11 Program Concludes St. George

Hotel check-out by 10:00 a.m.

If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices including eggs, hot and cold cereals, fruit, yogurt, pastries, toast, coffee, tea, milk, juice, water. This concludes our program.