Compare The Best of Utah's Grand Circle of Parks and Monuments by Road Scholar vs Hiking and Camping in Utah by Intrepid Travel

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.

Day 1 Zion National Park

After a pick up in St George, drive to Zion National Park and hit the trails on a lesser-travelled track through the lower canyon followed by a hike up to Scout Lookout. Admire unrivalled views of the dramatic canyon system below then follow trails along the canyon walls which offer a fantastic vantage point over the canyon floor. Emerge at the serene Emerald Pools, named for their glorious green tones, then descend to the lawn of the historic Zion Lodge and sit down to a late picnic lunch. From here, you'll make your way down-canyon to pick up hiking gear for tomorrow’s adventure in the Virgin River Narrows before departing for your camp for the evening.

Day 2 Zion National Park

Your second day’s hike is arguably the most iconic in Zion — the Virgin River Narrows. Your hike begins with a stroll down the paved River Trail, buttressed by water on our left and a 3,000-foot cliff face on the right. After walking along hanging gardens and under the dappled shade of cottonwoods, the sidewalk ends and you will enter the river. Hiking in moving water can be a new and exciting experience so there will be time to get your “stream legs” before walking another 1.5 miles upriver to the turnaround point at Orderville Canyon. Before heading back downstream, snap a few more photos of the Narrows’ beauty and stop-off for a relaxing shoreline lunch.

Day 3 Bryce Canyon National Park

After breakfast, break camp and make your way to the Escalante country, visiting Bryce Canyon National Park en route. Lace up your hiking boots and enjoy one of the lesser-hiked trails in Bryce which offers some of the most impressive scenery in the park. You will be based in the northern part of the national park which offers superb vistas of Boat Mesa, the Sinking Ship formation, Tower Bridge, China Wall, Fairyland Canyon and other amazing rock structures. After our hike, continue to our Escalante Camp for a tasty dinner and a night of rest and relaxation.

Day 4 Anasazi State Park

After breakfast, set off on a beautiful hike along a flat, sandy canyon trail to Calf Creek Falls. You will pass Native American ruins and pictographs, and have a good chance of seeing some wildlife. If you’re up for a dip and feeling hearty – this water is surprisingly cold – you can go swimming below the spectacular 128-foot falls. After lunch at the falls, you will have the opportunity to drop into the town of Boulder for an optional visit to Anasazi State Park, home to one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan communities west of the Colorado River. From here, it’s an easy drive back to basecamp.

Day 5 Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Set off down the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road and explore some local slot canyons in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Some canyons are dark and narrow, some are filled with water, while others contain surprises at every turn, like interconnected potholes, arches, and grottos. If there's time you'll visit the Devil's Garden National Recreation Area where you can admire natural stone arches, rock formations and giant, balancing rocks.

Day 6 Bryce Canyon National Park

After breakfast, break down camp and head west toward the starting point of our trip, St. George. On the way, you will stop at Bryce Canyon National Park for a second time to enjoy another classic walk through its famous hoodoos and spectacular vistas. This hike takes you down from the rim, through the stunning corridors of Wall Street and past the Silent City to Queen's Garden, before bringing you back to the rim of the Bryce Amphitheatre. After lunch on the rim, gazing into the maze of Wall Street, load up and head back to St. George where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5 pm.