Marvel at the vast canyons, towering arches, precarious “hoodoo” rock formations, and multicolored mountains of southern Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks: Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Capitol Reef.
September 18-25, 2026
Itinerary Highlights:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Country Western music show and dinner
Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Raleigh-Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- Seven nights’ accommodations
- 14 meals: seven breakfasts, two lunches, and five dinners
- All sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Deluxe motor coach transportation
- Professional tour guide and driver
- Our State host
- Hotel transfers
- Baggage handling at hotels
Accommodations:
- One night in Grand Junction, Colorado: Wine Country Inn (Palisade)
- Two nights in Moab, Utah: Element Moab
- One night near Capitol Reef National Park: Red Sand Hotel and Spa (Torrey)
- Two nights in Bryce Canyon: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn
- One night in Springdale: Springhill Suites Zion/Springdale
Note: Hotels are subject to change.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Grand Junction
Friday, September 18, 2026
The “River City” of Grand Junction extends a warm welcome as your launch pad to an in-depth encounter with Utah’s National Parks. Transfer to your hotel and relax after your journey before joining your travel director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Wine Country Inn in Palisade
Day 2: Dead Horse Point State Park • Canyonlands National Park
Saturday, September 19, 2026
We head to Dead Horse Point State Park this morning and see firsthand the power of the Colorado River carving its way through the rocky red landscape at Canyonlands National Park. Ascend to the top of the Island in the Sky mesa and admire Canyonlands’ spectacular landscape below. We take a walk to Grand View Point Overlook, Mesa Arch, and White Rim Overlook or Murphy’s Point Overlook. This evening, connect with locals at Cactus Jacks, where you’ll enjoy a “Be My Guest” dinner with the owner, who worked at the grill as a waitress when she was a teenager.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Element Moab
Day 3: Arches National Park
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Admire the exquisite natural sandstone shapes that dot the landscape in Arches National Park. Enjoy spectacular views and photo opportunities at La Sal Mountains Viewpoint, Balanced Rock, The Windows, Delicate Arch Viewpoint, and Skyline Arch. Learn how Mother Nature has left her indelible mark with wind and rain as you take a guided walk to Double Arch, Landscape Arch, or Turret Arch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Element Moab
Day 4: Goblin Valley State Park • Capitol Reef National Park
Monday, September 21, 2026
This morning, see the other-worldly hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park — these mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles make for a memorable walk and photo opportunity before you arrive at Capitol Reef National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. In the evening, enjoy the rustic charm of the Red Sand Hotel and Spa on the edge of the park, offering breathtaking views of the incredible landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Red Sand Hotel and Spa in Torrey
Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park • Kodachrome Basin State Park • Bryce Canyon National Park
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Lace up your shoes for a light morning walk in Capitol Reef National Park, whose colorful canyons and Capitol-shaped domes provide the perfect backdrop for an adventure. Continue your journey along an All-American Road, U.S. Highway 12, one of America’s most scenic highways, before embarking on a short walk in Kodachrome Basin State Park. This dramatic landscape features striking layered stone spires. We continue to Bryce Canyon National Park, where we’ll spend the next two nights. Tonight, enjoy the live country music show and dinner at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon City
Day 6: Bryce Canyon National Park
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Head to Sunset Point to discuss the current scientific explanation behind Bryce Canyon’s unique geologic history, from ancient lakes to the power of erosion, and stop by the visitor center to learn more. Admire the rusty red limestone spires that rise up surreally from the desert floor to meet Utah’s skies from scenic viewpoints. You will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of Bryce and snap breathtaking photos of Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, and Sunrise Point.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn in Bryce Canyon City
Day 7: Zion National Park
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Explore the vistas of Zion before continuing on to our hotel for the evening. Then join your new friends, hosts, and tour director for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Springhill Suites Zion/Springdale
Day 8: Departure
Friday, September 25, 2026
After enjoying breakfast, we will check out from our hotel and make our way to the airport in Las Vegas for a group departure back to North Carolina.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Rates:
Regular rate: $4,447 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single rate: $5,754
For Reservations & More Information:
AAA Vacations
Sandra Horton
(919) 832-0543 ext 16015
sdhorton@acg.aaa.com
