Marvel at the grandeur of five epic national parks – Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Capitol Reef as we travel through Utah’s distinctive terrain.
September 14-21, 2024
Package Includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Raleigh/Durham International Airport
- Seven nights’ accommodations
- Seven breakfasts, two lunches, and five dinners
- All sightseeing and admissions as listed
- Deluxe coach transportation for the tour
- Professional tour guide and driver
- Our State host
- Baggage handling and hotel transfers
Itinerary Highlights:
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Photography class with renowned national park photographer
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Country Western Music show and dinner
- Coral Spink Sands State Park
- Zion National Park
Itinerary:
Day 1: Friday
Today our fellow travelers will meet at Raleigh-Durham airport for a group departure to Grand Junction, Colorado. Upon arrival, our tour director will meet and greet for a transfer to our hotel. After settling in at the Doubletree Hilton, our home for the evening, meet in the lounge for an afternoon wine reception followed by a welcome dinner.
Meals: D
Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton, Grand Junction, or similar
Day 2: Saturday
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out to canyon country. This morning you will see first-hand 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 will take a walk to Grand View Point Overlook, Mesa Arch, and White Rim Overlook to take in the amazing views. In the afternoon, we will be met by a renowned national park photographer who will give a tutorial for best photo tips for capturing the majesty in your own photos. In the evening, we will connect with locals at the Moab Grill as special guests of the owner.
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Homewood Suites Moab or similar
Day 3: Sunday
Join your fellow travelers for breakfast in the morning before departing for Arches National Park. Learn how Mother Nature’s magic touch has left her indelible mark with wind and rain as you take a leisurely guided walk to Double Arch (length of walk can be modified for those needing accommodation). Lunch will be on the go (boxed lunch, included) as we take in all of the sights of Arches National Park. Take a well-deserved break in the afternoon and enjoy a wine tasting before turning in for the night in Moab.
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Monday
Breakfast in the morning will be followed by check-out from our Moab hotel. Continuing on our national park journey, we come to Capitol Reef National Park. See other-worldly hoodoos of Goblin Valley State Park, which make for a memorable walk and photo stop, as we travel to Capitol Reef National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore on you own. In the evening, we will check into our resort which overlooks the spectacular landscapes of the park, the Capitol Reef Resort. Dinner will be included at the resort before retiring for the night.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Capitol Reef Resort or similar
Day 5: Tuesday
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before making your way to the stunning Bryce Canyon National Park, our home for the next two days. Our journey on the All-American Scenic road, Highway 12, takes us by the Kodachrome Basin State Park. Here you will have the opportunity to venture out for a snapshot and enjoy some free time before we continue on to Bryce Canyon National Park. Striking scenery abounds during our drive. We will check into our hotel, the Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon followed by an included dinner in the evening. Enjoy a live Country Western Music show following dinner at Ebenezer’s Bar and Grill!
Meals: B, D
Overnight: Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon or similar
Day 6: Wednesday
After breakfast, 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 visitors 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. Stop at Yovimpa Point to hear about the rocks of the Great Staircase and fossils found within, revealing the secrets of ancient environments that created much of the Colorado Plateau. This afternoon, retire to our hotel for the night (Dinner on own).
Meals: B
Day 7: Thursday
A pink, red, and orange canvas awaits visitors at Coral Pink Sands State Park. Climb the coral-hued dunes to admire the wind sculpted ripples in the sand formations before continuing to the infamous Zion National Park. Here, you will have time for exploring the vistas of Zion before continuing on to our hotel for the evening. We will meet with your new friends, hosts, and tour director for a farewell dinner.
Meals: B, D
Overnight: LaQuinta Inn Springdale or similar
Day 8: Friday
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 Raleigh-Durham airport.
Tour Rates:
Regular Rate: $3,599 pp based on double occupancy
Single Rate: $4,549
For reservations and more information:
AAA Vacations
Alex Kantor
919-832-0543 ext 16010
axkantor@acg.aaa.com
Additional Information:
What to expect on an Our State trip:
Traveling with a group of Our State readers is an enriching, enjoyable, and safe way to experience new cultures, people, and places. In addition to the informative narration from the tour director and local guides, an Our State host will be available to assist in making your trip successful.
We usually fly to our destination, then travel by a comfortable motor coach with anywhere from 35 to 50 people who appreciate learning about new regions. Your entire trip will be guided, planned, and arranged for your upmost enjoyment. Many activities are things you can only do because you are traveling with Our State. There is some free time built in for you to explore on your own.
You can also choose not to attend an activity if you prefer something different. Please let your tour director know if you are not coming on a scheduled day.
Many meals are included. Where you have meals on your own, suggestions will be provided.
Most of the motor coaches have restrooms but every effort will be made to make regular rest stops.
One of the best parts of traveling with Our State is that you will meet new people, many of whom you will already have much in common with since most travelers read the magazine. Many guests often develop friendships that go on long after the tour is finished. Our State trips are generally filled with dynamic and friendly people.
Physical requirements:
Our tours are physically active but not meant to be strenuous.
Please be aware you will be on your feet, walking and standing for much of the day, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and terrains. There will also be extended time on the motor coach when we travel from place to place. If there are any mobility issues you will need to have an able-bodied traveling companion to accompany and assist you.
Most days are moderately paced with approximately two to three total miles of walking, possibly including some hills and stairs.
We regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Trip Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.
If you have additional questions, please call Our State’s Travel Director Amy Wood Pasquini at 336-286-0600, or email apasquini@ourstate.com.
COVID-19 Travel Precautions – Update:
Effective January 1, 2023, Our State highly encourages, but no longer requires COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters for travelers on our domestic tours. This policy goes into effect for international travelers on April 30, 2023. We will keep all participants updated of any changes to these requirements.
