Jackson and the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone,
Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon
9 days/8 nights
Please inquire about 2022 pricing
Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon
9 days/8 nights
Please inquire about 2022 pricing
|
Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure through North America's iconic West and Southwest National Parks, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: May, Sept/Oct and Winter |
|
A tour of our West and Southwest National Parks:
3 nights Jackson and the Grand Tetons 2 nights Zion Springdale 1 night Bryce Canyon 2 nights Grand Canyon |
DAY 1: ARRIVE JACKSON, WYOMING. YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS! |
|
|
|
Flying into the Jackson Hole Airport is an awe inspiring start to your trip. Make sure you have your camera ready for when you fly in to the airport. It’s probably the best view of the Grand Tetons. It’s a short, 15 minute drive to our hotel.
Our 4-star hotel is located just three blocks from Jackson’s charming Town Square, and close to dining, shopping and nightlife. This unique luxury hotel offers a spa and wellness center with massage services, rooms with free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant.
Once we check our bags, we’ll get acquainted with the town, have lunch and you’ll have the rest of the day to explore.
Tonight: Included Welcome dinner.
Overnight in Jackson, 3 nights with included breakfast.
Our 4-star hotel is located just three blocks from Jackson’s charming Town Square, and close to dining, shopping and nightlife. This unique luxury hotel offers a spa and wellness center with massage services, rooms with free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant.
Once we check our bags, we’ll get acquainted with the town, have lunch and you’ll have the rest of the day to explore.
Tonight: Included Welcome dinner.
Overnight in Jackson, 3 nights with included breakfast.
DAY 2: THE GRAND TETONS |
|
|
|
This morning we take a short drive to the Grand Tetons National Park, one of America’s most astounding landscapes. We’ll begin our day at the The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to get acquainted with the park and watch their 24-minute high-definition movie Grand Tetons National Park: Life on the Edge.
Drinks, snacks and a delicious picnic will be prepared for our day so we can stop any time we would like to enjoy the views and have lunch.
We’ll enjoy the morning meandering through the park, making stops for breathtaking photo ops and hikes.
We’ll then view the park from a different angle: The Snake River. This afternoon we are going to enjoy a river raft float trip down the Snake RIver. It is a very gentle float trip, no rapids. The guided group cruise takes approximately 3 hours on the most scenic stretch of the Snake River. We’ll relax and enjoy Grand Teton National Park’s natural beauty while discovering the magic of the Snake River. Our float guide will lead us into a protected sanctuary of pristine wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, sagebrush plateaus, cottonwood and spruce forests, and spectacular panoramic views of the entire Teton Range. Plan for an informative and enjoyable experience.
Need a little more flow? Inquire about whitewater rafting or horseback riding.
The rest of the day and evening are on your own in Jackson.
Overnight in Jackson
Drinks, snacks and a delicious picnic will be prepared for our day so we can stop any time we would like to enjoy the views and have lunch.
We’ll enjoy the morning meandering through the park, making stops for breathtaking photo ops and hikes.
We’ll then view the park from a different angle: The Snake River. This afternoon we are going to enjoy a river raft float trip down the Snake RIver. It is a very gentle float trip, no rapids. The guided group cruise takes approximately 3 hours on the most scenic stretch of the Snake River. We’ll relax and enjoy Grand Teton National Park’s natural beauty while discovering the magic of the Snake River. Our float guide will lead us into a protected sanctuary of pristine wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, sagebrush plateaus, cottonwood and spruce forests, and spectacular panoramic views of the entire Teton Range. Plan for an informative and enjoyable experience.
Need a little more flow? Inquire about whitewater rafting or horseback riding.
The rest of the day and evening are on your own in Jackson.
Overnight in Jackson
DAY 3: A DAY TRIP TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK |
|
|
|
We’ll head to Yellowstone today back through Grand Teton National Park, but this time, take the 1,000 foot climb of switchbacks. Set far apart from the next highest mountain peak, we'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Tetons’ towering peaks, the flat glacial plains below, Jackson Lake and the Snake River beyond. We’ll see the 40 mile Grand Tetons range, and spot wildlife in the valley below as they congregate around one of the many glacial lakes that dot the region.
We're then on to the South entrance of Yellowstone National Park to enjoy the drive of the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park. On the tour you’ll see all the major points of interest on the Lower Loop, including the Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, the Midway Geyser Basin, the Firehole Lake Loop, Fountain Paint Pots, Firehole River Canyon, Gibbon Falls, and the Virginia Cascades. During the day you’ll have a number of opportunities to take short hikes along the many boardwalks within the geyser basins and to the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. It will be a full day.
This itinerary can be extended to include an overnight in Yellowstone.
Included dinner back in Jackson.
Overnight in Jackson.
We're then on to the South entrance of Yellowstone National Park to enjoy the drive of the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park. On the tour you’ll see all the major points of interest on the Lower Loop, including the Upper Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, the Midway Geyser Basin, the Firehole Lake Loop, Fountain Paint Pots, Firehole River Canyon, Gibbon Falls, and the Virginia Cascades. During the day you’ll have a number of opportunities to take short hikes along the many boardwalks within the geyser basins and to the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. It will be a full day.
This itinerary can be extended to include an overnight in Yellowstone.
Included dinner back in Jackson.
Overnight in Jackson.
DAY 4: FLIGHT TO ST. GEORGE, UTAH AND ON TO ZION |
|
|
|
This morning we depart to St. George Municipal Airport (SGU). We’ll then take a 1 hour drive to Springdale.
This afternoon is for getting a taste of Springdale, home to beautiful galleries of fine art, photography, Native art and craft, jewelry and local gems and minerals.
Tonight: Included dinner in Springdale.
Overnight in Springdale, 2 nights.
This afternoon is for getting a taste of Springdale, home to beautiful galleries of fine art, photography, Native art and craft, jewelry and local gems and minerals.
Tonight: Included dinner in Springdale.
Overnight in Springdale, 2 nights.
DAY 5: A DAY IN ZION NATIONAL PARK |
You can be very flexible on how you want to experience the park today.
• There is a Ranger-led Hike daily on the Watchman Trail at 8 am. Be prepared to walk two miles on a moderate trail with a 368 foot elevation gain if you are interested in doing this. OR if you’re up for something much more challenging, hike the Narrows or Angel’s Landing.
• Travel the length of the Canyon on the Zion shuttle and get off at the Virgin Riverside Walk where the shuttle begins it’s journey back. It’s a very gentle walk along the paved trail to the area where the famous Virgin River Narrows begins and return to the shuttle.
Some other easy sights off the shuttle include:
• Make a stop at Zion Lodge and walk across the street onto the Emerald Pools Trail. It’s a paved trail that’s gets really busy throughout the day. About half the people stop at the lower pool, and half of them stop at the middle pool, so keep going through the slightly strenuous climb up the canyon wall will reward you with some quiet time near the pools and a great view, and gardens full of ferns and moss in the middle of a desert. Choose to visit one of the pools or all three, but remember – look but don’t touch: the National Park Service has worked hard to restore the pools to their natural beauty. Total distance: 1.2-3 miles roundtrip.
• Weeping Rock. Or take the Riverside Trail to it (about a mile between the shuttle stops), which would allow you to take in a little more of Zion. Weeping Rock is a paved trail to a very popular attraction in Zion. It’s named for the water that continuously “weeps” through the stone to keep the hanging gardens thriving, a welcome site in a desert! Total distance: 1 mile roundtrip.
• Travel to the last stop on the bus, the Temple of Sinawava, where you stroll down the Riverside Walk (use the restroom there) to the beginning of The Narrows. Watch dozens of hikers wade through the river on their way back from a very wet hike. Bring your water shoes or sandals.
• Nature is all around you, and if bird watching is your thing, this is also a very special place. With more than 200 species of birds, Zion National Park is a birder’s paradise. The Peregrine falcon, the bald eagle, and the California condor are all found in the 232 square mile sanctuary of Zion, nesting and resting in their native habitat without being disturbed. The threatened Mexican spotted owl also calls Zion home.
Dinner on your own tonight.
Overnight in Springdale.
• There is a Ranger-led Hike daily on the Watchman Trail at 8 am. Be prepared to walk two miles on a moderate trail with a 368 foot elevation gain if you are interested in doing this. OR if you’re up for something much more challenging, hike the Narrows or Angel’s Landing.
• Travel the length of the Canyon on the Zion shuttle and get off at the Virgin Riverside Walk where the shuttle begins it’s journey back. It’s a very gentle walk along the paved trail to the area where the famous Virgin River Narrows begins and return to the shuttle.
Some other easy sights off the shuttle include:
• Make a stop at Zion Lodge and walk across the street onto the Emerald Pools Trail. It’s a paved trail that’s gets really busy throughout the day. About half the people stop at the lower pool, and half of them stop at the middle pool, so keep going through the slightly strenuous climb up the canyon wall will reward you with some quiet time near the pools and a great view, and gardens full of ferns and moss in the middle of a desert. Choose to visit one of the pools or all three, but remember – look but don’t touch: the National Park Service has worked hard to restore the pools to their natural beauty. Total distance: 1.2-3 miles roundtrip.
• Weeping Rock. Or take the Riverside Trail to it (about a mile between the shuttle stops), which would allow you to take in a little more of Zion. Weeping Rock is a paved trail to a very popular attraction in Zion. It’s named for the water that continuously “weeps” through the stone to keep the hanging gardens thriving, a welcome site in a desert! Total distance: 1 mile roundtrip.
• Travel to the last stop on the bus, the Temple of Sinawava, where you stroll down the Riverside Walk (use the restroom there) to the beginning of The Narrows. Watch dozens of hikers wade through the river on their way back from a very wet hike. Bring your water shoes or sandals.
• Nature is all around you, and if bird watching is your thing, this is also a very special place. With more than 200 species of birds, Zion National Park is a birder’s paradise. The Peregrine falcon, the bald eagle, and the California condor are all found in the 232 square mile sanctuary of Zion, nesting and resting in their native habitat without being disturbed. The threatened Mexican spotted owl also calls Zion home.
Dinner on your own tonight.
Overnight in Springdale.
DAY 6: ON TO BRYCE CANYON |
|
|
|
This morning we are going to take the 3 hour drive from the hotel and drive along the stunning ten-mile stretch along Route 9 from the Zion entrance to Mt. Carmel and then on to Bryce. Completed in 1930, it is considered one of the great road-building accomplishments in history. As we climb switchbacks from the canyon floor to the two high plateaus to the east, passing through two narrow tunnels blasted through the cliffs, we will understand why it created such a sensation. We will be on the lookout for the Bighorn Sheep that frequent this area and make stops along the way for photos.
Arriving to Bryce Canyon, we will head into the park to enjoy views of the incredible hoodoos from Rainbow Point and back through Fairyland Canyon, Sunrise and Sunset view points and even take a rim walk to capture the beauty of this amazing place. The fantastic hoodoos you see in the canyon, and for which Bryce is so famous, were explained by the Paiutes as “legend people” who had been turned to stone. As you study the twisted maze of canyons, consider the words of early Mormon pioneer (and park namesake) Ebenezer Bryce, who described it as “a hell of a place to lose a cow.”
Tonight: Included Dinner
Overnight near Bryce Canyon, 1 night with breakfast
Arriving to Bryce Canyon, we will head into the park to enjoy views of the incredible hoodoos from Rainbow Point and back through Fairyland Canyon, Sunrise and Sunset view points and even take a rim walk to capture the beauty of this amazing place. The fantastic hoodoos you see in the canyon, and for which Bryce is so famous, were explained by the Paiutes as “legend people” who had been turned to stone. As you study the twisted maze of canyons, consider the words of early Mormon pioneer (and park namesake) Ebenezer Bryce, who described it as “a hell of a place to lose a cow.”
Tonight: Included Dinner
Overnight near Bryce Canyon, 1 night with breakfast
DAY 7: TO ANTELOPE SLOT AND THE GRAND CANYON'S SOUTH RIM |
|
|
|
This morning we continue our journey and begin with one of the most beautiful photo ops in the United States: Antelope Slot Canyon. We’ll enjoy the authentic beauty of Native American flute music resonating throughout Antelope Canyon and hear the wonderful Native American stories associated with Antelope Canyon by their Navajo Tour Guide. There are awesome photo opportunities with cell phones and cameras, but no tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks or backpacks are allowed on this tour.
On our way out of town, we’ll make a detour to Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend is one of those wonders that was carved out over millenia by the waters of the Colorado River as it made its way down through Grand Canyon.
We’ll then continue on to The Grand Canyon.
Included dinner.
Overnight at the Grand Canyon, 2 nights.
On our way out of town, we’ll make a detour to Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend is one of those wonders that was carved out over millenia by the waters of the Colorado River as it made its way down through Grand Canyon.
We’ll then continue on to The Grand Canyon.
Included dinner.
Overnight at the Grand Canyon, 2 nights.
DAY 8: A DAY AT THE GRAND CANYON |
Considered by many to be the “true Grand Canyon,” the South Rim features the vast, expansive views most often seen in pictures. Spring and fall are the by far the best times of year weather-wise, with afternoon highs usually a picture perfect 65-75 degrees.
Get your cameras ready! The day will actually take place as we drive and walk along the rim of the canyon and stop at the various panoramic points. From their there are many options for short - and long - hikes. You can decide.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
Tonight dinner is not included.
Overnight at the Grand Canyon
NEW! Dig a Little Deeper Series
Bright Angel Trail Hike, is a 12-mile loop into the canyon, there are multiple rest places and a few bathroom stops.
Colorado River Whitewater Rafting Tour OR float trip or kayaking, and Helicopter Tour At the banks of the Colorado River, meet the Native American river guide, who will provide a brief safety orientation and equipment overview before boarding a pontoon raft. Enjoy a complimentary boxed lunch in the solitude of the canyon and be sure to bring a waterproof camera for incredible photo opportunities. Our rafting tour will end on board a 6-seater A-Star helicopter for your short transfer 4,000 feet to the rim of the Grand Canyon.
A sunset helicopter tour is also available.
Colorado River Whitewater Rafting Tour OR float trip or kayaking, and Helicopter Tour At the banks of the Colorado River, meet the Native American river guide, who will provide a brief safety orientation and equipment overview before boarding a pontoon raft. Enjoy a complimentary boxed lunch in the solitude of the canyon and be sure to bring a waterproof camera for incredible photo opportunities. Our rafting tour will end on board a 6-seater A-Star helicopter for your short transfer 4,000 feet to the rim of the Grand Canyon.
A sunset helicopter tour is also available.
DAY 9: TRANSFERS FROM FLAGSTAFF OR LAS VEGAS FOR FLIGHTS OUT |
Included transfers to the
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
WINTER AT THE PARKS: Avoid the summer crowds and see our country's national parks in the winter. The real appeal of traveling to the parks in winter is getting back to nature, away from people, and finding solitude. So slow down, bundle up and check out our winter highlights based on the itinerary below:
• Think about some optional pre-tour ski days in Jackson Hole to kick off your trip.
• A private sleigh ride the National Elk Refuge through one of the largest elk herds in North America to search for concentrated moose, bighorn sheep, eagles, and trumpeter swan.
• Two full days of wildlife, visiting Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, frozen waterfalls and more in the Yellowstone's snowy interior. The Northern Range will welcome us with views of wolves, pronghorn antelope, and bison. Enjoy a dinner presentation from a Yellowstone Wolf Biologist, and learn more about the latest updates on wolf research. (Note that we will add these 2 days in the Northern Range of Yellowstone on our winter itinerary instead of Lake Powell and Antelope Slot).
• A flight from Bozeman to St. George can continue your trip to the winter wonderlands of Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. All welcome winter guests with great off-season pricing. Get on out there and hike, or strap on some snowshoes or cross-country skis.
• From early December to mid February and visitors are permitted to drive through Zion park in the comfort of their own vehicle, rather than have to maneuver the public shuttle bus.
• Because the winter sun is lower in the sky, it doesn’t set directly over the mountains, but instead cloaks the rocky peaks and crevasses in lovely purple, pink, and orange hues. Sunrises can be equally spectacular. And sunrise is 1 hour later than in the summer, so you photographers will get a little extra shut eye. In-the-know photographers also appreciate this time of year for the clarity of the light, especially just after a snowstorm. Because of clear skies, the visibility is highest in this season. Mountain peaks some 200 miles away can be seen from some viewpoints on a clear winter day.
• Think about some optional pre-tour ski days in Jackson Hole to kick off your trip.
• A private sleigh ride the National Elk Refuge through one of the largest elk herds in North America to search for concentrated moose, bighorn sheep, eagles, and trumpeter swan.
• Two full days of wildlife, visiting Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, frozen waterfalls and more in the Yellowstone's snowy interior. The Northern Range will welcome us with views of wolves, pronghorn antelope, and bison. Enjoy a dinner presentation from a Yellowstone Wolf Biologist, and learn more about the latest updates on wolf research. (Note that we will add these 2 days in the Northern Range of Yellowstone on our winter itinerary instead of Lake Powell and Antelope Slot).
• A flight from Bozeman to St. George can continue your trip to the winter wonderlands of Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. All welcome winter guests with great off-season pricing. Get on out there and hike, or strap on some snowshoes or cross-country skis.
• From early December to mid February and visitors are permitted to drive through Zion park in the comfort of their own vehicle, rather than have to maneuver the public shuttle bus.
• Because the winter sun is lower in the sky, it doesn’t set directly over the mountains, but instead cloaks the rocky peaks and crevasses in lovely purple, pink, and orange hues. Sunrises can be equally spectacular. And sunrise is 1 hour later than in the summer, so you photographers will get a little extra shut eye. In-the-know photographers also appreciate this time of year for the clarity of the light, especially just after a snowstorm. Because of clear skies, the visibility is highest in this season. Mountain peaks some 200 miles away can be seen from some viewpoints on a clear winter day.