Peaks, Canyons and Red Rocks

Welcome to Denver, “the Mile High City,” where a brass cap positioned at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level is perched on the Capitol steps. The 16th Street Mall connects the Capitol Building with LODO, the Lower Downtown Historic District and mixed-use neighbourhood. Nearby, the Colorado State History Museum features the dramatic geology of the region. The Denver History Museum, the Denver Visitor Center, and the Molly Brown House, home of the “unsinkable” local heroine, are all close by as well. Be sure to visit the Denver Art Museum, where the building is as dramatic as the exhibits.

Just north of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of grandeur with countless breathtaking vistas ranging from 8,000 to 14,259 feet. Set against this backdrop, you’ll also see delicate alpine flowers, clear lakes, rushing mountain waters, bighorn sheep, ptarmigan, coyote, and elk. There is one major loop road through the park and every square inch is scenic.

Take Highway 70, one of the most scenic Highways in the United States to Glenwood Springs, located in the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by the White River National Forest and most known for its hot springs, wildlife, views, and beautiful resort amenities. Glenwood Springs is most famous for its namesake, the Glenwood Hot Springs. However, not only is the town beautiful every month of the year, but you will find an activity for just about everyone.

Moab is the only Utah destination where you can experience two of The Mighty 5® National Parks from one convenient location. Join visitors from around the world to experience the sunrise over the towering depths of Canyonlands National Park and then follow it up with sunset in the otherworldly red rock landscape of Arches National Park.

Moab’s year-round access to thousands of square miles of amazing red rock landscapes, along with the cool waters of the Colorado River, has also made it one of the most sought-after outdoor recreation destinations in the American Southwest. Hike in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, mountain bike on the famous Moab Slickrock Trail, whitewater raft the Colorado River, tackle the thousands of miles of rugged canyon roads in four-wheel drive vehicles or horseback ride amidst the alpine beauty of the La Sal Mountains.

Spread across the border of Utah and Arizona, the spectacular scenery of Monument Valley is captivating year round. The giant sandstone formations towering over the desert floor are a unique kind of structure you don’t see every day. They aren’t mountains, or canyons, or even just big rocks, but something else. They are monuments. Some have been given descriptive names such as Mittens, Elephant Butte, Totem Pole, and North Window. But describing them doesn’t do it justice. You need to visit Monument Valley yourself to truly appreciate this magical place!

On day 5, head to the awe inspiring Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) for a 2-night stay - truly one of the most spectacular sights in the world. You don't want to miss the opportunity to stand on Mather or Yaki Point and see the sunrise over the East Rim, otherwise known as Desert View, nor do you want to leave before experiencing the sunset from Hopi, Yaki or Mather Points. During the daylight hours, be sure to take in all the sights, browse the visitor centres, stroll the Rim Trail or attend free ranger talks. In the evening there are park ranger programs and dark-sky star-gazing you won't want to miss.

Day 7 sees you arrive into Page, Arizona the gateway to Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend for a 2-night stay. Here you will discover a dramatic and timeless landscape of canyons, lakes and bays, where your days can be as active or as relaxed as you wish. Witness the world-famous Rainbow Bridge, marvel at the Reflecting Canyon, and snap photos of Horseshoe Bend. For an adventure, you could hike the trails of the Glen Canyon Recreational Area, look out from the perch of Hite Overlook, or take a scenic flight to the top of Tower Butte. And you can see first-hand how pioneers and engineers have made their mark on the natural landscape, from the blasted passageway of Hole in the Rock to the Glen Canyon Dam – the engineering wonder which formed Lake Powell itself.

Take a drive to Bryce Canyon National Park in Southwestern Utah. Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the world’s largest collection of hoodoos – tall and thin rock spires of multiple colours and varying thickness. The rare geological formations rise from the ground in abundance and leave visitors in complete amazement. The hoodoos are a must-see at sunrise and sunset, when the orange glow makes the rocks come alive and casts long shadows deep into the natural amphitheater. Even though Bryce Canyon is just a few hours from Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, it’s far enough from the city lights to have one of the darkest skies in North America. At night, as the towering rocks disappear, gaze skyward and see thousands of brilliant stars.

Take the short but beautiful drive to Zion National Park and see huge sculpted rock formations, waterfalls and blossoming gardens. Zion National Park is a majestic natural space that’s home to a red rock canyon that stretches more than 600 metres deep and is surrounded by walking trails and scenic observation points. Zion National Park is an adventurer’s oasis with giant rock domes, towering slot canyons, red sandstone cliffs and lush natural swimming holes – and it’s all yours to explore. Spend your days hiking untamed trails, cooling down in the Virgin River or chilling out at the Hanging Gardens of Zion. At night, look skywards for a spot of stargazing.

Your tour ends when you return your rental car to the agreed drop-off point. Alternatively, speak with your Discover North America Travel Specialist about possible trip extensions.