[2CanGo] The Gold and the Red: 10-Day Autumn Yellowstone to Zion Journey

Meet your guide in Salt Lake City at 9:00 am and travel to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. The island’s open landscapes are home to free-ranging bison, pronghorn and mule deer, with copper-colored grasses providing a striking introduction to the autumn scenery.

Antelope Island State Park: Located near Salt Lake City, Antelope Island is home to free-ranging bison, pronghorn (antelope), bighorn sheep, and many other desert animals. In addition to these larger animals, millions of birds line the shore offering unmatched bird watching opportunities. Here you also have amazing views of the Great Salt Lake and the opportunity to take a dip in the lake. (Depending on time, this attraction may be moved to the last day)

After approximately 90 minutes on the island, continue north through Idaho’s Snake River Plain and into Montana, arriving in West Yellowstone in the late afternoon.

Travel north to West Yellowstone, positioning you well for the next two days of exploration in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Accommodation: Yellowstone Lodge or similar hotels near Yellowstone, or upgrade to a special hotel/villa (additional fees apply), or equivalent lodging.

Meal Arrangements

• Breakfast: Not included
• Lunch: Not included
• Dinner: Not included

Spend a full day exploring Yellowstone National Park. Cold autumn mornings often bring increased steam to the geyser basins, creating an atmospheric setting around the Firehole River.

Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming in the Midwestern United States, extending northwest to Idaho and Montana. It covers an astounding 8,956 square kilometers (3,458 square miles) and is the world’s first national park. Yellowstone Park is also one of the largest active volcanoes in the world.

Depending on park conditions, today’s highlights may include Old Faithful, the Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring and its overlook, followed by the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Artist Point and nearby waterfall viewpoints.

Wildlife may be encountered throughout the day, particularly along river corridors and open valleys. Bison and elk are commonly seen, while bears, wolves and other wildlife depend entirely on timing and natural conditions.

Tip: Yellowstone National Park is situated in a volcanic area with geothermal phenomena nearby. The average estimated walking time to each scenic spot is approximately 30 minutes. It is recommended to wear comfortable attire and a sturdy pair of hiking shoes.

Accommodation: Yellowstone Lodge or similar near Yellowstone, with an optional villa or chalet upgrade (additional fees apply).

Meal Arrangements

• Breakfast: Included  (Check in Villa/Chalet without breakfast and no refund)

Travel south through Yellowstone, with a possible stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin, where geothermal features meet the shore of Yellowstone Lake. Continue into Grand Teton National Park, where the mountains rise dramatically from the valley floor.

Grand Teton National Park: This national park gets its name from the Teton mountain range that runs through it, which happens to be one of the youngest mountain ranges in North America. Here we will have opportunities to explore different lakes and regions, however the main part of exploring this area and the activities that reside within will be done tomorrow.

Stops may include Jackson Lake, Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, Signal Mountain, Jenny Lake and the century-old barns of Mormon Row. Along the way, your guide will adjust the route and timing to seek out the best fall color, pausing where the aspens are turning and allowing time to linger when the light is especially rewarding.

Arrive in Jackson with the evening free to explore the town square, wooden boardwalks, restaurants and local shops at your own pace.

Accommodation:  Miller Park Lodge, Comfort Inn, or similar

• Breakfast: Included

Leave Jackson and travel through the Hoback Canyon and the open sagebrush landscapes of western Wyoming. In autumn, cottonwoods trace the rivers and streams with bands of gold across the high desert.

This corridor is also used by migrating pronghorn and mule deer, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Continue to Flaming Gorge, where the Green River cuts through deep red-rock canyon walls. Stop at Red Canyon Overlook and Flaming Gorge Dam before descending to Vernal for the night. Together, the route reveals a striking transition from Wyoming’s open sagebrush country to the red-rock landscapes of northeastern Utah.

Accommodation:  Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vernal, Dinosaur Inn & Suites, or similar

• Breakfast: Included 

Spend the morning at the Quarry Exhibit Hall at Dinosaur National Monument, a building constructed directly over a rock face containing approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones still embedded in the stone. At several points, you can even touch real fossils dating back around 150 million years. Standing face to face with dinosaur bones preserved where they were discovered is a genuinely unusual experience.

Continue into Colorado and follow the Colorado River east to Glenwood Springs. The afternoon and evening are free to relax at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, fed by the Yampah Spring, which produces 3.5 million gallons of mineral water each day. After several days of exploration, the opportunity to soak in the warm mineral waters is one of the reasons this route passes through Glenwood Springs.

Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Best Western Antlers, Hotel Colorado, or similar

• Breakfast: Included

Travel west through Glenwood Canyon as the mountain landscapes gradually give way to the red-rock country of eastern Utah.

Explore the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Stops may include Mesa Arch, Green River Overlook and Grand View Point, where layers of canyons extend across the desert below.

Canyonlands National Park: Perched high above the Colorado River, this area provides breathtaking views deep into pristine canyons, offering a glimpse into the area's ancient geology.

Finish the day at Dead Horse Point, weather and timing permitting, for sunset views over the Colorado River. 

Dead Horse Point State Park: Just a few miles from Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point offers a stunning viewpoint of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. Your guide will share the intriguing story behind the park's name.

Both Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park are certified International Dark Sky Parks. If skies are clear and the schedule allows, there may also be an opportunity to stay out after dark and see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Accommodation: Best Western, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Aarchway Inn, or similar

• Breakfast: Included

Begin with an early visit to Arches National Park. Depending on time and park conditions, sightseeing may include Park Avenue, the Courthouse Towers, Balanced Rock, the Windows Section, Double Arch and the Delicate Arch viewpoint.

Arches National Park: With more than 2,000 arches, the park boasts the densest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world

The full Delicate Arch hike is not included as a scheduled activity. It covers approximately three miles on exposed slickrock with around 480 feet of elevation gain. If your group would like to complete the hike, please discuss it with your guide the evening before. It may be arranged when weather, timing and group ability allow.

In the afternoon, continue south through Bluff and Mexican Hat toward Monument Valley, arriving in time to enjoy the iconic buttes in the changing light around sunset.

Monument Valley: Comprising vast buttes that rise up to 1,000 feet above the valley floor, Monument Valley is the perfect place to stretch your legs and capture some photographs. These buttes have appeared in many movies, most famously in the running scene in Forrest Gump.

Accommodation: Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley area, or similar

• Breakfast: Included

Explore Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. The guided experience provides access to selected areas beyond the general visitor route while offering cultural and local perspectives on the landscape.

Continue to Page in the afternoon and walk to Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River curves around a sandstone formation far below the overlook.

Horseshoe Bend: A dramatic U-shaped meander of the Colorado River located just outside Page, Arizona. A short 0.6-mile hike from the parking area leads to an overlook with a roughly 1,000-foot drop down to the river, one of the most photographed views in the American Southwest.

An optional Navajo dinner and cultural performance may be arranged this evening at an additional cost. Please request at booking rather than on the day, as the performance requires advance arrangement.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express, Lake Powell Resorts Page, or similar

• Breakfast: Included

Enter Antelope Canyon with an authorized Navajo guide. Your tour time and permit will be reserved in advance. Inside the narrow slot canyon, sunlight and sculpted sandstone create constantly changing patterns of color and shadow.

Antelope Canyon: A breathtaking slot canyon on Navajo land near Page. Your Navajo guide will lead you through the canyon's winding, sculpted sandstone walls, helping you capture some unforgettable photos.

Continue northwest into Utah and arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park in the afternoon. Walk a section of the rim between Sunrise and Sunset Points for sweeping views across the hoodoo-filled amphitheater. If weather and trail conditions allow and the group is comfortable with the descent, continue below the rim to experience the formations from within the amphitheater.

Bryce Canyon National Park: From its beautiful pink and white cliffs to its thousands of hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is sure to leave a powerful impression. The park features many easily accessible viewpoints that provide excellent locations for photography.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Plus, Bryce Canyon Lodge, or similar

• Breakfast: Included

Enter Zion National Park from the east, passing through sculpted sandstone landscapes and the historic Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel before descending into the main canyon.

Zion National Park: Zion offers challenging hikes with some amazing views as well as many great sightseeing spots around the park.

Depending on seasonal shuttle operations, weather and available time, enjoy a walk along the Riverside Walk, Pa’rus Trail or another suitable park trail.

After lunch, continue to Las Vegas, where the tour concludes in the late afternoon. Exact arrival time may vary with traffic and park conditions. Please arrange an evening flight with sufficient time or plan to stay overnight in Las Vegas. Additional accommodation can be arranged on request.

Accommodation: None

• Breakfast: Included

Information about Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) pick-up and McCarran International Airport (LAS) drop-off

Arrival:
Free Salt Lake City airport pick-up is available between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, based on the actual landing time of your flight.

Note:
Day 1 begins at 9:00 am in Salt Lake City. We recommend arriving the previous evening. An additional hotel night can be arranged on request.

Departure:
McCarran International Airport (LAS) drop-off information:
For guests on domestic flights within the United States, we kindly request scheduling departure flights for after 8:00 PM.
Guests on international flights are recommended to schedule departure flights for after 8:30 PM.

Note:
Due to uncertain road conditions, traffic, and other unforeseen issues, we cannot assume responsibility for any losses incurred due to missed flights caused by trip delays.
To err on the side of caution, we suggest considering scheduling departure flights for the following day.

• Nine nights of carefully selected, comfortable hotels and lodges, based on double occupancy
• Transportation from arrival to departure is included.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (the villa/chalet option does not include breakfast)
• Professional driver-guide throughout
• All entrance fees for national parks and state parks are covered for the duration of the tour (*Only for residents of the United States, see notice below).
• Bottled water and light snacks during the journey
• Daily activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary are included.

• • Navajo-guided Monument Valley tour
  • Guided Antelope Canyon tour and advance permit reservation
  • Admission to Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, including locker and changing-room use. Swimsuits are required for hot spring activities.

Airfare to and from the destination

Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance  (highly recommended)

Lunches and dinners unless specifically listed

Any additional activities, excursions, souvenirs, alcohol, snacks, or entertainment at your own expense, such as Optional Navajo dinner and cultural performance on Day 8, towel rental and swimsuit at the hot springs

Guide gratuities (10% of tour price recommended)

Single supplement

Optional villa/chalet accommodation and hotel upgrade (please contact us for pricing)

Additional National Park Entrance Fee (Non-U.S. Residents Only, see notice below)

At least two people are required to schedule a tour. If you are traveling alone, please consult our customer service department and they will assist you in joining another group. We strongly recommend booking early, as availability is limited.

Please note that this itinerary is only a sample. Due to flight arrival times, road and weather conditions, and to better accommodate your abilities and interests, the order and locations may be adjusted. Your guide will provide daily updates. Our goal is to ensure every traveler enjoys a safe adventure, creates cherished memories, and has an unforgettable experience.

All accommodations include standard rooms with private bathrooms and two beds per room. Rooms are limited to two people, although children or infants may share with parents, up to a maximum of four people in total.

The times listed in the itinerary are for reference only. Please follow your tour guide’s instructions for the final arrangements. Visiting order and duration may be adjusted as needed to provide the best possible service.

In the event of flight delays or cancellations that require adjustments to hotel bookings, please note that hotel reservations cannot be canceled and fees are non-refundable. If re-booking is necessary, the associated costs will be the traveler’s responsibility.

Wild animals are often elusive, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Complimentary seasonal activities are subject to weather, timing, and trail conditions. Dates and times may change without notice, and refunds are not available if such activities cannot be arranged.

National Park Entrance Fees – Important Information

• *For Nonresidents of the United States only
• Beginning January 1st, 2026, Non-US Citizens will be required to purchase either The "America the Beautiful" annual park pass ($250,covers pass holder + 3 Adults) or pay $100 per person(age 16 and older), per park, to enter Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks.

Itineraries may change due to unforeseen issues and/or delays.

This tour operator company acts as a mere agent for suppliers, selling travel-related services, or accepting reservations or bookings for services not directly provided by this company (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). This company shall not be responsible for breaches of contract resulting from intentional or careless actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which may lead to any loss, damage, delay, or injury to you, your travel companions, or group members.

Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects provided by such suppliers.

The travel agent shall not be responsible for injuries, damages, or losses caused to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, criminal acts, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions beyond the travel agent’s control.

The traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any (and all) passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, as well as all safety or security conditions at such destinations during the proposed travel period.

The traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. The traveler is hereby warned of these risks and advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them.

The traveler's retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above and an agreement on their part to convey the contents hereof to their travel companions or group members.

Cancellation received 60 days or more before the departure of the first product or service in the relevant booking: The Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms. The remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator for the cancelled product will be refunded.

Cancellation received 59–30 days before the departure of the first product or service in the relevant booking: The Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms. An amount equal to 50% of the remaining payments made to the Tour Operator for the cancelled tour will be refunded.

Cancellation less than 30 days before the departure of the first product or service in the relevant booking: The Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, and no further refund will be provided.