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From the soaring cliffs of Zion to the sweeping vistas of the Grand Canyon, this seven-day journey brings the American Southwest into focus.Visit all five of Utah’s national parks, travel through Navajo Nation landscapes, see Monument Valley and discover the Painted Desert. With a knowledgeable guide, a small group and a route that favors scenic stops over strenuous hikes, you can enjoy the places as well as the journey between them.
This is an active scenic road trip with several long driving days. Travelers who want extended time in each park can ask us to design a longer private journey.
What makes this journey distinctive
Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel
Region: Utah, Arizona
Activity Level: Light-Moderate
Service Level: Premium
Group Size: 2-8 travelers
Travel Date: Available year-round from January 1st to December 31st
Day 1: Salt Lake City to Moab via Goblin Valley, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Canyonlands
Day 2: Arches National Park, Potash Road, and a Free Afternoon in Moab
Day 3: Into the Navajo Nation: Goosenecks, Monument Valley, and Canyon de Chelly
Day 4: Petrified Forest, Meteor Crater, and the Red Rocks of Sedona
Day 5: The Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Slot Canyon Country
Day 6: Zion and Bryce Canyon, Two of the Great Ones
Day 7: Scenic Byway 12, Capitol Reef, and Home to Salt Lake City
At Nomad Unlimited Adventures, flexibility comes first. With our “2CanGo” promise, each tour requires a minimum of two travelers to operate, and departure is guaranteed once two travelers have booked. Our small-group tours are limited to 2–8 travelers, allowing for more personal attention, a relaxed pace, and a more tailored travel experience. If you are traveling solo, please contact our customer service team, and we will help you join another group whenever possible. Early booking is highly recommended, as availability is limited.
This journey can be arranged as a private tour or tailored to your dates, pace, interests, and accommodation preferences. Send us an enquiry or chat with our team for a personalized quote.
Arches National Park is one of the top national parks in America: a 76,679-acre wonderland of eroded sandstone fins, towers, ribs, hoodoos, balanced rocks, and, of course, more than 2,000 natural arches just north of Moab.
An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees. At dawn and dusk, mule deer graze the forested plateau along the road into Bryce Canyon.
Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch.
Whether you are trying to catch your breath while climbing the trail to Angel's Landing or watching the shadows constantly change the mood of the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park is always ready to quench your appetite for outdoor wonder.
Your adventure will begin around 9 AM when your tour guide picks you up, either from the Salt Lake City Airport or from a hotel of your choosing. If you’d like to start your tour from an area other than Salt Lake City, please let us know, and we’ll make arrangements.
From Salt Lake City, we will drive southeast until we reach Goblin Valley State Park in Emery County, Utah. The “goblins” in Goblin Valley get their name from the thousands of unique hoodoos, or columns of weathered stone, that dot the surface of this exciting park. At Goblin Valley State Park you will find a valley filled with thousands of squat, mushroom-shaped rock formations known as goblins. It is one of the few places where you may simply wander among the formations at your own pace, and it never fails to raise a smile.
After exploring Goblin Valley, we will have a quick lunch and we will drive over to the adjacent Canyonlands National Park. This park is made up of three distinct regions: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. Today, we will be touring the Island in the Sky region, which is situated far above the Colorado River, on top of the Colorado Plateau. From this vantage point, we will see deep into the virtually untouched canyons below, giving us a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years ago.
We finish at Dead Horse Point State Park, located only a few miles from Canyonlands National Park. The park offers a view of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below. While driving around, your tour guide will share the interesting story of how this park got its name.
Following Dead Horse Point State Park, we’ll travel to Moab, Utah, to have dinner and explore the town. Located between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Moab is seen as the gateway to many of Utah’s greatest natural landscapes. This popular town has it all: river rafting, hiking, rock climbing, air scenic tour, horseback riding, and even skydiving! You’ll love your stay here just as much as the parks themselves!
Finally, we’ll drop you off at your hotel in Moab, allowing you to relax before the next day’s adventure.
Accommodations:
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Moab, Best Western, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Archway Inn, or similar quality hotel
Meals included: None
In the morning, your tour guide will come to pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Arches National Park. With more than 2,000 arches, Arches National Park boasts the densest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world! Many world-famous arches, including Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch, and Double Arch, can be easily seen with just a short hike. Undoubtedly, this is one national park you won't want to miss!
Afterward, we’ll drive along Potash Road beside the Colorado River, stopping to see Native American petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks preserved in stone.
Afterward, we'll return to Moab, Utah, where you can choose your own adventure. Depending on availability, weather, and operating conditions, you may add an optional activity such as river rafting, speed boating, a scenic flight, or a 4x4 tour. Guests interested in booking an activity should contact us in advance to discuss options and additional costs.
Finally, we'll drop you off at your hotel in Moab, allowing you to relax before the next day’s adventure.
Optional evening: sunset on the Colorado River.
Experience the stunning beauty of Canyonlands as you cruise along the Colorado River on a scenic jet boat tour. After the ride, enjoy a delicious riverside dinner. The evening concludes with an unforgettable Sound and Light Show, where the canyon walls come alive with stories of the region’s history, projected under the stars.
Note: This optional seasonal activity operates from March through October, subject to availability, weather, and operating conditions.
Accommodations:
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Moab, Best Western, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Archway Inn, or similar quality hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
In the morning, your tour guide will come to pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Gooseneck State Park, which offers stunning views of a river that has carved deeply into the landscape, creating a canyon full of tight turns that are sure to surprise you.
Continuing from Gooseneck State Park, we'll make our way to Monument Valley. Comprising vast buttes that tower over 1,000 feet in the sky, Monument Valley is the perfect place to stretch your legs after the long car ride and take some stunning photos. These buttes have made appearances in many movies, most notably the running scene in Forrest Gump. Consider adding on an enjoyable 4x4 Jeep tour in Monument Valley. This is an unforgettable Navajo Jeep ride where you can capture some incredible pictures.
We end the day at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes in North America. From the rim drives you look down on Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, the slender spire of Spider Rock, and fields where Navajo families still farm the canyon floor today. Every overlook is a short walk from the road.
For the final leg of today’s journey, we'll enjoy dinner before dropping you off at your hotel, allowing you to unwind before the next day’s adventure.
Accommodations:
Holiday Inn Canyon de Chelly, Chinle, by IHG, or a similar quality hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
In the morning, your tour guide will come to pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Petrified Forest National Park. This park is renowned for its vast deposits of petrified wood. Petrified wood forms when a tree becomes buried by sediment, shielding it from decay-causing organisms. Over time, minerals in the groundwater replace the wood, transforming it into stone.
After visiting Petrified Forest National Park, we’ll have a quick lunch before heading to Meteor Crater. Meteor Crater is approximately 550 feet deep and one mile wide. It was formed by a meteorite impact more than 50,000 years ago. As you gaze out over the crater from the rim, you'll gain a sense of the immense scale of this impact and its lasting impact on the local landscape.
Our journey continues as we head south towards Sedona, Arizona. Nestled amidst towering red cliffs, Sedona offers a perfect setting to unwind and witness the sunset. We'll begin by exploring the local landscape and hiking some of the beautiful trails around Sedona. Later, we'll return to the town to admire its stunning architecture, such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built right into the surrounding rock. As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy dinner at one of the remarkable eateries in town, reminiscing about the wonderful experiences of the day.
Finally, we’ll drive to Flagstaff, Arizona, where we'll drop you off at your hotel in Flagstaff. This will allow you to relax and prepare for the exciting adventures of the following day.
Accommodations:
Holiday Inn Express, Weatherford Hotel, or a similar quality hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
In the morning, your tour guide will come to pick you up from your hotel, and you'll depart for the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Arizona, with an estimated 5.9 million people visiting yearly. This canyon was carved by the Colorado River over a period of 6 million years, resulting in an astonishing panoramic view. Be sure to bring your camera; you will not want to miss capturing this incredible destination!
We'll then drive to Horseshoe Bend, where the river curves around a sandstone cliff. Please note the walk here is about three quarters of a mile each way on a sandy path with a gentle slope, and there is a shade shelter along the way. Guests who prefer to stay with the vehicle can instead enjoy the Glen Canyon Dam overlook above Lake Powell, which is a very short walk.
Optional activity: Antelope Canyon
A guided walk with an authorized Navajo guide through a slot canyon of glowing, sculpted sandstone. Antelope Canyon ranks among the top ten photography destinations globally! We recommend Upper Antelope Canyon for most guests, as the floor is level and there are no ladders.
Note: Must be booked well in advance
For dinner, we'll eat in Kanab or Page. Located in southwestern Utah, Kanab has both striking landscapes and a rich history. Thanks to its striking red sandstone cliffs and unique vegetation, Kanab has served as the backdrop for many famous Hollywood shows and movies, including the Lone Ranger, Planet of the Apes, and Arabian Nights.
After dinner, your guide will drop you off at your hotel, allowing you to relax before the next day's adventure.
Accommodations:
Best Western, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Lake Powell Resorts Page, or a similar quality hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
In the morning, your tour guide will come to pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Zion National Park. This park will undoubtedly take your breath away as you drive through gorgeous wind-sculpted canyons and hike along incredible trails. Zion National Park offers something for everyone: for those who prefer to stay in the car, you will appreciate the intricate patterns found on Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock. If you're up for some hiking, you'll enjoy the stunning views from the Canyon Overlook Trail and the Riverside Walk.
After our time at Zion National Park, we will depart for Bryce Canyon National Park. From its beautiful pink and white cliffs to its thousands of hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to leave a powerful impression on you. This park boasts many incredible viewpoints that are easily accessible, offering excellent locations for capturing photographs. For the more adventurous, your tour guide will lead you down into the canyon along the Navajo-Queen’s Garden Trail, passing right next to incredible rock formations that have taken thousands of years to shape.
Upon leaving Bryce Canyon National Park, we’ll enjoy dinner in one of the surrounding towns.
Depending on the day’s timing, we’ll stay near Bryce Canyon or continue to Torrey for the night. We'll drop you off at your hotel, allowing you to unwind and relax before the next day’s adventure.
Accommodations:
Capitol Reef Resort, Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, or a similar quality hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Our route includes Scenic Byway 12 and Capitol Reef National Park before we return to Salt Lake City. Scenic Byway 12, an All-American Road that crosses slickrock, high desert and alpine forest, with viewpoints at the Head of the Rocks overlook and along the rim of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
The road delivers us to Capitol Reef National Park, the quietest of Utah’s Mighty Five, where a hundred-mile wrinkle in the earth’s crust meets the green oasis of Fruita. Capitol Reef National Park boasts a rich history and unique geology. Over 1,000 years ago, the Fremont people inhabited this region, leaving pictographs on the cliffs that can still be seen today. We'll also explore the remnants of Fruita, a small town established in the 1880s.
Finally, we'll return to Salt Lake City. Founded in 1847 by a group of pioneers, Salt Lake City has evolved into a vibrant capital city of Utah and a gateway to the West. If time allows, your tour guide will take you to witness the city's heartbeats: Temple Square and the Capitol Building.
Depending on your flight departure time, we can drop you off either at the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) or at a hotel of your choice in Salt Lake City.
Accommodations:
Not included
Meals included: Breakfast
Information about Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) pick-up and drop-off:
Arrival:
Upon Arrival in Salt Lake City (before 9:00 AM) at Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Pick-up Recommendations: Guests on domestic flights within the United States are advised to arrive at the airport before 9:00 AM, and guests on international flights should aim to arrive at the airport by 8:00 AM.
Departure:
Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) 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.
Notice: Due to the unforeseen road conditions or traffic, and in order to ensure a high-quality experience, we regret to inform you that 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.
Transportation from arrival to departure is provided.
Six nights of accommodation based on double occupancy, as detailed in the itinerary.
Six breakfasts, as specified in the itinerary. Villa/chalet upgrades do not include breakfast, and no refund will be provided.
Entrance fees for all national parks and state parks for 7 days (*Only For residents of the United States).
Exploration of Sedona's highlights.
Complimentary Seasonal Activity (Choose one):
1. Canyonlands by Night Dinner & Light Show (about 3 hours) A cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner, then a relaxing evening boat ride on the Colorado River as music, narration, and lights bring the canyon walls to life.
2. Antelope Canyon Navajo Guided Tour A walk through one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, led by a Navajo guide.
3. Monument Valley Jeep Tour A Navajo-guided 4x4 ride among the valley's famous red buttes.
Note: Complimentary activities are subject to availability, season, reservations, weather, road conditions, and the tour route. If the selected activity cannot be arranged, no refund will be issued.
Complimentary snacks and bottled water are available for all 7 days.
Airfare to and from the destination.
Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance.
Lunches, dinners and alcoholic beverages are not included.
Any additional activities, excursions, or entertainment at your own expense.
All personal miscellaneous expenses, including laundry, telephone, haircuts, drinks, tobacco, alcohol, pay TV, luggage handling fees, and other private expenses.
Souvenirs are not included.
Guide gratuities (Recommended at 8-10% of the tour price)
Additional National Park Entrance Fee (Non-U.S. Residents Only, see notes below)
Optional tours: Admissions and optional tours should be chosen and paid for when booking. (Items and prices may vary due to the season and are subject to final confirmation by the tour guide during the tour.)
Optional hotel upgrade: Special hotel/villa or other upgrades are available. Please contact us for a quotation.
1. A minimum of 2 people is 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. Early booking is highly recommended as availability may be limited.
2. Please note that this itinerary serves as a sample. The order and locations of planned events may change due to factors such as flight arrival times, road and weather conditions, as well as our desire to tailor the tour to your abilities and interests. Your guide will provide daily updates to keep you informed. Our priority is to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe adventure, creating cherished memories and an unforgettable experience!
3. 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 4 people) 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.
4. All accommodations offer standard rooms with private bathrooms, two beds per room, and are limited to 2 people in the same room (or including children or infants, up to 4 people).
5. In the event of flight delays or cancellations necessitating temporary adjustments or cancellations to the hotel reservation after booking, please be aware that the hotel cannot be cancelled, and the hotel fee is non-refundable. If you need to re-book the hotel, the associated fee will be your responsibility.
6. Age Requirements: Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult who is responsible for their supervision and well-being throughout the journey. All travelers should be able to participate safely and comfortably in the planned itinerary.
Please note that itineraries are subject to change due to unforeseen issues and/or delays.
This tour operating company acts solely as an intermediary for suppliers, facilitating the sale of travel-related services and accepting reservations or bookings for services not directly provided by the company (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). The company shall not be held responsible for any breach of contract arising from intentional or negligent actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which may result in loss, damage, delay, or injury to you, your travel companions, or group members.
Unless the term "guaranteed" is explicitly stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee the rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects by such suppliers.
The travel agent shall not be liable for injuries, damages, or losses incurred by 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 circumstances beyond the control of the travel agent.
The traveler assumes full responsibility for verifying passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements for each destination, as well as safety and security conditions during the proposed travel.
Traveler voluntarily assumes all risks associated with such travel, whether expected or unexpected. The traveler is hereby informed of these risks and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate them.
We understand that travel plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible.
Scheduled Small-Group Departures
Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The cancellation date is the date Nomad receives your notice.
60 days or more before departure: 80% refund (20% cancellation fee).
35 to 59 days before departure: 50% refund (50% cancellation fee).
34 days or fewer before departure: No refund.
Certain lodging, permits, special-access arrangements, and other third-party services may have separate non-refundable terms. Applicable details will be provided with your quote or booking confirmation.
Private and Tailor-Made Bookings
Different cancellation terms apply to private and tailor-made bookings. Please refer to the “What Is the Cancellation Policy for Private, Tailor-Made, and VIP Trips?” section of our FAQ.
We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to help protect your trip investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Wear comfortable shoes. The itinerary involves hiking, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes or specialized hiking shoes because the sandstone surfaces here can be very slippery. Being prepared is the key to having a more enjoyable trip.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather. The various national parks in Utah have their own unique climates and weather, which means that the weather here is very difficult to predict. Prepare clothing that can be put on or taken off as needed, or bring raincoats or other waterproof and windproof outerwear, which can be found in professional outdoor stores.
Pay attention to sun protection. It is very important to prepare sunscreen because sunburn can not only cause skin damage but also make tourists suffer from heat stroke or dehydration, and even threaten their lives. It's best to wear a hat or choose routes that have less exposure to the sun when necessary.
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