Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Saturday, June 9 - Arrive Grand Junction; Moab; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival into Grand Junction no later than 2:00 pm. Once everyone has arrived, we will depart for Moab, Utah. Our welcome dinner will give everyone a chance to get acquainted.
Sunday, June 10 - Arches National Park; Scenic Canyon Drive (B)
We will begin our Utah parks adventure with Arches National Park. This park contains the world's largest concentration of natural arches - sublime spans of stone that seem to defy gravity. Some are delicate ribbons curving skyward and then twisting back to the earth. Others are openings chiseled into massive mountains of otherwise solid rock. We will travel the scenic canyon drive providing easy access to some of the most impressive sites. We will then continue to our next park which is Bryce Canyon National Park, arriving in the late afternoon.
Monday, June 11 - Full Day Bryce Canyon National Park (B,D)
Today is Bryce Canyon National Park. It is the uniqueness of the rocks that caused Bryce Canyon to be designated as a national park. These famous spires, called "hoodoos," are formed when ice and rainwater wear away the weak limestone. Wind and water have carved fantastic shapes into the landscape: castles, towers, fins and a multitude of strange creatures. The Bryce Canyon region is great for hiking and we will spend some of our time exploring the hiking possibilities
Tuesday, June 12 – Zion National Park (B)
We leave Bryce National Park this morning for a leisurely drive to Zion National Park - famous for its multi-colored sheer cliffs and monolithic sandstone walls which astound visitors. Massive canyon walls ascend toward a brilliant blue sky. To experience Zion, you need to walk among the towering cliffs, or challenge your courage in a small narrow canyon. These unique sandstone cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons. The giant screen at the Zion Canyon Theater (admission included) is a relaxing way to end the day.
Wednesday, June 13 – Full Day at Zion National Park (B,D)
Today is a full day to enjoy all Zion National Park has to offer. There are hikes, ranger programs, wildlife viewing and exhibits at the visitor’s center. The park shuttles provide access to some of Zion National Park’s most beautiful views and trails. A round-trip ride on the shuttle takes about 80 minutes. The Tour Leader will suggest things to do and will lead some hikes.
Thursday, June 14 – Salt Lake City; Great Salt Lake (B)
Today we depart the national parks and go to Salt Lake City. We will have time to visit the Great Salt Lake. The Great Salt Lake is actually the remainder of prehistoric Lake Bonneville, which covered some 20,000 square miles of land. The lake is now landlocked and its waters are salty. It is the largest lake between the Great Lakes and the Pacific Ocean, and is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
Friday, June 15 – Salt Lake City Tour; Free Time; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
To better understand Salt Lake City we will begin with a morning city tour covering the must see sights. Surrounded by mountains that rise to more than 10,000 feet, it is known not just for its natural beauty but its historical significance as well as for the religious significance it holds for Mormons. In your free time, perhaps explore Temple Square, highlighted by the impressive Salt Lake Temple; visit the Tabernacle or Beehive House; or trace your genealogy at the Family History Library. Your tour leader will offer suggestions if you so desire. At the end of the day we will get together for our farewell dinner and talk about our adventures.
Saturday, June 16 – Return Home from Salt Lake City (B)
Schedule your return flight at your convenience. The hotel has an airport shuttle.