Grand Circle Experience: Explore Southwest National Parks
What guests said
- 5 out of 5
“Our guide Pierre had the knowledge and passion that made each day a memorable experience. But he did so with a playful sense of humor that was contagious. The personalities of the other guests were also key to making the tour unforgettable. Wonderful chemistry!”
- 5 out of 5
“Every detail was carefully chosen and it was fabulous. Our guide Pierre was very knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and caring to all 10 participants. The ideal mix for riding 2000 miles with old and new friends. This was my first group trip and I must say he has set the bar extremely high! I look forward to my next adventure with him and Southwest Adventures.”
- 5 out of 5
“It was a great experience, and I never knew our country was so beautiful”
Deborah
From $6,249 / person
ModerateUp to six miles a day on maintained trails, with some real climbs.Is this trip right for you? ›
Overview
Prepare to be swept away on an unforgettable journey through the legendary landscapes of America’s Southwest. The Grand Circle Experience brings you face-to-face with the very best this region has to offer — from the crimson canyons of Zion and the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon to the sculpted arches, winding rivers, and sun-drenched deserts that define the spirit of the West. Every turn reveals a new wonder, every horizon a masterpiece carved by time.
Discover the magic of the desert as you explore seven national parks and an array of hidden gems — including Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Antelope Canyon, and the Grand Staircase–Escalante Monument. Cruise the Colorado River, marvel at Monument Valley’s towering buttes, and journey by rail on the legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Along the way, experience charming towns like Moab, Durango, and Ouray, and travel the scenic Million Dollar Highway and Highway 12 – All-American Road, two of the most beautiful drives in the country.
Guided by local experts who know these lands intimately, you’ll uncover the stories, culture, and landscapes that make the Southwest so unforgettable. From sunrise hikes and panoramic viewpoints to local dining and cultural encounters, every day brings a new adventure.
The Grand Circle Experience is more than a tour — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of the American Southwest.
This trip by season
The same trip. Very different weeks.
Spring
March to May
Rivers running high
Rivers full of snowmelt and the parks ahead of the summer rush. Some high roads and passes open later in the season.
2 spring departures ›Summer
June to August
Everything open
The full itinerary runs and every road and trail is open. These dates are popular, so they fill first.
3 summer departures ›Autumn
September to November
Fall color and wildlife
Aspen and cottonwood turning, wildlife on the move, and quieter trails once school is back.
4 autumn departures ›
Day by day
The whole trip at a glance
- Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas
- Day 2: Zion National Park
- Day 3: Grand Canyon North Rim, Vermillion Cliffs, Lake Powell
- Day 4: Colorado River float trip, Antelope Canyon
- Day 5: Monument Valley, Four Corners
- Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park, Durango
- Day 7: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trip, Million Dollar Hwy, Ouray
- Day 8: Arches National Park, Moab
- Day 9: Canyonlands National Park, Goblin Valley State Park
- Day 10: Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Hwy 12
- Day 11: Bryce Canyon National Park, return to Las Vegas
1 / 4 Day 1
Arrive Las Vegas
Arrive anytime today at McCarran (now Harry Reid) International Airport and transfer to your lodging for the night. The hotel does offer a hotel shuttle, you can call for pick-up once you land in Las Vegas. Enjoy your evening in Las Vegas, NV.
You will receive a call from your guide today, if you haven’t heard from them by 4 pm, please call.
OvernightDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Las Vegas Airport
1 / 6 Day 2
Las Vegas to Zion National Park
Your journey begins this morning as you meet your guide to depart for Zion National Park. Here, you will explore sites like the Great White Throne, Emerald Pools, Scouts Lookout, the Court of the Patriarchs, and the Narrows. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your group this evening.
2026 Lodging: Red Cliff Lodge, Springdale, UT
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
1 / 6 Day 3
Zion to Grand Canyon National Park to Lake Powell
Your morning starts with breakfast and a drive up the Zion switchbacks to see a wild world of swirling sandstone, then out through the east entrance. You pass through Kanab, Utah, marveling at yet more fantastic rock formations along the way. Up you go, up to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park and visit viewpoints around the North Rim Lodge, including Bright Angel Point and other areas. After lunch, you will continue your journey to Page, Arizona, by crossing the Navajo Bridge spanning the Colorado River, passing by the enormous Vermilion Cliffs, named for their brilliantly crimson striations of sedimentary rock. There will also be a stop at the Navajo Bridge and the Colorado River. Our lodging for the next two nights is near the shores of Lake Powell.
OvernightPageMealsBreakfast, Lunch
1 / 2 
Antelope Canyon Day 4
Colorado River Cruise & Antelope Canyon
This half-day adventure is the best way to experience the peaceful grandeur of the Colorado River. Glide through clam, scenic waters with stops at the river's most breathtaking sites. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this 10-mile journey blends tranquility, natural beauty, and inspiration to create an unforgettable experience. Once finished on water, experience the undulating sandstone-sculpted walls of Antelope Canyon. The lighting and beautiful flow of the walls make this an experience to remember. This will be the highlight of the afternoon! End the afternoon with a view of Horseshoe Bend. Enjoy the evening at the Red Heritage Experience in Page, Arizona. Red Heritage is a Native American Dinner Theater in Page, Arizona, showcasing local dancers talented in colorful powwow dancing, flute playing, and live drum music. You will have an evening of culturally inspired food and an unforgettable show!
OvernightPageMealsBreakfast, Dinner
1 / 6 Day 5
Lake Powell, Monument Valley, and Navajo Nation
Today you will head to Kayenta, Arizona, for a brief stop before entering Monument Valley in an open-air truck. Admire the gigantic formations up close or towering along the horizon. You'll also visit filming spots for classic Western movies and lesser-frequented outcroppings in the backcountry. After lunch, you will have some time to explore the historic Gouldings Lodge before continuing to Bluff, UT. Stops will be made at Fort Bluff to learn about the region's early inhabitants. Once finished, travel across the backroads of the Navajo Reservation to Four-Corners Monument, where you will stop to shop and snap a shot at the famous spot where the borders of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah all meet. Afterwards, there will be a short drive to Cortez, CO, where you will lodge for the evening.
OvernightHampton Inn Mesa Verde-CortezMealsBreakfast, Lunch
1 / 6 Day 6
Mesa Verde National Park to Durango
Start your day with breakfast before you travel to Mesa Verde National Park. Here, you'll explore and experience the dramatic ruins of ancient Pueblo cliff houses, built into shallow caves and under rock overhangs. You will also stop at viewpoints and a museum along the mesa top before heading to Durango in the San Juan Mountains. this frontier town offers plent of restaurants and shopping - just the place to enjoy your free evening.
OvernightDurangoMealsBreakfast, Lunch
1 / 6 Day 7
Durango to Moab
Score a true frontier experience with a steam engine train ride on the Durango and Silverton Railroad, an impressive track built in 1881 that snakes along the canyons of the Animas River Valley. It'll be lunchtime when you arrive in Silverton, and the Shady Lady, Bent Elbow, and Natalie's -- all former bordello and current restaurants -- will be happy to accommodate you. Then, trek the twisting turns of the Million Dollar Highway, stopping in Ouray for some shopping before the final leg to Moab. (If traveling from March 1 to May 1, the train ride will be only up to Cascade Canyon.)
OvernightMoabMealsBreakfast
1 / 6 Day 8
Arches National Park
Spend the day exploring Arches National Park and its 2,000 natural sandstone arches, up to 50 of which you'll experience firsthand as you hike to the Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Devil's Garden, and Courthouse Towers. Returning to the hotel, you'll have the afternoon free before an early dinner at a local restaurant, giving you plenty of time to head over to Dead Horse Point for a beautiful sunset overlooking the Colorado River.
OvernightMoabMealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
1 / 6 Day 9
Canyonlands to Capitol Reef National Parks
Today, you're treated to another scenic drive into Canyonlands National Park to see and experience the majestic Mesa Arch in the morning. This is the best time to photograph this formation. You will then enjoy the San Rafael Swell on the way to Capitol Reef National Park, where you'll hike up to Hickman Bridge, enjoy the Grand Wash, and look for Geodes and other activities within this fantastic park. Dinner and an enjoyable evening will be experienced at one of the local hotels in this area.
OvernightTorreyMealsBreakfast, Lunch
1 / 6 Day 10
Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon National Parks
After a morning exploring Capitol Reef National Park, you will journey down Highway 12, known as the All-American Road for its iconic vistas, and also the deep canyons that have been carved through the landscape before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park, a Utah treasure filled with unearthly archways and rose-colored hoodoos. You'll spend the evening hiking the stunning canyon, relaxing, and dining on your own in Bryce Canyon. This evening, you will have the option to enjoy the stars and the area's solitude. Exploring the wonders of the universe on this Bryce Canyon Stargazing Tour, led by expert guides eager to share the mysteries of the night sky.
OvernightBryce CanyonMealsBreakfast, Lunch
1 / 6 Day 11
Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas
Your last day in the Southwest's fantastic landscape starts with a stellar sendoff of early morning sun lighting up pink cliffs during an unforgettable sunrise in Bryce Canyon. After hiking and exploring more of the canyon, you'll head back to Las Vegas, stopping for a few final views of Zion National Park from the Kolob Canyons and lunch at a local joint in Cedar City, Utah. After lunch begin your return drive to Las Vegas through the historic town of St George, UT. Hotel drop off by 6:00 pm PST. Thank you for traveling with us!
OvernightDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Las Vegas AirportMealsBreakfast, Lunch
Las Vegas Day 12
Travel Home
Transfer to the Las Vegas Airport by hotel shuttle on your own for your departure flight home.
MealsBreakfast
Guest Video
Interested in learning more about the Grand Circle Experience? Watch this video that was created by one of our guests that led a tour.
Is this trip right for you?
ModerateLevel 2 of 4
- Maintained trails with uneven footing, steps and sustained climbs. Up to six miles across a full day, usually in two or three separate walks.
- Full days out, often above 6,000ft, and canyon country runs over 100°F from June to August. Shade is not guaranteed.
- Not suitable for a wheelchair, a walker or anyone who cannot manage stairs without a rail. Comfortable if you walk regularly.
- Your guide may change or drop a stop for weather, road closures or time. What is walked on the day is their call.
Anything specific — a knee, a hip, a height worry, a wheelchair — is worth one phone call to 800-970-5864. We would rather move you to a different trip than have you on the wrong one.
Tour details
In the price12
- Services of a Southwest Adventure Tours tour director – a professional tour guide
- Comfortable transportation in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van
- 11 nights of hotel accommodations at 3-star hotels
- 11 breakfasts
- 8 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Colorado River Smooth-Water Float
- Durango Silverton Railroad Experience
- Monument Valley Tour
- Antelope Canyon tour
- U.S. Resident National Park entrance fees
- Applicable Taxes and Fees
Not in the price6
- Items of a personal nature, such as alcohol, room service, etc.)
- Any meals not listed
- Airfare
- Optional activities
- Gratuities for the tour director driver, local guides, and outfitters
- U.S. National Park Non-Resident Fee: Non-U.S. residents will be charged a $100 per-person per-park at select U.S. National Park. Proof of U.S. citizenship or residency required to waive the fee. Click here for more information.
Arrival & departure
- Arrival Location
- McCarran (now Harry Reid) International Airport (LAS)
- Arrival Time
- Any time on Day 1
- Departure Location
- McCarran (now Harry Reid) International Airport (LAS)
- Departure Time
- Any time on Day 12
Physical requirements
Clients should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for an average of 1 to 3 miles at a time. Elevation gain and loss averages between 50 to 300 ft throughout the areas visited during this tour. Touring and overnight locations are above 6000 to 8000 ft above sea level
Park permits
Southwest Adventure Tours is an authorized permittee of the following parks:
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Zion National Park
More photos and videos
More from Zion National Park and Arches National Park
Departures
Online booking is unavailable for a short while. Tap a date and send us your details, and someone from our office will call you to finish your booking. Nothing is charged until then.
2 dates on this trip have sold out as of Sep 24, 2026. Call us on 800-970-5864 about a date marked sold out — we keep a waiting list, and cancellations do happen.
Pick a season, then tap a date to book it.
Autumn: Mild days and cool nights. Bring layers.
Spring: Mild days and cool mornings, with snow lingering up high. Bring layers.
Summer: Long, warm days with early starts to beat the heat. Bring a sun hat.
Autumn 2026
0 of 1 open
from $6,249
Autumn 2027
3 of 3 open
from $6,499
Spring 2027
2 of 2 open
from $6,499
Summer 2027
3 of 3 open
from $6,499
Dates without a price of their own are from $6,249. The rate for the date you choose is confirmed when you book.
Pricing
2026 season
- Double occupancy
- $6,249
- Single occupancy
- $7,399
- Triple occupancy
- $5,799
- Quad occupancy
- $5,549
2027 season
- Double occupancy
- $6,499
- Single occupancy
- $7,649
- Triple occupancy
- $6,049
- Quad occupancy
- $5,799
15% off 2027 guaranteed departures with promo code BIRD27. Applies to guaranteed 2027 departures. Ask us which dates qualify.
Per person unless stated. Rates are those published by Southwest Adventure Tours and are confirmed at booking. A Travel Protection Plan is offered at checkout at 10% of your total: it refunds SWAT-collected tour costs if you cancel by the day before your first activity, and it can only be added at initial checkout. Full terms.
SWAT Trip Protection Plan
The SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP) gives you the freedom to cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a full refund of your SWAT-collected tour payments. It’s a simple, transparent cancellation waiver designed to provide flexibility for our guests and clarity in our booking process.
What does TPP cover?
SWAT-collected tour and SWAT-sold add-on payments only.
When must I buy?
At initial checkout, cannot add later.
Can I cancel for any reason?
Yes, up to the day before your tour starts.
Is TPP refundable?
No, the 10% fee never refunds.
Can I move my trip?
Yes, once within 12 months at no extra TPP fee.
Read the full Trip Protection terms — eligibility, how to buy, cancelling, rescheduling and refund timing.
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Close, but not quite this trip?
We build tours to order — the same guides and the same itineraries, rearranged around your group and your dates.
Where this trip goes
From
$6,249