Utah & Arizona National Parks: Small Group 7-Day Tour

Experience the Best of Utah and Arizona in Just Seven Days

Imagine seven days crammed with jaw-dropping vistas, historic landmarks, and natural wonders across some of the most visually stunning corners of the American Southwest. For just over three thousand dollars, you’ll travel with a small group—max eight travelers—through seven national parks, four state parks, and countless scenic spots. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour covers everything from towering red rocks of Sedona to the vast, ancient vistas of the Grand Canyon, making it a perfect choice for those craving an immersive, authentic experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we love about this tour? First, the careful balance between structured sightseeing and flexible exploration—particularly the opportunity to choose your own adventure in Moab and Sedona. Second, the value-packed inclusion of all entrance fees, some activities, and snacks, which reduces the stress of additional costs and makes budgeting easier.

One possible consideration? The itinerary is packed, so expect long days on the road and some early mornings. This tour suits travelers who are comfortable with moderate physical activity and who want to see as much as possible without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. If you’re eager to learn from passionate guides and love capturing sweeping landscapes, this trip will likely be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 8 travelers) ensures a more intimate and flexible experience.
• Expert guides are praised for their knowledge and personable approach.
• All national and state park entrance fees are included, offering great value.
• Variety of activities from sightseeing to optional adventures like river rafting or helicopter rides.
• Authentic destinations such as Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon, with fewer crowds at the North Rim.
• Comfortable transportation and hotel stays simplify logistics, letting you focus on the scenery.

A Deep Dive into the 7-Day Utah & Arizona Adventure

This tour is designed to take you from the bustling city of Salt Lake City straight into some of the most iconic landscapes in the Southwest. Over seven days, you’ll experience seven national parks, four state parks, and a handful of other spectacular sights—each offering a different perspective on the area’s geology, history, and natural beauty. We found that the tour’s structure strikes a good balance between seeing famous highlights and allowing some personal exploration time.

Day 1: Starting Strong with Dinosaur Discoveries and Deep Canyons

Your adventure begins at the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum. Here, you get a fascinating look at over 700,000 archaeological artifacts, including dinosaur bones and ancient pictographs. It’s a great primer that sets the tone—this is a land shaped over millions of years.

Next, you’ll visit Dead Horse Point State Park, perched 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. The view here is enough to make your jaw drop—and your camera click non-stop. The story behind its name adds a fun local flavor, and it’s a reminder of how history and geology intertwine.

Then, a quick drive takes you to Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky. From its high vantage point, you’ll see deep into untouched canyons below, giving a real sense of the landscapes that have been carved by nature’s relentless forces over eons. The tour’s approach here is straightforward but impactful—seeing the canyons from above provides a sense of scale and wonder that’s hard to match.

Finally, you’ll spend the night in Moab, a charming town that acts as the gateway to Utah’s mighty parks. It’s a perfect base, offering a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy local eateries.

Day 2: Arches and Adventure

Arches National Park is a highlight, boasting more than 2,000 famous sandstone arches. Even with just four hours, you’ll get up close to Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch, and Double Arch—some of the most recognizable formations in the world. The short hikes are accessible, yet they deliver stunning views and photo opportunities.

In the afternoon, your guide offers an exciting choice: participate in included activities like river rafting, speed boating, or even a helicopter ride. This flexibility is a real perk—whether you want adrenaline or a relaxed afternoon, you can tailor the day to your mood.

Post-adventure, you’ll explore Potash Road, where ancient petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and additional arches await. The accessible walking paths make this a fun, approachable way to connect with the area’s deep history.

Day 3: Crossings and Cultural Landmarks

Crossing into Arizona, the tour visits Four Corners, where four states meet at one point—a unique photo op and local craft shopping experience. The Navajo Nation-owned site offers the chance to buy authentic Native American jewelry.

Next, Goosenecks State Park treats visitors to spectacular views of a river winding through tight, deep bends, while the famous Mexican Hat rock formation provides a whimsical photo background.

Later, Monument Valley is a visual feast—its towering buttes have starred in countless movies. Standing amidst these giants, you get a real sense of the desert’s grandeur, and you’ll be glad for the brief stop, perfect for stretching and snapping memorable pictures.

The day ends in Flagstaff, Arizona, a welcoming city surrounded by pine forests, ideal for a restful night before heading toward the Grand Canyon.

Day 4: Fossils, Space, and Sedona’s Sunsets

The Petrified Forest National Park offers a glimpse into Earth’s ancient forests—imagine trees turned to stone over 225 million years ago. The color and texture of the petrified wood are mesmerizing, and it’s a reminder of how long this land has been evolving.

Then, a visit to Meteor Crater reveals the scars of a giant meteor impact. NASA even used this site to train Apollo astronauts because of its lunar-like surface—a fascinating link between natural history and space exploration.

In the evening, your guide takes you to Sedona, renowned for its red rock formations and spiritual vibe. You’ll hike some trails, visit notable sites like the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and enjoy a sunset dinner—what better way to end the day than with stunning views and good food?

Day 5: The Grand Canyon’s North Rim

No trip to Arizona is complete without seeing the Grand Canyon. This tour focuses on the North Rim, which is less crowded than the South Rim but equally breathtaking. The panoramic views stretch endlessly, revealing layers of colorful rock carved by the Colorado River over six million years.

After soaking in the vistas, the trip continues along Highway 89, passing the Vermillion Cliffs—a scenic drive that showcases the vast, rugged beauty of this remote land.

The stop in Kanab offers a taste of Hollywood history, with its red cliffs serving as the backdrop for classic movies like “The Lone Ranger” and “Planet of the Apes.” A quick visit to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Moqui Caves is optional but adds a fun, offbeat element.

Day 6: Zion and Bryce Canyon

Zion National Park is one of the most popular parks in the Southwest, and for good reason. Its winding canyons, towering rock formations, and diverse trails appeal to all levels of visitors. The Checkerboard Mesa and Weeping Rock are accessible sights, while the Canyon Overlook Trail offers a sweeping view for those seeking a moderate hike. For the more adventurous, options like the Narrows or Angel’s Landing are available, though they require a higher level of fitness and experience.

Next, Bryce Canyon enchants visitors with its pink and white cliffs and thousands of hoodoos. The viewpoints are easy to reach, making it perfect for maximizing photo opportunities. For those wanting a closer look, the Navajo-Queens Garden Trail takes you down into the canyon, revealing the intricate patterns formed over thousands of years.

Day 7: Wrapping Up with Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley

Finally, the tour visits Capitol Reef, notable for its pictographs and historic Fruita—a former Mormon settlement. It’s a quieter but equally dramatic corner of Utah’s parks, offering a peaceful yet stunning conclusion to the trip.

The last stop is Goblin Valley State Park, famous for its thousands of hoodoos resembling goblins. The open terrain allows you to wander close to the formations and even hike to Goblin’s Lair, a tall cave, if time permits.

If departing from Salt Lake City, your guide will take you back, passing the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a vast and remote landscape that, while not stopping, leaves a lasting impression of the scale and beauty of this region.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

Throughout this tour, the small group size not only makes the experience more personal but also more flexible. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making each stop informative and engaging. We loved that all park entrance fees and some activities are included—it simplifies your budget and keeps surprises to a minimum.

The transportation is private and comfortable, allowing you to relax during long drives while enjoying scenery from the window. The hotel accommodations are included, meaning you don’t have to worry about booking on your own, though the quality can vary, so check reviews if you’re particular.

The itinerary is packed, with many attractions squeezed into each day. We recommend travelers have moderate physical fitness to handle some short hikes and the walking involved at sites like Bryce or Zion.

Value and Who Will Love This Tour

For the price, you’re getting a well-rounded, comprehensive experience of some of America’s most iconic landscapes. The inclusion of all entrance fees, some activities, and snacks enhances the value. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, hassle-free adventure with a focus on authentic, breathtaking scenery.

This tour particularly suits travelers who appreciate expert guides, enjoy taking photos, and are comfortable with a busy schedule. If you want to see a lot without the stress of planning every detail, this trip delivers.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level. Children five and under might find some activities challenging, so it’s best to check with the provider if you’re traveling with young kids.

What is included in the price?
The price includes private transportation, all parks’ entrance fees, hotel accommodations, snacks, bottled water, and specified activities. Breakfasts and lunches are also provided, but dinners and alcohol are not.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour operator, Nomad Unlimited Adventures, offers flexibility—particularly the “2canGo” package that guarantees departure with just two travelers. You can also request to include additional locations or considerations.

What if I want to depart from Las Vegas?
Travelers departing from Las Vegas will be dropped off there around noon on the last day, and the return drive to Salt Lake City takes about 6-7 hours. Note that Goblin Valley wouldn’t be included on this route.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, but at least two people are needed to schedule the tour. Solo travelers can contact the provider to join another group.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather, sun protection, camera gear, and some spending money for souvenirs or optional activities.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day small group tour offers an excellent way to see the Southwest’s most famous and awe-inspiring landscapes with the guidance of expert, personable guides. It balances structured sightseeing with optional adventures, making it flexible enough to suit different interests and activity levels.

The included fees, comfortable transportation, and well-selected stops mean travelers can focus on enjoying the scenery and learning about each site. While the itinerary is busy, it’s designed to give you the highlights without feeling rushed—especially if you’re eager to pack your trip with memorable moments.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience with authentic sites, stunning views, and a chance to make meaningful memories. If you’re looking for a well-organized trip that takes care of logistics while still allowing some personal exploration, this adventure in Utah and Arizona might just be your best bet.

Enjoy the wide-open skies, dramatic cliffs, and timeless landscapes—your unforgettable trip through the Southwest awaits.