Utah, USA

A journey through the American Southwest

The Best of Utah

Luxury Adventure in the American Southwest

Utah’s landscapes are nothing short of magical, offering dramatic shifts in scenery that captivate travelers and inspire a deep connection with nature. Begin your journey in the Wasatch Mountain Range, where you can hike to cascading waterfalls and drive through lush, breathtaking forests. Continue on to Moab to uncover the wonders of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, best explored by four-wheel drive. Take a scenic detour through Navajo Nation to experience the iconic Monument Valley, then continue to Lake Powell and marvel at Arizona’s ethereal Antelope Canyon. From rappelling and mountain biking to horseback riding, Utah offers endless outdoor adventures that showcase its stunning diversity.

Itinerary Outline

Day 1 - 2 | Wasatch Mountains | Sundance

Day 2 - 5 | Moab | Ulum or Red Cliffs Lodge

Day 5 - 7 | Lake Powell | Under Canvas

Day 7 | Departure

The suggested route for this itinerary requires a skilled driver comfortable with long distances and a four-wheel vehicle. Land at Salt Lake City Airport and drive to the Sundance Resort, 1 hour away. Following this, head southeast to Moab for 3.5 hours. Your big travel day will be to Lake Powell via Monument Valley, which is approximately 5 hours. At the end of your trip, take a helicopter tour over Lake Powell and transfer to Flagstaff Airport or continue on to Zion.

Sundance Resort
Ulum, Moab
Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab
Under Canvas Lake Powell
Ulum, Moab

Sundance

Located at the base of Mount Timpanogos in the Wasatch Mountain Range, Sundance Resort is a haven of natural beauty in both spring and fall. In spring, the resort bursts to life with blooming wildflowers, lush green trails, and the gentle trickle of mountain streams, offering a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Fall paints the landscape in vibrant hues of gold, crimson, and orange, creating a breathtaking backdrop for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.

Hiking Trails: Embark on an unforgettable adventure along our brand-new 1.75-mile Bearclaw Summit trail! This scenic hike showcases sweeping views of Cascade Mountain and offers a fresh take on Sundance's vibrant summer landscape.

Waterfall Hikes: Enjoy one of Sundance’s most popular hikes to Stewart Falls through mountain forests and meadow to the falls.

Art Class: Spend two hours in an Art Studio workshop at Sundance and choose from single-sessions in jewelry making, wheel-thrown pottery, soap-making, journal making, watercolor, acrylic or oil painting, printmaking or drawing.

Zip-lining: One of the most thrilling zip line experiences in Utah featuring the country's largest vertical drop at over 2,100 feet. Riders can soar side-by-side at speeds of up to 65 mph or pause mid-air to enjoy breathtaking mountain views, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Moab

Moab is a nature-lover’s town, ideal for a base to explore Utah’s famed Canyonlands and Arches national parks. It is situated near some of the best climbing, mountain biking, and hiking destinations in North America, You can stay at the luxurious Ulum Resort where Dune meets City Slickers amidst the stunning landscape and high-end amenities. Alternatively, stay at Red Cliffs Lodge with simple accommodations yet a perfect gateway to the towering plateaus, sandstone cliffs, and geologic wonders of Utah’s Canyon Country.

Arches National Park: Extraordinary landscape where the vibrant red rock formations rise dramatically against the desert sky. Known for its iconic sandstone arches, the park offers a surreal blend of towering spires, deep canyons, and wide open vistas, all bathed in warm, golden light. As the sun sets, the red hues of the rocks intensify, creating a magical display that captivates visitors from around the world.

Canyonlands National Park: Vast, untamed wilderness of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Its red rock formations create an otherworldly landscape, where rugged cliffs meet expansive desert vistas. As the sun sets, the park's red and orange hues come to life, casting long shadows across the desert floor, offering visitors a sense of timeless beauty and awe.

Whitewater Rafting: Experience the thrill of mild-to-moderate whitewater rafting with plenty of relaxing float time. Paddle through the canyon landscape while enjoying a mix of calm waters, perfect for swimming, and six gentle rapids (Class I-III, depending on the season) along the Fishers Tower section of the Colorado River, just outside Moab, UT. This family-friendly adventure is perfect for all ages, offering both excitement and tranquility as you take in the natural beauty of the area.

Canyoneering: This half-day canyoning adventure guides you across ancient sand dunes and into a lush canyon, where you’ll rappel down two 100-foot drops. The first rappel takes you into the "Medieval Chamber," a dark, secluded passage only accessible by rope. Continuing, you'll make your way to the second rappel near the iconic Morning Glory Bridge, one of Moab’s largest natural formations. With expert guides, this is a fantastic beginner and family-friendly canyoneering route, offering a perfect introduction to the thrill of rappelling in Moab's incredible landscape.

Horseback Riding: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature while experiencing the thrill of horseback riding through rugged desert landscapes. Guided tours take you through Moab’s red rock canyons and mesas, offering breathtaking views and the chance to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, deer, and various bird species. It's a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty.

Navajo Nation

Monument Valley: Drive into Navajo Nation and take in the splendor of Monument Valley with a private tour of its backcountry, exploring areas that only a Navajo guide can access. This unique adventure will take you to iconic rock formations and offer insights into their cultural significance, including a visit to a traditional Navajo home. You’ll also have the chance to uncover fascinating stories and fun facts about the valley’s renowned landmarks. Extend your journey with an additional hour in the Tribal Park on a Sacred Tour, where you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage and sacred beauty of this unforgettable desert landscape. Monument Valley, with its towering red sandstone formations and dramatic desert scenery, holds deep spiritual significance for the Navajo people, making this tour an enriching experience both culturally and visually.

Lake Powell

Lake Powell Grand Staircase is an otherworldly sight; the perfect gateway to explore the wonders of the American Southwest. Situated on a Canyon Rim Plateau, enjoy sweeping views just outside your tent at Under Canvas Lake Powell.

Outdoor Activities: Choose from a wide a range of outdoor activities to explore the region, from hiking towering mesas to unwinding in a red-rock oasis, or chasing sunsets at Horseshoe Bend. You can even experience the ancient past with a walk through Grand Staircase – Escalante, known for its prehistoric significance. Located just 10 minutes from Lone Rock Beach and 14 miles from the main Lake Powell Marina, this resort offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Helicopter Tour & Transfer: Take a helicopter tour of Lake Powell on your last day, and head over to Flagstaff airport for your departure, or continue on to Zion National Park.

Antelope Canyon Day-Trip: A breathtaking slot canyon located on Navajo land in Arizona, renowned for its undulating sandstone walls that create a play of light and shadow. Its narrow passageways, carved over thousands of years by flash floods, reveal a world of vibrant colors, especially at midday when beams of sunlight pour through the canyon’s openings. Sacred to the Navajo people, Antelope Canyon is considered a spiritual place, with its name reflecting the connection to the natural world and Navajo culture.