Cultures & Canyons of Western USA Self-Drive

15 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Visit four national parks, including the more remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Marvel at the distinct rock formations in Monument Valley and the ancient Pueblo dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park
From$3,072
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    Visit four national parks, including the more remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Marvel at the distinct rock formations in Monument Valley and the ancient Pueblo dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CitySanta Fe
End CityLas Vegas

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks

Destinations

Activities

  • Canoeing
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife Viewing

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Itinerary

Day 1: Santa Fe

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Santa Fe. Make your way from Santa Fe airport to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring this historic Spanish colonial city.

Day 2: Santa Fe

Enjoy a day in Santa Fe, home to a number of magnificent 16th and 17th century Spanish buildings, including the Palace of the Governors and the central Plaza. You may also wish to take one of the many hiking trails into the Santa Fe Forest or visit one of the city's renowned art museums.

Day 3: Mesa Verde National Park

Today your five hour drive takes you through the heart of New Mexico and into southern Colorado and the magnificent scenery of Mesa Verde National Park. Along the way you pass hills covered in Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, Engleman spruce and juniper trees. Leaving the...

Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park

Spend the day exploring Mesa Verde National Park. The park is home to ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings expertly carved into the rock face. A remarkable reminder of an earlier culture, you can visit some of them with a guide and learn more about the Puebloan way of life.

Day 5: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Depart Mesa Verde today and travel through the Ute Mountain Indian Reserve, which is also home to cliff dwellings, including the 80-room Lion House and the Eagle's Nest Cliff, perched in a cavernous natural alcove. You then cross the border into Navajo (Native American) territory and the otherworldly landscape of Monument Valley. The journey takes around four hours (not including stops).

Day 6: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Spend your day exploring the fascinating scenery and Navajo culture in Monument Valley, perhaps visiting more cliff dwellings including the exceptionally preserved Betatakin site, a 135-room dwelling carved halfway up a steep cliff face. We recommend taking a sunset tour of the park to avoid the midday heat and to marvel at the beauty of the valley as the light fades.

Day 7: Page

Depart Monument Valley at your leisure and make your way to the calm waters of Lake Powell around two hours away. Close to the town of Page, the lake's sandy beach is a great place to relax. Alternatively, fuel an adrenaline rush with one of the many water sports on offer on the lake, including scuba diving, snorkelling and water skiing.

Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park - North Rim

Today you depart Page and drive for three hours through the arid desert lands of northern Arizona before passing Marble Canyon and entering the Kaibab National Forest. Continue onwards through the forest to the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon. With far fewer visitors than the South Rim, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the canyon.

Day 9: Grand Canyon National Park - North Rim

Spend a day at the Grand Canyon. There are some spectacular views from the North Rim, as well as many scenic walking trails where you can spot deer and watch eagles soar overhead. Visit Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim at over 2,500 m (8,800 ft) and ...

Day 10: Zion National Park

Drive for two and a half hours from the Grand Canyon's North Rim to the red rock formations of Zion National Park, passing through the stark landscape of the Kaibab Plateau before entering the state of Utah. The afternoon is free to take a walking tour through the park's magnificent mountain scenery.

Day 11: Zion National Park

Spend the day exploring Zion National Park, where the rugged canyons, tumbling rivers and spectacular rock formations provide a breathtaking backdrop in which to enjoy walking, canyoning and climbing.

Day 12: Las Vegas

The final big drive of your trip takes you the three hours from the peaceful beauty of Zion to the glittering lights of Las Vegas. As you approach the city, its distinctive skyline rises up out of the Nevada Desert like a mirage. Once checked in, you can enjoy your hotel's facilities, try your luck in the casinos or take a wander down the vibrant Strip.

Day 13: Las Vegas

Spend a full day in Las Vegas. You could have a day of relaxation by the pool, indulge in some shopping or visit one of the city's many attractions, from the Titanic Museum in the Luxor Hotel to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Hotel. In the evening, take in a world-class show or visit the city's bars and restaurants.

Day 14: International return flight

Today you may have time to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before dropping your car off at the depot and heading to the airport in time for your flight home.

Day 15: International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,072
Price per day$205
Last Updated: 1/11/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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