Hike the Iconic Landscapes of Utah and Arizona
An epic journey through the Mojave Desert and Moab’s red rock playground, showcasing the Southwest’s most dramatic desert terrain
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAccommodation
6 nights in comfortable hotelsMeals
6 breakfasts and 3 lunchesTransfers
Arrival airport shuttle, departure airport transfer and all other transfers throughout the tripPermits & Fees
All national park permits and entry feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike through the famed Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion National Parks, discovering towering arches, vast canyon views and sheer sandstone cliffs
Explore Monument Valley on a guided Navajo 4x4 tour, then visit the unforgettable curve of Horseshoe Bend and the sculpted sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon
Hit the open road on a classic USA road trip, stopping for some of America's greatest views at Dead Horse Point State Park, Mesa Arch and Scouts Lookout
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Salt Lake City
Kick off your adventure in vibrant Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital and the ‘Crossroads of the West’, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Wasatch Mountains. Hop on the included shuttle to your hotel downtown and settle in. Later, meet your host and fellow travellers for a warm welcome briefing to chat through the adventures ahead. Head out for a casual wander through the city, soaking up your first glimpse of the Rockies and that epic mountain backdrop before you venture deeper into the heart of the Southwest tomorrow.
Day 2
Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point State Park
Hiking
Driving
Tuck into breakfast at your hotel before hitting the road and leaving the city behind. You’ll journey south through the Wasatch Range and onto the vast Colorado Plateau, driving through shifting, multi-coloured desert landscapes in one of the world’s most important areas for palaeontological research - the ‘Dinosaur Diamond’. As you approach Moab, Utah’s adventure capital, wide-open desert and towering rock formations take over the horizon. This afternoon, explore Canyonlands National Park, stopping at Mesa Arch and the Green River Overlook, where layered canyons ripple into the distance. Round off the day at Dead Horse Point State Park for one of the region’s most striking viewpoints, then continue on to Moab for the evening.
Day 3
Hike the highlights of Arches National Park and explore its quieter trails
Hiking
Today is all about the surreal desert landscapes of Arches National Park, home to the highest concentration of natural stone arches on Earth. You’ll hike through the famed Windows Section, the heart of the park, where vast rock formations rise from the desert floor, then continue into Devil's Garden. Here, winding trails weave past fins, spires and arches shaped by millions of years of erosion. In the afternoon, switch things up on the quieter Grandstaff Trail, following a canyon corridor lined with cottonwoods and sheer sandstone walls. The contrast between open desert and shaded canyon makes for a varied and rewarding day on foot, before heading back into Moab to track down a good dinner spot with tips from your local host.
Day 4
Corona Arch & Monument Valley
Hiking
Driving
Some of the USA’s most recognisable landscapes are on the cards today. Kick things off with an epic hike to Corona Arch, one of the region’s most impressive free-standing arches, reached via a scenic trail that winds across slickrock and canyon terrain. Afterwards, head south towards Monument Valley, crossing into Navajo Nation and into some of the Southwest’s most distinctive desert scenery. You’ll likely recognise the towering buttes and mesas from classic Westerns and road movies such as Forrest Gump and Thelma and Louise. Explore beyond the main highway on a 4x4 drive with a Navajo guide, learning more about the history, culture and connection to the land of the indigenous people. As the light softens, watch the sandstone formations glow before continuing to your nearby hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Day 5
Cross into Arizona to explore Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Hiking
Driving
Bid farewell to Utah and cross the state line into northern Arizona. Today you’ll visit two of the Southwest’s most photographed natural landmarks. Start with a guided tour through Antelope Canyon, a narrow slot canyon where flowing sandstone walls and shifting light create a truly otherworldly experience. Then continue to Horseshoe Bend, following a short trail to a dramatic lookout high above the Colorado River as it loops almost 300 metres below. In the afternoon, travel back into Utah to Virgin, a small gateway town near Zion National Park, and settle in for the night ahead of a bigger hiking day tomorrow.
Day 6
Zion National Park
Hiking
Spend today immersed in the towering canyon walls and lush river corridors of Zion National Park. Using the park shuttle, you’ll hop between trailheads to hike some of the park’s best-known routes, including Emerald Pools, the Kayenta Trail and Scouts Lookout, where wide views open up above Zion Canyon. Enjoy a picnic in the park before spending the afternoon on gentler walks to Weeping Rock and along the Riverside Walk, tracing the Virgin River to the start of The Narrows. It’s a full day on the trails, balanced with time to pause, take photos and absorb Zion’s natural beauty. In the evening, head out for celebratory drinks and toast the end of a memorable week.
Day 7
Final road trip to Vegas
Driving
After breakfast, leave Virgin and travel west towards Las Vegas, crossing the open desert for one last look at the landscapes you’ve explored over the past week. You’ll arrive in Las Vegas around midday, where the trip comes to an end and onward connections await. Say goodbye to your fellow adventurers and head home with lasting memories of Utah and Arizona’s national parks and desert terrain.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Crystal Inn, Salt Lake City
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Excalibur Hotel, Las Vegas
12:30 on Day 7
Transfers
On Day 1, you’re free to arrive at your Salt Lake City hotel at any time to meet your guide and fellow adventurers. On arrival at Salt Lake City International Airport, an included hotel shuttle will take you directly to the Crystal Inn. Once you’ve collected your luggage, follow the signs for hotel shuttles and contact the hotel using the details in your pre-departure information to request pick-up — the service runs regularly.
There’ll be a welcome briefing in the evening to chat through the adventure ahead, before hitting the road on the morning of Day 2.
Your trip ends on Day 7 in downtown Las Vegas. Your host will drop the group off at the Excalibur Hotel at around 12:30pm. We recommend that you don’t book any flights departing before 4pm, to allow enough time to reach the airport from downtown Las Vegas.
Travel options
North American travellers can reach Salt Lake City via direct flights from almost every US state, as well as from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton in Canada. The city is also directly connected to London, Amsterdam, Paris and Seoul.
Las Vegas is equally well-connected for onward travel at the end of your trip.
Many airlines and flight comparison websites offer the option to book a multi-city ticket, in other words, flying out to Salt Lake City and returning from Las Vegas. This can often work out cheaper than purchasing two separate one-way tickets.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfast is served buffet-style each morning at your hotels, with a selection that varies slightly day to day, ideal for a quick start before heading out on your adventures. Expect hot drinks, fruit juice, bread, croissants, cereal, granola, yoghurt and fresh fruit.
Lunches are simple cold picnics, prepared in advance so you can carry them with you and stop at a scenic spot during the day’s activities. These typically include wraps, sandwiches, salads, cereal bars and fruit.
For dinner, your guide will share recommendations and point you towards the best local spots in Moab and Virgin, Utah, giving you the flexibility to choose what you fancy each evening.
If you have any dietary requirements, intolerances or allergies, please check the FAQ below, ‘Can my dietary requirements be catered for on this adventure?’ for specific guidance relating to this trip. The availability of certain foods may differ from what you’re used to at home, so we recommend reading the FAQ in full before booking to ensure your needs can be accommodated.
What is the accommodation like?
Crystal Inn, Salt Lake City
Your arrival night of the trip is spent at Crystal Inn, a comfortable downtown hotel in Salt Lake City. Take advantage of the airport shuttle service on arrival for a convenient and relaxed start to the trip and settle into comfy twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Red Stone Inn, Moab
You’ll spend two nights in Utah’s adventure capital, Moab, staying at the Red Stone Inn, a classic roadside motel. Well located in downtown Moab, it’s perfectly placed for exploring the town after long days out hiking in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Rooms are twin-share with private bathrooms and air conditioning. There’s also a hot tub on site, ideal for soaking tired legs after a day in the desert.
Hampton Inn, Monument Valley
You’ll spend one night in a comfortable hotel near Monument Valley. The Hampton Inn in Kayenta is perfectly positioned for exploring the iconic red rock landscapes of Navajo Nation. Rooms are air-conditioned, twin-share with en suite bathrooms. There are also inviting outdoor terrace and pool areas, ideal for cooling off after a day in the Southwest heat.
Fairfield Inn, Zion National Park
Your final two nights of the trip are spent at Fairfield Inn, a modern hotel just outside Zion National Park. This is a peaceful base for exploring Zion’s dramatic canyons and your escapades at Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. The property is modern and spacious, with air-conditioned twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms
From May to September, expect predominantly dry, sunny conditions across Utah and northern Arizona, with temperatures varying by elevation, time of day and location. Late spring and early autumn bring some of the most comfortable hiking weather, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 18–29°C (65–85°F) and cooler evenings.
The summer months (June to August) are hotter, with daytime highs often reaching 29–38°C (85–100°F), particularly in lower desert areas such as Moab and around Monument Valley. Mornings at higher elevations can feel significantly cooler in comparison. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in mid to late summer, especially in July and August, and may affect canyon hikes, with guides adjusting plans where needed.
Whatever the month, temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, so packing layers is essential, and sun protection is important year-round.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hikes in Canyonlands National Park, including the Mesa Arch walk
- Guided visit to Dead Horse Point State Park for panoramic canyon views
- Guided hikes in Arches National Park, including the Windows Section and Devil’s Garden
- Guided hike along the Grandstaff Trail
- Guided hike to Corona Arch, one of Utah’s most iconic free-standing sandstone arches
- Guided jeep tour of Monument Valley, led by a Navajo guide through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
- Guided tour of Antelope Canyon, including a jeep transfer to the slot canyon and a hike through it
- Guided walk to Horseshoe Bend, overlooking the Colorado River
- Guided hikes in Zion National Park, including Emerald Pools, the Kayenta Trail, Scouts Lookout and Weeping Rock
Guides
- Expert, English-speaking local guides
Accommodation
- 1 night in a hotel in Salt Lake City
- 2 nights in a motel in Moab, Utah’s adventure capital
- 1 night in a hotel in Monument Valley
- 2 nights in a hotel near Zion National Park
Meals
- All (6) breakfasts and 3 lunches
Transfers
- Arrival hotel shuttle from Salt Lake City Airport
- Departure transfer to Las Vegas Airport or downtown Las Vegas on Day 7
- All transfers throughout the trip
Permits & Fees
- All national park permits and entry fees
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Meals
Each of your dinners and 2 of your lunches are not included on this trip, giving you the opportunity to try out some local cafes and restaurants. Your guide will assist with recommendations for these meals. Please budget $25-30 for each dinner and $15 for each lunch that isn't included on this trip.
Tips
In the United States, it’s customary to tip service workers such as taxi drivers and restaurant staff around 15–20%, depending on the quality of service. As a general rule, when visiting a bar, $1 per drink is standard.
Tipping is also a customary part of your adventure and a way to show your appreciation for your guide. The amount is entirely at your discretion and should reflect the level of service you feel you received. As a guideline, we suggest budgeting $10–15 USD per day. You’re welcome to tip more if you feel your guide has done an exceptional job.
Tipping culture in the US can feel a little unfamiliar if you haven’t travelled or lived there before. Don’t worry, your host will be happy to guide you through it whenever it comes up during the trip.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack (main luggage)
- Daypack (20–30 litres) for hiking
- Waterproof liner or drybags for kitbag/rucksack
CLOTHES
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Puffy or fleece jacket or similar, for chillier evenings
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adaptor
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Sanitiser
- Reusable water bottle x2 litre
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 173kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
The weather in Utah and Arizona’s national parks can be unpredictable, with rain, wind and extreme temperatures possible at any time of year. The best approach is to come prepared for all conditions, packing layers, sun protection and waterproofs. Your host will monitor the weather throughout the trip and, if conditions require, suggest alternative and safer hiking routes or activities.
You'll have one tour leader and hiking guide throughout the trip. An additional specialist local guide joins the group for the trips in Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon in Zion National Park.
As this adventure starts in Salt Lake City and ends nearly 700km away in Las Vegas, there is no option to store your luggage at the start of the trip. Your luggage will be transferred for you throughout the trip and safely stored in the group vehicle.
Tap water in the United States is safe to drink. There will be refill points at each of the hotels that you'll stay at, so make sure to bring a water bottle or two to carry enough water on each of the hikes.
At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places they may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you are fully informed about what may be possible on your trip, depending on your individual requirements. Please read this carefully before travelling to ensure you are adequately prepared for the situation on the ground.
Once you have booked your trip, please complete your passenger information form as soon as possible with details of any dietary requirements. After submission, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Providing this information early allows them to plan accordingly and deliver the best possible experience. Please also remind your guide of your dietary requirements upon arrival, as discussing them in person helps ensure clarity around individual preferences and limitations from the outset.
BACKGROUND
Food in the USA is hugely varied, reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage, diverse geography and regional food traditions. Vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free options are widely understood and commonly available.
Food labelling is comprehensive, and awareness of common allergens is high. However, options may be more limited in rural or remote areas, and levels of understanding can vary between individual providers. Breakfasts on this trip are typically continental-style at hotels or simple when camping. Packed lunches and group dinners are prepared by your guides, with dietary needs accommodated where disclosed in advance. Your local hosts will do their best to provide a safe and enjoyable food experience throughout the trip.
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided your host is informed in advance.
Vegan Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided your host is informed in advance.
Kosher Fully certified kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and cannot usually be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in advance by your host. Vegetarian or vegan options are often the most reliable alternative, if suitable. Please refer to the sections above.
Halal Certified halal supply varies by location and may not always be possible. Vegetarian or vegan options are often the most reliable alternative, if suitable. Please refer to the sections above.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten-Free (for coeliac disease, please see Allergies section below) Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided your host is informed in advance.
Lactose-Free Lactose-free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided your host is informed in advance.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency can be accommodated where disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, please contact our CX team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be safely accommodated on this trip.
This allows us to consider the severity of your allergy, the food provision available and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority.
Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. Allergies may also result in more limited or repetitive food options in some locations. While your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, guests remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
This trip is graded Level 2
Easy-Moderate
Perfect for adventurers looking to gently step things up
Daily light activities, usually three to four hours long
On this trip you’ll spend multiple days hiking on well-defined trails, typically covering 5-6 hours of trail time on the two longer days, with a mix of terrain ranging from fl...
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We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 13th September 2026
to Saturday 19th September 2026
2026 Sale Offer - Next 4 spots available at 10% off
Sunday 11th October 2026
to Saturday 17th October 2026
2026 Sale Offer - Next 4 spots available at 10% off
Sunday 2nd May 2027
to Saturday 8th May 2027
Sunday 20th June 2027
to Saturday 26th June 2027
Sunday 12th September 2027
to Saturday 18th September 2027
Sunday 24th October 2027
to Saturday 30th October 2027
