HIGHLIGHTS
- Private jeep and walking tour of Monument Valley with a Navajo guide. Enjoy dinner in the heart of the valley with the Navajo
- Full day private tour through Moab's less frequented backcountry slot canyons and rock formations
- Visit Dead Horse Point for incredible views of Canyonlands National Park
- Visit towering stone structures in Arches National Park
The Canyon Country In-Depth tour starts and ends in Durango. The Canyon Country In-Depth is an In-depth tour that takes 6 days taking you through Durango, USA and other destinations in the USA.
The Desert Southwest is alive! Canyons, adventure and luxury dominate this trip through western America where you experience the more popular regions, but in a very different way. Enjoy a private backroads tour of Monument Valley with the Navajo, followed by a backcountry desert experience through Moab's beautiful slot canyons and towering arches carved by the elements. Visit Mexican Hat, an iconic structure eroded by the elements, and Mesa Verde National Park, where the Ancestral Puebloans made their home for over 700 years. By day, explore this incredible area, but retire to your high standard hotels and lodges in the evening to relax in comfort.
ITINERARY
Day 1:Durango
Welcome to the city of Durango in Colorado. This historic frontier mining town has something to offer both the culture vultures and adrenaline junkies. Discover the boutique restaurants, charming galleries and stroll past exquisitely restored Victorian buildings in downtown Durango before taking in the city's surrounding scenic beauty. In the evening at 18:00 hrs, there will be a welcome meeting to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. Featured Hotel: General Palmer HotelThis gateway resort is situated in a beautifully dramatic area in Durango, surrounded by mountains with amenities including complementary Wi-Fi, outdoor patio and easy walking distance to local bars and restaurants.
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
- Durango
- Welcome dinner included
- Durango & Silverton Railroad day trip US$89+ (before or after the tour)
Day 2: Mexican Hat - Monument Valley
Today you travel to the Navajo Nation's greatest treasure, Monument Valley, via the iconic monument of Mexican Hat. A sacred land to those who call it home, the red sandstone monoliths have been the backdrop to countless Western movies. After arriving at the hotel, you set out on a backcountry 4x4 (vans in winter) driving tour, heading deep into the heart of the valley. After stops to photograph both the famous and lesser-known sights in the park, you come to 'the end of the road'. Your local Navajo guide will then lead you even deeper into the park on foot where you'll be walking to explore places that very few non-Native Americans ever to get to see. Finish your day with yet another unforgettable sunset in the heart of the valley, where the Navajo prepare a meal and you learn about their ancient cultures and customs.
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
- Mexican Hat
- Monument Valley
- Breakfast and dinner included
Day 3:Arches National Park - Moab
Stunning red sandstone arches have been created over millions of years by the whipping winds that brush down the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The park offers leisurely hikes through spectacular sandstone landscapes with intriguing names like the Devil's Garden. One of the more widely recognised arches and by far the most visited is Delicate Arch, a 65ft freestanding arch that has become one of Utah's most famous icons. Your leader takes you through the desert, pointing out various points of interest and, of course, the overwhelming number of arches within the borders of the national park. In the afternoon, why not spend a few hours experiencing the charms of Moab - the small eclectic town that serves as the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Featured Hotel: Red Cliffs LodgeRed Cliffs is an award-winning lodge which is nestled along the banks of the Colorado River, surrounded by deep-cut Canyonlands and steep cliff walls. While the West is best known for its rugged landscape and hardy adventures, staying at the Red Cliffs Lodge is anything but primitive.
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
- Arches National Park
- Moab
- Breakfast included
Day 4:Canyonlands National Park - Moab
Explore the Needles District and Chesler Park by comfortable 4WD. On this trip you’ll observe scenic vistas and incredible views in some of the least visited areas of backcountry Moab. Your route takes you over famous Elephant Hill, renowned for its difficulty as one of the most challenging trails in Southeastern Utah. You will feast your eyes upon the Devil's Kitchen along the way and cruise down Devil's Lane before encountering SOB Hill, another challenge on the trail to our 4X4 vehicles. Colourful inspiring rock formations, pinion, juniper and the fragrance of sage brush fill the air. Numerous species of cacti, bird life, various lizards, Mule Deer and Big Horn Sheep are frequently observed, as well as incredible petroglyph rock art along the way. The incredible landforms of the Needles are beautiful beyond description and entirely unique in their grandeur. After a relaxing lunch we will hike the "Joint Trail" to the spacious pastures of Chesler Park, one of the most spectacular sights in Canyonlands. The "Joint Trail" is on a good walking surface, but does require a fairly steep uphill to reach it although entirely optional. The remoteness and spectacular beauty of the Needles makes this one of the premiere 4X4 tours in the country.
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
- Canyonlands National Park
- Moab
- Breakfast and dinner included
Day 5:Canyonlands National Park - Moab
The first half of the day is free for activities that Moab is so famous for. These include an extreme Hummer tour, canyoneering, a float trip on the Colorado River or mountain biking the slick rock. In the late afternoon, you’ll take a drive out to Canyonlands National Park and enjoy a hike along the rim for that iconic view at Dead Horse Point of the Colorado River snaking its way through the water channels. This is the perfect place to watch the sunset and observe how the rocks change hue with the lowering sun.
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
- Canyonlands National Park
- Moab
- Breakfast included
- Canyoneering US$100
- Float trip on the Colorado River US$60-$91
- Extreme off-road hummer tour US$90-$100
- Mountain biking US$100
Day 6:Mesa Verde National Park - Durango
This morning you travel west back into Colorado and to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mesa Verde National Park, located in Montezuma County. See how the Ancestral Puebloans, often referred to as the Anasazi, lived and be in awe of this archaeological masterpiece as you explore the 600 cliff dwellings. You spend the day here with your tour leader, exploring and learning about the area before arriving back to Durango where this tour ends upon arrival.This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We recommend booking post-tour accommodation if time allows. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Durango
- Breakfast included
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ACCOMMODATION
- 5 nights hotel
- 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners included TRANSPORT
- All transportation by private vehicle, 4WD and on foot
- Free Wi-Fi in your vehicle (Maximum 5 users at one time)
- Services of a professional tour leader and local specialist guides
- Any international flights to/from Durango are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
- Travel insurance is not included in this Canyon Country In-Depth tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. We recommend purchasing it from World Nomads.
