Description
Time to hit the trail on our captivating Canyonlands adventure where we begin in Arizona with a two night stay at the Found:RE hotel in Phoenix with a desirable setting at the corner of downtown and the midtown arts district and just a short stroll from the nearest light rail station.
The hotel’s loft style guest rooms come with free Wi-Fi and a host of modern amenities, there’s also a lively on site restaurant and an outdoor pool with a poolside bar – it’s a great choice for a short stay in Phoenix at the start of your Canyonlands adventure.
Phoenix’s subtropical desert climate and perpetual sunshine provides the perfect setting for a host of exciting outdoor activities. – Get those walking boots on and explore some of the many hiking trails spread across the Phoenix, area and if you do decide to tackle the challenging Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area from the summit of one of the highest peaks in Phoenix.
And while you’re here you might want enjoy a hot air balloon ride high above the Sonoran desert and after dark gaze at the stars on a Hummer Sonoran Desert night tour. Cowboy fans should consider making the trip to Tombstone where they’ll be able to re-live the famous gunfight at the OK Corral between Wyatt Earp, his lawmen and the Cowboy Gang.
Other popular Phoenix visitor attractions include the many plants of the Desert Botanical Gardens, the exhibits and planetarium of the Arizona Science Centre, the Native Arts and exhibits at the Heard Museum, the Wrigley Mansion, the Hall of Flame Museum, the Goldfield Ghost Town and Phoenix Zoo.
Next stop Sedona for a two night stay at the laid back, family friendly Orchards Inn conveniently set in the heart of Uptown, close to Sedona’s trendy shops, galleries and restaurants where you’ll enjoy magnificent views of Sedona’s Red Rocks and the world famous Snoopy Rock from the comfort of your private balcony. Don’t worry about parking in Sedona it’s free at the Orchards Inn as is the hotel Wi-Fi – great for keeping in touch with the folks back home and for updating those social media pages. The hotel also has an outdoor pool with hot tub and offers guests a free healthy start breakfast to help get you fuelled up for your Sedona adventures.
With its stunning red rock backdrop scenery and wonderful climate it’s no wonder that Sedona is an outdoor lover’s paradise – there’s so much on offer her in Sedona that the only problem you’ll have is deciding what to fit in!
Float through towering canyons and magnificent trees on a kayak ride along the beautiful Oak Creek, tighten those hiking boots up and get ready for a wonderful walk through some of the most beautiful scenery in Red Rock country, become a cowboy or cowgirl for the morning and explore some of the old west on horseback and in the afternoon cool off with a visit to Slide Rock State park with its natural red-sandstone waterslide and swimming hole.
Other popular Sedona activities include Stargazing, Desert Jeep Tours, Golfing, and of course during winter Skiing, Snowboarding and Sledding.
Time to head to one of the “Wonders of the World” with a visit to Grand Canyon National Park where we’ll enjoy a two night stay at the comfortable and well-appointed Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn that’s handily located just one and a half miles from the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park.
The hotel’s guestrooms are spacious with modern amenities and there’s also an outdoor pool with a hot tub, a bowling alley, fitness centre and three on site restaurants – all you need and more for this trip of a lifetime Grand Canyon experience!
Plan your visit to the Grand Canyon carefully – it’s an iconic destination filled with magnificent scenery and majestic views from one of the many famous lookout points around the Canyon’s rim. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is just a short 7 mile drive from the hotel and free shuttle buses take you right to the top where you’re going to be able to take some amazing selfies! There’s a lot to see and do at the South Rim including an informative visitor centre, Mather Point, Pipe Creek Vista, Grand Canyon Village, Hermits Rest and so much more – it really is an amazing experience. There’s lots of other ways to explore the Grand Canyon area including jeep tours, hiking, horseback riding, river rafting and of course the exciting bird’s eye view canyon helicopter trips!
Our next pit stop is Lake Powell where we’ll enjoy a one night stay at the warm and welcoming Lake Powell Resort & Marinas with a picturesque setting along the shores of Wahweap Bay.
Once you’ve settled into your comfortable lakeside lodging and checked out the resort amenities that includes outdoor pools and on site restaurants it’s time to enjoy the incredible range of activities at Lake Powell where boat tours, kayaking, wakeboarding, water-skiing, swimming and fishing area all available by the lake – maybe just chill out for a while with a picnic on a secluded Lake Powel beach. Make sure you get your picture taken beside Rainbow Bridge National Monument, the largest natural stone bridge in the world!
Time to leave Lake Powell and make our way to Bryce Canyon to spend the next two nights at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon where you’ll enjoy rustic and comfortable accommodations all backed up by spectacular scenery and endless outdoor pursuits from its wonderful location within the Bryce Canyon National Park. The lodge is just a short walk from Sunrise Point where lots of people gather just before dawn to take in the amazing early morning sunrise views and it’s also handily placed for other popular hiking trails including the Navaho Loop, the Rim Trail and the Queens Garden Trail.
Maybe saddle up and follow the trails taken by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid on a scenic horseback ride amongst the stunning red rocks and hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and while you’re here don’t miss the chance to explore the Grand Staircase Escalante and Kodachrome Basin.
Back on the road again as we make our way to Zion National Park and a two night stay at Zion Mountain Ranch, an authentic western retreat that’s home to a herd of roaming buffalo and is just a short 5 minute drive away from the spectacular scenery and outdoor activities of Zion National Park
The Ranch’s Cabins and Lodge accommodations come in a range of different styles and there’s also a farm to table restaurant and organised activities including horseback riding, jeep tours, canyoneering and guided hikes for everyone to enjoy.
Of course we’ve got to head to Zion National Park and experience the Scenic Drive, take your own car or hop aboard the seasonal shuttle to see some of the most stunning rock formations the park has to offer including the Great White Throne, Weeping Rock, the Emerald Pools and the Temple of Sinawava. If time permits its fun to try the Emerald Pools Virgin River walking trip, parts of the hike are spent wading, walking and maybe even swimming in the river. Finish off your stay with a short drive to Grafton, Utah’s Ghost Town, said to be the most photographed ghost town in the West.
It’s nearly all over as we finish our trip with a two night stay in the iconic desert city of Las Vegas with a two night stay at the famous Flamingo Las Vegas Resort. This famous resort is set directly on the lively Las Vegas Strip adjacent to the LINQ and the High Roller Big Wheel. Settle into this wonderful resort and start planning your Vegas extravaganza, with fantastic headliner acts, a great pool scene, all your favourite casino games and much much more, the Flamingo Las Vegas Resort is sure to delight. Finish your first day with a stroll along the fabulous Vegas Strip.
It’s the last full day in Las Vegas giving us lots of more time to explore the famous Las Vegas Strip and the lively sights and sounds of Freemont Street with some last minute bargain hunting thrown in as well. Hopefully you’ve still got room in your case for whatever takes your fancy! Take in a show at the Flamingo and finish your last night with a farewell to Vegas cocktail in the Garden Bar.
