First stop is actually a state park in Nevada.  A very short drive from Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park it's a beautiful, scenic route that takes you from the bustling city into the serene and striking landscapes of Nevada's oldest and largest state park. Here’s a detailed description of the drive.

I-15 North Toward Valley of Fire

Along I-15, you'll see the arid landscape characteristic of Nevada, with rugged mountain ranges in the distance and occasional patches of desert vegetation. About 35 miles into the drive, we will pass Moapa, a small town that signals you're getting closer to the park.   

Lunch: St George Utah, The Cliffs Restaurant 

ZION NATIONAL PARK

 Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is a stunning natural wonder known for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush river valleys. The park's dramatic landscapes are shaped by the Virgin River, which has carved out massive rock formations in vivid shades of red, pink, and cream over millions of years. The towering cliffs, some reaching heights of over 2,000 feet, create a majestic backdrop that contrasts with the greenery of cottonwoods, pinyon pines, and other desert flora. Zion's most iconic features include the challenging Angels Landing trail, offering sweeping views of the canyon, and The Narrows, a hike through the riverbed between steep canyon walls. Rich in biodiversity, the park is home to wildlife like mule deer, golden eagles, and mountain lions. Whether hiking, rock climbing, or simply soaking in the scenic beauty, Zion National Park is an awe-inspiring destination that showcases the grandeur of the American Southwest. 

LODGING in Springdale, Utah: Desert Pearl Inn, Marriott SpringHill Suites, or similar.

The town of Springdale is adjacent to the boundaries of Zion National Park and the entrance is at the end of Main Street, ideal location. 

The highway from Zion to Bryce starts with a beautiful series of switchbacks taking you from Zion valley floor to the next level of the Colorado Plateau. The Mount Carmel Zion Tunnel is historic, beautiful, and a rather exciting ride in oversized vehicles, the lanes are tight.

 This drive connects two of Utah’s most famous national parks and is an adventure in itself, offering a mix of towering cliffs, serene valleys, and breathtaking desert plateaus. The journey sets the stage for the incredible rock formations and unique landscapes that await at Bryce Canyon. 

Lunch: Bryce Canyon Lodge (included)

Walks/hikes: The Rim Walk, Sunset and Sunrise viewpoints, Queens Garden and Navajo loop for those looking for a more moderate to strenuous journey.

Watching the sunset at Bryce Canyon National Park is a breathtaking experience, as the park's iconic hoodoos—the towering, spire-like rock formations—glow with vivid shades of red, orange, and pink in the fading light. The sun casts long shadows across the amphitheaters, highlighting the intricate textures and unique shapes of the rock formations. As the sky transitions from warm golden hues to purples and blues, the stark contrast between the illuminated sandstone and the deepening sky creates a surreal and magical atmosphere. 

Lodging: Rubys Inn Bryce canyon, Best Western Bryce Canyon.

Dinner and Western Show included: Ebenezer's 

Hells Backbone and Goblins! Yikes! sounds like a Halloween Horror film setting.

Nothing could be further from the truth, what you will see is landscape unlike anything int he national parks and the highway is a scenic byway and might as well be another national park, that's just how beautiful and exciting the drive is.

Lunch in Torrey Utah

Scenic drive through sections of Capitol Reef National Park en route to Moab!

After lunch a quick visit to Goblin Valley, a Utah State Park.

Once we reach Moab, it will be time for dinner and get a good night's rest before the Moab adventurer begin the next day.

Lodging The Gravity Haus Moab, Marriott SpringHill Suites or similar.

Where do we go first?

Jail House Cafe is priority number one for those that love a big, tasty breakfast.

Today's Agenda:

Arches National Park in the morning: Park Avenue, The Windows, Primitive Trails, Double Arch and Balanced Rock to name just a few.

Picnic/Box lunches pre order for lunch at Dead Horse Point, a Utah State Park

Canyonlands National Park scenic drive and easy hike to Mesa Arch, followed by a breathtaking overlook viewpoint of the Schafer Trail

Dinner- Moab Dine Around on Main Street, or inquire about a 4x4 Sunset Tour, an add on excursion that will create a memory for a lifetime!!

Dinner Suggestions:

Pasta Jays

The Moab Brewery

Sunset Grill, historic home to Charlie Steen, Uranium Miner

Sing Ha Thai - Incredible reviews for decades!!!

Desert Bistro, hands down finest menu in town, second to none

Ride the highway that was once was part of the Spanish Trail, also a popular route used by an Utah local, none other than Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!!  The connection between Robert Redford, Butch Cassidy, the movie industry is so closely intertwined it's amazing!!  We will visit the Sundance Ski resort for lunch and travel over hill and over dale to Park City to see the sights of this famous ski town.

Overnight accommodations this evening are in Salt Lake City at Little America.

 Reflection allows you to recognize how far you've come, appreciate your progress, understand what you've learned from both successes and failures, and consider how these experiences shape your current perspective and future decisions. It's an opportunity for self-awareness and personal growth, fostering gratitude and learning from the past. 

Depart Little America this morning for transfers to SLC International Airport.