Rockies to Red Rocks – Peaks & Canyons

Welcome to Denver, the Mile High City. This afternoon is at leisure for you to settle in and begin exploring the city. Perhaps head to Larimer square this evening to experience delicious cuisine and inspired cocktails.

When planning your trip, be sure to check for any live concerts at the incredible Red Rocks Amphitheatre, or for those sports fans – Denver teams play in most of the major American leagues.

Denver is a city with so much to explore. Start your day in the Museum District, visit the Capitol Building for spectacular views to the mountains and to see the official mile high marker. Make use of the free 16^th Street Mall shuttle as you explore downtown.  Do a little shopping at Cherry Creek, or speciality stores like the Tattered Cover Book Store and Rockmount Ranch Wear. You can even pose for a photo with Denver’s iconic Blue Bear, found peering into the Denver Convention Center.
 
Later, perhaps check out the Denver Beer Trail to try some of the tasty local craft beers on offer. If Ice Cream is more your thing, head to the Little Man Ice Cream Factory for a taste of something sweet.
 
This evening, join a foodie tour with a twist through the LODO neighbourhood. This tour visits the most haunted restaurants with the best food in Denver. It’s been specially crafted by foodies and ghost hunters to combine delicious food with the best ghost stories. (D)

Join a small group tour this morning to travel along the Front Range through Boulder with its famous Flatirons Rock Formations. Continue through canyons alive with wildlife up to Estes Park, the charming town at the entrance of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Once you have entered the park your guide will take you to the best spots for wildlife viewing, photographs, walks or optional short hikes.

Escape the city and visit one of the most charming towns in the Rockies on today’s small group adventure. The drive begins with a stop at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most beautiful and iconic concert venues in the world.
 
Weather permitting you’ll drive over the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass: At over 3,600 metres, the view is like standing on top of the world.
 
Finally, arrive in Breckenridge, one of Colorado’s most charming mountain resorts. After lunch you can either join the guide on a beautiful hike to the famous troll, or you can enjoy some time at leisure to take a river side walk and explore the town.

Farewell Denver this morning as you board Rocky Mountaineer to begin your two day scenic rail journey. Cross the Continental Divide as you take in the spectacular views of rugged canyons and the Colorado River before arriving at the resort town of Glenwood Springs. (B)(L)

Reboard the Rocky Mountaineer this morning as you depart Glenwood Springs and continue your westbound journey. Cross the Colorado-Utah border with stunning mountain views in the background. Red sandstone landscapes emerge as you approach Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.  


 
After arriving in Moab, collect your rental car to allow exploration at your leisure.
 
This evening, board a boat for a unique look at Canyonlands. Using lights, shadows, music and narration, stories about the area come to life on the canyon walls. (B)(D)

As the home of two incredible National Parks, there is a lot to see and do in the Moab region. Hike to the iconic Delicate Arch, take a sunrise hot air balloon flight, see some of the wild backcountry that Canyonlands is famous for on a 4x4 tour, go zipling, or try mountain biking.

Another day of spectacular scenery awaits today. Leaving Moab, be sure to take a slight detour via Goosenecks State Park for views of the meandering San Juan River.
 
Continuing on, the next photo stop is bound to be the iconic Forrest Gump Point as you get closer to the instantly recognisable landscape of Monument Valley.

Join a Navajo guided sunset tour to explore some of the highlights of the Tribal Park. You’ll dine on Navajo Tacos while enjoying Native American tales and entertainment around a campfire. (D)

Arise early to catch the sunrise as you farewell Monument Valley, bound for the incredible Grand Canyon National Park. The majesty of the Canyon truly must be seen to be believed.

If time permits, perhaps choose to add a guided hike, or a soaring helicopter adventure to truly experience the Grand Canyon. Whichever option you choose, be sure to find a great viewpoint to watch the changing colours of the canyon as the sun sets.

Another morning where an early wake up will be rewarded with a gorgeous sunrise. Enjoy some final views of the Grand Canyon before continuing the journey to Lake Powell. Options abound for boat tours and water explorations this afternoon.

This morning, the mysterious beauty of Antelope Canyon awaits those who seek to discover one of the most spectacular attractions in the area. It’s also worth checking out the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, before continuing the journey onwards to Bryce Canyon National Park where another incredible sunset location awaits.

Take some time for a hike through the magical landscape of multi-coloured hoodoos that inhabit Bryce Canyon, before driving to the final National Park of this journey, Zion.

With walls soaring over 300 metres high, and sometimes less than 10 metres apart, The Narrows is one of the most iconic hikes within Zion National Park. If heights are your thing, consider the more strenuous but equally rewarding Angel’s Landing Trail. For the less adventurous, consider an electric bike rental, a jeep tour, or take the free shuttle to various stops through the park.

What an adventure. After countless photo worthy memorable moments, this incredible journey comes to an end with a final drive into the Entertainment Capital of Las Vegas, where you can drop off your rental car, switch out your walking shoes for something a little nicer to hit the town.

An extended stay in Las Vegas is surely worth considering.