American Outback Self-Drive Adventure

Arrive at Las Vegas Airport, pick up your car and proceed to your hotel.

Discover what else happens in Vegas by visiting Red Rock Canyon located just a few miles west of Sin City within Nevada’s Mojave Desert. Red Rock Canyon features geologic beauty with red sky-high sandstone peaks, seasonal waterfalls, great boulders, and more. With over 20 different trails there is plenty for you to choose from to either enjoy the area by hiking the deep canyons or biking the one-way Scenic Drive. You can also stop by the Red Rock Canyon Visitor center for indoor and outdoor exhibits, desert Tortoise habitats, and hike recommendations. 

Leaving Las Vegas behind, you make your way toward southwest Utah to Zion National Park where ancient native people and pioneers walked the grounds. While visiting the park you will be able to take pictures of some of the most scenic canyon country in the United States, learn about the park’s diverse wildlife, and see more than 1,000 species of plants. This afternoon pick up your half-day bike rental and follow the paved Pa’rus Trail to the top of the Canyon (included); avid bikers will enjoy getting an amazing overview of the park from the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive allowing you to pinpoint areas of interest you may want to revisit by foot. The scenic ride adds six miles to your biking adventure and provides you with the opportunity to get the most out of your time in the canyon.
Driving Distance: 159 MI / 256 KM

Today, you can hop off your bike, choose
from a variety of hiking trails, and take on Zion by
foot. Shuttles at Zion National Park enable hikers
to get to their desired trail efficiently. Some of the
trailheads include Chamberlain’s Ranch, which is
the primary trailhead for the Zion Narrows Top-
Down hike, Birch Hollow, a popular canyoneering
route, and East Rim, used by the majority of
hikers looking to visit Observation Point, Weeping
Rock, and Deertrap Mountain. Continue exploring
and learn about the American Indian Culture and
pioneer settlement at the Zion Human History
Museum where you can watch informational
videos, view exhibits, and buy maps to take a
piece of history homes with you.

After your trip to Zion, explore another one of Utah’s unique destinations at Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is famous for its spires of rocks called hoodoos, four main view points, and series of natural amphitheaters or bowls. Three of the best hikes you can experience in the area include Navajo Loop, considered the most popular trail among visitors, Fairland Loop, where you can take pictures of the hoodoo architectures, and Sunset Point, providing you with bird-watching fun and views over Silent City. If you are interested in a more adventure seeking thrill, rent an ATV and explore the Red Canyon and neighboring National Forest (optional). Driving Distance: 72 MI / 116 KM

Continue your journey along Utah’s scenic Byway 12 nestled between Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef in south-central Utah, follow the winding road through memorable landscapes, ranging from the remains of ancient sea beds to one of the world’s highest alpine forests, and from astonishing pink and russet stone turrets to open sagebrush flats. Capitol Reef filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges, invites you to discover plants, animals, geology, and learn about the environmental factors that make this destination diverse. Enjoy the afternoon hiking the Fruita area, also known as “the Eden of Wayne County,” and encounter the 133-foot-long Hickman Natural Bridge. You can also choose to add an optional excursion giving you a scenic horseback ride to experience Capitol Reef National Park from a new angle. Driving Distance: 93 MI / 150 KM

On this day you head on over to Moab
where visitors from around the world flock to
witness the red rock landscape of Arches National
Park and cool waters of the Colorado River. You
will find relaxing small-town hospitality in the city
of Moab with perfect weather for events, festivals,
and outdoor activities. Moab offers an array of
hiking trails suitable for all. Discover the Morning
Glory Bridge Trail taking you to see the 243 feet
long natural bridge and before your night comes
to an end partake in a night-time ranger program
that may include stargazing (optional).
Driving Distance: 144 MI / 232 KM

 With a variety of trails for beginner,
intermediate, and advanced cyclists, Moab is
perfect for a full day on the road. Moab’s trails
feature Dead Horse Point State Park neighboring
the Canyonlands National Park, great for riders of
all skill levels, Hurrah Pass, a scenic dirt road ride
with view of canyon walls, and Monitor Merrimac
with amazing dinosaur tracks and bones. The
area is full of amazing day-hikes if you prefer to
explore by foot allowing you to get an up-close
experience of what makes Moab one of the most
unique destinations in Utah. A few of the highlight
trails include Amphitheater Loop, Corona Arch
Trail, Fish Tower Trial, and Hidden Valley Trail.

 Following your visit to some of the best sites in Utah, you enter Grand Junction, a city in Colorado’s Western Slope region. Here you will find a variety of activities to keep you entertained. Explore the trail-lined Colorado National Monument with red sandstone monoliths and canyons and follow the Dinosaur Hill Interpretive Trail located in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area for some history on exciting finds at the digging site (optional). Driving Distance: 113 MI / 182 KM

Today you arrive into Vail, an alpine
village within the White River National Forest and
in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Vail is an
area popular for its winter sports, hiking, cultural
festivals, and is a favorite of serious skiers. An
amazing location for mountain biking, you are
encouraged to hit the road and ride through the
eastern side of Vail Mountain on the Village Trail
suitable for all skill levels. After a day of biking,
feel free to find your way to nearby Eagle County
where you can enjoy world-class dining as well as
spots to go grab a drink with the locals.
Driving Distance: 184 MI / 296 KM

On this day, enjoy more of the Vail
Mountain by expanding your hiking knowledge by
taking on some of the area’s epic trails. You will
have the chance to enjoy the wildflowers, capture
a picture of the stunning views of the surrounding
mountain ranges, and catch a glimpse of the
wildlife. Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola (optional)
up and follow the wooded Fireweed trail to
Mid-Vail, challenge yourself on the Berrypicker
trail, and enjoy spectacular views on the Grand
Escape trail. To add to your adventure, visit Epic
Discovery featuring zip lines, a mountain coaster,
and more (optional).

Continue your journey with a stop in Breckenridge, a quaint Mining Town and popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, then drive on to the Hossier Pass, the continental divide, before crossing Wilkerson Pass with views of the flatland and a beautiful mountain backdrop. Arrive to the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains at Colorado Springs and make your way to nearby North Cheyenne Cañon Park on the southwest side of town. At Cañon Park you can choose to bike or hike over 20 miles of hiking and biking
trails featuring prairie-to-peak ecosystems. Some of the recommended trails include the Silver Cascade Falls Trail for hikers and the Spring Creek Trail that serves as a connecting route between the Captain Jacks and Columbine Trail available for hikers and cyclists. Driving Distance: 142 MI / 229 KM

As your adventure comes to an end, make the most of this final full day in Colorado Springs. Spend some time at the Garden of the Gods where you can enjoy free guided nature walks or a self-guided hiking program by visiting their Visitor and Nature Center. Afterwards, explore the Broadmoor Seven Falls and hike to Inspiration Point, named after American poet, writer and activist Helen Hunt. At Seven Falls you can also check out their shop for gifts and goodies or admire the Rockhounds at The Eagles Nest gallery featuring quality minerals and fossils.
End your day by dining at one of Colorado Springs
restaurants that range from a high-end experience
to a country outdoor farm-to-table supper.

Leave the mountains behind and
embark on the comfortable drive to Denver with
an optional visit to the U.S. Airforce Academy
conveniently located along the way. In Denver,
explore the historic downtown dating back to the
Old West era, visit the mansion of famed Titanic
survivor Molly Brown or join a foodie tour to savor
this urban American metropolis with 200 local
breweries (optional).
Driving Distance: 70 MI / 113 KM

Transfer independently to Denver International Airport for your departure flight.