Southwest USA Canyons & Cultures - 8 Days

Welcome to Las Vegas! Located in the heart of the Nevada desert and home to dazzling lights and world-class entertainment, your adventure starts here. After an 11 am welcome meeting, drive along Route 66 to the Grand Canyon, stopping in quirky Seligman along the way. Arrive at the Grand Canyon in time to watch the sunset on the rim – as the shifting light paints the cliffs in shades of red, orange and gold. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner and get to know your new fellow travellers.

Join an instructor from the Grand Canyon Conservancy's Field Institute, for a walking tour along the South Rim. As you explore the Grand Canyon’s Historic Village, your conservancy guide will share stories of the canyon’s rich history, geology, fossils and wildlife. You’ll also learn about the tribal communities who have long called the canyon home. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Maybe rent a bike to see more of the Rim Trail or join one of the park’s ranger-led programs to deepen your understanding of the landscape. Be sure to catch another spectacular sunset tonight!

This morning is a perfect opportunity to get up early and catch the sunrise before you say goodbye to the Grand Canyon. Depart via the eastern entrance, stopping at the Desert View Watchtower, then continue to the town of Cameron. Here, you’ll have time to visit the Navajo trading post and enjoy some lunch. At Monument Valley tribal park, you’ll meet a Navajo guide for a sunset Jeep tour through the valley – a journey into the backcountry where you can explore the natural and historical landmarks, sprawling rock arches and bridges, and petroglyph rock art. Then dig in to a dinner of Navajo tacos. As the sun sets and stars come out, gather around the campfire for an evening of cultural performance featuring Native American dancing, flute playing, drumming, chanting and storytelling.

Leaving Monument Vally this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Along the drive, you’ll begin to see glimpses of red rock formations and high desert terrain. When you arrive at Canyon de Chelly, set out along the scenic South Rim Drive, stopping at viewpoints like Spider Rock Overlook and Junction. This afternoon, meet your Navajo guide for a tour into Canyon de Chelly. As the canyon floor is restricted to visitors unless accompanied by a local indigenous guide, this requirement ensures both cultural preservation and visitor safety while supporting the Navajo community. Your guide will share traditional stories, point out ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins like the famous White House Ruins, and provide insights into contemporary Navajo life in the canyon. Have dinner tonight at your Navajo-owned lodge.

Pass through small communities and witness the dramatic landscape change as you gain elevation, moving from desert mesas to pine-covered hills as you travel through the high desert landscape of the Four Corners region to Durango, Colorado. The journey takes you through diverse terrain, transitioning from the red rock country of the Navajo Nation into the alpine foothills of the San Juan Mountains. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation of Durango's historic downtown, anchored by the beautifully preserved Main Avenue with Old West character. The town’s Victorian-era architecture and locally owned restaurants, craft breweries and galleries create a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to both history enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Your evening is free to explore the town and maybe choose one of the many great restaurants for dinner.

Begin your day with an early departure to Mesa Verde National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves over 5000 archaeological sites spanning 700 years of Ancestral Puebloan civilisation. Spend the morning driving the Mesa Top Loop Road, stopping at the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum to learn about the evolution from early pit house communities to sophisticated pueblo structures. Then set off on a ranger-led tour of Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, with 150 rooms and 23 ceremonial chambers (kivas) built directly into a natural sandstone alcove. Your ranger will share insights into the architectural ingenuity of these structures, daily life of their inhabitants, and the enduring mysteries surrounding why these remarkable communities were abandoned in the late 1200s. After exploring additional mesa-top sites and enjoying sweeping views across the Four Corners region, return to Durango and have an included dinner at one of the town's great restaurants.

Drive to Colorado Springs, passing through diverse landscapes from the San Juan Mountains to the rolling plains of the Front Range. Along the way, stop for lunch in one of the local mountain communities. When you arrive, head to Garden of the Gods – this public park features towering red sandstone formations that create a dramatic contrast against the backdrop of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. As the sun sets, the late afternoon light illuminates the red rocks with an intense glow. Walk the paved trails around Balanced Rock and Cathedral Spires. After, return to Colorado Springs and soak up a free evening to explore the downtown area. Tonight, learn why this town is known as a foodie haven by having dinner at one of the local restaurants, or maybe check out a microbrewery to sample some local beers.

Join your leader for an exploration around Colorado Springs, then depart for the drive north to Denver. The journey offers scenic views of the Front Range as you make your way to Colorado's capital city. Your trip will end in Denver, giving you the afternoon and evening free to explore the Mile High City on your own, visit local attractions or make your departure arrangements from Denver International Airport. If you’d like to extend your stay and need help booking extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.