5-Day Utah & Arizona National Parks Small-Group Tour: Grand Canyon, Arches & Monument Valley
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Moderate — able to handle multiple short hikes (0.5–2 miles) and several hours in a vehicle each day; basic mobility required for park overlooks.
Overview
Five days, four national parks, and a string of state parks across Utah and Arizona. This small-group tour pairs big rim views — Canyonlands, Arches, Grand Canyon North Rim — with cultural stops at Four Corners and Monument Valley.
5-Day Utah & Arizona National Parks Small-Group Tour: Grand Canyon, Arches & Monument Valley
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You step out of the air-conditioned van and the desert takes a breath — broad, slow, and sun-heated. Red sandstone cliffs drop into shadow while wind plays along the rim, and a guide points to a faint line where the Colorado River once pushed its way through the rock. Over the next five days, this small-group tour stitches together the high viewpoints and close-up details of the American West: the sculpted arches outside Moab, the carved amphitheaters of the North Rim, the cinematic spires of Monument Valley, and the petrified logs of an ancient forest.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate for desert elevation
Bring 2–3 liters of water for half-day hikes and refill when possible; dehydration is common at both low desert and high rims.
Footwear for slickrock
Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction are better than trail runners; slickrock can be slippery when dusty or wet.
Sun and temperature swings
Pack a brimmed hat, sunscreen, and a light insulating layer — mornings on the North Rim can be chilly while afternoons in the canyons are hot.
Time your photography
Aim for sunrise or late afternoon for the best shadows on arches and canyon walls; for night-sky shots bring a tripod and wide-angle lens.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Red-tailed hawk and other raptors
History
This route crosses lands occupied for millennia by Indigenous peoples, including Ancestral Puebloans and modern Navajo communities; Four Corners sits within Navajo Nation territory.
Conservation
Park fees support maintenance and research; follow Leave No Trace, stick to marked trails, and avoid drone or noisy aircraft operations that disturb wildlife and cultural sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moab, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hydration pack (2–3L)
Keeps water accessible on hikes and prevents overheating during long drives.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on slickrock, dirt trails, and uneven overlooks.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Desert sun is intense; protect skin and eyes during midday stops.
summer specific
Light insulated jacket
Useful for cool mornings at higher elevations like the North Rim and evening stops.
fall specific