![Destination: The U.S. Southwest Parks](/assets/images/destinations_assets/dest_SouthwestParks.jpg)
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Activity Level
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 46
Southwest National ParksItinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, AZ | Scottsdale
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Upon arrival to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Take time to refresh before joining the group in the lobby to depart for Desert Botanical Garden for a special welcome dinner.
Overnight: Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains (D)
Day 2: Scottsdale | Sedona | Grand Canyon National Park
Thursday, October 16, 2025
After breakfast travel north through the cactus-studded Sonoran Desert arriving at Sedona's stunning Bell Rock Loop. Take advantage of photography opportunities of the magnificent landscape before boarding the motor coach to head into Sedona for lunch on your own.
Sedona is an enchanting Southwestern town with a bohemian vibe. Vast red rock formations provide a serene backdrop for various eclectic boutiques, cafés and art galleries.
Continue to Grand Canyon National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder that showcases the raw beauty of geological forces over millions of years. After checking into the hotel enjoy the remainder of the day for independent park exploration and dinner on your own.
Confirmed by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Lodging will be at one of the following properties: Maswik Lodge, Kachina Lodge, or Thunderbird Lodge. Each offers comfortable lodging and modern amenities.
Overnight: Grand Canyon Lodging (B)
Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park
Friday, October 17, 2025
This morning's activities include independent time to leisurely explore the park or an optional helicopter flightseeing tour of the North, South and East rim. (This optional excursion can be purchased in advance from our Guest Services team. Space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.)
Afterward gather with the group for guided Grand Canyon touring to Mather Point and the Visitor's Center.
Mather Point is a popular and easily accessible viewpoint on the South Rim. This location offers stunning panoramic views and showcases the canyon's incredible depth and scale.
Guests wishing additional time in the park can visit the nearby market for lunch items. Others can return to the property for on-site dining options.
For those staying in the park enjoy a picnic lunch and leisure time at Grandview, a favored spot for anyone seeking a bit of solitude amid the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. This was once the site of the Grandview Hotel, a popular destination in the late 19th century that quickly fell into disuse with few traces remaining today.
The remainder of the day and evening are open for various activities. Take a guided program that explains the geologic and human history of the canyon or walk the rim at sunset. Other options include strolling the trail of time, learning about the history and formation of the Grand Canyon at the Yavapai Museum of Geology, and/or visiting the historic Kolb studio to learn about the art of the Grand Canyon.
Overnight: Grand Canyon Lodging (B)
Day 4: Grand Canyon National Park | Page | Lake Powell
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Departing the Grand Canyon stop at Desert View to see the iconic Watchtower and nearby trading post.
Continuing to Page lunch is on your own followed by guided touring at Antelope Canyon.
Antelope Canyon's narrow passages and distinctive swirling rock formations are the result of water erosion and wind over thousands of years. The mesmerizing interplay of light against the rock formations makes this site a haven for photographers—shifting colors and textures create a dynamic visual experience unseen anywhere else.
This evening gather together for a relaxing dinner and time to unwind at the property.
Overnight: Lake Powell Resort (B,D)
Day 5: Lake Powell | Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Sunday, October 19, 2025
After breakfast set out on an exciting adventure in Glen Canyon—a rafting float trip down the calm waters of the Colorado River.
As you drift along the river admire various geological features including ancient petroglyphs, rock formations and the unique striations in the canyon walls. This float trip also provides excellent wildlife spotting opportunities—keep an eye peeled for eagles and California Condors.
Arriving to Lees Ferry there will be time for a market stop for lunch items and a picnic before departing for Bryce Canyon.
This evening settle into your accommodations then rejoin the group for dinner.
Overnight: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (B,L,D)
Day 6: Bryce Canyon National Park | Zion National Park
Monday, October 20, 2025
Today experience Bryce Canyon, a surreal and captivating landscape of intricately carved hoodoos, towering spires and vibrant rock formations. One of the must-visit viewpoints within the park is Bryce Point where the magic of Bryce Canyon truly unfolds.
Bryce Point's expansive panorama offers uninterrupted views of Bryce Amphitheater, a vast bowl-shaped area filled with a labyrinth of massive hoodoos.
Continue on to Sunset and Sunrise Points, each displaying striking geological structures carved over millions of years.
This afternoon following leisure time for lunch depart for Zion National Park.
Overnight: Zion Park Lodge (B)
Day 7: Zion National Park
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Enjoy a full day for independent touring of Zion National Park where your activity options are plentiful. Perhaps hike to the Emerald Pools, stroll along the Riverside Walk or take a ranger-led program. Visit the Human History Museum, which provides insights into the indigenous peoples, early pioneers and the park's natural history through exhibits and interactive displays.
Tonight gather with fellow travel companions for dinner.
Overnight: Zion Park Lodge (B,D)
Day 8: Zion National Park | Las Vegas, NV
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Venture into Zion for a final morning of exploration.
This afternoon depart for Las Vegas with time to refresh before a special farewell reception to celebrate your memorable time discovering America's Southwest.
The evening is at leisure to stroll The Strip or to take advantage of the amenities and dining options at the hotel.
Overnight: The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa (B,R)
Day 9: Depart Las Vegas
Thursday, October 23, 2025
After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take a complimentary transfer to Harry Reid International Airport for flights home. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch , D = Dinner, R = Reception
Activity Level
Moderate
The majority of the program’s activities will take place outdoors, and a fair amount of walking on varying terrain is to be expected. Many of the parks have dirt trails—but they are usually fairly smooth for walking—and some do have paved pathways and boardwalks. It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to walk up and down a flight of stairs, and get in and out of a motor coach without assistance. If you are able to walk a mile at a moderate pace, you will be able to enjoy all of the excursions. Also keep in mind that you will experience varying altitudes, rising up to 9,000 feet, to which you may not be accustomed. Guests should also have the ability to embark and disembark a scenic raft, have proper fit into a life jacket, and be able to remain seated and balanced in the craft.