Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest

9 night tour - Starting in Grand Junction, Colorado - ending in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A Tauck World Discovery Tour.

Celebrating 90 years in the travel touring business, Tauck offer the ultimate in luxury touring. Throughout the years, ingenuity and innovation, plus a focus on customer servce and authentic experiences, have grown Tauck into one of the world's leading travel touring companies. On your tour you can expect an itinerary carefully designed to create an unforgetable experience, ensuring the finest hotels, luxury motorcoaches and highly experienced tour directors.

Author and filmmaker Dayton Duncan on Tauck's ultimate Southwestern and Grand Canyon vacation: "When Ken Burns and I set out to make The National Parks: America's Best Idea for PBS, we were not interested in making a travelogue or a nature film. We wanted to tell the story of an idea – a uniquely American idea – that a nation's most special and sacred sites should be set aside, not for royalty or the rich alone, but for everyone and for all time. In our partnership with Tauck, we chose to craft our first tour around six national parks in the Southwest that evoke the haunting spirit of the desert – the spirit of the nautral beauty and the spirit of the people.

We'll take you behind-the-scenes to tell some of the stories of our days filming in the national parks of the Southwest, and you'll meet several people who helped us along the way. Through them, you'll hear rich stories and learn about the characters and events that shaped the parks – and come away with much more than a gallery of scenic pictures. We hope this trip will lead you to a deeper appreciation of the parks, create a lasting memory, and help you feel for yourself the spirit of these special places."

2016 departure dates:
May 12th
June 9th
August 18th
September 8th*, 15th, 22nd* & 29th
 
* Small Group Departures – Select small group departures averaging just 24 guests.
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: An amazing week begins in Grand Junction

Tour begins: Red Cliffs Lodge, 6:00 PM. A transfer is included from Grand Junction Regional Airport to Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab, Utah. The "Spirit of the Desert" defies just one single definition. It's the spirit of the moment, a mood, a feeling harmonious with nature yet transcendent of earth and sky. It moves the senses to create, the mind and soul to soar, adventurers to be bold. And, starting tonight, you will become part of its amazing story. Learn about the days ahead through filmed vignettes by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, who explains:

"If you really want to witness the national parks when they're most beautiful, you want to see them at sunrise and sunset - the times when we typically shot most of the footage for our film. Nothing quite compares to those parts of the day. From 10 am to 3 pm, standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon is certainly awe-inspiring; but standing on the rim as the first rays of light hit the canyon, or when the last rays of a sinking sun move through it, is an experience beyond words."

In the vignette, Dayton introduces the “Dawn Patrol” and “Sunset Scouts,” independent explorations that take place at these optimum times of the day; mostly optional, they create an emotional connection to the parks that deepens your appreciation of all they offer. Following pre-dinner drinks featuring hot and cold canapés, join us for a "cowboy cookout" dinner at Red Cliffs Lodge as Tauck's comprehensive national parks featuring the Grand Canyon vacation begins.

Lodging: Red Cliffs Lodge

Dinner

Day 2: Arches National Park... sandstone arches, then a float trip on the river

Everyone goes on a Dawn Patrol today with an early start this morning to witness the sun rise in the Windows section of Arches National Park; the first light of day on Turret Arch and Double Arch creates picture-postcard photography. You won’t believe your eyes – over 2,000 arches comprise the world’s largest concentration of natural sandstone arches. National park status didn’t come easily... first declared a national monument in 1929, it took 40+ years to achieve. You’re sure to recognize Delicate Arch, the amazing Balanced Rock, and a variety of sensational geological formations during guided sightseeing before returning to the lodge for lunch. Get set for adventure this afternoon when you depart on a scenic float trip along on the Colorado River* – rock towers, colors and light reflect upon the water like mirror images. There is an optional Sunset Scouts walk, then the evening is spent at the lodge, where you dine at your leisure and are steeped in the authenticity of an architectural style that defines the West. And your Arches National Park to Grand Canyon vacation crafted by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan begins...

Lodging: Red Cliffs Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: The desert from a Navajo perspective... and inspiration at Canyonlands National Park

You have the option this morning of joining your Tauck Director for a trip to enjoy spectacular views of Book Cliffs, Arches National Park, Colorado, and the La Salle Mountains. A lecture by a local Navajo connects you to the sacredness of the desert, to the ancient spiritual life that transcends today’s world. Depart for the fun little town of Moab, then on to Canyonlands National Park, whose countless canyons, mesas and buttes shadow the Colorado River and the Green River. These rivers divide the park into four districts – today you’ll explore the northern section, Island in the Sky, where among other formations you’ll see a famed pothole arch, Mesa Arch, overlooking Buck Canyon. There is no better way to experience Canyonlands than at sunset – and the setting sun, during a picnic dinner at Dead Horse Point overlooking the U-turn in the Colorado River, is nothing short of inspirational.

Lodging: Red Cliffs Lodge

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Flying over Capitol Reef National Park and on to Bryce Canyon National Park

Enjoy some free time this morning – go on an optional Dawn Patrol or visit the Film Museum at the Lodge (both on your own). For the past 70 years, many of the most famous western movies were filmed in and around Moab – learn about the filming locations and the stars who brought them to life. Vignettes today include Dayton Duncan’s insights on the best way to access the major sights in the national parks; some are available at a turnout, while others are inaccessible and require back-country hiking or an aerial overview – and that is exactly how you’ll tour Capitol Reef National Park today. Cross the Waterpocket Fold, which is sort of a “warp” in the Earth’s crust that runs nearly 100 miles, and see Strike Valley, the spectacular sandstone Capitol Domes that give the park its name, colorful cliffs, soaring spires and of course the odd monoliths. Arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park, home to some of Earth’s more whimsical geologic formations; spend some time at the Visitor's Center and enjoy some free time before dinner – there is an optional Sunset Scouts this evening.

Lodging: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Bryce Canyon and Zion, plus a talk on "singaways"

Another independent Dawn Patrol is available this morning – a hike along the rim of Bryce Canyon to catch the shocking array of colors illuminated by the first rays of light on the hoodoos below. More of a series of horseshoe “amphitheatres” than a canyon, morning walks reveal millions of pinnacles positively glowing... This afternoon, depart for Zion National Park; en route you’ll learn about the park’s complicated creation via a film vignette by Ken Burns, who shares his favorite memories of the park. Upon arrival, Ryan Paul, Curator of Frontier Homestead State Park Museum (formerly Iron Mission State Park), entertains with a lecture on “singaways” and the contribution of the Union Pacific Railroad to the story of the national parks. There is an independent Sunset Scouts opportunity tonight to the historic Virgin River bridge located at the mouth of the canyon.

Lodging: Zion Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Striking images on a full day in Zion

“I was so impressed by the red cliffs and wilderness surroundings of Zion Canyon that I determined we should... have it made a national park.” The words of conservationist Horace Albright set the stage for the expansion of national park designations in the Southwest, and the creation of Zion National Park in 1919. Zion’s most striking images are unique sandstone cliffs that range from towering monoliths to narrow canyons, changing in color from light cream to pink to red. Tour the park, with walks to Weeping Rock and the Court of the Patriarchs, then have some free time to explore as you please. Late afternoon, internationally acclaimed environmental historian and author Alfred Runte gives a talk on the history of the railroad in the national parks; he was on the team advising Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan during production of The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, and appeared in every episode. Those who wish a little time for personal reflection this evening might do an independent Sunset Scouts’ visit to the Virgin River, a tributary of the Colorado River that earned the designation “wild and scenic.” Tomorrow – we'll travel to the last of our six national parks for some Grand Canyon vacation memories!

Lodging: Zion Lodge

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Pipe Spring National Monument and on to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

A film vignette by Dayton Duncan tells the story of Grand Canyon National Park, and how it exemplified the struggle that often occurred when creating a new national park. Leave Zion, and en route to Grand Canyon National Park get a guided tour of fascinating Pipe Spring National Monument to learn about Paiute Indian and Mormon pioneer history. Drive to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, a place more intimate and less crowded than the South Rim, with fewer than 10% of the park’s total annual visitors. Following lunch, explore the North Rim, including the vistas from Point Imperial (absolutely awesome). Dinner tonight is at your North Rim lodge – a great start to Tauck's Grand Canyon vacation days.

Lodging: Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Today is a day to learn and explore on your Grand Canyon vacation

A Dawn Patrol takes in the fantastic North Rim – and remember, sunrise comes pretty early! Naturalist John Muir remarked: “The dawn, as in all the pure, dry desert country is ineffably beautiful; and when the first level sunbeams sting the domes and spires, with what a burst of power the big, wild days begin.” A talk by Marty Ott, former Superintendent of Zion National Park, takes you “inside” the national parks system and explains about life in the park. The day is free to explore “your park” as you please; optional activities include additional ranger talks about history, geology, etc., and mule rides. Or, you just might want to sit for a spell in the Adirondack chairs on the porch of the lodge with a nice refreshing drink in hand – and gaze at one of the most fantastic views on Earth. It's a Grand Canyon vacation memory to treasure...

Lodging: Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Grand Canyon vacation flightseeing to Las Vegas

A final Dawn Patrol takes in the spectacular sunrise, at your own pace, from the North Rim of the canyon. The last of our vignettes features reflections by Ken Burns about our own private memories of the national parks – these memories are not about the “views,” but instead they are the memories of those you shared the views with. Dayton Duncan’s vignette explains how the parks belong to all of us, and the need to continue to help to protect them for future generations. The most fitting farewell to the Southwest and this Grand Canyon vacation is a flightseeing trip from Kanab over the western regions of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas for your return home. Join us tonight for a pre-dinner drinks and dinner.

Lodging: Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Home or extend your stay

Tour ends: Las Vegas. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Checkout time is 11:00 AM. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in.

Breakfast

 

Your Tauck Tour Highlights

Exclusive to Tauck! Filmed vignettes by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan share their own personal stories and tell the stories of those who shaped the creation & preservation of the national parks
Six National Parks! On the ground or by air, explore Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Grand Canyon national parks – more than any other Tauck trip
Two Flightseeing Adventures! Fly over the extraordinary remote reaches of Capitol Reef National Park and see the Grand Canyon from the air en route to Las Vegas
Two Nights on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon provide a fresh, “new” perspective of the park; you’ll have a privileged, less conventional national park experience that is enjoyed by fewer than 10% of all park visitors
Local experts associated with Ken Burns's documentary, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, give special talks and lectures
Dawn Patrol & Sunset Scouts – independent sunrise and sunset spirit-of-the-moment experiences in the national parks, taking place at the best times of the day, for a rich and emotional connection
Insights and perspectives by a member of the Navajo Nation
Mild-to-moderate float trip on the Colorado River
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
23 meals (9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners), service charges, gratuities to local guides, admission fees, taxes and porterage

Your Hotels....

Nights 1 - 3 : Red Cliffs Lodge - Moab, Utah

Once you see its spectacular setting, you’ll know why it’s called the Red Cliffs Lodge. And you’ll soon learn why it bills itself as “Moab’s Adventure Headquarters”! There are so many things to do in the great outdoors here, from horseback riding, to mountain biking to whitewater rafting, to hiking and more. There’s even a museum paying homage to the many films shot at Red Cliffs Ranch and the surrounding area and chronicling early cowboy ranching. Your guest room welcomes you with an array of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. During leisure time, take advantage of the swimming pool, tennis courts or horseshoe pits, play a game of volleyball or just take a walk. After a busy day of exploration and adventure, enjoy a hearty meal featuring western favorites like ranch fired steak, and ribs at terraced The Cowboy Grill while you take in the magnificent views that surround you. The Red Cliffs Lodge even has its own winery!

Night 4 : The Lodge at Bryce Canyon - Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

The only “in-park” lodging at Bryce National Park, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon offers a rustic 1920s elegance – down to replicas of the lodge's original hickory furniture – this beautiful "in-the-park" lodge is on the National Historic Register. Cozy, rustic guest cabins feature a gas log fireplace and a private porch. This quiet and relaxed atmosphere, without televisions, allows the guest to get reacquainted with nature. Dine in the Bryce Canyon Dining Room, surrounded by the majestic Ponderosa Pine forest and the inspiring beauty of the park.

Nights 5 - 6 : Zion Lodge - Zion National Park, Utah

Zion Lodge is the only hotel in Zion National Park. Designed in the classic national park lodge style by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood in the 1920s, rebuilt after a fire in the 1960s and beautifully restored to its original rustic glory in the 1990s, Zion Lodge features hotel-style accommodations as well as historic cabins with two double beds, full bath, gas log fireplace and private porch. While there may be no TV to distract one from nature’s beauty, all guest rooms feature air conditioning, phones, radio alarm clocks and hairdryers, as well as a private balcony or porch. Red Rock Grill, Zion Lodge's restored dining room, boasts spectacular views of the park's magnificent surroundings.

Nights 7 - 8 : Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim - Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Located at Bright Angel Point, the Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim is the only lodging on the serene north rim of the canyon and it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Your rustic cabin, nestled in the pines, has its own front porch. Hiking trails like the half-mile Bright Angel Point Trail and The Uncle Jim Trail with a distance of five miles invite you to immerse yourself in the amazing scenery all around you. The Lodge Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, The Deli in the Pines offers fast service meals and you’ll find beverages, appetizers and snacks at The Rough Rider Saloon.

Night 9 : Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada

Located at the south end of the Strip steps from Las Vegas’ famous nightlife, entertainment to world-class gaming, the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is a non-gaming oasis of tranquility in the midst of the city’s “glitz, gambling and glamour.” Generously proportioned guest rooms abound with thoughtful Four Seasons touches, such as the signature marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub, separate shower and thick terry bathrobes, and amenities including a 42-inch plasma screen TV, in-room coffee and tea maker, CD player, down duvets and pillows (hypo-allergic pillows are available on request), hair dryer, refrigerated private bar, in-room safe, iron and ironing board. The outdoor pool, with arbors for shade, is inviting after a long day, as is the Health Club with its Workout Room overlooking the pool. Four Seasons guests also have access to the adjacent Mandalay Bay Beach offering a wave pool, a lazy river, three pools and 2,700 tons of real sand. Or perhaps you’ll seek relaxation and rejuvenation at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. The elegant and cozy Verandah Bar and Lounge is the perfect place to end the day with a nightcap.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

Single Twin/Double Triple Quad
2016: Small group departures* Sept 8th & 22nd Please call us Please call us Please call us Please call us
2016: All other departures in 2016 Please call us Please call us Please call us Please call us

 

* Small Group Departures – Select small group departures averaging just 24 guests.

Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Tauck. For more information please click here.
 
To book your travel arrangements:
Please call us on Freephone 0800 0336 335, We are open 7 days a week.
We will be happy to check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.
When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, we would require a non-refundable deposit of 20% or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.