Lakes, Forests & Canyons

Lakes, Forests & Canyons
11 days – 10 nights

Salt Lake City, Salt Flats, Kennekot Copper Mine, Mt. Pleasant, Fishlake Nat’l Forest, Dixie Nat’l Forest, Grand Canyon, Sunset Volcano Crater, Flagstaff, Phoenix, Seguaro National Park, Tucson

Nature, Discovery, Relaxation, Fun

This program may be operated for individuals or for groups

This is a suggested and customizable itinerary

Day 1: Hometown, Sat Lake City (6 miles)

Pick-up your car at Salt Lake City airport and take a short drive to downtown for check-in at your hotel..

At your convenience jump on the Salt Lake Trolley Tour for a 90-minute orientation tour of the city.

Day 2: Salt Lake City

Start your walking tour at the Utah State Capitol, an impressive building that, for nearly a century, has been one of Utah’s most prominent landmarks and is home to state government since its opening in 1916. Heading towards Temple Square, stop at Brigham Young Historic Park including Items such as the waterwheel powered by City Creek, a portion of the old wall of Brigham Young’s farm that stands in place and the gardens, all reminiscent of the farm once found here. The spiritual center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Square, offers free walking tours of the Temple grounds. The area also provides access to one of the most extensive collections of genealogical records in the world Family History Library and frequent performances by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Then, continue the Lion House built in 1856 as the family home of Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the first governor of the state of Utah. The home gets its name from the lion statue positioned over the front entryway. A few blocks away is the Gilgal Sculpture Garden that contains 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts. As a whole, the Garden is significant as the only identified “visionary art environment” in Utah. The rest of the day is for you to continue discovering the city. [B]

Day 3: Salt Lake City [Salt Flats] (221 miles)

On your way to Salt Lake, drive 17 miles west to Saltair, one of the very first amusement parks where families made it their favorite destination west of New York. Back in the big-band-days like Glenn Miller, Utahans danced the foxtrot and floated in salty waters on hot summer days at a pavilion known as the west's "Coney Island". Continue west for 95 miles to reach the Bonneville Salt Flats* (See tips) renowned for its high-speed race track featured in one of James Bond movies. After the visit and an eventual picnic stop, return to your hotel in Salt Lake City. [B]

Day 4: Salt Lake City [Copper Mine] (33 miles)

Dedicate part of the day to a visit Kennekot Copper Mine, of one of the most impressive open-sky copper mines in the country. We recommend you call the Rio Tinto mine and reserve a tour to best learn about the history of this amazing mine, see first-hand the gigantic scale of its operation, vehicles, and artifacts and discover how ore gets refined to become copper – an essential element in today’s technology. Rest of the day to rest and relax or to pay a visit to the Family History Library and do some research about your ancestry aided by one of the many attendants. You’ll be fascinated with what you’ll find! [B]

Day 5: Salt Lake City, Dixie Nat’l Forest (285 miles)

A large part of today’s trip will be driving through the scenic central and southern areas of Utah. Take I-15 south and drive 170 miles (about 2:45 hours) towards Fishlake Nat’l Forest spread around Fish Lake, from which the forest takes its name. The lake is considered by many to be the gem of Utah and is the largest natural mountain lake in the state offering trophy fishing and bird watching. Elk, deer, black bear, cougar and moose can be found in the forest, as well as wild turkey and mountain goats. The mountains are a source of water for many of the neighboring communities and agricultural valleys in the region. Find I-70 south on your way to Dixie National Forest. We suggest you have lunch at one of the many restaurants along the road before attacking the next 65 miles (about 90 minutes) to reach the park. Red Canyon, one of the most spectacular colored cliff canyons in southern Utah is located in the heart of the Dixie Forest. Visitors can experience its brilliant red spires and cliffs by car or by hiking one of the nature trails in the canyon. Weather-sculpted formations of limestone are contrasted by giant ponderosa pines. After visit take a short drive to Brian Head to check-in at your hotel. [B]

Day 6: Dixie Nat’l Forest, Grand Canyon (153 miles)

The North Rim, much wilder is only accessible from May to October by a long dead-end road (the rest of the year, the road is closed due to snow). As it only receives about 70% of visitors, it is much easier to be alone there to admire the scenery, even in summer. You can get there by the US89-Alt, then the AZ67 (you might come across a herd of wild bison on my way!). The viewpoints on the north shore are quite far from each other, and are only accessible car, has hands of hiking over several days. The North Rim offers only two possibilities of lodging in the park: the Grand Canyon Lodge North {a book as soon as possible) and a campsite. If you are ready to take the road, it is possible to sleep further north, at Kaibab Lodge or Jacob's Lake for example.

Day 7: Grand Canyon (UT), Flagstaff (216 miles)

To continue southwards, you need to drive around the canyon increasing the distance to your next stop (106 miles). The drive will take about 3.5 hours along highways with no traffic. Stop en route to have lunch when you feel a little tired and continue to the Sunset Volcano. The cinder rim of the volcano's cone is the dusky red of sunset, but the crater is only part of the story. Around 1085 the ground began to shake, and lava and gases spewed high into the air creating what we now know as Sunset Crater Volcano. When the eruption finished, it had changed both the landscape and the people who lived there. Today, it teaches how nature and humankind affect each other, and how rebirth and renewal happen in the wake of disaster. Drive or hike through the park that officially became a national monument in 1930 or take a guided tour. Then, drive 20 miles to Flagstaff for overnight. [B]

Day 8: Flagstaff [Grand Canyon, AZ] (160 miles)

If you leave the hotel by 6:30 am you can arrive at Mather Point in Grand Canyon’s south rim by 8:00 am and start your visit watching sunrise and first getting a glimpse of the Grand Canyon. Then, take the shuttle to South Kaibab Trailhead and hike to Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge. It's best to do any hiking as early in the morning as possible before it gets too hot (round 3 hrs). At Cedar Ridge there is a picnic area and bathroom facilities and you can have lunch there or at the Visitor Center. If hiking is not your cup of tea, you may join a Ranger-led tour. When you return, explore the main Visitor Center and have lunch. In the afternoon do a small part of the Bright Angel Trail, walk the Trail of Time and visit Hopi House. (about 2 hrs.) Then, take the shuttle along Hermit Road and visit some of the best viewpoints. For a little rest, visit the National Geographic Visitor Center. watch the IMAX movie, and have dinner. If you still have some energy left and don’t mind driving at night, stay a little longer after dinner and return to the park for some stargazing. Drive back to Flagstaff for overnight.

Signature Option: helicopter ride {you can check availability and book it here - make sure to book it in advance!)

Day 9: Flagstaff, Phoenix (155 miles)

The days of longer driving are past! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and start heading to Phoenix. We suggest we have lunch along the way and relax by the pool in the afternoon. In the evening you may want to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Camelback Mountain, a mere 10 minutes from your hotel. [B]

Day 10: Phoenix, Tucson (130 miles)

A 90-minute drive towards Tucson will bring you to Seguaro Nat’l Park (105 miles) home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. There you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset. After the visit continue 15 miles to your hotel in Scottsdale. [B]

Day 11: Tucson, Hometown (9 miles)

If your flight is in the afternoon you may want to relax in the morning or spend it at Papago Park, located just minutes from downtown, a park that offers exceptional hiking and a wide array of recreational facilities. Comprised primarily of sandstone, the range is known for its massive buttes that rise and fall throughout the park. The trails that interlace the area are generally easy treks. The smooth footing and low elevation gain make it a popular place for running and mountain biking. Papago Park is home two of the regions most visited attractions, the world-class Phoenix Zoo and the stunning Desert Botanical Garden. Additionally, the park boasts an archery range, orienteering course, Papago Ponds fishing lagoon, the Hall of Flame Museum, Papago Sports Complex, and the Papago Golf Course, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils' golf team. In any case leave with ample time for Tucson Airport where you drop-off your car and board your flight back home. [B]

[B] = Breakfast

Tour includes

Airfare Los Angeles-Salt Lake City//Tucson-Los Angeles
10 nights’ accommodation at hotels of your choice:
- Salt Lake City 4 nights
- Brian Head (Dixie Nat’l Forest) 1 night
- Grand Canyon 1 night
- Flagstaff 2 night
- Phoenix 1 night
- Tucson 1 night
Breakfast daily where available
Salt Lake Trolley Tour
America the Beautiful National Parks Pass

Nissan Versa rental for the duration of the trip including*:
- Automatic Transmission
- Air Conditioning
- 2 doors
- 4 seats
- Unlimited Mileage
- Sales Tax
- Local Fees
- Free Cancellation

* Chevrolet Impala for 4 people or Chrysler Pacifica for 6 people. Car models are just for information and similar types may be substituted,

Not included in tour

Airfare taxes and fees
Car rental does not include:
- Additional Driver: $90
- Child Seat: $90
- Booster Seat: $90
- Rental GPS: $90
Meals not mentioned under inclusions
Travel Insurance
Visas
Early check-in or late check out
Wi-Fi in rooms
Tips to guides or drivers
Expenses of a personal nature
Any item not mentioned as “Included”

Hotels

City	Hotel Name	Tripadvisor
Superior Tourist
Salt Lake City, UT	Hampton Inn Salt Lake City Central	4.5
Brian Head, UT	Best Western Premier Brian Head Hotel & Spa	4
Grand Canyon, AZ	Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Grand Canyon	3.5
Flagstaff, AZ	Hilton Garden Inn Flagstaff	4.5
Phoenix, AZ	Embassy Suites Phoenix Scottsdale	4.5
Tucson, AZ	DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Tucson Williams Center	4
First Class
Salt Lake City, UT	Little America Hotel Salt Lake City	4
Brian Head, UT	Best Western Premier Brian Head Hotel & Spa	4
Grand Canyon, AZ	The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon	3.5
Flagstaff, AZ	DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Flagstaff	4
Phoenix, AZ	Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort	4
Tucson, AZ	Casino Del Sol Resort	4.5
Superior First Class
Salt Lake City, UT	Radisson Hotel Downtown Salt Lake City	4
Brian Head, UT	Best Western Premier Brian Head Hotel & Spa	4
Grand Canyon, AZ	The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon	3.5
Flagstaff, AZ	Little America Hotel	4.5
Phoenix, AZ	DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley Scottsdale	4
Tucson, AZ	The Lodge at Ventana Canyon	4.5

Hotels will be confirmed at time of booking

Prices

From: $1,025 including airfare from Los Angeles

Add-ons available from all US gateways.

Price above, based on Superior Tourist hotels and a minimum of 6 people traveling together, is per person and may change without notice. Prices for groups or smaller parties available.

These programs can be customized for individuals and for groups

Changes to this program may be requested by phone (1855-55-TOURS) or using the web FIT Quote Request

Airfare

We also be glad to add the necessary airfare from your gateway so you take advantage of our special discounted leisure fares

Program

You may add or remove;

- Trip days
- Cities and sites
- Meals

Other options
- The program was designed with private services, however, we may substitute shared sightseeing where available
- If you prefer deluxe services we may operate this program including private driver, private guide and concierge service.

Quotation

Once we have designed the program the way you want we'll give you a quote within 2 business days.

Tour Code: US05SLC21DTT

Options

Lunches and dinners can be arranged for individuals, families and groups at top restaurants or any restaurant requested by you.
We can revise the itinerary to spend more time and provide more depth in those areas that you are interested on.
Any other changes to the itinerary will be accommodated depending on the facilities available in the area.
Car can be upgraded upon request

Group Quotations

If you wish to use these programs for your group or as the basis for a customized journey please either call us (1-855-55-TOURS or use the web Group Quote Request.
In either case our specialists will work with to refine all the details and they will get you a quote with 2 business days. Quotes may be obtained for the air and land portions of just for the lad journey.
Booking both air and land with us will represent savings for you because of our buying power and longtime relationship with the airlines.

We will also may have the choice between regular fares and special leisure fares not available to the public.

Others

* Boneville Salt Flats tips

There are no facilities at the flats, so be sure to use the restroom before you go.
There are also no restaurants or vendors of any kind, so be sure to buy food and water before leaving Salt Lake City, at the gas station off Exit 4 in Wendover.
Drive at your own risk — many unsuspecting drivers have gotten stuck in thick mud near the edge of the flats. Only enter from the directions below and never when posted signage prohibits it.
Cell phone coverage can be limited, depending on the carrier.
There is no overnight camping, so plan to return at the end of the day or find accommodations outside the salt flats.
Most importantly, you are visiting a fragile, one-of-a-kind place, so be sure to leave no trace. Pick up trash, don’t light fires and minimize vehicle impact to the flats.

The U.S. Park Pass

The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. A pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 or under are admitted free.

Passes are shipped with two empty sections for the pass holder. Share pass ownership with family or friends; each pass can be signed by two main pass owners.

Lakes, Forests & Canyons

Lakes, Forests & Canyons

Sign-up to receive our latest programs and news!