Southwest Odyssey: The Ultimate National Parks Roadtrip

After flying into Phoenix Airport, you will pick up your rental car for the short drive to the Four Seasons Scottsdale. Located in the stunning Sonoran Desert. This luxurious hotel is reached from a drive lined with saguaro cacti and offers beautiful views of Pinnacle Peak. Reflecting the desert tones that surround it, the hotel’s casitas are arranged around an inviting pool, making this a wonderful place to begin your Southwest adventure.

After taking time to acclimatize and settle into your journey, your adventure continues with a drive north to the awe-inspiring landscape of Sedona. Here, your sanctuary for the next two nights is the Enchantment Hotel, an architectural gem harmoniously integrated into the red rock formations and shaded groves of pinyon and ponderosa pines. Sedona’s dramatic red rock vistas and evergreen splendor radiate an energy said to rejuvenate and inspire all who visit.

That afternoon, meet your guide at the Adventure Center in downtown Sedona for an exhilarating 2-hour exploration in an open-top jeep. Traverse the town’s storied streets, uncovering its fascinating history, before steering off-road into Sedona’s rugged wilderness. The specially designed jeep, built for off-road terrain, will carry you over rocky trails and dirt paths, revealing vistas few have the privilege to see. Keep your eyes peeled for the swift movements of jack rabbits and roadrunners darting through the scrub, while hawks and vultures circle the expansive skies above. As you journey deeper, your guide will share the geological and natural history of Sedona’s breathtaking landscape, adorned with towering sandstone spires, buttes, and domes.

The next day brings a full-day guided exploration customized to your interests, blending insight with discovery. Your guide will introduce you to the region’s mesmerizing geology, rich history, and ancient legends. Traverse the famed Red Rock Scenic Byway, known as a ‘museum without walls,’ visit the iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross, and wander through the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a vibrant center for Native American crafts and artistry. For those drawn to Sedona’s spiritual allure, visit its famed vortex sites—Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Vortex—where the land’s energy is said to be most potent.

For those seeking an even deeper adventure between May 15th and October 15th, consider extending your journey with a two-night glamping experience on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. Here, you’ll find secluded luxury and unmatched access to the canyon’s raw beauty. Venture out on scenic hikes, savor the serene majesty, and bask in panoramic views far from the bustling South Rim, ensuring an intimate connection with one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

Today's adventure begins with an early departure from Sedona, as you head into the untamed heart of the American Southwest on your way to the iconic Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah. The journey spans approximately 3 hours, but the road invites exploration. Stop to stretch your legs and take in the power of nature at the volcanic remnants of Sunset Crater and the ancient ruins of Wupatki National Monument. Trace the fossilized Dinosaur Tracks near Tuba City and take a moment to witness the awe-inspiring Horseshoe Bend, a dramatic curve of the Colorado River that defies belief.

Arrive at Amangiri, a striking modernist retreat seamlessly blending into its desert surroundings. Here, the essence of luxury meets the raw beauty of the landscape. Spend your evening unwinding with indulgent spa treatments, lounging by the pool, or absorbing the stillness of the desert as the sun sets and the sky transforms into a canvas of stars.

The next day beckons with an experience that few have: an exploration of the area’s legendary slot canyons, led by a Navajo guide who shares their deep connection to this land. Enter Antelope Canyon, where sunlight pierces through narrow crevices, painting the walls with shifting hues of gold and crimson. For those seeking solitude, venture to Rattlesnake Canyon, its vibrant, rippled walls enveloping you in silence, or Owl Canyon, where the namesake birds may observe from hidden perches.

Choose between Upper Antelope Canyon, a natural ‘corkscrew’ where light and stone intertwine in a surreal display, or the more rugged and demanding Mountain Sheep Canyon. Here, the experience is defined by its wild terrain and the need to ascend ladders carved into the stone—an adventure rewarded by views that few ever witness. Your guide will share the sacred stories and geological secrets of these canyons, weaving the narrative of this landscape’s evolution.

The afternoon sets a new course with a private boat expedition on the deep blue waters of Lake Powell. With over 2,000 miles of jagged shoreline and hidden side canyons, your captain will tailor the journey to your spirit of discovery. Cruise into serene inlets, anchor for a refreshing dip, or venture deep into the narrow canyons where silence reigns. This is a day sculpted by the spirit of exploration, designed to leave you awe-struck by the Southwest’s boundless horizons.

Today, your journey unfolds with a scenic drive to Moab, Utah—an adventurer’s gateway to the sculpted landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, etched over eons by the Colorado and Green Rivers. The 5-hour drive carries you through sweeping desert vistas and rugged canyons before you arrive at the Hoodoo Moab, your home for the next three nights. Once settled, take the afternoon to unwind and explore Moab’s charming streets, rich with local flavor and laid-back energy.

The following day promises adrenaline and discovery as you embark on an unforgettable white-water adventure. Board a state-of-the-art inflatable motorized raft and drift along the serene upper Colorado River, where your guide will illuminate the river’s diverse flora and fauna. This peaceful part of the journey invites you to swim in clear waters, hike the river’s edge, and savor a buffet-style picnic on the riverbank. As the day intensifies, navigate downstream to the exhilarating rapids of Cataract Canyon, where white waters surge through the heart of Canyonlands National Park. For a more relaxed alternative, opt for a scenic calm water cruise and enjoy the spectacular landscape at a gentler pace.

The next morning, your private guide will collect you for a personalized exploration of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Begin with the Island in the Sky district, where panoramic views unfold over deep canyons and towering mesas. Your guide will reveal hidden stories of the land, from geological wonders to ancient archaeological sites, including rock art left by the Ancestral Puebloans. Follow the famous switchbacks of the Shafer Trail, descending to the Colorado River corridor and soaking in breathtaking vantage points at every turn.

Break for a deli-style lunch in the unique surroundings of Devil’s Garden before continuing your journey into Arches National Park. Here, venture onto backcountry trails that lead you up steep rock faces and into a maze of sandstone fins and shifting dunes. Along the trail, marvel at natural landmarks like the Marching Men, Tower Arch, and the Eye of the Whale. Your route takes you out of the park via an old cowboy trail, where fossilized dinosaur tracks provide a final encounter with the deep past on your return to Moab.

This morning, set out from Moab and embark on an epic drive to Springdale, the gateway to Zion, via the legendary Highway 12. This iconic route cuts through Utah’s untamed Badlands, offering a chance to witness three extraordinary national parks along your journey.

Your first stop: Capitol Reef National Park. Here, take a self-guided hike through colossal rock formations and stark desert landscapes shaped by millennia. Capitol Reef is anchored by the Waterpocket Fold, an ancient geological ‘wrinkle’ that conceals natural water pockets and some of North America's oldest fossils. Wander through the historic remnants of Fruita, a small settlement founded by Mormon pioneers in the 1880s, and visit the Gifford House and the one-room schoolhouse. Follow the Capitol Gorge trail, a 2-mile path winding through the canyon, past petroglyphs etched by early settlers and the distinctive water pockets.

Next, continue to Bryce Canyon, where nature’s artistry has carved a landscape of towering hoodoos and intricate rock spires. This unique topography, sculpted by wind and water, invites exploration on a variety of trails where each turn offers a new wonder.

Arrive early afternoon at Zion National Park, where the iconic red cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene blue pools await. Enjoy a final, gentle hike through this remarkable terrain before settling into the Cliffrose Lodge Hotel, perfectly situated on the banks of the Virgin River, just a short walk from the Zion National Park Visitor Center.

The following day, delve deeper into Zion's wild beauty with a private guide who will tailor your experience to your interests. Choose from a range of trails, from moderate hikes to exhilarating paths like The Narrows—where you wade through the sinuous, water-sculpted slot canyon of Wall Street, following the Virgin River as it carves its path through towering rock walls.

For those seeking even more adventure, a canyoneering session promises heart-pounding excitement as you navigate Zion’s hidden passages. Alternatively, relax in luxury as you take in the park’s vistas from the comfort of your vehicle. The day features a gourmet picnic lunch, followed by a visit to a genuine Wild West ghost town—an immersive step back in time where you can channel the spirit of the early frontier and embrace your inner cowboy.

Depart Zion in the morning and set your course for the dazzling spectacle of Las Vegas. Your destination: the lavish Wynn Hotel. This renowned sanctuary boasts world-class dining, premier entertainment venues, and even its own 18-hole golf course, setting the stage for a sensory adventure unlike any other. Las Vegas, with its electric energy and boundless offerings, is an experience that will leave an indelible mark. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of the casinos, savoring gourmet dishes by top chefs, immersing yourself in a first-rate show, or exploring luxury boutiques and outlet stores, this city is yours to discover.

The next day is yours to curate—explore at leisure or elevate your adventure with a helicopter excursion to the Grand Canyon. Witness the vast expanse from an unparalleled vantage point as the rugged beauty of this natural wonder unfolds beneath you, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that melds awe and exhilaration.

On your final day, take in the last moments of your journey before heading to the airport for your return flight home, carrying with you the memories of landscapes conquered and experiences that stirred the soul.