Itinerary Details
Day 1 Durango CO
Arrive Durango
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango. A transfer is included from Durango-La Plata County Airport to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Durango, located along the beautiful Animas River and within walking distance of downtown Durango. This historic town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with endless trails and opportunities for whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, and more. Settle into your river-view room before joining your fellow family travelers for a welcome dinner tonight.
Meals: D
Day 2 Durango COHorseback riding, hot springs, and chuckwagon fare
Saddle up for a trail ride this morning alongside a local cowboy, winding beneath towering trees with mountain views in the distance - and experience a tradition deeply rooted in the spirit of the American West. Continue your taste of cowboy life with lunch at a local sustainable ranch along the river. This afternoon, visit Durango Hot Springs, home to 32 natural mineral hot spring soaking pools, including 13 designed for guests of all ages. Tonight, step into the Wild West for a chuckwagon dinner complete with live musical entertainment. Before dinner, try your hand at panning for gold, watch a blacksmith at work, hop aboard a small train, browse old-time shops selling everything from chocolate to leather goods, and enjoy a playground made for outdoor fun.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 Mesa VerdeA mountain Jeep adventure & on to Mesa Verde
This morning, set out on a thrilling Jeep adventure through the La Plata Mountains, winding past aspen forests and rushing mountain streams as you hear stories of the region's Western heritage and keep an eye out for native wildlife, including mule deer and black bears. Following your adventure, enjoy lunch on your own in Durango before continuing to Mesa Verde National Park for an overnight stay at the only lodge within the park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated International Dark Sky Park, Mesa Verde offers spectacular opportunities for stargazing. Tonight, gather for a private family game night at the lodge before heading outside to marvel at a sky filled with stars.
Meals: B, D
Day 4 Monument ValleyAncient cliff dwellings & a historic trading post lodge
Discover what it was like to live in cave-like apartments carved high up in the cliffs and on the flat-topped mesas of Mesa Verde National Park like Ancestral Pueblo families did for over 700 years. Your expert local guide will share the history, architecture and spiritual stories of this amazing place today when you see the homes for yourself. Join a park ranger for a visit to the 150-room Cliff Palace, the largest and most famous cliff dwelling in the park; built between 1190 and 1280, it was once home to over 100 people. After lunch, continue on to your historic trading post lodge inside Monument Valley. Tonight, during a barbecue dinner tucked in the red walls, learn about Navajo culture during a fascinating presentation and cultural performance.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 Moab, Utah, USAMonument Valley & Moab
Embark on an exciting 4x4 excursion with a local Navajo guide who shares personal insights about the giant sandstone formations you'll see; learn about the legends and spiritual significance of the sights and the cultural traditions that live on in the tribal park today. One of the most photographed places on Earth, the towering formations of Monument Valley, sculpted over 300 million years, soar 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Combined with the surrounding mesas, buttes, and desert environment, it truly is one of the world's natural wonders.Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 Moab, Utah, USAArches National Park
Explore Arches National Park, driving past extraordinary rock formations sculpted by nature and stopping for up-close views of some of the park's sandstone wonders. Home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks, this red-rock wonderland is unlike anywhere else. Marvel at iconic landmarks like Double Arch, soaring 122 feet above the ground, and Balanced Rock, estimated to weigh 3,577 tons - roughly the weight of 27 blue whales! This afternoon, continue to Moab Giants, where state-of-the-art exhibits and life-sized dinosaur replicas bring the prehistoric world to life. Alternatively, enjoy free time in Moab, browsing downtown's ice cream shops and boutiques or relaxing by the hotel pool.
Meals: B, L
Day 7 Moab, Utah, USAColorado River rafting
Moab's iconic national parks are just the beginning of the natural treasures found in this area. Beyond town, rivers, forests, and sweeping desert landscapes invite exploration. This morning, take to the Colorado River for a rafting adventure, floating along the gentle currents beneath towering red-rock canyon walls that rise dramatically above the water. Along the way, hear stories of the region's colorful past, keep an eye out for wildlife along the riverbanks, and take in the breathtaking scenery from a whole new perspective. Back on dry land, enjoy a barbecue lunch overlooking the river and surrounding red-rock landscapes. Spend your final afternoon at leisure before gathering tonight for a farewell dinner, sharing memories of the natural wonders and cultural treasures discovered throughout the week.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8 Journey home
Tour ends: Moab. A group transfer is available to take you from ULUM Moab to Grand Junction Regional Airport for your journey home, an approximate two-hour drive. Flights should not be scheduled prior to 11:00 AM. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check in at the airport.
Meals: B
