Grand Circle Experience 2026
The Grand Circle Experience takes place from September 13, 2026, to September 24, 2026.
Featuring a 12-day / 11-night journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the American Southwest. Starting at $6,999 per person based on 14 passengers in double occupancy, this immersive adventure includes professional guiding services from Southwest Adventure Tours, comfortable transportation, and 11 nights of accommodations throughout the tour. Highlights include a guided visit to Upper Antelope Canyon, a 3.5-hour cultural tour through Monument Valley, round-trip deluxe-class tickets aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through Cascade Canyon, and an exciting Hell's Revenge Sunset Jeep Tour. The package also includes 8 breakfasts, 11 lunches, all park entrance fees, applicable taxes and fees, plus a fully detailed recommendations package complete with itineraries, maps, hiking suggestions, weather guidance, restaurant recommendations, and more for a seamless and unforgettable Southwestern adventure.
Grand Circle Experience Itinerary
Day 1: September 13, 2026
Denver to Durango
Begin your Grand Circle Experience by meeting your guide from Southwest Adventure Tours and traveling through the breathtaking mountain scenery of Colorado en route to Durango. This scenic full-day drive takes you through the beautiful Gunnison National Forest and Rio Grande National Forest, with stops in the charming mountain towns of Leadville and Salida along the way. Upon arrival in Durango, enjoy free time to explore the town’s historic downtown, restaurants, and mountain atmosphere before checking in at Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn or a similar hotel for the evening. Lunch is included today.
Day 2: September 14, 2026
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Today, experience one of Colorado’s most iconic rail journeys aboard the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the San Juan National Forest aboard a vintage steam train as you follow the scenic Animas River deep into the Rocky Mountains on your way to the historic mining town of Silverton. During this unforgettable roundtrip journey, enjoy spectacular canyon views, dramatic cliffs, the famous Horseshoe Curve, and the remote beauty of the Animas River Gorge while disconnecting from the modern world with no cell service or Wi-Fi along the route. Spend free time exploring Silverton’s historic streets, shops, restaurants, and local attractions before returning to Durango in the afternoon. The remainder of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy the charming atmosphere of downtown Durango. Breakfast is included today, along with deluxe-class train tickets for this memorable rail adventure.
Day 3: September 15, 2026
Mesa Verde National Park & Four Corners
After checking out of Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, continue your Grand Circle Experience with a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, home to the remarkable cliff dwellings and ancient communities of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived in the region for over 700 years. Explore the fascinating archaeological sites and dramatic mesa landscapes before traveling to Four Corners Monument, the only location in the United States where four states meet. Here, browse the local artisan market featuring authentic Native American artwork and handmade crafts. Afterward, journey into Utah to the peaceful desert town of Bluff, where you’ll check in at Bluff Dwellings Resort or a similar resort and enjoy the evening at leisure. Breakfast and lunch are included today.
Day 4: September 16, 2026
Monument Valley & Cultural Tour
After checking out of Bluff Dwellings Resort, travel to the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley for an immersive 3.5-hour backcountry cultural tour led by local Navajo guides. Explore the stunning red rock formations and scenic overlooks of Monument Valley Tribal Park while learning about Navajo traditions, history, native plants, and daily life through storytelling and a traditional Hogan demonstration. After your cultural experience, continue south toward Grand Canyon National Park with a stop at Cameron Trading Post to browse authentic Native American art, jewelry, and local cuisine. Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon, visit spectacular viewpoints along Desert View Drive including Moran Point, Grandview Point, and the famous Mather Point, where sweeping views of the canyon, the Colorado River, and the distant North Rim create an unforgettable sunset experience. End the day by checking in at Maswik Lodge South or a similar lodge and enjoy the evening at leisure. Lunch is included today.
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Day 5: September 17, 2026
Grand Canyon National Park & Horseshoe Bend
After checking out of Maswik Lodge South, begin your morning with an unforgettable hike below the rim of Grand Canyon National Park along the scenic South Kaibab Trail. Choose between a hike to Cedar Ridge or the more challenging Skeleton Point, both offering breathtaking panoramic views deep into the canyon. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Tusayan Ruins and Museum to learn about the ancestral Puebloan people who once inhabited the region. In the afternoon, travel north to Page and end the day at the iconic Horseshoe Bend, where you’ll witness a spectacular sunset overlooking the dramatic curve of the Colorado River. Afterward, check in at Hyatt Place Page / Lake Powell or a similar hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Lunch is included today.
Day 6: September 18, 2026
Antelope Canyon Tour & Pink Sand Dunes State Park
After checking out of Hyatt Place Page / Lake Powell, begin the day with a guided tour of the breathtaking Upper Antelope Canyon led by local Navajo guides. Travel by 4x4 vehicle to the canyon entrance before walking through the famous sandstone slot canyon known for its flowing rock formations, dramatic light beams, and vibrant colors shaped by wind and water over thousands of years. Along the way, learn about the canyon’s geology, history, and Navajo cultural significance while stopping at some of the most photogenic locations in the Southwest. Afterward, continue west to Kanab with a visit to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park to admire its unique rolling pink sand dunes and desert scenery. End the day by checking in at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kanab or a similar hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Breakfast and lunch are included today.
Day 7: September 19, 2026
Zion National Park
Today, discover the incredible landscapes of Zion National Park as you spend the day exploring the park’s towering sandstone cliffs, scenic canyon views, and iconic hiking trails. Travel through Zion’s spectacular Main Canyon and enjoy hikes such as the Emerald Pools Trail for hidden waterfalls and lush desert scenery, or stroll along the Riverside Walk beside the Virgin River toward the entrance of the famous Narrows. Later in the afternoon, continue to the eastern side of Zion, passing through the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel before hiking the scenic Canyon Overlook Trail for breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon and Petrified Sand Dunes, an unforgettable location to watch the sunset. After a full day of adventure and sightseeing, enjoy the evening at leisure. Breakfast and lunch are included today.
Day 8: September 20, 2026
Bryce Canyon National Park
After checking out of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kanab, travel along scenic Highway 12 to the breathtaking landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park. Spend the day exploring the park’s famous red rock hoodoos and dramatic amphitheaters with stops at iconic viewpoints including Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, Natural Bridge, and Rainbow Point. Enjoy the option to hike below the rim on the scenic Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop Trail for an up-close view of the towering rock formations, or simply stroll along the rim to admire the panoramic scenery. Later in the afternoon, visit Mossy Cave Trail for an easy hike featuring a hidden waterfall before returning to the amphitheater area to witness a spectacular sunset over the canyon’s colorful hoodoos. End the day by checking in at Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn or a similar hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Breakfast and lunch are included today.
Day 9: September 21, 2026
Capitol Reef National Park
After checking out of Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn, begin the day with a breathtaking sunrise over the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park before continuing north to Capitol Reef National Park. Once inside the park, explore its colorful cliffs, towering rock formations, and fascinating ancient petroglyphs and pictographs left behind by early Indigenous cultures. Enjoy scenic stops along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and Panorama Point while taking in the park’s dramatic desert landscapes. For those interested in hiking, the moderate Hickman Bridge Trail leads to a stunning natural bridge soaring above the Fremont River. After a full day of exploration, continue to the charming town of Torrey and check in at Capitol Reef Resort or a similar resort for the evening. Breakfast and lunch are included today.
Day 10: September 22, 2026
Goblin Valley & Canyonlands National Park
After checking out of Capitol Reef Resort, continue your Grand Circle Experience with a scenic drive toward Canyonlands National Park. Along the way, stop at the surreal landscape of Goblin Valley State Park, known for its unusual mushroom-shaped rock formations. Once in Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district, explore dramatic viewpoints such as Mesa Arch and Grand View Point, where sweeping canyons stretch as far as the eye can see. In the late afternoon, continue to Dead Horse Point State Park for a stunning sunset over the Colorado River and deep canyonlands. Afterward, arrive in the adventure town of Moab to enjoy free time exploring its restaurants, breweries, and shops before checking in at Hyatt Place Moab or a similar hotel. Lunch is included today.
Day 11: September 23, 2026
Arches National Park & Sunset Jeep Tour
Today, explore the dramatic landscapes of Arches National Park, beginning with iconic viewpoints such as Park Avenue and Courthouse Towers before visiting Balanced Rock and the Delicate Arch Overlook for sweeping desert scenery. Continue with a scenic hike to Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural arches in the world, then explore the Windows Section, including Double Arch, North and South Windows, and the Turret Arch Loop. In the late afternoon, experience an unforgettable off-road adventure with the Hell's Revenge Sunset Jeep Tour, where a guided open-air Jeep ride takes you across rugged slickrock terrain, sandstone fins, and steep climbs while learning about the geology and history of the region. As the sun sets, the desert transforms into a glowing landscape of red rock and golden light, creating a spectacular finale to your day in Moab. Breakfast and lunch are included today.
Day 12: September 24, 2026
Departure
After checking out of Hyatt Place Moab, begin your final travel day on the Grand Circle Experience with a scenic drive back toward Denver. Enjoy one last look at the dramatic desert landscapes and mountain views of the American Southwest during the journey before arriving in Denver, where you’ll bid farewell to your guide from Southwest Adventure Tours and conclude your unforgettable 12-day adventure. Breakfast and lunch are included today.
Trip Cost Includes
Cost Includes
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Southwest Adventure Tours Guide.
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Comfortable Transportation.
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11 Nights lodging as listed below.
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Upper Antelope Canyon Tour.
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3 1/2 Hour Monument Valley Cultural Tour.
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Roundtrip Deluxe Class Tickets on the Durango Cascade Canyon Train.
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Hell's Revenge Sunset Jeep Tour.
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8 Breakfasts.
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11 Lunches.
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All Park Entrance Fees.
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Applicable Taxes and Fees.
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Fully Detailed Recommendations Package with detailed itinerary, maps, hiking, weather, restaurant
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recommendations and more.
NOT INLCUDED:
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Airfare.
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Meals not Mentioned.
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Guide Gratuity.
Trip Pricing
14 Pax in Double Occupancy - $6,999pp
12 Pax in Double Occupancy - $7,255pp
10 Pax in Double Occupancy - $7,628pp
8 Pax in Double Occupancy - $8,340pp
Single occupancy - Add $2,470pp
Triple occupancy - Deduct $672pp
Quad occupancy - Deduct $998pp
Proposal Policy: Proposal prices are only guaranteed for 48 hours.
Deposit Policy: Scheduled Departures, Day Tours, Custom Private Guided, Self-Drive Tours.
* Minimum 25% deposit is due at time of reservation.
* Payment in full is due 30 days prior to departure on all Scheduled Departures.
Cancellation Policy: Please notify us in writing if you need to cancel or reschedule.
* All cancellations are subject to a non-refundable 10% cancellation fee of the full price of the tour.
* All tours that are rescheduled within 30 days of the tour are subject to a non-refundable 10% cancellation fee of the full price of the tour.
*Any changes to the reservation once deposited will be charged a $250.00 fee per change and any increase in the cost will be charged to the customer.
* No refunds for cancellations within 30 days of departure for all multi-day tours. Instead we offer a tour credit of the remaining monies to apply to a future tour or trip for 2 years from the day of the cancellation.
* No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of departure for all day tours and activities. Instead we offer a tour credit of the remaining monies to apply to a future tour or trip for 2 years from the day of the cancellation.
* Tour must meet the minimum number of participants necessary to operate the tour or we will have to cancel.
Itinerary Variations: Tours are usually planned months or even a year or more in advance. Between planning time and operation, we constantly strive to improve each itinerary and add to your convenience and enjoyment. However, should improvements be made and/or unforeseen conditions beyond our control deem change necessary; we reserve the right to do so. This may result in varying itineraries and substitute facilities or attractions of equivalent or better value. In the event of national or local holidays, certain listed features i.e.. museums, attractions, etc., may be affected or unavailable. If cancellation of a scheduled activity is encountered, we will endeavor to provide a suitable substitute if at all possible.