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Southwest USA Canyons & Cultures

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Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: SSCS
Overview
Destination:
United States Of America, 
Duration:8 days
Type:Group tour (max 12)
Style:
Adventure,
Explorer,
Travel Period
April 2026 - October 2027
Discover the Southwest's most spectacular canyons and rich indigenous cultures on this unforgettable journey. Starting in Las Vegas, watch the sunset over the rim at the Grand Canyon. Head to Monument Valley and discover the sacred landscape and enjoy an evening around the campfire listening to stories and traditional music. Then journey deep into Canyon de Chelly with a Navajo guide who'll share traditional stories and insights into their living culture. Visit Mesa Verde National Park's UNESCO World Heritage cliff dwellings and trace the footsteps of Ancestral Puebloan civilization. Explore Durango's Mountain town atmosphere, then continue to Colorado Springs to see Garden of the Gods' dramatic red rock formations before ending your trip in vibrant Denver.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 11 am on Day 1 in Las Vegas. Please make your own way to the Joining Point listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.

2. On the final day, this trip finishes at approximately 3 pm on arrival in Denver. If departing this day, please do not book any flights before 7 pm.

3. There is no accommodation included in Denver on this trip. If you wish to spend more time in Denver, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information.

4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

5. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.

Highlights:
  • 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 11 am on Day 1 in Las Vegas. Please make your own way to the Joining Point listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. 2. On the final day, this trip finishes at approximately 3 pm on arrival in Denver. If departing this day, please do not book any flights before 7 pm. 3. There is no accommodation included in Denver on this trip. If you wish to spend more time in Denver, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Speak to an Intrepid booking agent for more information. 4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 5. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.
Standard inclusions
  • Meals: Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners.
  • Transport: Private transport.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights).
  • Grand Canyon National Park - Entrance Fee.
  • Grand Canyon National Park - Grand Canyon Conservancy (The Intrepid Foundation partner) guided rim walk.
  • Monument Valley Tribal Park - Navajo-guided backcountry jeep tour and evening cultural experience.
  • Canyon de Chelly - Navajo-guided canyon tour.
  • Mesa Verde National Park - Ranger-led Cliff Palace tour.
  • Mesa Verde National Park - Entrance.
  • Colorado Springs - Garden of the Gods.
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Itinerary
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Day 1: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park
Welcome to Las Vegas! Located in the heart of the Nevada desert and home to dazzling lights and world-class entertainment, your adventure starts here. After an 11 am welcome meeting, drive along Route 66 to the Grand Canyon, stopping in quirky Seligman along the way. Arrive at the Grand Canyon in time to watch the sunset on the rim – as the shifting light paints the cliffs in shades of red, orange and gold. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner and get to know your new fellow travellers.
Day 2: Grand Canyon National Park
Join an instructor from the Grand Canyon Conservancy's Field Institute, for a walking tour along the South Rim. As you explore the Grand Canyon’s Historic Village, your conservancy guide will share stories of the canyon’s rich history, geology, fossils and wildlife. You’ll also learn about the tribal communities who have long called the canyon home. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Maybe rent a bike to see more of the Rim Trail or join one of the park’s ranger-led programs to deepen your understanding of the landscape. Be sure to catch another spectacular sunset tonight!
Day 3: Monument Valley
This morning is a perfect opportunity to get up early and catch the sunrise before you say goodbye to the Grand Canyon. Depart via the eastern entrance, stopping at the Desert View Watchtower, then continue to the town of Cameron. Here, you’ll have time to visit the Navajo trading post and enjoy some lunch. At Monument Valley tribal park, you’ll meet a Navajo guide for a sunset Jeep tour through the valley – a journey into the backcountry where you can explore the natural and historical landmarks, sprawling rock arches and bridges, and petroglyph rock art. Then dig in to a dinner of Navajo tacos. As the sun sets and stars come out, gather around the campfire for an evening of cultural performance featuring Native American dancing, flute playing, drumming, chanting and storytelling.
Day 4: Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Leaving Monument Vally this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Along the drive, you’ll begin to see glimpses of red rock formations and high desert terrain. When you arrive at Canyon de Chelly, set out along the scenic South Rim Drive, stopping at viewpoints like Spider Rock Overlook and Junction. This afternoon, meet your Navajo guide for a tour into Canyon de Chelly. As the canyon floor is restricted to visitors unless accompanied by a local indigenous guide, this requirement ensures both cultural preservation and visitor safety while supporting the Navajo community. Your guide will share traditional stories, point out ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins like the famous White House Ruins, and provide insights into contemporary Navajo life in the canyon. Have dinner tonight at your Navajo-owned lodge.
Day 5: Durango
Pass through small communities and witness the dramatic landscape change as you gain elevation, moving from desert mesas to pine-covered hills as you travel through the high desert landscape of the Four Corners region to Durango, Colorado. The journey takes you through diverse terrain, transitioning from the red rock country of the Navajo Nation into the alpine foothills of the San Juan Mountains. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation of Durango's historic downtown, anchored by the beautifully preserved Main Avenue with Old West character. The town’s Victorian-era architecture and locally owned restaurants, craft breweries and galleries create a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to both history enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Your evening is free to explore the town and maybe choose one of the many great restaurants for dinner.
Day 6: Mesa Verde National Park / Durango
Begin your day with an early departure to Mesa Verde National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves over 5000 archaeological sites spanning 700 years of Ancestral Puebloan civilisation. Spend the morning driving the Mesa Top Loop Road, stopping at the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum to learn about the evolution from early pit house communities to sophisticated pueblo structures. Then set off on a ranger-led tour of Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America, with 150 rooms and 23 ceremonial chambers (kivas) built directly into a natural sandstone alcove. Your ranger will share insights into the architectural ingenuity of these structures, daily life of their inhabitants, and the enduring mysteries surrounding why these remarkable communities were abandoned in the late 1200s. After exploring additional mesa-top sites and enjoying sweeping views across the Four Corners region, return to Durango and have an included dinner at one of the town's great restaurants.
Day 7: Durango to Colorado Springs
Drive to Colorado Springs, passing through diverse landscapes from the San Juan Mountains to the rolling plains of the Front Range. Along the way, stop for lunch in one of the local mountain communities. When you arrive, head to Garden of the Gods – this public park features towering red sandstone formations that create a dramatic contrast against the backdrop of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. As the sun sets, the late afternoon light illuminates the red rocks with an intense glow. Walk the paved trails around Balanced Rock and Cathedral Spires. After, return to Colorado Springs and soak up a free evening to explore the downtown area. Tonight, learn why this town is known as a foodie haven by having dinner at one of the local restaurants, or maybe check out a microbrewery to sample some local beers.
Day 8: Colorado Springs to Denver
Join your leader for an exploration around Colorado Springs, then depart for the drive north to Denver. The journey offers scenic views of the Front Range as you make your way to Colorado's capital city. Your trip will end in Denver, giving you the afternoon and evening free to explore the Mile High City on your own, visit local attractions or make your departure arrangements from Denver International Airport. If you’d like to extend your stay and need help booking extra accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Intrepid Travel

Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.

Important Information
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*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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