USA: National Parks Road Trip | End Los Angeles | 2026
USA: National Parks Road Trip | End Los Angeles | 2026
USA: National Parks Road Trip | End Los Angeles | 2026
12 Days Starting in Fort Worth and ending in Los Angeles (CA)
Visiting: Fort Worth, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Denver, Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, Los Angeles
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NPRTLA26
Recommended For:
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Wanna discover Utah’s finest national parks - with a side helping of sparkling city life too? This is the one for you, with your entry to Canyonlands, Arches and Zion sorted by us, epic hikes, ample selfie spots and some truly sumptuous sunsets in Bryce and the Grand Canyon. Kicking off in Dallas, you’ll journey off road for an awe-inspiring adventure – with arts, culture and seriously good food all high on the agenda.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dallas/Forth Worth To Amarillo
Location: Fort Worth, Amarillo
Accommodation: Home 2 Suites (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Gather round, roadies, gather round. The unforgettable US adventure starts today here in dreamy Dallas, and our first port of call is Amarillo. Let's go.
Here we are. In true Americana Style, we'll visit Cadillac Ranch – a unique art exhibit celebrating the golden age of Cadillacs. Next, we'll beef up our evening with a Texan steakhouse dinner (and all the trimmings too.) But before we go any further, has anyone seen Sweet Marie?
Day 2: Amarillo To Albuquerque
Location: Amarillo, Albuquerque
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Adios, Amarillo. Today we're making our way to New Mexico - next stop, Albuquerque.
This afternoon we'll embark on a unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to the Pueblo Cultural Centre - dedicated to preserving Pueblo Indian culture. Afterwards, you're free to explore the city however you like.
Day 3: Albuquerque To Denver
Location: Albuquerque, Denver
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll make a flying start to the day today - literally. That's right, today you have the opportunity to take a scenic Hot Air Balloon ride with your crew. Cameras at the ready folks. Afterwards, we'll make our way to dreamy Denver.
Here in Denver, you'll check out all the major sites with your Trip Manager and fellow travellers, including the 16th Street Mall, McGregor Square, Denver Milk Market and the famous blue bear - a 40ft statue outside the Denver Convention Centre.
Day 4: Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is your to explore Denver however you like. Don't miss the botanical gardens, the Art Museum and the Science & Nature museum. Plus, you could catch an epic sunset from the City Park. There's so much, and there's no time to waste
Day 5: Denver To Moab
Location: Denver, Moab
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll leave Denver in our rearview. But before that, you have the chance to take part in ziplining! Then, with Moab firmly in our sights - here, we, go!
Well hello there, Moab - home to rock art, dinosaur bones and plenty of national parks (which you'll get to know pretty well with Contiki.) Tonight we'll grab a bite to eat and then hit the hay - a big day awaits us tomorrow.
Day 6: Moab With Canyonlands And Arches National Park
Location: Canyonlands National Park, Moab, Moab, Arches National Park
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our mission for the next few days is a simple (but very epic) one: tick the Big 5 national parks of Utah off our bucket list, starting with Canyonlands.
Desert landscapes, with an almost perfect 8-shaped river running through it - Canyonlands is sure to stay with you for a while.
Home to over 2,000 sandstone arches and sublime views, you'll be posing for selfies left, right and centre here at the Arches.
Back in Moab, with a head full of beautiful scenery and a camera-reel full of awesome content, we'll hit the hay tonight, ready for more of the same in the morning!
Day 7: Moab To Bryce Canyon Via Capitol Reef National Park
Location: Bryce Canyon National Park, Moab, Capitol Reef National Park
Accommodation: Bryce View Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey, roadies. Today we'll make our way to the next national park on our hitlist: Capitol Reef.
Here in redrock country, your jaw will drop and the size, scale and utter beauty of Capitol Reef's cliffs and canyons. Enjoy yourself on one of the USA's very best hikes.
And if you thought THAT was amazing, wait 'til you watch the sun set over the spires of Bryce Canyon. It's romantic and then some!
Day 8: Bryce Canyon And Zion
Location: Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park
Accommodation: Bryce View Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we'll have a change of scenery and head to Zion National Park for the day.
Journeying into the Zion Canyon, our jaws will drop at the towering white, pink and red Navajo sandstone cliffs, surrounded by hanging gardens, soaring peaks, wildlife and birdsong. We'll spend most of today here, so pack some snacks and wear your best boots to get the most out of the day. There's no shortage of trails of all different levels, not to mention restaurants and cafes.
Back in Bryce, you'll have the chance to kick back with your crew and chat about what an amazing day it's been.
Day 9: Bryce Canyon To Grand Canyon Via Horseshoe Bend And Lake Powell
Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll journey from one canyon to the next. We'll finish up today at the big one, the Grand Canyon, but we have a few saucy stop-offs along the way.
A meander of the colorado river, which just so happens to be shaped like a horseshoe - Mother Nature, you've outdone yourself with this one!
This reservoir is visited by over 2 million people every year, and once you catch it IRL you'll understand exactly why.
And now for the one you've been dreaming about (even more than the rest). The star of your USA itinerary. Yup, it's the Grand Canyon. It's about to get extra special too, because tonight we'll be marvelling at the sunset from the South Rim. Charge your phone, clear space on your camera, and prepare to weep.
Day 10: Grand Canyon
Location: Grand Canyon National Park
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will be contemplating life, existence, and the immense size of the Grand Canyon with a free day to spend in Grand Canyon National Park. You can spend your day feeling a part of the wilderness as you go hiking through the exposed rock, but by far the most spine tingling experience at this natural wonder is one of our optional chopper rides through the UNESCO World Heritage site. Indulgent sure, but one of those life moments you deserve to treat yourself to.
Day 11: Grand Canyon To Las Vegas Via Hoover Dam
Location: Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With the timeless beauty of the Grand Canyon imprinted in our brains forever, we'll swap hiking boots for dancing shoes as we pull up in Sin City via the historic Route 66.
'Dam that's amazing!' This one combines natural beauty with human ingenuity... and the results are something else.
We've reached the one and only Sin City. Upon arrival we'll cruise the iconic strip & check out the Vegas sign. Feeling romantic? Stop by and see one of the many Elvis impersonators for a shotgun wedding ceremony, and maybe even get hitched yourself...(joking).Tonight, choose to hang out around Fremont Street or opt for a VIP nightclub experience for the kind of glitzy night out that only Vegas can provide.
Day 12: Las Vegas To Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, Las Vegas
After partying it up in Las Vegas, we'll take the scenic route through the Mojave Desert.
And there you have it, folks. We may have ran out of road on our USA road trip but things could be worse - you're in the City of Angels after all! There are plenty of activities here to keep the stars in your eyes, and if you're strapped for ideas, you could always set about planning the next adventure with your new Contiki family (just a thought).
Check out our Q&As
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Friday
Feb 09, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026Monday - Friday
Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 03, 2026Monday - Friday
Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 24, 2026Monday - Friday
May 18, 2026 - May 29, 2026Monday - Friday
Jun 22, 2026 - Jul 03, 2026Monday - Friday
Jul 20, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026Monday - Friday
Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026Monday - Friday
Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026Monday - Friday
Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026Monday - Friday
Nov 09, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026Monday - Friday
Dec 14, 2026 - Dec 25, 2026Monday - Friday
Jan 04, 2027 - Jan 15, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.