In the northern reaches of the state of Utah, national forests and wildlife refuges offer incredible opportunities to spot wildlife. In the southern part of the state, visit some of Utah’s world-famous national parks for prime viewing opportunities. In the Southern Utah desert, very hot summer temperatures mean many animals are most active at dawn, dusk or nighttime.
A bison grazes along the road to White Rock Bay at Antelope Island State Park. Antelope Island, the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, is home to a herd of 500 to 700 free-roaming bison.
National Parks and Forests
In Arches National Park, keep an eye out for lizards, snakes, birds and squirrels during the day, while nighttime offers chances to see kangaroo rats, skunks, ringtails, mountain lions, bobcats, owls and other animals.
Zion National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife with 68 mammal species living there. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, mule deer, foxes, rock squirrels, bats and other animals. To see the full array of wildlife, keep an eye out after dark. Due to the hot summer days, many of Zion National Park’s animal inhabitants are nocturnal and best seen at night. Mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and ringtail cats are just some of the park’s nocturnal residents. During the day, you may even be able to see signs of their nighttime outings, such as tracks and scat.
Utah is also home to several national forests and State Parks that make for good wildlife viewing, including the very popular Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
Utah’s state parks are the perfect place to see a wild variety of wildlife species. Visit Antelope Island State Park for a chance to see bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, bighorn sheep and countless bird species all along the Great Salt Lake. Willard Bay State Park is a good spot to spy nesting eagles during the winter.
Utah is also home to three incredible wildlife refuges.
• Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge hosts millions of birds a year, with more than 200 different avian species stopping by.
• Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge in Utah’s West Desert, off the Pony Express National Historical Trail, features 10,000 acres of wetlands and incredible viewing opportunities.
• Ouray National Wildlife Refuge is an oasis in the desert, and it entices birds from all around.
Utah’s Big Five: Las Vegas to Moab Itinerary – 6 nights
Experience the spellbinding state’s natural splendour and endless adventures on this family-friendly, self-drive itinerary across Utah. Setting off from Las Vegas, you will head to the Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks, joining expert local guides in each, before ending your tailor-made Utah itinerary with a luxury ranch stay in Moab.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Visit five phenomenal national parks in Utah, marvelling at remarkable rock formations and jaw-dropping views.
Self-driving allows you to savour the scenery and splendour of the state at your own pace.
Stay at the very best accommodation in each destination, enjoying an authentic western experience with a little added luxury.
Meander among majestic sandstone canyons on a sightseeing cruise on the Colorado River.
Enjoy eye-opening and utterly unforgettable experiences in each national park, guided by local experts.
Adventurous pursuits include canyoneering in Zion National Park and exploring the magnificent scenery of Arches National Park by 4WD.
DAY 1-3
Stay in a luxury and charming (50 rooms and suites) riverside lodge with breakfast surrounded by gardens, mere minutes from the natural delights of Zion National Park.
DAY 1-3
After landing in Vegas, pick up your rental car and set off towards the Utah town of Springdale, where you’ll find the charming Cliffrose Lodge, just a stone’s throw from Zion National Park. After a night to settle in, the next day is all about adventure as you embark on a customisable, privately guided tour in and around Zion. Options include exhilarating hiking, an introduction to canyoneering, a dip in a secluded desert oasis or exploring a whacky western ghost town, stopping to refuel with a gourmet picnic lunch.
DAY 3
Stay in an authentic Utah ranch hotel with a luxury edge with breakfast.
After driving to the town of Tropic, park your car and join a local driver guide for an unforgettable tour of the breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park. A hiking route can be tailored to your interests and skill level – from an easy walk along the amphitheatre for a unique view of the park’s geology to a challenging hike down to the canyon floor. All the while, spot the fascinating ‘hoodoo’ rock formations that are often said to evoke gothic churches, castles, animals and even people! Enjoy a picnic lunch among a grove of 2000-year-old bristlecone pine trees, then continue onwards to the best viewpoints that the Bryce Canyon has to offer.
DAY 4
Stay in an authentic Utah ranch hotel with a luxury edge with breakfast.
Enjoy a long, scenic drive along Utah’s famed ST 12 highway – considered one of the most beautiful byways in the nation – breaking for a guided off-road Jeep tour of the stunning Capitol Reef National Park. With your former ranger guide, explore 200 million years of geologic history revealed through white sandstone domes and rocky cliffs that are said to resemble capitol buildings and coral reefs. Admire Navajo petroglyphs and dinosaur bones before stopping for a scenic picnic lunch, then make your way to one of the park’s major highlights– the awe-inspiring Temple of the Sun and The Moon. Then, continue by road to Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa.
DAY 5
Stay in an authentic Utah ranch hotel with a luxury edge with breakfast.
Spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes of the Arches and Canyonlands National Park with a private driver-guide. You will begin with a visit to the iconic Island in the Sky mesa in Canyonlands, before descending the steep trails of the Shafer Trail, soaking up sensational views over the Colorado River. Next, it’s time to explore Arches National Park to the surreal Devil’s Garden – a striking series of rock fins and arches – where you’ll enjoy a delightful deli-style lunch. Continue your day with a 4×4 tour across valleys, past famed geologic formations and natural arches – including the Marching Men, Tower Arch, and the Eye of the Whale. Head back to the hotel via an old cowboy trail and stop to see dinosaur tracks.
DAY 6
Stay in an authentic Utah ranch hotel with a luxury edge with breakfast.
Your final full day in Utah is spent on a river cruise along the mighty Colorado River, passing majestic canyons and more stunning scenery, including Dead Horse Point. Disembark for a short hike to spot Indian rock art and ancient ruins, before returning to Moab.
DAY 7
End of tour.
Amangiri
I mean, come on, just look at it! Amangiri is one of the most secluded and exclusive hotels in the world, representing the highest calibre of luxury in the United States. Amangiri is unforgettably modern with its sleek sandstone architecture and exquisite use of Utah’s natural surroundings. Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park are its only neighbours, so you’ll be in fine company.
Capitol Reef Resort
Located in Torrey, Utah just one mile from the entrance of Capitol Reef National Park, this resort may not be able to provide the opulence of Amangiri, but it more than makes up for this in character and uniqueness. Each accommodation has its own unique characteristics, with a choice of guest rooms, luxury cabins, wagons and teepee options available.
Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hoodoo Moab is located in Eastern Utah and is just 10 minutes from the spectacular Arches National Park and 40 minutes from Canyonlands National Park. A beautiful year-round heated swimming pool and a full service spa are on standby to pamper you after a long day of hiking, while delicious American classics are served as a hearty and rousing reward for your adventures.
NOTES:
Summers can get very hot and the winters can be harsh, meaning spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Utah.
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