USA: National Parks Road Trip | End Las Vegas | 2026
USA: National Parks Road Trip | End Las Vegas | 2026
USA: National Parks Road Trip | End Las Vegas | 2026
12 Days Starting in Fort Worth, USA and ending in Las Vegas, USA
Visiting: Amarillo, Albuquerque, Denver, Moab, Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NPRTLV26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the USA's most iconic landscapes with the "USA: National Parks Road Trip | End Las Vegas | 2026" tour. Starting in Fort Worth, this adventure takes you through the heart of America's natural wonders, including the vibrant art scene of Amarillo's Cadillac Ranch and the cultural richness of Albuquerque's Pueblo Cultural Centre. Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque, explore the bustling streets of Denver, and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Utah's Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Discover the awe-inspiring vistas of Bryce Canyon and Zion, and capture the iconic Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell. The journey culminates with a mesmerizing sunset at the Grand Canyon before heading to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. This tour promises a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences, making it a must for any travel enthusiast.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dallas/Forth Worth To Amarillo
Location: Amarillo
Accommodation: Home 2 Suites (or similar)
Accommodation Name: 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: Albuquerque
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Accommodation Name: 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: Denver
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Accommodation Name: 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 and Denver Milk Market.
Day 4: Denver
Location: Denver
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Accommodation Name: 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: Moab
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Accommodation Name: 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: Moab
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Accommodation Name: 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: Capitol Reef National Park
Accommodation: Bryce View Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: 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 red rock 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, you’ll have the chance to go horse riding in Bryce Canyon National Park.
Day 8: Bryce Canyon And Zion
Location: Zion National Park
Accommodation: Bryce View Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)
Accommodation Name: 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
Location: Las Vegas
Accommodation: The Strat Hotel & Casino (or similar)
Accommodation Name: 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. 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
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).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Home 2 Suites, a conveniently located hotel, Bryce View Lodge, Red Feather Lodge, and The Strat Hotel & Casino.
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Meals
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.
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Included Experiences
Experiences include visits to Cadillac Ranch, a trip manager-led tour of Denver, and access to national parks such as Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Zion, and the Grand Canyon.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided throughout the tour from Fort Worth to Las Vegas, including scenic routes and iconic stops like Route 66.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as hot air balloon rides, ziplining, and helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Included Experience
- Amarillo: A rainbow-coloured art installation. Made from Cadillacs in the desert. That glows in the dark. Why the heck not?
- Amarillo: Whether you take it rare, medium or well done, your dinner tonight will be served with a side of unforgettable.
- Albuquerque: We’ll gather at the gateway to the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico for a truly unique experience, learning all about Pueblo history, culture and art while contributing towards its preservation.
- Denver: Your Trip Manager will take you on an orientation tour of Denver, exploring all the major sites like 16th Street Mall, McGregor Square, Denver Milk Market and more.
- Canyonlands National Park: So you can forget waiting around in the line!
- Arches National Park: So you can forget waiting around in the line!
- Grand Canyon National Park: You’ll discover the gargantuan beauty of Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and the Grand Canyon.
- Capitol Reef National Park: So you can forget waiting around in the line!
- Bryce Canyon National Park: Everything’s bigger in America: even the national parks. Red ‘hoodoo’ rocks and pink cliffs are the ideal backdrop for that magical sunset.
- Zion National Park: Navigate the red-sand landscape and see the epic canyon, hanging waterfalls and emerald pools.
- Zion National Park: Lunches don’t get more scenic than this!
- Bryce Canyon National Park: We’ll wake up bright and early for a morning hike across Bryce Canyon’s very own Wall Street. (Google it!)
- Lake Powell: You’ll be taken aback by its sprawling beauty!
- Horseshoe Bend: AKA the most-photographed stretch of the Colorado River, with very good reason.
- Grand Canyon National Park: So you can forget waiting around in the line!
- Grand Canyon: An experience you’ll want to relive in your mind. Over and over again. #travelgoals
- Grand Canyon National Park: So you can forget waiting around in the line!
- Grand Canyon National Park: One obligatory ‘road trip’ pic, coming right up.
- Las Vegas: As we make our way along the iconic Las Vegas strip, you’ll have the chance to pop out and get a pic of the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign.
Mode of Transport
Travel across the USA in style, starting from Fort Worth and ending in Las Vegas, with stops in iconic locations like Amarillo, Albuquerque, Denver, Moab, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon, offering a seamless and scenic road trip experience.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations such as Home 2 Suites, conveniently located hotels, Bryce View Lodge, Red Feather Lodge, and The Strat Hotel & Casino, ensuring a restful experience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experience is included in Albuquerque?
In Albuquerque, you will embark on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Pueblo Cultural Centre, which is dedicated to preserving Pueblo Indian culture.
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What activities are available in Denver?
In Denver, you have the opportunity to take a scenic Hot Air Balloon ride and explore major sites with your Trip Manager, including the 16th Street Mall, McGregor Square, and Denver Milk Market.
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What can I expect to see at Canyonlands and Arches National Park?
At Canyonlands, you will experience desert landscapes with a unique 8-shaped river. Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 sandstone arches and offers sublime views perfect for photography.
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What is special about the visit to the Grand Canyon?
At the Grand Canyon, you will have a free day to explore and the option to take a helicopter ride through the UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also witness a sunset from the South Rim.
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What is included in the Las Vegas experience?
In Las Vegas, you will cruise the iconic strip, check out the Vegas sign, and have the option to experience a VIP nightclub or explore Fremont Street.
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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.
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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