Canyonlands

California Dreamin' Tours are sightseeing / camping tours of California and the South Western USA, including, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Big Sur, Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park and more.

2008 Calendar of Tours

Book a Trip

The Alternative Tour

Canyonlands Trips

A Canyonlands' Trip takes in the major highlights of the South Western USA. During these tours you will have a chance to visit some of the following exciting destinations and parks; Grand Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas, Monument Valley, Hoover Dam, Zion Canyon National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, and more. All tours start and end at your prearranged meeting point in Los Angeles.

Destination Descriptions for Canyonlands Trips

Below are descriptions of all the destinations available on our South Western trips. At the bottom of these descriptions is a 2007 schedule of all the available trips with a list of the destinations which will be visited on each individual tour.

Zion Canyon National Park (2 Nights)

Leaving the city of Angels behind we cross the San Bernardino Mountains and enter the vast Mojave Desert for the first stop on our adventure, Las Vegas for lunch and a swim (never fear you will be back to Vegas on the last night of your trip). The first two night stops will be spent in the South Western corner of Utah at Zion Canyon National Park. Zion Canyon with it's shear walls composed of multi colored sandstone is the heart of this spectacular national park. The color of the canyon walls vary from shades of red to orange to yellow and even white. Though the walls of the canyon are shear and rise to over 2,000 feet above the valley floor, the heights are not inaccessible. There are several spectacular trails which thread their precarious way to the top of each rim. The floor of the canyon is a desert oasis which is what prompted the Mormon settlers to name this place Zion. The Virgin River cuts it's course through the center of the flat valley and provides much needed water for a multitude of plant and animal life in this hot, desert environment. It also provides several much appreciated swimming holes for visitors to this desert paradise.

Bryce Canyon National Park (1 Night or Day Visit):

Bryce Canyon National Park, is an option as our first nights stop or a day visit depending on which trip you are taking. Here you will have a chance to take a hike down into the fantastic shapes of one of the most unusual canyons on earth. Bryce Canyon National Park is not actually one canyon, but rather several small amphitheater like formations eroded into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The erosion has created thousands of strange rock formations called "Hoodoos". Hoodoos come in many shades of brilliant colors including, orange pink, white, yellow and red. They are formed from the erosional forces of water and wind but mostly water. Generally they will have a harder layer of rock on top which is what makes this strange erosion process work. If your trip includes a night stop then a sunset horse ride is a great way to see this special canyon, (ask your guide for details).The elevation in Bryce is the highest point for a night stop on a Canyonlands trip so expect some rather cool nights and hot days (Bryce may be a one night stop or a day visit depending on the tour you choose but all trips do visit this wonderful place).

Capitol Reef National Park and the Scenic Route to Moab (1 Night):

Leaving Zion and Bryce we embark on one of America's most scenic drives on the way to Capitol Reef National Park, where we will spend our next night stop. "The Reef" is an obscure and little known park but that is a major part of it's attraction. Within the boundaries of the park are multicoloured cliffs, narrow canyons, ridges, arches, spires and domes. The Reef like Zion is a small paradise in the middle of a vast desert due to the presence of the Fremont River. Within the park are many historical landmarks from the Mormon settlers and original Indian inhabitants. This includes the village of Fruita, so named because of the fruit trees planted by the Mormon settlers. In the fall you can pick apples and other fruit even inside the campground but what you won't find here are the crowds which plague many of the other parks during most of the summer months. The scenic drive from Zion to Capitol Reef and then Moab will also take us through the magnificent Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, as well as many other breath taking landscapes. Have your camera ready for this drive.

Moab, Arches & Canyonlands National Parks (2 Nights):

While staying in Moab, Utah you will visit Arches National Park. Arches is a small national park but within it's boundaries is the largest concentration of natural arches in the world. Though the temperatuer in the Arches/Canyonlands area is regularly over 100F in the summer the scenery here is spectacular and a must see.Fortunately hiking to most of the arches is not difficult because most are less than a mile or two and relatively flat. The one exception to this is Delicate Arch. The Hike is longer and steeper than most all of the others but a sunset dinner at Delicate Arch is one of the highlights of an Arches visit if not the entire trip. the Moab area is situated on the Colorado River. Aside from being the major architect of this rugged landscape, the river also provides much needed water in a thirsty desert. The water from the Colorado has been supporting life in the region for many years. Proof of this can be seen by the remains left by the ancient Indian tribes which once inhabited the area. Throughout the entire area are dwellings and records inscribed in rock by these past inhabitants. During your visit here you will have a chance to see some of these ancient petroglyph records which dot the walls of the canyons throughout this area. Aside from exploring the wonderful nature of this place on foot, Moab is also the perfect place to have some fun while touring. One of the favorites is to go Off Roading in 4 Wheel Drive Jeeps into the Canyonlands National Park, another option is to do some mountain biking on one of the many trails which Moab is famous for. River rafting is a great option in the Spring when the snow melt from the Rocky Mountains raises the level of the river to epic proportions. At Dead Horse Point State Park an unbelievable sunset awaits you over Canyonlands National Park (pictured above). The historic town of Moab itself has a great atmosphere for the outdoors lover and the nightlife is always excellent. A night at Woody's Tavern is always a hit with the group.

Natural Bridges, Butler Wash Indian Ruins & Muley Point (Day Visit):

From Moab we head south into the Indian country of Southern Utah and Arizona. The first stop is the Butler Wash cliff dwellings built by the Anasazi Indians. This is a small cliff dwelling but it is quite close to the road, rarely visited by tourists and with a little adventure you can get up close and even right into the ruins. Close by is the next stop, Natural Bridges National Monument. "The Bridges" is a National Monument and not a National Park. The difference is usually due to size or even of age. Many National Parks were Monuments before they were nominated as National Parks. Two examples of this would be Arches and Canyonlands. Natural Bridges are formed by running water which in the desert is rare, so natural bridges are much rarer than arches which are formed by a combination of several erosional forces. There are several short hikes down into White Canyon which we will take you to great views of these beautiful sandstone formations. From the bridges we travel through pinon and juniper pine forests right to the very edge of Cedar Mesa, where we are faced with a sheer 1,200 foot drop straight to the bottom and a spectacular view at Muley Point across the vast desert. From here you can see The Valley of the Gods, Grand Gulch Primitive Area, the Goose Necks of the San Juan River as well as our next destination, Monument Valley.

Monument Valley / San Juan River (1 Night):

Monument Valley is perhaps one of the most well known images of the American West. Countless movies have been filmed here many by famous western director John Ford. There is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of the film making industry in the historic buildings of Goulding's Lodge. The real attraction though are the soaring mesas which populate this barren desert landscape. Near Monument Valley we will be staying at Sand Island on the San Juan River, just outside of Bluff Utah. Besides being a scenic riverside campground Sand Island also provides the camper with a close up look at some of the most remarkable Indian Petroglyphs to be found in the area and best of all, swimming in the river makes this campground a real treat. Near by is a set of little known but impressive cliff dwellings which take a little effort to get to but the tourist hordes are absent here as they are in our campground.

The Grand Canyon (2 Nights):

From Monument Valley we move on to one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World", the Grand Canyon. The Canyon is probably the most well known natural feature of the US, yet your first impression of the Canyon may not be exactly what you expect. From the rim of the Canyon the breath taking view is almost to large to take in. The best way to cure this overwelming feeling is to take a hike down into the Canyon on the Kaibab Trail. The six mile round trip to Cedar Ridge and ultimately Skeleton Point takes you to an incredible view of the lower half of the Canyon and the Colorado River below. From Skeleton Point you feel part of this grandest of all canyons. One of the other major highlights of a Grand Canyon trip is a chance to see the sun rise and set from the rim of the canyon. People come from all over the world and wait in the cold predawn morning every day of the year just to see a sunrise here. Hiking the rim trail if you are not making the decent into the canyon is another great way to spend your day. Taking a scenic helicopter or airplane flight over the canyon as an optional activity, is the best way to get another perspective of the canyon.

Hoover Dam & Lake Powell (Day Visits):

Situated on either side of the Grand Canyon are two of the largest man made lakes in the US, Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Lake Powell is located primarily in Utah and is named after General Wesley Powell, Civil war Hero and leader of the expeditions which first explored the wild Colorado River. You can read about the harrowing adventures of this one armed American hero in his own words in the "The Exploration of the Colorado River and its Canyons". As beautiful as Lake Powell is, it is unlikely that the general himself would have advocated the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam. For years naturalists including Edward Abbey have spoken out against the filling of Glen Canyon and the controversy still continues to this day with environmental groups calling for the lake to be drained and the canyons restored. Now it seems that mother nature herself may fulfill this wish. Due to a prolonged drought in the American South West, both Lake Powell and Lake Mead have been shrinking for the last six years. Lake Mead on the Arizona/Nevada border was formed when the Hoover Dam was built in the 1930's. (named after Dr. Elwood Mead, Reclamation Commissioner from 1924 to 1936). The original name was the Boulder Dam it was later renamed the Hoover Dam after the 31st president. It was the construction of the dam and the arrival of thousands of workers which prompted the legalization of gambling in Nevada and the consequent growth of the city of Las Vegas which caterted to the more decadent tastes of the men who built the dam. Now the Hoover Dam is one of the most well known man made landmarks and most highly visited in the West. Before the dam, this area of northwest Arizona was largely unvisited due to the harsh, irregular terrain and the extreme summer temperatures. Now, the lake forms the major component of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 1.5 million acres that extends quite far south and includes 25 miles of the Colorado River plus the smaller Lake Mohave.

Las Vegas (1 Night Hotel Stay):

Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the United States. The "Vegas Strip" with it's lights and extravagent casinos can leave you in wonder, in bewilderment or just plain disgust but whatever you feel you won't forget a night in the city which truly never sleeps. Here you will put away the camping gear for good because you will be staying in a comfortable hotel just off the strip (Hotel included in the price of tour package. (All rooms are shared, double occupancy). Las Vegas has many attractions, casinos, nightclubs, great food, bunji jumping, roller coasters and more. Heck you may even want to get married at one of Las Vegas' famous wedding chapels. Sounds crazy? Well it wouldn't be the first time someone got married on one of our tours. Upon entering the city your guide will give you a driving tour, then check into your room, freshen up and go out to dinner at one of Vegas' many great buffets. After dinner it's time to hit the strip and party in the city which truely never sleeps. (Dinner in Vegas is not included in the price of your tour.)

Hollywood Tour (Day Visit):

The last destination of your California trip which is included in all our trips, is a tour of Hollywood. The Tour starts with a photo opportunity of the Hollywood sign in the Hollywood Hills and continues on to Hollywood Blvd. where you will see the footprints and hand prints of the stars, the famous Chinese Theatre, and the Kodak Theatre where the Oscars are held each year, as well as "The Walk of Fame". Finishing our Hollywood tour, we'll cruise the Sunset strip and Beverly Hills to see how the other half lives. Sadly all good things must come to an end and your trip will end at approximately 7:00 PM after the conclusion of the Hollywood tour.

Included in our tours: All lodging, camping, meals, (San Francisco and Las Vegas dinners are not included) park entrances, transportation and all the necessary equipment to make camping easy and you comfortable.

Be sure to view What you need to know page before you book and log off.

2008 Calendar of Tours

Book a Trip

Canyonlands Trip 1 7 Nights 8 Days June 11 - June 18, 2008 $640.00
Night Stops	Day Stops
Bryce Canyon 1 Night Zion Canyon 2 Nights Monument Valley 1 Night Grand Canyon 2 Nights Las Vegas 1 Night	Indian Ruins Lake Powell N.M. Monument Valley Hoover Dam Hollywood Tour
Canyonlands Trip 2 7 Nights 8 Days July 1 - July 8, 2008 $640.00
Night Stops	Day Stops
Bryce Canyon 1 Night Zion Canyon 2 Nights Monument Valley 1 Night Grand Canyon 2 Nights Las Vegas 1 Night	Indian Ruins Lake Powell N.M. Monument Valley Hoover Dam Hollywood Tour
Canyonlands Trip 3 7 Nights 8 Days August 5 - August 12, 2008 $640.00
Night Stops	Day Stops
Bryce Canyon 1 Night Zion Canyon 2 Nights Monument Valley 1 Night Grand Canyon 2 Nights Las Vegas 1 Night	Indian Ruins Lake Powell N.M. Monument Valley Hoover Dam Hollywood Tour
Canyonlands Trip 4 7 Nights 8 Days September 12 - September 19, 2008 $640.00
Night Stops	Day Stops
Bryce Canyon 1 Night Zion Canyon 2 Nights Monument Valley 1 Night Grand Canyon 2 Nights Las Vegas 1 Night	Indian Ruins Lake Powell N.M. Monument Valley Hoover Dam Hollywood Tour

The Grand Tour August 25 - September 10, 2008 17 Nights & 18 Days $1,290.00
Night Stops	Night Stops	Day Stops	Day Stops
Big Sur 1 Night San Francisco 2 Nights Yosemite 2 Nights Mammoth Hot Springs 1 Night Death Valley 1 Night	Zion 2 Nights Capitol Reef 1 Night Moab 2 Nights monument Valley 1 Night Grand Canyon 2 Nights Las Vegas 2 Nights Return to LA	Ventura Santa Barbara Monterey Bodie Ghost Town Mono Lake Death Valley Hollywood Tour	Bryce Canyon Arches NP Canyonlands NP Natural Bridges Indian Ruins Monument Valley Hoover Dam

Book a Trip

Toll Free Phone Number

1(866) 440-4440

2008 Calendar of Tours

Work in the USA

Mike Svoboda Photography

by Joseph A Toska

Last Revised on March 18, 2008