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Utah Vacations & Adventure Tours

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Get ready to be transported to a land of geologic wonder on our Utah hiking and adventure tours.

With landscapes of river-carved canyons, towering hoodoos, multicolored mesas, natural amphitheaters, and sparkling waterfalls, Utah is an incredible vacation destination for families, friends, groups, and adventure seekers. Adventure activities like hiking, biking, white water rafting, kayaking, and more await you on a vacation of a lifetime! Our guided Utah vacations offer you the opportunity to be active, outdoors, make new friends, a create lasting memories. With small group sizes, endless personal touches from start to finish, and expertly trained guides our all-inclusive departures will surprise and inspire any age!

Utah Vacations for Families

North America

Bryce Canyon & Zion Family Vacation

4.8

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

 FAMILY VACATION

Explore the iconic desert canyons and windswept rock terrain of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks on this family-friendly adventure. The action-packed days and star-studded nights are sure to impress every member of the family.

Trip Start: Saint George Trip End: Saint George

Utah Vacations for Adults

North America

Mighty Five Adventure

5

  • Duration 9 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Explore the best of Utah’s National Parks; including Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Bryce Canyon National Parks. You'll discover countless canyons, soaring pinnacles, crimson-colored hoodoos, and cascading waterfalls.

Trip Start: Grand Junction Trip End: Saint George

North America

Bryce Canyon & Zion Adventure

4.9

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Over six days of exploring Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, you’ll hike through Zion Canyon, bike under towering red sandstone cliffs, stroll the Queens Garden trail, and behold clear night skies showcasing the Milky Way.

Trip Start: Saint George Trip End: Saint George

North America

Arches & Canyonlands Adventure

4.9

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

See for yourself why Utah is known across the globe as an adventurer's paradise. Explore the jaw-dropping landscapes of Arches & Canyonlands National Parks on foot, by Hummer, and with a paddle in hand on this six-day trip.

Trip Start: Grand Junction Trip End: Grand Junction
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When Is the Best Time to Visit Utah?

Utah has some of the most varied terrain in the United States. The same can be said for Utah’s weather. Snowfall can top over 500 inches in the winter in certain mountain areas, while in the summer, parts of the state can top 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall bring every type of weather imaginable. For us, our pick for the best time to visit Utah is the fall, when you can expect comfortable daytime temperatures and cool evenings.

Utah by the Seasons:

Spring (March-May)

This time of year tends to be the most unpredictable. Wet and windy one day, sunny and calm the next day. The desert areas will be the greenest during the spring. May is a great time to visit the national parks in the state as the average day time temperate is 82-86 degrees!

Summer (June – August)

Summer you will find the need for the most sunscreen! Temperatures range from daytime of upward 100 F in July/August and a low of 66 F in July/August in the evening so you will still need to plan to bring a light jacket.

Autumn (September – November)

Ah, the cooler temperatures start to return. Daytime highs are a comfortable 75-80 degrees during the day in September and October, but you should pack a jacket, hat, and gloves for the evening temperatures of 45-55 degrees. You can encounter light snowfall in the higher parks like Bryce Canyon National Park in late September during this time of year.

Winter (December – February)

Winter snowfall provides excellent skiing and adds a new beauty to the already gorgeous landscape. The average daily temperature will range around 34 degrees if you’re in the mountains or 55 degrees if you are hanging out in St George, Utah.

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How to Plan for Your Utah Vacation

When it comes to planning for your Utah vacation, it helps to prepare for the desert climate and a land of extremes. Here are a few of our tried-and-true tips of what to have on hand and how to plan for your Utah vacation:

1. Hydration and more hydration

In a desert environment, the summer months can be hot and dry with temperatures in July and August around 100 degrees F, so it is essential to drink plenty of water. Be sure to keep your water bottle handy and drink from it often. There are several filling stations located throughout the parks to ensure that your bottle stays full and of course, your adventure guide always has extra water on hand to ensure everyone is hydrated.

2. Layer and cover up

When you’re in Utah, plan to dress in layers. The elevation can change from 2,860 feet in St. George to 9,115 feet at Rainbow Point in Bryce Canyon National Park, which is only about a 2-hour drive north. We recommend conversion pants (pants that zip off into shorts when you need), and long sleeve outer layer with a short sleeve layer underneath. A hat with a brim is also an essential item to bring along or bandanna to cover your neck/head from the sun.

3. Apply and reapply sunscreen

Sunscreen is very important whenever you are enjoying the outdoors. Utah boasts upwards of 300 days of sunshine each year, and the ultraviolet rays from the sun will burn you easier at higher elevations, so you’ll want to stay extra protected. SPF 30 “broad-spectrum” sunscreen will provide protection from both ultraviolet A and B rays. Reapply approximately every two hours or as indicated on the label.

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Tips for Your Utah Vacation & What to Expect

Having traveled to Utah for years, we’ve learned a few things along the way. We’re happy to share a few fun facts and interesting features of Utah with you:

1. State Nickname

Utah is called The Beehive State. The nickname comes from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, who first settled in the territory. “Deseret,” in The Book of Mormon is a honeybee. Early Mormon settlers have been described as having carried “swarms of bees” with them. This nickname commemorates the industry of the people of Utah.

2. Precipitation

Utah’s annual rainfall varies greatly from less than five inches in Utah’s arid Great Salt Lake Desert to more than 60 inches in the northern mountain ranges.

3. Bring your Camera

Utah is a landscape photographer’s paradise. You have sandstone arches, tall pillar hoodoos, spires, towers, slot canyons, river gorges, canyon walls and shadows, silky water moving through carved and rusted canyons, weeping rocks, green forest, etc. It truly is a photographer’s dream!

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Ready to Roam? 20% off North America Trips

Limited Time Offer — Book by June 15

Make 2025 your year to experience an unforgettable national park adventure vacation. Save 20% on all 2025 North America trips* and wander the lesser-known corners of Yellowstone and beyond, explore the wild beauty of the sundrenched Southwest, or venture north to Alaska or Banff for epic adventure moments. 

Where will you roam next? Explore all 2025 North America adventures and family vacations and find your perfect trip saving a huge 20%. Be quick before spots fill up!

*T&Cs apply – see here for details.

Meet Your Utah Vacation Guides

FAQS About Utah Vacations

What's included on your North America trips?

Accommodation

We've spent years finding places to stay that are quaint, perfectly-located, and comfortable when we take you to the most amazing parts of North America. We offer a wide variety of accommodations on our trips ranging from locally run inns and first-class hotels to resorts, dude ranches and historic national park cabins. Accommodations are selected for their location, unique charm and history, and offer a true feel for the region. We strongly believe in the value of a good night's sleep and our accommodation reflects this. We also like to have somewhere comfortable to relax after the day's activities.

Transport

We're really focused on ensuring that we spend as little time as possible sitting in vehicles, and that we optimize your vacation for adventuring in the great outdoors. Our average driving time is just over two hours a day, and we make plenty of stops for bathroom breaks and sightseeing along the way. We use modern, comfortable 15-passenger vans for all of our transfers and a second van is added to most departures to provide more flexibility and more room to spread out while seeing the sights! Make no mistake - our trips are not typical bus tour vacation packages! Picture more of a road trip with family complete with good music, tasty snacks, and plenty of guide-supplied fun facts along the way to keep you entertained!

Meals

Just about all your meals are included when you travel with Austin Adventures in North America. We provide a wide variety of cuisine - breakfasts are typically eaten at your hotel on your own time in the morning before meeting up with the group. Lunches feature everything from elaborate picnics to roadside cafes to sandwiches trailside. Dinners are usually eaten at our hotel's dining room or a local restaurant with plenty of options to choose from. We easily cater to vegetarians, picky kids, and people with particular dietary needs. All our guides have food safety certificates and are well-practiced in the art of food prep and serving while on-the-move. You'll find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!

Guides

Our trips are all led by experienced guides who are very proud to work with us and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. Our guests are often drawn to North America by the beautiful scenic landscapes, promise of wilderness and clean air - and there's no doubt you'll find all that, though what you may not be expecting is to forge real, genuine friendships with your fellow tripmates, including our wonderful guides. They're hands-down the BEST guides you'll ever come across.

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Austin Adventures traveler, it’s highly recommended you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of travel delays, missed connections, medical expenses or injury, or lost baggage for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Protection page for more in-depth information and our recommended insurance provider.

How many people are there on each of our North America trips?

We generally take up to 18 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

Our adult-only departures require a minimum age of 16 years and our family departures require a minimum age of 6 years to join (7 years on our Alaska Family Adventure) and are a great way to meet other like-minded families who like to get outside.
Please note child rates apply to children 12 years and under.

How much luggage can I bring on the North America trips?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

What if I need a special diet?

We’re accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • pescatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • no pork (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
  • picky kids (send us a list of what your child will eat and we'll make sure to have it!)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in your travel wallet. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or in your Account.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20-30 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Paypal. All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get cash?

You'll be able to find a reliable ATM once you arrive to start your trip, within the township or at the airport you land in, as national park ATM locations are sparse at best. Aside from tips for your guides, you could bring US$200 and go home with change though some people like to bring some cash to cover a round of drinks, a few souvenirs, and dinner on "night on your own", although you could just as easily use a credit card for these purchases too.

Do you charge a forced single supplement if I'm a solo traveller?

We welcome many solo travelers on our trips – in fact, we get so many solo travelers and they always say it’s a great way to travel alone, but not actually by themselves. You’ll have an incredible adventure sharing your experiences with other like-minded travelers, and the best part is we don't charge extra for solo travelers, providing you don’t mind sharing a room. However, for bookings within 90 days of your chosen departure, a forced single supplement will apply if there is no other guest of the same gender already booked to share with.

If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room, if one is available.

If I book a trip with my children, will I be sharing a room with them?

Active Adventures & Austin Adventures family vacations are naturally about spending time with family and as such, most families opt to share rooms on our trips. At time of booking, families consisting of four guests with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at the guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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Utah Adventure Blogs

Why travel with us

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Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

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Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

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You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

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Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

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Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

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"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.