Utah in winter… You thought about it, we did it! Beauty of lights and contrasts, it’s time to discover the other face of fabulous national parks and canyons. The winter sun and the caps of snow on the red rocks provide exceptional luminosity. Utah is home to 5 of the most spectacular National Parks: Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and, let’s face it, one of our favorites, Zion National Park. Add the majestic Monument Valley, ancestral Native American land, a few state parks or confidential slot canyons and hikes each as surprising as the next, and your discovery will be unique and poetic… all without the traditional summer crowds. And a surprise full of contrasts at the end of your stay: ski in Park City and have fun on the snowy slopes. So, be original and let yourself be tempted by the winter magic of Utah!
Day 1 : France – Salt Lake City
Arrival and collection of your vehicle at the airport. Welcome to Salt Lake City, the state capital. Located on the shores of the Great Salt Lake to which it owes its name and with the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop, Salt Lake City skilfully blends historical heritage and contemporary dynamism. The Gold Rush and the arrival of the Mormons in 1847 allowed Salt Lake City to develop rapidly, but nowadays it is its urban dynamism that attracts students and young executives from all over the country. After checking into your hotel, take advantage of your afternoon to discover Temple Square, the world headquarters of the Mormon Church, or stroll around the impressive copper-domed Capitol, which overlooks the city. Night at the hotel.
Day 2 : Salt Lake City – Moab (about 4 hours)
This morning before leaving Salt Lake, visit the magnificent Utah Museum of Natural History: in an ultra-modern building, this playful and interactive natural history museum allows you to understand the geological and anthropological evolution of the region. of the Colorado Plateau. Don’t miss the dinosaur gallery and rooms devoted to Native American history. This discovery will allow you to better understand your trip from a geological and historical point of view (optional). After the visit, head for eastern Utah to reach Moab. A real paradise for outdoor sports to practice all year round, Moab is renowned for its proximity to a state park, Dead Horse Point, but above all two famous national parks: Arches National Park and Canyonlands. Installation at the hotel. To finish the day, we recommend that you go and admire the sublime winter light on Delicate Arch in Arches National Park: this natural arch formed by erosion is one of the symbols of Utah. It takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour of walking to reach it. Return to Moab, overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : Moab area
Today, the day is free to continue exploring Arches. This morning, lovers of narrow canyons and enclosed paths among the arches will be able, for example, to discover “Fiery Furnace”, during a hike accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Indeed, the discovery of this isolated sector requires a permit which regulates its access and makes it possible to preserve its environment. A singular and unusual walk! (optional). Then devote your afternoon to Canyonlands National Park: made up of various distinct areas to explore, we recommend that you discover the areas of “Island in the Sky” or “The Needles”. Enjoy the different panoramic viewpoints of the impressive canyons carved by the Green River and the Colorado River. At the end of the day, before returning to Moab, stop at Dead Horse Point State Park to admire the sublime sunset and the shades of lights dancing on the rocks. Night at the hotel.
Day 4 : Moab – Monument Valley (2h30 approx.) – Bluff (1h approx.)
This morning, head to southern Utah to reach the sublime Monument Valley. 70 million years old, the site is famous for its fabulous “mesas” and red rock cliffs, magical panoramas immortalized in many westerns. Monument Valley is Native American sacred ground and the Navajo Nation administers the territory and manages entry to the site. Before visiting the valley, on scenic route 163, you will make a photo stop at “Forrest Gump Point” and immortalize your passage.
