Iconic Vistas & Magical Light—Discover the Red Rock Wonders of the American Southwest

Carbon Data

Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, searching the shadowy depths for the silver ribbon of the Colorado River thousands of feet below, we are overcome by wonder at our own tiny instant in geological history. The canyon's sedimentary layers, stacked more than a mile thick, are a calendar for the millennia, formed by the erosive power of water and wind over eons. While this region is known as Red Rock Country, the canyon walls glow gold, rose, rust and violet, ever-changing as the high desert light works its magic. No less moving are neighboring Bryce and Zion, whose pink pinnacles and soaring sandstone ramparts round out this trio of famed Southwest national parks. Explore highlights and hidden corners of all three on this classic Western nature adventure, guided by natural history experts.

Trip Highlights

Explore the Grand Canyon from the Quieter North Rim

Gaze into the multihued layers of the Grand Canyon from less-visited overlooks on the North Rim, as our Expedition Leader unveils millennia of natural history

Fly Over Zion Canyon by Helicopter

Witness the geological drama of Zion National Park, Smith Mesa, Kolob Canyons and surrounding environs with thrilling aerial views on a 35-mile helicopter flight

Stargaze Under Some of Earth’s Darkest Skies

Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon are all International Dark Sky reserves: Ignite your awe as you observe through telescopes with a Bryce Canyon park ranger

Desert Southwest Photo Expedition

On our Photo Expedition in Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon, we take things at a slower pace to allow patience with light, weather and occasional wildlife. Our days begin earlier and we linger later to capture the ethereal sunrise and sunset glow. Our naturalist guides are accomplished photographers and expert instructors, offering personalized guidance for photographers of all ability levels. They help you navigate challenging desert light conditions, including intense glare from the sun and deep contrasts with the canyons' shadowy depths. You'll also have a chance for astrophotography under some of the darkest skies in North America. Photo Expeditions are limited to 10 travelers, with no more than six per vehicle.

View Photo Expedition

See the Corners, Colors & Characters Most Visitors Miss

While travelers may be familiar with the sweeping panoramas and fantastic formations of Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon, few get to experience these iconic national parks off the conventional track. Relegated to bus tours or navigating crowded park roads in your own vehicle, along with heavily traveled trails, most visitors miss a quieter encounter with the Southwest's magnificent monuments, including secret spots revealed by our in-the-know guides. Here's what makes our approach better:

Experience All the Wonder & None of the Hassle
Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon are some of America’s most popular parks, globally coveted destinations. It's imperative to book accommodations months out, and the in-demand park lodges often fill within hours of space made available annually. Most visitors end up fighting to see the sights with hundreds of other visitors, juggling brochures, maps and guidebooks. When you travel with us, you'll worry about none of that: we arrange the best places to stay, provide outstanding interpretation, and show you hidden corners of the parks via our “insider” knowledge.
Small Groups Led by Two Expedition Leaders
Our trips are limited to 13 travelers. Each is guided by two Expedition Leaders, for the utmost in flexibility, quiet nature encounters and personalized service. We divide into even smaller groups, traveling in two vehicles that can access places buses can’t reach, while providing the opportunity to pursue different activities to suit varying physical ability levels.
Private Helicopter Flightseeing over Zion & Surroundings
Gain a rare and thrilling perspective on Zion's canyon walls and neighboring geological formations, including Smith Mesa and Kolob Canyons, on a 20-minute private helicopter flight covering 25 miles. Our aircraft flies low and slow, offering panoramic vistas and photography opportunities you can't get on the ground.
Dark Sky Experience in Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon, like the other two parks we visit, holds International Dark Sky designation. Once night falls, we head out with a park ranger to view an astonishing array of glittering stars under some of the darkest night skies on Earth, viewing planets, constellations and galaxies through high-powered telescopes.
A Quieter Experience of the Grand Canyon
For a less-crowded experience of the Grand Canyon, our North Rim itinerary delivers. More remote and harder to get to, the North Rim evokes a feel for what the Grand Canyon was like decades ago, when the predominant sound was wind in the pines, and you could wander trails on the rim without huge crowds.
Take Part in Both Classic and One-of-a-Kind Activities
Of course we include coveted highlights, like walking along the Virgin River in Zion and an optional Grand Canyon mule ride. But we also add more unusual sights and pursuits that most visitors don't have access to. Our Expedition Leaders are intimately familiar with this region and introduce you to the crannies, cultures and local characters that make it truly come alive.
Enjoy Personal Interactions with Local Residents
While the geology of the Southwest is the greatest draw of canyon country, the human history of the region is also fascinating. From Native Americans to Mormon pioneers, from cowboys to river runners, explorers and settlers of the canyons have inspired their fellow humans for eons. You'll get to meet some of the local people who have a history here—and a few stories to tell.
Chase the Best Light for Dramatic Vistas and Photography
The overhead sunlight is a dominant midday feature in the desert Southwest. But it doesn’t make for the best views of canyon country, let alone photos. That’s why we pursue light conditions that enhance the geological drama we've come to see. We rise early to catch the first rays of dawn bathing the rock formations in a vermilion glow. As the morning sun climbs, it reveals a shifting palette that transforms the natural bridges, cliffs and canyon walls. And we linger at sunset, watching the colors glow, deepen and fade.
Stay in the Most Coveted Locations
We select atmospheric inns and lodges for their ambience and proximity to nature, including two famous hotels inside the parks—Bryce Canyon Lodge and Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim (ask for details re: specific hotels on your chosen departure date, which may vary). Staying at these fine rustic inns that are a classic part of national park heritage adds to your experience—and you don't have to scramble for reservations, which are almost impossible to get on your own.
Our Guides Know Canyon Country Intimately
With decades of collective experience, our naturalist guides know where to find the “paths less traveled" for wildlife watching and striking views. They have secret spots where we can avoid the swarms of tourists that besiege the parks' most crowded locations, and they'll inform you about every aspect of the region's wildlife, geology, natural history and Indigenous cultures. With lots of surprises up their sleeves, our Expedition Leaders share a side of Canyon Country most visitors miss. See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures an Exceptional Canyons Experience
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.
Natural Habitat Adventures Is World Wildlife Fund’s Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!