The Natural Treasures of the American West by 4x4

Discover Salt Lake City, the gateway to your Utah adventure. Explore this capital city where Mormon heritage and modern life blend together with elegance. Admire the impressive Utah State Capitol overlooking the city, and visit Temple Square, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. If you are interested in family history, the famous genealogical library is also well worth a visit.

Don’t miss Antelope Island, where you can admire the spectacular Great Salt Lake and enjoy its scenic hiking trails (small additional fee not included in the America the Beautiful Pass). Around two hours away, the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats stretch across more than 260 km² of dazzling salt plains — the perfect setting for unforgettable photos.

To end the day, take in the panoramic views from Ensign Peak Park while driving through typically American neighbourhoods. It’s the perfect moment to soak up the unique atmosphere of the city before tomorrow’s incredible landscapes await.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Departure for Moab, one of our absolute favourites. This small desert town will captivate you with its spectacular landscapes and wide range of outdoor activities.

Begin by exploring the breathtaking Canyonlands National Park, a vast national park divided into three distinct districts, each well worth discovering. More adventurous travellers can venture onto lesser-known trails and enjoy stunning panoramic views far from the crowds.

At the end of the day, experience an adrenaline rush with a 4x4 or UTV/ATV adventure in the famous Sand Flats Recreation Area. Moab is also a paradise for mountain biking and rafting enthusiasts, with activities suited to every level.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Head towards the magnificent Arches National Park. Camera in hand, capture the park’s spectacular natural arches and extraordinary rock formations that have made it world-famous.

After immersing yourself in these landscapes straight out of a classic Western movie, follow the scenic road along the Colorado River for an unforgettable drive bordered by towering cliffs and dramatic scenery.

Your journey then takes you to Castle Valley, a peaceful hidden gem untouched by mass tourism. Here, admire the striking contrast between deep red rock formations and distant mountain peaks. With a bit of luck, you may even spot horses from nearby ranches , the perfect reflection of the region’s authentic Western spirit.

At the end of the day, continue towards Cortez.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Explore Mesa Verde National Park, a cultural treasure listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park preserves the remarkable legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi people), who lived here for more than 700 years. Discover their impressive cliff dwellings and exceptionally well-preserved archaeological sites.

We highly recommend joining one of the Ranger-guided tours, especially the famous Long House Tour. You’ll also discover the kivas — circular underground ceremonial chambers once central to community life. Admire the ingenuity of the ancient irrigation systems and imagine how these communities cultivated corn, beans and squash in such an arid environment. The Rangers will also share the fascinating theories surrounding the mysterious abandonment of the site around the year 1300.

At the end of the day, continue your journey towards Bluff.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Head towards Page via the legendary Monument Valley. Located within the Navajo Nation Reservation, this iconic landscape instantly transports you into the scenery of classic Western films ($20 per vehicle, not included in the America the Beautiful Pass). Explore the valley by car and stop at its most breathtaking viewpoints, including the famous John Ford Point.

Before arriving, you may also wish to discover the scenic dirt road through Valley of the Gods, equally spectacular and far less crowded. Then climb the dramatic switchbacks of Moki Dugway leading to Muley Point Overlook, where endless panoramic views await. Movie lovers should not miss Forrest Gump Point to recreate the famous scene set against this unforgettable backdrop.

End your day in Page, where Lake Powell and the impressive Glen Canyon Dam provide a spectacular finale combining natural beauty and engineering achievement.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with the must-see Antelope Canyon, a breathtaking natural masterpiece that attracts visitors from around the world. Let yourself be mesmerised by its flowing sandstone curves and the magical beams of light illuminating the canyon walls.

Before leaving the area, don’t miss Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River forms a spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander ($10 per vehicle).

Then continue towards the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, a place offering endless possibilities. Enjoy scenic hikes along the rim, explore the different viewpoints using the free shuttle buses, or simply admire the canyon from its breathtaking overlooks. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a helicopter flight, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular ways to appreciate the immense scale and beauty of this extraordinary natural wonder.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy one last morning at Grand Canyon National Park. Why not explore the rim by bike or pick up a few souvenirs before continuing your journey?

Then head towards Sedona, a fascinating town with a rich and unique history. Originally an ancient archaeological area inhabited for more than 12,000 years, it later became a renowned New Age destination, attracting wellness enthusiasts from around the world. Often considered a hub for yoga, meditation and the famous energy vortexes, laces believed to radiate particularly powerful natural energy. Sedona offers a truly distinctive atmosphere.

Once there, stroll through local artisan boutiques, visit Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, a charming Mexican-style village, or admire the remarkable Chapel of the Holy Cross dramatically built into the red cliffs. Explore Red Rock State Park and its stunning crimson rock formations. To end this magical day, watch the sunset from Airport Mesa, one of the region’s most iconic viewpoints.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Accordez-vous une dernière matinée de sérénité à Sedona. Un brunch dans un café branché vous permettra de faire le plein d'énergie avant le départ.
Prenez la route en début d'après-midi. Le trajet vous offrira une métamorphose progressive des paysages désertiques de l'Arizona jusqu'à l'exubérance du Nevada. Arrivée prévue à Vegas en fin d'après-midi, juste à temps pour voir la ville s'éveiller. C'est à la tombée de la nuit, quand les néons s'illuminent, que Vegas révèle sa vraie nature.

Pour votre soirée à Sin City, flânez sur le Strip, tentez votre chance aux machines à sous (même pour les non-joueurs) et admirez les spectacles gratuits : fontaines du Bellagio, volcan du Mirage... Attention toutefois à surveiller votre budget, la ville est conçue pour vous faire perdre toute notion du temps et de l'argent.
Cette journée illustre parfaitement le contraste entre la tranquillité de Sedona et l'effervescence de Las Vegas.

Nuit à l'hôtel.

Departure for Zion National Park. To avoid both the heat and the crowds (depending on the season), we recommend arriving early in the day. The park has two main entrances, but your itinerary will continue via the East Entrance.

During summer, free shuttle buses operate from the South Entrance and provide easy access to the park’s main highlights. One of the most popular hikes is the Canyon Overlook Trail, a relatively short walk of around one hour round trip, rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. It’s the perfect introduction to the park for travellers with limited time.

If you would like to explore Zion National Park more extensively, feel free to discover our other self-drive tour specifically designed for a deeper immersion into the park.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

On the way to Bryce Canyon National Park, often considered one of America’s most beautiful national parks. This natural wonder is famous for its thousands of hoodoos, extraordinary rock spires shaped by millions of years of erosion. Their striking colours, ranging from deep red to brilliant white, have earned the park the poetic nickname of the “fairy kingdom”.
Upon arrival, several experiences await you: admire the breathtaking scenery from strategically placed viewpoints or venture onto one of the many hiking trails suitable for all levels. We especially recommend the Peekaboo Loop Trail, located in the heart of the amphitheatre (approximately 3–4 hours, accessible but with some elevation gain). For a different perspective, you can also explore the park by bike or on horseback.
Don’t miss the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, when the changing light transforms the landscape into something truly magical. And for the more adventurous travellers, discovering the park at the end of winter under a blanket of snow is equally unforgettable.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Enjoy a full day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. We suggest venturing off the beaten path to discover Mossy Cave Trail, located outside the park’s main area along Scenic Route 12.

This lesser-known trail is approximately 1.6 km round trip and offers a completely different perspective on the region’s rock formations, far from the crowds of the main viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll spot a small waterfall and a stream on your right a rare sight within this desert landscape.

This hike reveals another side of Bryce Canyon National Park and highlights the incredible role water has played in shaping the area over millions of years, creating not only the famous hoodoos, but also caves and small waterways.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Head towards Torrey via the legendary Utah State Route 12, often regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the United States.

Make a stop at Boynton Overlook to admire the spectacular canyons of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, then continue to Boulder, a charming small town nestled among the mountains.

Once in Torrey, the gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, take time to stroll through the historic centre and discover its authentic 1880s log buildings. If time allows, we recommend the Sunset Point Trail, where the golden evening light beautifully enhances the surrounding rock formations.

Overnight stay at the hotel.