America’s national parks are where time slows, and the landscape speaks louder than any noise. These protected destinations, full of canyons, rivers, and mountain passes, are more than just awe-inspiring scenery; they are sacred places that leave a long-lasting impression. Our EXP Guides—awarded for being national park specialists by multiple leading voices in travel—don’t just lead you through them but connect you with the roots of the lands in a deeper, more meaningful way.
Recently, a group of four couples had the opportunity to enjoy a week-long adventure across the American Southwest. This wasn’t just your average road trip with friends; it was a journey where they stepped foot straight into the soul of the land.
Five-star dining, national park style
Glamping Gateway to Zion
The journey began in true EXP style; the group was met at St. George Regional Airport by EXP Guides and whisked onto a scenic private transfer to Southern Utah. Their first stop was EXP’s exclusive luxury tented campsite, just footsteps from the east entrance of Zion National Park.
Arriving at the glamping oasis, they found plush beds and an array of luxurious amenities for comfort. Welcomed with attentive service, mixologist-crafted cocktails, and a chef-prepared dinner worthy of a five-star resort, the tone was set perfectly for their night here.
The best thing about the campsite? The remote luxury. Rolling out of bed the next morning, the group effortlessly found themselves in one of America’s wildest spots. After breakfast, they set out on a privately guided hike through the park’s iconic terrain. They tackled Angels Landing, waded into The Narrows, and enjoyed a trailside gourmet lunch. The whole day had them in awe at the park’s unique geography and variety of life.
Welcomed with mixologist-crafted cocktails
Exploring the dramatic national park landscapes
The group’s luxury base at The Grand Lodge at Cougar Ridge Lodge
Wild West Charm of Capitol Reef
From Zion, the group headed further north to Capitol Reef National Park. The private transfer treated them with endless visuals, from winding valleys, golden canyons, and ancient rock formations, eventually arriving at Cougar Ridge Lodge. Perched on the edge of the park, The Grand Lodge would be home for the next two days, featuring four mountain-view suites.
With Utah renowned for its incredible slot canyons, day one was all about canyoneering. Guided by experts, the group had a humbling experience as they rappelled, scrambled, and hiked through some of the most breathtaking and challenging natural obstacles.
Winding down, they enjoyed the suite’s hot tubs, and the evening kicked off with some wild fun that awaited them in the lodge’s backyard. Local cowboys and cowgirls brought the spirit of the Wild West to life through a private rodeo, with an accompanying barbecue to round off a perfectly authentic evening.
The second day offered the couples options, with some venturing off to explore ancient petroglyphs with a guide telling stories of the past. Others set out into Cathedral Valley, hiking amongst intriguing sandstone formations.
Regrouping for a private chef-prepared dinner, they caught up on the day’s activities and then cozied up for s’more dessert by the firepit, leading to the icing on the cake: an evening of stargazing. Thanks to the area’s Day Sky recognition and a particularly clear night, the couples gazed up in awe at the thick blanket of stars, spotting the very visible Milky Way—connecting fully with nature was the ideal antidote to the group’s typical screen time fueled evenings at home.
Experiencing Utah’s famous slot canyons
Clear, sunny days hiking in Capitol Reef National Park
The perfect retreat at Sorrel River Ranch
Park Adventures from Saddle to Sky
From star-filled skies to a beautiful sunrise, after breakfast, the couples continued onward to yet more national parks, exploring from Moab, the gateway to the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Greeted by friendly Sorrel River Ranch staff, they arrived into rustic luxury and stunning views of the Colorado River.
The first adventure had them saddling up as a crew of seasoned wranglers took them on a private horseback riding tour. With acres of wild landscape ahead, they rode along the Mesa View Trail, soaking in the sweeping ridgeline views. They stopped to appreciate the scenery at points along the way and the accomplishment some felt as first-time riders.
Back at the four-bedroom ranch house, each couple retreated to their suites for an afternoon of relaxation. Two of the group headed to the Sorrel Spa to unwind with a couples massage option. Later that evening, the farm-to-table menus sourced with ranch produce replenished the group’s appetite, ready for the following day.
They were all keen to try some of the country’s best river rafting for their final day here, so private guides led them down the Colorado River after breakfast. The route had some adrenaline-pumping rapid sections balanced with stretches of peaceful floating, allowing them to take in the surrounding views of the La Sal mountain range.
After the half-day adventure, they returned to the ranch to prepare for their truly special sunset activity. A romantic hot-air balloon trip was arranged for the entire group to witness the national parks from above. Taking this at sunset was magical, with the evening light bouncing off the rock towers and into the canyons below. Touching down, they reveled in their adventures and enjoyed another delicious dinner before the final leg of their journey.
River rafting adventures
Horseback riding with a view
The boutique Caldera House suites
A Grand Finale in Yellowstone
At the mercy of time, the couples boarded a charter flight to get to the next and final part of the trip, landing at Jackson Hole—the gateway to the famous Yellowstone National Park. A US national park adventure isn’t complete without a trip to explore here; established in 1872, Yellowstone was the world’s first national park and is a protected land with towering waterfalls, vast valleys, and untamed wildlife.
After a comfortable and quick flight, they checked into the ultra-luxe Caldera House, a boutique hotel tucked at the foot of the Teton mountain range. The spacious, design-forward suites, embracing a modern Western style with firepits and terraces, were the perfect place to round off the trip.
With immediate access to the park from here, their first day was spent on a private wildlife safari through the impressive forests and valleys, spotting elk, bison, moose, mule deer, and even a grizzly bear. The day was a stark reminder of why these national parks matter, not only for their jaw-dropping beauty but also for the vital ecosystems and endangered and iconic wildlife they preserve. For their first night, the couples headed to their table at Caldera’s in-house Italian restaurant to savor a more casual evening before the trip finale.
Their last day provided the ultimate finishing touch to their journey: a private helicopter tour. The trip gave them a breathtaking aerial view of the immense scale of Yellowstone and the American wilderness stretching to the horizon. That evening, they gathered on the terrace, raised glasses by the fire, and reflected on an amazing week of reconnecting with nature and each other—it’s safe to say the US national parks have well and truly lured them all in for another future adventure.
Spotting all the wildlife on safari
Bird’s-eye views of Yellowstone National Park
