SAN JUAN SCENIC BYWAY & DUNTON RETREAT

Your adventure begins amid the majestic San Juan Mountains of Colorado in the picturesque mountain town of Telluride. From Telluride, your journey follows the San Juan Scenic Byway with Lizard Head Pass as the first waypoint.

This high mountain pass sits at an elevation of 10,246 feet. From here, your gaze settles upon some of Colorado’s most sighed-over landscapes. As you navigate these spectacular roads, you’ll pass by famous Mount Wilson, Wilson Peak, and Sunshine Peak, all of which reach up past 14,000 feet, before arriving in the afternoon at the ghost town-turned luxury natural springs retreat of Dunton.

That evening, surrounded by alpine beauty and clear night skies, you’ll soak in the soothing waters of the mineral hot springs. While in Dunton, you’ll leave the car behind for horseback as you explore deeper into the folds of the landscape. Your expert guide will take you upriver, ascending mountain tracks to come face to face with the majestic Dolores Peak. Rest here with a mouth-watering picnic lunch paired with wine before returning to your horses for the downhill ride through working cattle trails and airy Aspen forests.

Tackle Colorado’s epic topography by testing your rock climbing skills. Expert climbers will help you tap your adventurous side as you ascend challenging rock walls and feel the rush of reaching the summit. After you’ve taken in the views of the forested valleys below, abseil to the ground. Wine and exquisite cuisine await back at luxurious, authentic Dunton.

MONUMENTAL ENCOUNTERS & OVERNIGHT IN THE DESERT

Depart Dunton and watch Colorado disappear in your rearview mirror as you drive into unique Utah. Your route will pass through two National Monuments—Canyon of the Ancients and Hovenweep—preserved for their archaeological significance.

Reaching Goosenecks State Park, your scenery is matched with a magnificent alfresco, chef-prepared lunch overlooking the dramatic canyon below. Replete, you’re back on the road to reach the cinematic darling of Monument Valley, a timeless symbol of the American West.

In this majestic and otherworldly landscape, your Navajo guides will greet you before leading you on 4×4 jeeps through the untouched splendor of this sacred desert landscape. See backcountry tracks and marvel at the wind-sculpted sandstone including the Big Chief Monument and Sleeping Dragon Rock.

Deeper into this remote wilderness you will see ancient Anasazi ruins, petroglyphs, and pictographs. Disembarking from your vehicles, set out on a hike across the dunes of Ear of the Wind Arch and walk inside the Big Hogan—Monument Valley’s largest amphitheater.

That evening, you’ll stay in the shadow of these astonishing natural monuments in a private luxury camp constructed just for you. You’ll be joined for dinner by Peter MacDonald, Sr, Chairman of the Navajo Nation who was a U.S. Marine Corps in World War II as a Navajo Code Talker. As you dine, you’ll hear fascinating stories of his life and enhance your understanding of the Navajo people and their history.

MOKI DUGWAY & SCENIC BYWAY 12

After a freshly prepared breakfast, you will leave your camp and continue by car through Monument Valley on the Moki Dugway. Ascending 1,100 feet in just three miles, this spectacular road is carved right out of the steep rock cliffs and supplies endless beautiful perspectives on the valley below.

In the afternoon you cross the northern portion of Lake Powell, passing the Henry Mountains to the West and chasing the Fremont River into Capitol Reef National Park. With each twist and turn of the road, dazzling Red Rock Country will work its magic

Your final drive will take you along the Scenic Byway 12, arguably one of the most picturesque roads in the USA. As the road hits its highest elevation at more than 9,000 feet up on Boulder Mountain, the land’s immensity reveals itself.  

The peaks of the Henry Mountains rise to the east, while the magenta ridge of the Waterpocket Fold unrolls below, and the face of the Kaiparowits Plateau to the west. Every corner provides new contenders for ‘most breathtaking viewpoint’ for when you review your trip.

HELICOPTER RIDE OVER BRYCE CANYON & TOWER BUTTE LUNCH

Having appreciated the benefits of high elevation on the road, take it up a notch (or several) as you climb on board a helicopter at Bryce Canyon National Park. Your scenic flight takes in this landscape of striking pinnacle formations, flamingo pink cliffs, and boundless vistas. With Lake Powell in view, experience a thrilling ascent to the top of Tower Butte—one of the desert’s most unique formations.

On top of this incredible landmark, with stunning 360-degree panoramic views unfolding as far as the eye can see, you will be treated to an unforgettable lunch. Back onboard, descend into the desert palette, and reach the exclusive Amangiri hotel where you will spend your final few nights relaxing in these serene and enchanting surroundings.

LAKE POWELL

Explore the tranquil Lake Powell, set among the Glen Canyon Nation Recreation Area’s dramatic red rock formations, chasms, and canyons. Traverse the craggy terrain on UTVs on off-the-beaten-track paths until you reach the shores of the shining Lake Powell.

Step out of the desert into a water playground. Try out the Sea-Doo GTI jet skis, kayaks and SUPs, staged at different points around the lake. With more coastline than the entire length of California, Lake Powell is renowned for its hidden canyons eroded deep by water, offering an opportunity for hiking and exploring. Unmatched scenery and blissful remoteness await.

We have a wide range of experiences and accommodation options available.

Learn more about our luxury vacations and unique adventures in the USA or call our expert team on +1 800 659 0217