We meet in St. George, Utah, and head to nearby Zion National Park, with its colorful canyons, sandstone cliffs, and cool forested plateaus. A fine picnic lunch in an organic apple orchard precedes an exploration of an historic ghost town where scenes from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were filmed. Later we have time to relax poolside at our hotel before dinner.

A walk along the Virgin River with hanging gardens of wildflowers takes us through amazing slot canyons. Then kids tube down the river, while adults enjoy some gallery-hopping in Springdale. The next day offers several great chances to spot wildlife as we loop through lower Zion, first on a path through a shady canyon past waterfalls and pools of water, then after lunch on a guided junior ranger program for the kids.

The Grand Canyon’s North Rim (2 nights) beckons us and we follow a trail that offers jaw-dropping views. Make sure you are on the lodge’s veranda at sunset to watch the light paint the canyon walls. Explore Anasazi ruins and petroglyphs on Walhalla Plateau…and watch your kids’ and grandkids’ enjoyment as our guides bring the history to life. The afternoon mule ride is often the highlight of the week for the kids. Saddling up provides a great way to get down into—and equally importantly, up out of—the canyon. Our final day, sleep in or join us for a sunrise rim walk before we return to St. George.