Zion & Bryce Canyon Hiking

Zion & Bryce Canyon Hiking Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fly to Las Vegas, arriving at McCarran Airport in time for the 11 a.m. group rendezvous at a nearby hotel.  We recommend arriving a day early if possible, to allow for some relaxation time and to avoid any problems with delayed flights or luggage. From Las Vegas, we’ll take a four-hour van ride to our ranch accommodations on the east side of Zion National Park. We settle into our private lodge (where we’ll stay for the entire trip) and enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by our guides. After dinner, an orientation meeting will be held allowing us time to get better acquainted with our traveling companions. Driving: 4 hours. Dinner included.

• Day 2

  Today we'll climb 2,200' from the Virgin River to Observation Point via an improbable route first pioneered by Native Americans hundreds of years ago, a route later improved and extended by the Park Service to reach the very rim of the canyon. This amazing trail negotiates dozens of switchbacks carved into the multi-hued sandstone walls of the canyon. Along the way we'll pass through the narrow confines of Echo Canyon, with the vertical face of Cable Mountain looming directly above us. The view from Observation Point (6,508') is expansive, encompassing many of the Park's well-known landmarks. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 8 miles. Terrain: on trail with 2,200' elevation gain/ loss.

• Day 3

  We begin today's hike in the heart of the main canyon, where we'll stand surrounded by multicolored sandstone walls over 2,000' tall. We'll start at the Weeping Rock trailhead and climb to Hidden Canyon, a narrow cleft between The Great White Throne and Cable Mountain. The trail into Hidden Canyon is cut directly into the cliff face at one point, providing thrilling views into Zion Canyon below. The constructed trail ends at the narrow mouth of the canyon, but we continue our exploration as far as we are able, scrambling over boulders and dry waterfalls to a hidden arch. The final section of Hidden Canyon trail is optional and not recommended for those with acrophobia. After our side trip into Hidden Canyon we continue up the main canyon and into the incomparable Zion Canyon Narrows. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 7 miles. Terrain: moderately steep trail, some rock scrambling in Hidden Canyon, 1,000' elevation gain. Possible river wading in ankle- to thigh-deep running water (conditions permitting).

• Day 4

  Staying closer to our ranch today, we'll explore the quiet East Side of the Park and hike the Canyon Overlook Trail to the top of the Great Arch, keeping our eyes open for desert bighorn sheep that frequent the area. The view from the top of the Arch is breathtaking. The East Side of the Park is an undeveloped slickrock wilderness, with dozens of unnamed side canyons carved into towering sandstone buttes and mesas. The slickrock in this area is particularly colorful and had been sculpted into fanciful shapes and narrow slots. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 5 miles. Terrain: a mix of on- and off-trail, some boulder-hopping and moderately steep slickrock.

• Day 5

  We begin the day with a 80 minute drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Our planned hike takes us from the rim of Bryce into a maze of fantastically-shaped hoodoos. We'll descend through Fairyland Canyon to Tower Bridge then return to the rim at Sunrise Point where we'll walk along the edge to Sunset point and magnificent Bryce Amphitheatre. Our walking route allows us to view many of the scenic and geological highlights of this unique national park. We return to the ranch late this afternoon for dinner. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 7 miles. Terrain: on-trail, 1,800' elevation gain.

• Day 6

  Back in Zion today, a drive to Canyon Junction allows us to catch the park shuttle to the Angel’s Landing trailhead. Our trail is cut into impressive sandstone walls and follows a series of switchbacks up to an awesome viewpoint overlooking the Virgin River. The final hike to the top of Angel’s Landing is along a steep, narrow trail set on the spine of a sandstone fin rising almost 1,500 feet above the canyon floor. Chains, for use as handholds, have been installed along the trail for hiker safety on this airy route. Please note: The final exposed section of the Angel’s Landing hike is optional and not recommended for those with acrophobia. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 5 miles. Terrain: moderately steep trail, 1,500’ elevation gain.

• Day 7

  On our way back to Las Vegas we'll stop at the Visitor Center and hike the Watchman Trail beneath the massive cliffs of Bridge Mountain and the iconic Watchman spire. For those flying home today, please do not schedule a flight out of Las Vegas prior to 7 p.m. DRIVING: 4 HOURS. Breakfast and Lunch included.
  
  Hiking: 2 miles. Terrain: on trail, 450' elevation gain.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and trail conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

Single room space is very limited and single travelers of the same gender will be roomed together on sold out departures. Single rooms cannot be guaranteed.

Accommodations for 6 nights (shared bathrooms); meals as noted in the daily itinerary; group transfer from Las Vegas and return; vehicle support; guide leadership and park entrance fees.

Airfare, one lunch; insurance of any kind, excess baggage charges, guide gratuities, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. It is not necessary to be an expert hiker to participate, but you should enjoy hiking and feel comfortable hiking off-trail, sometimes on moderately inclined sandstone. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 2-3 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, cycling and/or swimming. The better shape you are in, the more fun you will have. Get out on those hills if possible!

Spring and fall weather in Utah is generally perfect for hiking with typically sunny days and temperatures in the 60-85 F range in springtime and 45-70 F in the fall. Evening and early morning temperatures can drop below freezing so arriving with some warm weather clothing is essential. Thunderstorms are not uncommon, but are usually short in duration.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Spring and fall weather in Utah is generally perfect for hiking with typically sunny days and temperatures in the 60-85 F range in springtime and 45-70 F in the fall. Evening and early morning temperatures can drop below freezing so arriving with some warm weather clothing is essential. Thunderstorms are not uncommon, but are usually short in duration.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.