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

  We begin our exploration of Zion 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 walking in ankle- to thigh-deep running water (conditions permitting).

• Day 3

  After a hearty breakfast, a scenic drive through the East Side of the Park brings us to Canyon Junction, where we'll ride the Park Shuttle to the Emerald Pools trailhead at Zion Lodge. We'll hike beneath towering sandstone walls to the upper Emerald Pools and then follow the Kayenta Trail to a picnic lunch spot called the Grotto. After lunch we'll hike the Pa'rus Trail along the floor of the main canyon to the Visitor Center, where we'll climb the Watchman Trail to a viewpoint above the Virgin River. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 6 miles. Terrain: maintained hiking trail, 800' elevation gain/loss.

• Day 4

  Today we climb 2,200' to Observation Point, which boasts one of the most spectacular views in all of Zion. We'll follow 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, 2,200' elevation gain.

• 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 stop 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 perfect spot for a last look into the Park. For those flying home today, please do not schedule a flight out of Las Vegas prior to 7 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch included.
  
  Hiking: 1 mile. Terrain: moderately steep trail, 200' 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.

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; 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.

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