Zion & Bryce Canyon

Zion & Bryce Canyon 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

  After a short van ride to a seldom-used trailhead, we set out on a hike across East Mesa (6,500’), a forested plateau high above Zion National Park. Within a few miles, breathtaking vistas of deep, colorful canyons appear on our way to our lunch spot at spectacular Observation Point. From here, our trail switchbacks down through multihued Echo Canyon to the Virgin River and the park’s floor. Our shuttle van will be waiting below for the 40-minute ride back to our ranch. Hiking: 8 miles. Terrain: on-trail, 300’ gain, 2,000’ descent.  All meals included.

• Day 3

  After a hearty breakfast, a 20-minute drive brings us to the Zion tunnel where we begin an exploration of the twisted narrows of Clear Creek and Pine Creek. We may wade through water at times as we make our way through tight corridors of beautiful sandstone. We emerge from the narrows near the tunnel and hike out to the top of the Great Arch for an incredible view of Pine Creek Canyon far below. Then it’s on to the Sand Bench Trail for a change in perspective as our route takes us along the base of the Three Patriarchs and the Streaked Wall, towering monoliths that soar over 2,000’ above our trail. Hiking: 5 miles. Terrain: sand and gravel wash bottom, rock scrambling, maintained hiking trail, 500’ elevation gain/loss. All meals included.

• Day 4

  This morning, we start at the Weeping Rock trailhead and hike 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.  After our side trip into Hidden Canyon we continue up the main trial into Echo Canyon, climbing on-trail through a secluded slickrock wilderness to the East Rim and our waiting van. It’s then a short 5-mile drive back to our ranch.  Hiking: 6 miles. Terrain: moderately steep trail, some rock scrambling in Hidden Canyon, 2,200’ elevation gain. The final section of Hidden Canyon trail is optional and not recommended for those with acrophobia. All meals included.

• Day 5

  We begin the day with a 1½-hour 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. Hiking: 6 miles. Terrain: on-trail, 1,000' elevation gain. All meals included.

• 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 towering 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. Hiking: 5 miles. Terrain:  moderately steep trail, 1,500’ elevation gain. All meals included.

• Day 7

  On our way back to Las Vegas we stop and catch the park shuttle to the Temple of Sinewava and the Zion Narrows. We hike 1 mile on a paved trail to the Narrows and, river level and water temperature permitting, wade upstream in the Virgin River between towering walls of sandstone 2,000 feet high. For those flying home today, please do not schedule a flight out of Las Vegas prior to 7 p.m. Hiking: 3 miles. Terrain: level, paved hiking trail, river walking in ankle- to thigh-deep running water (conditions permitting).  Breakfast, Lunch included. 

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.

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, 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 within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, 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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