Utah: Zion New Year Adventure
Usher in the New Year in beautiful Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks on this special hiking and snowshoeing adventure led by our top guides. Our active exploration provides a unique opportunity to explore these magical parks during the winter season when visitors are few and the landscape is filled with an air of tranquility and renewal. We spend most of our days in and above spectacular Zion Canyon and take invigorating hikes to some of the park’s most magnificent scenic and geological highlights. We also spend a day in remarkable Bryce Canyon, at its most impressive with a dusting of winter snow. Evenings are spent in the cozy comfort of a nearby lodge where our guides prepare delicious meals. Join us as we toast the arrival of 2009 with newfound friends and let the majesty and wonder of Zion energize your spirit and help start the New Year on a high note!
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Zion New Year Adventure Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fly to Las Vegas, arriving at McCarran Airport in time for the 10 a.m. group rendezvous at a nearby hotel. We recommend arriving a night early if possible, to allow for some relaxation time and to avoid any problems with delayed flights or delayed 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. Dinner included.
Driving: 4 hours. -
Day 2
After a short van ride, we set out on snowshoes across East Mesa (6,500’), a forested plateau high above Zion National Park. Within a few miles, breathtaking vistas of deep, colorful canyons appear as we make our way along a smooth, level trail to Observation Point, perched on the very edge of Zion Canyon. If trail conditions permit, we’ll lash our snowshoes onto our daypacks and hike a switchbacked trail down 2,200 vertical feet to the Virgin River and our waiting shuttle van. On a typical winter day, the high plateau of the East Mesa is covered with up to three feet of snow, while the lower elevations of Zion remain relatively snow-free. All meals included.
Hiking / snowshoeing: 8 miles. Terrain: on-trail, 300’ climb, 2,200’ descent. -
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast, we drive into Zion Canyon and the Court of the Patriarchs, where we take the Sand Bench Trail for a change in perspective along the base of the Three Patriarchs and the Streaked Wall, towering monoliths that soar over 2,000’ above our trail. Then it’s on to Weeping Rock, where we climb to Hidden Canyon, a deep slot between the sheer walls of The Great White Throne and Cable Mountain. All meals included.
Hiking: 7 miles. Terrain: on-trail, 1,350’ elevation gain/loss. -
Day 4
Weather and road conditions permitting, we begin the day with an 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: 6 miles. Terrain: on-trail, 1,000’ elevation gain. -
Day 5
We’ll drive to the end of stunning Zion Canyon and the imposing Temple of Sinawava this morning and follow the Riverside Walk to the Virgin River Narrows. After a glimpse into the spectacular Narrows, we’ll hike back along the river to the base of Angel’s Landing, looking for ephemeral waterfalls that often tumble thousands of feet from the high canyon walls during the winter months. After lunch, a van transfer to the Zion Lodge leaves us at the trailhead leading to Emerald Pools, a lovely collection of ponds and waterfalls, the destination of our afternoon hike. Back at the lodge this evening, we’ll enjoy one final dinner together and reflect on our adventure with a newfound appreciation for these wondrous national parks. All meals included.
Hiking: 4 miles. Terrain: On-trail, 100’ elevation gain. -
Day 6
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 emerge from the narrows at the Zion Tunnel where we hike the Canyon Overlook Trail for a last look at this awesome park before our drive back to Las Vegas. Towering walls of sandstone capped with pure white snow fill the view from the top of the Great Arch at trail’s end. For those flying home today, please do not schedule a flight out of Las Vegas prior to 7 p.m. Breakfast, Lunch included.
Hiking: 2 miles. Terrain: rock scrambling off-trail in sandstone narrows, on-trail to Canyon Overlook, 100’ elevation gain.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
Single room space is limited and single travelers of the same gender may be asked to share accommodations.
During the trip, we spend all five nights at a 1,000-acre ranch located two miles east of Zion National Park. We occupy a private lodge on the ranch grounds which, in addition to bedrooms, contains a large kitchen, dining room and living room. The lodge has heat, electricity and running water. Additional lodging details including specific address and telephone contact information will be included in the final bulletin, mailed to you approximately three weeks prior to departure.
Accommodations for five nights; all meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6; private group transfer from Las Vegas and return; vehicle support; expert guide leadership, park entrance fees and use of snowshoes.
Airfare; insurance of any kind; guide gratuities; breakfast and lunch on Day 1, dinner on Day 6; 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. The snowshoeing day will be suitable for beginners. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen as soon as possible. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, walking, cycling and/or swimming. We will be spending 4-6 hours engaged in activity on most days and we encourage you to arrive in good physical condition. The better shape you are in, the more fun you will have!
Winter in Zion Canyon is fairly mild. Clear days can become quite warm, reaching 50°F in the canyon; nighttime temperatures typically drop into the teens and 20s. Winter storms occasionally bring rain or light snow to Zion Canyon, but heavier snow and colder temperatures to the higher elevations where our lodge is located (6,300’) and where some of our hikes are planned. Trip members should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the recommendations on the enclosed Gear List. Be prepared for daytime temperatures of from 20 to 50 degrees depending on the elevation of our hike each day.
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.
Utah: Zion New Year Adventure
Weather
Gear Checklist
- Snowshoes
- Airline tickets
- Photo identification
- Large duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase
- Daypack - 2000 - 2500 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing. Should be larger than just a Camelbak.
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and evening wear
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Heavyweight fleece
- Midweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool, two pair
- Hiking pants, synthetic
- Hiking socks, wool or synthetic – bring extra pairs
- Liner socks, synthetic
- T-shirts (synthetic is best for daytime activity)
- Long-sleeve shirts (synthetic is best for daytime activity)
- Underwear
- Rain jacket/shell, waterproof, breathable
- Rain pants, waterproof, breathable
- Down or synthetic parka
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece winter hat
- Waterproof winter gloves
- Knee-high gaiters
- Bandana
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, warm, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Warm casual shoes/slippers for lodge/evening wear
- Two (2) one-quart water bottles (note: hydration pack tubes may freeze in cold weather)
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries/bulb
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Small washcloth and bath towel
- Baby Wipes
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Bath or body soap
- Camera, film and extra batteries
- Extra pair of lightweight hiking boots for non-snow days
- Reading and writing materials
- Small binoculars
- Pocket knife or pocket tool
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Ear plugs
- Lightweight seating pad
- Whistle
- Knee supports
- Hiking stick or trekking poles with baskets (handy for snowshoeing)
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.
- We will be snowshoeing and possibly hiking through some snow. Warm, waterproof and broken-in hiking boots are a necessity. Lightweight hikers and trail shoes will not suffice on most days.
- 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.
- Although it is not mandatory to have hiking/ski poles for use while snowshoeing, we do highly recommend participants bring their own to assist with balance and maneuverability. Be sure poles have the baskets attached. Snowshoes will be provided.
- We highly recommend bringing a lightweight seating pad (ex. Therm-a-Rest Lite Seat, about $25) or small piece of closed cell foam for use during lunch stops on hikes. Depending on conditions, we may be sitting and eating on warm sandstone or frozen snow pack!
- Please bring a headlamp. With short days and early nightfall this time of year, it is important to have a headlamp along while hiking or snowshoeing in case it is needed on the hike out (ex. Petzl Tikka).
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
