Zion Hiking Weekend – REI Signature Camping

Zion Hiking Weekend – REI Signature Camping Itinerary:

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• Day 1 An early start from Las Vegas gives us time to hike the Watchman Trail and possibly take a dip in the Virgin River.

  Our trip begins today in Las Vegas (Henderson), Nevada at 8:00am at Green Valley Ranch Resort. Our guides will briefly talk us through the basics, ensuring everyone has all they need before we set out. Making our way deep into Utah on this three hour drive to Zion National Park, we'll take in the incredible scenery of the American Southwest. We'll head to the trailhead for the Watchman Trail to stretch our legs on an introductory hike in the park. This out-and-back trail offers fantastic views of a some of the most famous features in the park, including West Temple and Towers of the Virgin. After our first delectable lunch, we can take a refreshing dip in the Virgin River before heading off to Checkerboard Mesa to take in some truly magnificent views. Our first afternoon in the park will leave you breathless and ready to enjoy the comforts of our exclusive REI Signature Camp. Our guides and camp host will provide a camp orientation and then, while we're getting situated in our comfortable tents, put the finishing touches on an incredible al fresco dinner. Our sweet cravings satisfied with a delectable dessert, we'll finish off the day with an optional evening hike (bring your headlamp!) to take in the sunset from a spectacular viewpoint on the rim. All meals included from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3.

  Hiking: 3-5 miles on our out-and-back hike today, we'll ascend 368 ft on our climb to a plateau near the base of the Watchman, returning the way we came for a round-trip of 2.7 miles. Optional side hikes may add additional mileage and will vary depending upon the group and conditions.

• Day 2 Hike from the roof of Zion to the Virgin River below, then explore the legendary Narrows before enjoying a final night at our REI Zion Base Camp.

  Wake to the song of canyon wrens and the smell of freshly brewed coffee as we enjoy breakfast in camp, then set out for the Observation Point trailhead. Our hike today descends from the canyon rim into the depths of main Zion Canyon, the heart of Zion National Park, where we'll emerge from Echo Canyon to enjoy a lovely picnic beneath the cottonwoods. Then, as the sun begins to heat up, we'll head for the shade and relative cool of the Narrows, a deep gash in the earth carved by the North Fork of the Virgin River as it winds from the high aspen forest of the Colorado Plateau and cuts its way down to the foot of the Temple of Sinawava in Zion Canyon, where our hike begins. We travel upstream along the steep sandstone walls of the Narrows on a route often described as one of the best hikes in the U.S. before returning to main Zion Canyon to meet up with our vehicle and return to camp for the evening. This spectacular day of hiking offers a variety of dramatic views into the most celebrated wonders of Zion. Back at camp, look forward to another relaxing evening filled with great food and drink and shared memories with new friends.

  Hiking: 8 miles. Our first hike today leads from the rim of main Zion Canyon to the canyon floor. We hike 2.25 miles to start, gaining 300ft before the option to take a short side hike to a very scenic overlook. Returning to the main trail, we steadily descend 2,450 ft in the final 3.75 miles of the route to reach the valley floor. On our second hike we walk upstream for about one mile into the Narrows, often in shallow water, very gradually gaining about 100 ft before turning around and exiting via the same route. We return to camp by vehicle from main Zion Canyon. Our total elevation gain for the day is 400', and our total loss for the day is 2,550 ft.

• Day 3 A trip to Zion isn't complete without a visit to Angel's Landing. We'll enjoy gorgeous views and a delicious lunch before we head back to Las Vegas in the afternoon.

  After another incredible breakfast, we'll pack our lunches and drive into the main Zion Canyon, where we'll embark upon one of the most thrilling and famous hikes in the Southwest. This long, steady climb will ascend nearly 1500 feet and culminate in an exhilarating half-mile on an exposed sandstone ridge. Those with a fear of heights or exposure can hang back at Scout's Lookout and still enjoy incredible views. We'll take in a last panoramic view of the canyon before turning around and heading back to our waiting shuttle. We'll enjoy our lunch, then depart for Las Vegas. We lose one hour (changing time zones!) as we drive 2.5 hours back to Green Valley Ranch Resort, and expect to return sometime between 3:00-4:00pm, local time. Please do not schedule a departing flight prior to 6:00 p.m.

  Hiking: 5 miles. Two miles of climbing along a paved, well-maintained path. The last ½ mile is across a narrow sandstone ridge with steep drop-offs on either side. We will return the way we came for a total of 5 miles with an elevation gain (and then loss) of 1,488 feet.

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.

Two nights camping in our exclusive Zion REI Signature Camp; guide leadership; round trip van transportation from Las Vegas; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; all group camping equipment; park fees and local taxes.

Flights to/from Las Vegas, NV; airport transfers; alcoholic beverages; sleeping bag; guides gratuities.

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

We make it easy for solo travelers. If you request single accommodations REI will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge. If you are willing to share a tent, we will assign you a same gender tent-mate if one is available. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned first-come, first-served.

During most months this high desert region receives very little precipitation. However, please be prepared for the possibility of rain. Generally, summer temperatures average in the 90's in Zion. Spring and fall temperatures will be about 10 degrees cooler and bear in mind that the dry air and ample shade created by the canyon walls will also make the temperatures feel slightly cooler.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should have some previous hiking experience and be in good physical condition. We recommend a conditioning regimen beginning at least 2-3 months prior to departure that includes hiking (preferably), walking or some other form of cardiovascular exercise (swimming, cycling) in order to prepare for the activity in this adventure. There are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike. All hikes are optional and our guides will be sure to brief trip members on the vigorousness and exposure of each hike prior to setting out. Our comfortable Base Camp and knowledgeable guides make this a perfect adventure for novices and experienced campers alike.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip 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. This gear list is provided to help you in choosing your equipment and clothing for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your identification, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots) and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed. Pack your camera and film in your carry-on, too.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Consider also bringing 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 hiking boots are broken-in. Bring blister treatment in your personal first-aid kit. 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.
• Snacks: Plenty of food and snacks will be available at all times during the trip. Should you bring your own snacks or powdered drinks, store them in the lock boxes in the kitchen area with the other food items. Never leave food in the tents or in your daypack unattended. Animals will chew through packs and tents to get to the food.