Travel from Las Vegas to our Zion Signature Camp and enjoy a warm-up hike.
Our trip begins today in Las Vegas, Nevada. Arrive into Las Vegas by 10am and transfer independently to the Henderson REI store. Group orientation is at 11am at the store. Our guides will briefly talk us through the basics, ensuring everyone has all they need before we grab our sack lunches and hop in the van to set out for Zion. Making our way into Utah on this 3 hour drive, the mountains and mesas of Zion appear in the distance and rise to meet us as we arrive in time to enjoy a classic hike this afternoon. We'll climb the Canyon Overlook Trail and enjoy views into Zion Canyon above the Virgin River, then return to our vehicle and complete the drive to our private REI Signature Camp. At camp we'll settle in, enjoy apps and drinks together while we get oriented to the site, then enjoy an abundant dinner spread before evening sets in. If time permits we’ll take a short hike behind our camp to enjoy incredible views and an iconic sunset. All meals included from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5.
Hiking: 1-1.5 miles. Total elevation gain/loss: 163’
Hike Angels Landing then explore The Narrows.
Wake to the song of canyon wrens and the smell of freshly brewed coffee as we enjoy breakfast in camp before embarking upon one of the most thrilling and famous hikes in the Southwest: Angels Landing. This long, steady climb culminates in an exhilarating half-mile of hiking along an exposed sandstone ridge.
As the sun heats up, we head for the shade of the Narrows. Alternating between hiking and wading, our trail is the Virgin River itself as it winds its way between 1,000’-tall canyon walls. We follow the river, marveling at the hanging gardens and beautiful geology before returning downriver. Back at camp, look forward to another relaxing evening filled with great food and drink with new friends. All meals included.
Hiking: Up to 10 miles. Total elevation gain/loss: 1,488’. Transportation inside Zion NP is via National Park shuttle.
Depart Zion for our Bryce Signature Camp and hike a few classic routes.
Our Zion camp host bids farewell this morning with a delicious breakfast spread while our gear is loaded and we prepare to depart Zion for Bryce Canyon National Park to begin the next chapter of our adventure. Our van transfer today takes less than two hours, and the scenic drive traverses Red Canyon, providing just a glimpse of the grandeur that awaits us at Bryce. After a bountiful picnic lunch to fuel our bodies, we'll arrive at Fairyland Point to our first dramatic views of Bryce Canyon National Park. This chain of natural amphitheaters, formed by erosion, is packed with thousands of brightly colored spires or "hoodoos" banded in red, orange and white, some standing over 200 feet tall, all steeped in the mythology of the ancient Paiute people. After donning our hiking boots and backpacks, we hike down into the canyon to walk among the hoodoos. We'll explore the incredible Fairyland Loop Trail, taking in the well-known landmarks of Sinking Ship, Tower Bridge, and the Chinese Wall. After our hike, we transfer by van to our exclusive Bryce Canyon Signature Camp where our host will welcome you in style as you arrive to find everything in its place for another night of camping perfection.
Hiking: 6 miles. Total elevation gain/loss: 1,900'.
Visit Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
The smell of pinion pine and juniper mingled with fresh coffee and steaming hot breakfast begins a new day. Within an hour drive from our camp, Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the gems of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, a lesser-known but equally spectacular region of southern Utah. We hike three miles along a river, passing Native American pictographs and granaries as we explore deeper into the canyon. Enjoy a relaxing lunch and swim at the base of the incredible 126’ waterfall. After refueling and refreshing we’ll hike back through canyon country to our trailhead. Tonight, we'll enjoy a final relaxing evening in our Signature Camp, complete with a farewell dinner and celebration.
Hiking: 6 miles. Total elevation gain/loss: 370'
Hike through Bryce Canyon's famed hoodoos before returning to Las Vegas.
This morning we transfer to the rim of Bryce Canyon where we enjoy a spectacular sunrise before starting on our final hike. We descend through the famed skyscraper hoodoos of Wall Street and past the walls of Bristlecone Ridge as we admire the changing light illuminating the canyon. We emerge from the park at Tropic Trailhead, where our camp host will meet us. A five-minute drive takes us back to camp, where we have time for showers and a tasty brunch before departure. Loading the van, we return to Las Vegas where our trip ends. En route, we make a stop to stretch our legs and enjoy a picnic lunch before completing the drive, arriving in Las Vegas between 5 and 6pm. Please do not schedule a departing flight prior to 8pm.
Hiking: 4.6 miles. Total elevation loss: 1342'
