This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be capable of hiking and snowshoeing up to 8 miles while carrying a daypack that weighs 10–15 pounds over terrain that includes elevation gains/losses up to 2,200'. Some hikes are off-trail on moderately inclined sandstone. Activities take place between 3,000'–9,000' in elevation.
Travel to Zion National Park; hike to the Emerald Pools.
Holiday departures of this adventure may accommodate several separate independent groups, each with their own set of guides. For holiday departures each group will meet at a specified time on the morning of Day 1. Specific meeting times are provided approximately 30 days prior to departure. For non-holiday departures, your meeting time will be provided in your final bulletin.
Arrive in Las Vegas, Nevada by 7:30am and transfer to our host hotel. Meet your guides and fellow travelers, then depart for a four-hour journey to one of North America's most outstanding national parks. Our first hike in Zion takes us to the Emerald Pools. The trail to the pools skirts the Virgin River; towering canyon walls, tumbling waterfalls and bright green vegetation provide stark contrast to the arid desert landscape beyond the park boundaries. As our first day on-trail winds to a close we enjoy a dinner at our lodgings. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: up to 3 miles; Elevation gain/loss: up to 150'; Transfers: 4 hours
Hike from Weeping Rock to the jaw-dropping views of Observation Point.
Recognized world-wide for its unique bowl-shaped cliff face, Weeping Rock provides a picturesque glimpse of the terrain we have in store. The challenge of the four-mile climb to Observation Point is shadowed by hidden treasures such as Echo Canyon, where smooth slickrock and soaring sandstone walls provide the perfect place to take a break in the shade. Upon reaching Observation Point (6,508'), we take in the dramatic panoramas of Angels Landing and the canyon. Returning to Zion Lodge, the remainder of the day is free to rest or explore on your own. We recommend taking the park's free shuttle to have dinner in the quaint town of Springdale. With lots of boutique shops and eclectic restaurants, Springdale is a great destination to celebrate the day's accomplishment. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 8 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 2,200'
Climb the West Rim Trail to spectacular views of Zion Canyon and beyond.
Our hike today starts near the iconic Zion Lodge. Reaching the West Rim trail, we enjoy views of towering sandstone walls. Next, we ascend the 21 serpentine switchbacks of Walter's Wiggles. At the top of the ridge, we pause to catch our breath and enjoy a picnic lunch with a beautiful view of Angels Landing. All meals included.
Important Day 3 Note: Our goal today is a viewpoint overlooking Angels Landing. Accessing the viewpoint is dependent on snow, ice, trail conditions, park discretion, and other factors beyond our control. Your guides will provide specific details on this hike prior to setting out for the day.
Hiking: up to 7 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,500'
Snowshoe the Fairyland Loop Trail.
With the crowds of summer gone, we bask in solitude and enjoy the day on Fairyland Loop Trail. The trail provides a variety of terrain, meandering from high 360° panoramic viewpoints to winding along the base of towering hoodoos. At Sunset Point we are rewarded with views of the northeast section of the park, which is dominated by the imposing Boat Mesa and appropriately-named Sinking Ship. We transfer to our lodgings for dinner. All meals included.
Hiking/snowshoeing: 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 300’; Transfers: 2.5 hours
Wander amongst the colorful hoodoos of Peek-A-Boo Loop and Wall Street.
We begin hiking at Bryce Point, where some of the most remarkable views within the park are found. Shades of orange, pink, peach and white are set against a clear blue desert sky. A photographer’s delight, scenes found along the Peek-A-Boo Loop and Wall Street trails stoke the fires of wanderlust for shutterbugs. The Three Wise Men, Wall of Windows and Thor’s Hammer dominate the landscape along our route and will leave us in awe of all the remarkable treasures the southwest has to offer. We return to our lodgings to relax before dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 3 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,200'
Hike the Pink Ledges trail in Red Canyon; transfer to Las Vegas.
A short distance from Bryce Canyon National Park lies Red Canyon, a hidden treasure which offers equally stunning hoodoos, red cliffs and bright green conifers. Some have even designated Red Canyon as “the most photographed place in Utah”. We make the most of our visit by hiking the appropriately-named Pink Ledges and Birdseye trails. Our trip concludes with a transfer back to our host hotel in Las Vegas, where we say our goodbyes. We plan to arrive at 5pm; note that timing depends on road conditions, weather and other factors beyond our control. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 2 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 700'; Transfers: 4.25 hours
