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| Utah and Arizona: Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyons
A 6-Day tour starting from $2,398
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| About This Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| This journey follows the footsteps of Native Americans, cowboys, explorers, and Mormon pioneers through three spectacular national parks. You begin at the awe-inspiring North Rim of the Grand Canyon, where you hike or ride along the rim, or descend deep into the canyon by mule. The next destination is Bryce Canyon National Park, a series of 14 natural amphitheaters that plunge thousands of feet through the pink and white limestone of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The walks take you through whimsically named monuments of stone and oddly shaped towering rock formations. Sculpted by forces of erosion, these stone figures were thought by the Paiute to be men turned to stone by an angry god. Your last adventure is in Zion National Park—147,000 acres of sheer crimson cliffs and canyons formed out of desert sand. Here, you hike among piñon pines and cottonwood, along cliff-top trails, and by refreshing waterfalls. All around you warm shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow stone stand out in contrast against a brilliant blue sky. At night you enjoy star-filled skies while relaxing in comfortable historic lodges and a riverside inn.
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TRIP INCLUDES
DAY 1 Arrival Cape Royal Trail .
1 mile, easy. Cliff Springs Trail; 1 mile, easy to moderate This morning you meet in St. George, Utah, before a scenic transfer to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park (an approximate three-hour drive). En route you stop for lunch at a favorite local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers during a lively orientation meeting. Upon arrival at the North Rim, you are awestruck as the canyon appears for the first time. You can stretch your legs walking the Cape Royal Trail, which leads to one of the best viewpoints in the park. From here the multicolored layers of sandstone and limestone contrast with the bright blue sky. The scenery quickly changes as you walk to Cliff Springs—a wooded trail opens up to a small side canyon seemingly hidden from the rest of the park. Along the way, your guides share some of the Native American history of the region. Late this afternoon you settle into your home for the next two nights, the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. After a welcome dinner in the lodge’s dining room, you may wish to enjoy sunset from the porch or take an evening stroll along the canyon rim. Grand Canyon Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim DAY 2 Mule ride into the heart of the Grand Canyon or mule ride along the rim. Hiking options; 2-8 miles, easy to moderate This morning you awake to a full day of exciting options. You may wish to venture into the heart of the canyon by mule (maximum capacity of 200 lbs). Local wranglers and sure footed mules, selected for their gentle temperaments and smooth ride, climb approximately four miles over 2,300 feet, deep into the canyon. After following the scenic North Kaibab Trail, the ride concludes at the Supai Tunnel where you marvel at the canyon’s immensity and beauty before returning to the canyon’s rim. Those wishing to view the canyon from above can choose from a guided mule ride along the rim (maximum capacity of 220 lbs), or join one of the guides on a variety of walk options leaving from the lodge. Along the way your guides describe the unique geology and natural history of the area. This afternoon there is time for independent exploration of the many rim trails or to relax at your cabin before reuniting for dinner featuring elk, trout, and prickly pear margaritas! Afterward, you may enjoy an interpretive presentation by one of the park’s rangers or watch the sunset from the canyonside balcony. Grand Canyon Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim DAY 3 Transfer to Bryce Canyon National Park. Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden; 2-3 miles, moderate Following a hearty breakfast, you depart on a scenic transfer to Bryce Canyon National Park (an approximate three-hour drive). This afternoon’s walk takes you either on the Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden Trail, which interconnect and wind through some of the most beautifully eroded areas in the canyon. These paths twist and turn, climb, and then drop down into the heart of the amphitheater. At every turn, you pass hoodoos (tall, isolated rock formations) that, with imagination, resemble their namesakes: the Three Wisemen, Joseph and Mary, E.T., Wall Street, and Queen Victoria. Later this afternoon, you check into a comfortable, historic park lodge. These privileged accommodations within the park permit unlimited access to the spectacle of vibrant red sunsets that bathe the canyon each evening. Bryce Canyon Lodge, Bryce Canyon National Park DAY 4 Bryce Canyon Trails 3-6 miles, easy to moderate. Transfer to Zion National Park. Canyon Overlook Trail; 1 mile, easy to moderate After breakfast, you return to the almost surreal landscape of whimsically shaped sandstone rock formations, each more fanciful than the next. Passing through a wall of rock windows and tunnels of all shapes, you may hear the chattering of violet-green swallows and white-throated swifts as they dive among the hoodoos. Options vary from an easy rim walk to a moderate to challenging loop on the Peekaboo trail. Early risers may stroll to the amphitheater rim to enjoy a brilliant sunrise in the cool air. Following lunch, you transfer to Zion National Park (an approximate one-and-a-half-hour drive). En route you stop to stretch your legs on a short walk on the Canyon Overlook Trail which offers a perfect introduction to the unique geography of the park. A series of stone steps, carved into the sandstone, climb above the Zion-Mt. Carmel tunnel before following a dirt path leading into a cool alcove, adorned with lush moss and maidenhair fern. Shortly the trail crosses slickrock and then opens to impressive views over the Zion Canyon. Upon arrival you check into your comfortable lodge in Springdale, just minutes outside the park entrance located on the banks of the Virgin River. Dinner tonight is on your own choosing from outdoor cafés to fine dining restaurants. Desert Pearl Inn, Springdale DAY 5 Scout’s Lookout Walk 4 miles, moderate to challenging. Afternoon walk option - Riverside Trail; 2 miles, easy or IMAX theater visit After breakfast in a nearby café, you embark on a full day of walking in the park. The destination is Scout’s Lookout, with an optional extension to Angel’s Landing. A winding trail leads from the valley floor, through a series of switchbacks into Refrigerator Canyon, where, as its name implies, you are sheltered and cooled from the desert sun. You continue through Walter’s Wiggles, a fantastic series of tight switchbacks leading to a spectacular viewpoint at Scout’s Lookout. The park unfolds below, with views of the Virgin River and the canyon walls. For those who wish to continue, Angel’s Landing awaits. This is a challenging section of the trail leading to one of the best views in the park. It is, however, very steep and contains sheer drop offs on either side of the trail. If you suffer from vertigo or a fear of heights, it is not recommended. Following a packed picnic lunch in the heart of the park, your guides offer the option of an additional, short afternoon walk. Also known as the Gateway to the Narrows, this easy, popular walk along the Virgin River begins at the farthest end of the Zion Canyon and the Temple of Sinawava. As you walk beneath massive cliffs, you pass a number of hanging gardens and pockets of wildflowers. The other option is a visit to the IMAX theater, which features an excellent film highlighting this region and its history. Later in the afternoon, the lodge pool invites sitting and relaxing as the sun paints a dramatic landscape on the distant rock walls. This evening you enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular, lively restaurant—a perfect ending to a magical journey. Desert Pearl Inn, Springdale DAY 6 Emerald Pools 2-3 miles, easy to moderate. Farewell in St. George This morning you have time for one final walk in the park to the picturesque Emerald Pools. Following a gently climbing trail, you cross a bridge suspended over the Virgin River before continuing into Heap’s Canyon. As you near your destination—three waterfalls cascading into an idyllic pool—the landscape becomes surprisingly lush and wildflowers abound. Ferns and moss sprout from the canyon walls benefiting from the mist and moisture which seeps from the sandstone. As the trail skirts behind twin waterfalls you may also spot showy goldeneye, claret-cup cactus, hoary aster, shooting stars, and delicate columbine. Late morning you begin the 45-minute return drive to St. George, bidding farewell to new friends and the colorful canyons of the Southwest. Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
WALK RATINGS
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
