Grand Canyon Trek and Southwest National Parks

Upon arrival into Las Vegas, it is recommended that you clear customs and make your way to the group hotel specified in your final tour voucher. You will meet with your group leader and other members of the group the following morning when the group briefing will take place. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Tuscany Suites & Casino or similar

Meals:  Nil

Your tour leader will meet you at the hotel in the morning for the group briefing. We head out to nearby Utah, where we commence our first walks at Snow Creek Canyon. Here trails lead over petrified sand dunes past lava tubes and interesting geological formations. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham or similar - St. George • Drive time: ~120 mi / 190 km or 2 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Lava Tube to Moqui Marbles: 4 mi / 6 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-150 m

Meals:  B,L

We have a full day to enjoy the wonders of Zion National Park, where the Virgin River has carved an 800-meter-deep canyon through towering red sandstone cliffs. Today’s featured hike is the Emerald Pools Trail, one of Zion’s classic walks, leading to a series of pools, waterfalls, and lush hanging gardens tucked into the canyon walls. Along the way, the trail offers beautiful views of Zion’s dramatic rock formations and the green ribbon of life created by the Virgin River below. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Hampton Inn or similar, Springdale area • Drive time: 41 mi / 66 km, or 1 hr _____________________________________________________________________________ • Emerald Pools: 4 mi / 6 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals:  B,L

We soon reach Bryce Canyon National Park via winding mountain roads. Of all the parks, Bryce Canyon is considered by many to be the most beautiful. Tectonic forces uplifted an ancient lakebed, exposing the soft sandstone deposit to the elements. Over time, the frost and wind erosion continued to chisel them and created a true wonderland of rocks. We walk through a giant amphitheater filled with purple, pink, and dark red stone towers. In autumn, the fall colors contrast magically with the red rocks, while in spring the wildflowers enchant with their fleeting beauty. Because of its elevation, this is the coldest place in the south west, and snow conditions vary from year to year. We may be walking on icy trails with step on crampons or use our snow shoes to access the many sights. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Best Western Plus - Ruby's Inn or similar • Drive time: ~140 mi / 220 km or 2 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Queens Garden and Navajo Loop: 3 mi / 5 km, 3 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals:  B,L

Continuing along scenic Highway 12, we pass Boulder Mountain and take in some of the most impressive views in the West. In the afternoon, we explore trails in Capitol Reef, such as Cassidy Arch and Grand Wash. We then spend the night in Torrey, just outside Capitol Reef National Park. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Red Sands Hotel or similar • Drive time: ~150 mi / 240 km or 2.5 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Cassidy Arch and Grand Wash: ~4–5 hrs, 7 mi / 11.3 km, +650 ft / 200 m

Meals:  B,L

Arches National Park is famous among hikers. Here we find a maze of twisted, dark red sandstone fins eroded into more than 2000 arches. Trails lead through this wonderland of rocks and provide never-ending photo opportunities. We start with a walk on the Primitive Trail to Double O Arch. Then we head over slick rock to Delicate Arch, often framed by the snow covered La Sal Mountains. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Moab Valley Inn or similar • Drive time: ~100 mi / 160 km, or 3 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Double O Arch: 4 mi / 7 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-140 m • Delicate Arch: 3 mi / 4.8 km, 2.5 hrs, +/-184 m

Meals:  B,L

Moab buzzes with red rock energy and endless outdoor options; today is yours to relax or chase a little more adventure. If you are up for morning thrills, book a rafting trip on the Colorado River in advance and carve through scenic canyons framed by towering sandstone. In the evening, take a private shuttle to a Hummer 4WD sunset tour, clambering over rugged trails as the desert lights up in golden and rose hues. Excursions are optional and not included, so reserve spots ahead to secure your place. Whether you wander the town, watch the light shift on the cliffs, or join an outing, Moab’s dramatic landscape makes every moment unforgettable. Please note that today is designed as an independent day, so guide services, transportation, optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour package. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Moab Valley Inn or similar

Meals:  B,L

Canyonlands National Park is a huge park consisting of three different regions. The Needles District is less visited yet fabulous for hiking. Trails lead over rock fins, through rock fissures and at times over ladders and slick rock past towers, walls, and arches of dark red sandstone. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Moab Valley Inn or similar • Drive time: ~100 mi / 160 km or 2.5 hrs _____________________________________________________________________________ • Squaw Loop: ~8 mi / 13 km, 5-6 hrs, +/-200 m

Meals:  B,L

We continue our journey heading south towards the Grand Canyon soon reaching Monument Valley. The local tribe will take you out on a guided Jeep tours, allowing you a deeper insight into the world of the nomadic peoples that inhabit this area. Then we head to Chinle, the small Navajo settlement at Canyon de Chelly National Monument where we stay in the historic, 1896 trading post built of adobe brick. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Thunderbird Lodge or similar • Drive time: ~220 mi / 350 km or 4 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Canyon de Chelly is a very special place. The canyon has been inhabited for over 4000 years and the Anasazi or “Ancient Ones” that lived here between 350 and 1300 A.D. supported a thriving community of farmers. The Ancient Ones built their settlements into the canyon cliffs to protect against enemies. The Navajo arrived in the area around the year 1400, proclaiming “Spider Rock” as the most sacred site of their religion. Today the Navajo continue to live on their farms, only accessible by 4x4 or foot. Because of the culturally sensitive nature, walks are only allowed with local guides. On our trip, we descend into the canyon on the Bare Rock Trail, traveling along farms, 1000-year-old rock art panels, and 800-year-old cliff dwellings. In this place we explore the magic and the silence of the canyons. *some trails require creek crossings, bring water sandals for wet conditions _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Thunderbird Lodge or similar _____________________________________________________________________________ • Twin to Bare Rock Trail: ~5-6 hrs, 11 miles / 17 km, +/-300 m

Meals:  B,L

Our next destination awaits: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Grand Canyon. Before we arrive, we’ll stop at Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend to take in two of Arizona’s most iconic and photographed landscapes. Wander through Antelope Canyon’s sculpted sandstone corridors, where light beams illuminate swirling red rock walls, then continue to Horseshoe Bend to stretch your legs and marvel at the Colorado River’s dramatic curve around a towering sandstone escarpment. Afterward, we travel through the scenic Painted Desert before reaching the Grand Canyon. We take the time to enjoy a few sublime viewpoints before heading to our hotel, just south of the park entrance. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Red Feather Lodge or similar • Drive time: ~303 mi / 480 km or 5.5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

A full day to relax and take in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, the canyon is far too vast to experience all at once, but today’s rim walk offers an unforgettable introduction to its scale, color, and ever-changing light. Start the day by taking the shuttle to Hermit’s Rest, the westernmost point along the South Rim’s Hermit Road corridor, then walk back toward Grand Canyon Village along one of the most scenic stretches of the rim. Along the way, the trail reveals sweeping canyon views, dramatic overlooks, layered rock formations, and quiet moments away from the busiest viewpoints. Guests who prefer a shorter walk are welcome to hop on the shuttle earlier along the route, making this a flexible rim experience that can be adjusted for comfort, pace, and energy level. For those searching for a little excitement, helicopter tours, bike rentals and an IMAX theater (to be paid locally, not included in tour package) are available as well. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge or similar _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hike along the rim: up to 8 mi/13 km, up to 4 hrs, +/-50 m

Meals:  B,L

Today we depart Grand Canyon National Park and begin our journey back to Las Vegas along iconic stretches of historic Route 66, one of America’s most legendary highways. Before leaving the canyon area, there may be time for an optional helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon (optional and not included), offering a memorable final perspective on this vast landscape. We then continue west through wide-open desert scenery and classic roadside Americana, with a stop in Seligman to browse for Route 66 memorabilia and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere of this beloved highway. Our journey concludes with one final night in Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Vegas. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Tuscany Suites & Casino or similar • Drive time: ~260 mi / 400 km or 4-5 hrs

Meals:  B,L

Our tour comes to an end in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Wake up refreshed and enjoy a relaxed final morning before departing at your leisure for the airport, home, or wherever your next adventure takes you.

Meals:  B