Zion and Bryce National Parks: Hiking Among Hoodoos and Canyons

Our trip begins this morning in Las Vegas, Nevada. We meet our guides and fellow travelers and, after a brief orientation, begin the three-hour drive over the Utah border to Zion National Park. Arriving midday, Zion’s extraordinary beauty immediately reveals itself as we set out on a hike into the Virgin River Narrows. On this amphibious exploration, our trail is the Virgin River as it winds its way between the thousand-foot-high walls of the enormous slot canyon (a significant portion of the Narrows hike requires wading through ankle to thigh-deep river water). Hiking through the Narrows can feel like a dream as the ever-changing light reflects off the cliff walls, continually altering the color of rock and water. After our hike, we check into our comfortable local accommodations and share our first dinner together. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Red CLiffs Lodge or similar • Drive time: 3 hrs. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: up to 5 mi / 8 km, Elevation difference: +/- 200 ft / 60 m

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast, we set out for a beautiful hike to Scout Lookout and Emerald Pools. The trail to Scout Lookout is carved into sandstone walls and climbs steadily up Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 switchbacks that lead to a lofty perch overlooking the soaring cliffs of Zion Canyon. After descending from the lookout, we continue to Emerald Pools, a lush oasis tucked into a side canyon where streams and tiered pools create a refreshing contrast to the desert walls. This evening, we return to our inn for a relaxing night. Dinner is on your own, and you will have a few excellent recommendations in hand. _____________________________________________________________________________ •Overnight: Red Cliffs Lodge or similar _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: 6 mi / 9.7 km, Elevation difference: +/- 1,700 ft / 518 m

Meals:  B,L

Following breakfast, we depart Zion for Bryce Canyon National Park to begin the next chapter of our adventure. Our scenic drive traverses Red Canyon, providing just a glimpse of the grandeur that awaits us at Bryce. After a bountiful picnic lunch, we'll arrive at Bryce Point for 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 more than 200 feet tall, all steeped in the mythology of the ancient Paiute people. After donning our hiking boots and daypacks, we hike the Peekaboo Loop Trail, taking in the well-known landmarks of the Wall of Windows and the Peekaboo Arch. This evening, we settle into our comfortable hotel near Bryce Canyon and enjoy dinner together. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Ruby's Inn or similar • Shuttle time: 2.5 hrs. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: approx. 6 mi / 9.7 km, Elevation difference: +/- 1,700 ft / 518 m.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we travel about an hour to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a lesser-known but equally spectacular wilderness area in southern Utah. Our destination is Lower Calf Creek Falls, one of the monument’s hidden gems. We hike three miles along a river, passing Fremont pictographs and granaries as we make our way deeper into the canyon. At the hike’s end, we enjoy a relaxing lunch and swim at the base of the incredible 126-foot waterfall. Afterward, we hike back through the canyon and return to Bryce for a final evening together, complete with a farewell dinner. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Overnight: Ruby's Inn or similar • Drive time: 1 hr. _____________________________________________________________________________ • Hiking: approx. 6 mi / 9.7 km, Elevation difference: +/- 530 ft / 161 m

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we set out on our final classic hike in Bryce Canyon, descending among the famed hoodoos of Wall Street and following the ridgeline framed by ancient bristlecone pines. With every turn, the canyon reveals shifting colors and dramatic formations, offering a memorable farewell to the Southwest’s red rock country. After the hike, we load into the van for the 4.5-hour drive to Las Vegas. Along the way, we’ll pause to stretch our legs and share one last picnic lunch together before reaching the city by early evening. _____________________________________________________________________________ Hiking: 3.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 275'-1,300'; Van transfer: 4.5 hours

Meals:  B,L