UTAH & ARIZONA - BRYCE, ZION & GRAND
CANYONS ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Arrival - Cape Royal Trail; 1 mile, easy; Cliff Springs
Trail; 1 mile, easy to moderate
This morning we meet in St. George, Utah, before our scenic
transfer to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park (an
approximate three-hour drive). En route we stop for lunch at a
favorite local restaurant and get to know one another during a
lively orientation meeting.
Upon arrival at the North Rim, we are awe- struck as the canyon
appears before us for the first time. We stretch our legs as we
walk the Cape Royal Trail, which brings us to one of the best
viewpoints in the park. From here the multi-colored layers of
sandstone and limestone contrast with the bright blue sky.
The scenery quickly changes as we 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 guide will share some of
the Native American history of the region.
Late this afternoon we settle into our home for the next two
nights, the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. After dinner in the
lodge’s dining room, some 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 we awake to a full day of exciting options. The
kids, and kids at heart, may wish to venture into the heart of
the canyon by mule (minimum age of eight years and maximum
weight of 200 lbs). Local wranglers and sure footed mules,
selected for their gentle temperments, will lead us four miles
and over 2300 feet, deep into the canyon. Following the scenic
North Kaibab Trail, we conclude our ride at the Supai Tunnel
where we marvel at the canyon’s immense size and beauty before
returning to the canyon’s rim.
Those wishing to view the canyon from the top down can choose
from a guided mule ride along the rim (minimum age of eight
years and maximum weight of 220 lbs), or join one of the guides
on a variety of walk options leaving from the lodge. Along the
way our guides describe the unique geology and natural history
of the area.
This afternoon you are on your own to explore the many rim
trails or relax at your cabin before reuniting for dinner.
Afterwards, we 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, we begin our scenic transfer to
Bryce Canyon National Park (an approximate three-hour drive).
This afternoon’s walk takes us 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, we 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, we check into our comfortable, historic
park lodge. Our 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
After breakfast, we 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, we 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 more
moderate to challenging loop on the Peekaboo trail.
Following lunch, we transfer to Zion National Park (an
approximate one-and-a-half-hour drive). Upon arrival we check
into our comfortable lodge in Springdale, just minutes outside
the park entrance. Cliffrose Lodge, Springdale
DAY 5 Scout’s Lookout/Angel’s Landing walk; 4-6 miles,
moderate to challenging (1,000-1,500-ft elevation gain);
afternoon walk option or IMAX theater visit
After breakfast in a nearby café, we embark on a full day of
walking in the park. Our destination is Scout’s Lookout, with an
optional extension to Angel’s Landing. A winding trail leads us
from the valley floor, through a series of switchbacks into
Refrigerator Canyon, where, as it’s name implies, we are
sheltered and cooled from the desert sun. We continue through
Walter’s Wiggles, an impressive series of tight switchbacks
leading to a viewpoint at Scout’s Lookout. The park unfolds
below us, 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
dropoffs on either side of the trail. For those who suffer from
vertigo or a fear of heights, it is not recommended.
Following a hearty packed picnic lunch in the heart of the park,
our guides will offer the option of an additional, short
afternoon walk, or a visit to the IMAX theater, which shows an
excellent film highlighting this region and its history.
Later in the afternoon, the lodge pool invites us to sit and
relax as the sun paints a dramatic landscape on the distant rock
walls. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular,
lively restaurant—a perfect ending to a magical journey.
Cliffrose Lodge, Springdale
DAY 6 Emerald Pools; 2-3 miles, easy to moderate, or
river-tube float (river conditions permitting); Farewell in St.
George
This morning we have time for one final walk in the park to the
picturesque Emerald Pools, or if the river conditions are
suitable, our guides will offer an optional river-tubing float
down the Virgin River right behind our lodge. This involves
sitting in inner tubes and floating/paddling down a mellow
section of the river for about two hours. Although the water is
quite shallow in this section of the river, you must be able to
swim in order to participate.
Late morning we 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.
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