Set out for Capitol Reef National Park, a hiker's paradise!
Meet your guides and fellow adventurers in Henderson, NV, at our host hotel. After introductions and a brief orientation, we set out on a scenic 6-hour drive to Capitol Reef National Park. This afternoon's hike is the perfect introduction to Capitol Reef's ethereal landscape. We'll traverse mesmerizing rainbow-colored sandstone and take in captivating panorama views of the park's one-of-a-kind geological formations. Afterward, it's a short drive to the charming town of Torrey, where we'll check into our hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: up to 4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 590', Van Transfer: 6 hours
Explore some of Capitol Reef's best trails
Today, we'll explore the highlights of Capitol Reef with access to some of the best backcountry trails in the park. This thru-hike starts by traversing a section of the Grand Wash Trail before ascending to Cassidy Arch, a spectacular formation that soars 400' above Grand Wash. The incredible views from the top are of the surrounding cliff's tilted layers of burgundy, grey, red, orange, and white-colored rock. We'll continue to revel in the breathtaking vistas as we hike along a ridge that ultimately leads us down to the valley where we'll have time to explore historic Fruita and the visitor center. Our day ends in relaxation back at our hotel. All meals included.
Hiking: 7.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,200'
Hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls and swim in its paradisiacal pool
Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the pearls of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a lesser-known but equally spectacular region of southern Utah. This out-and-back trail skirts Calf Creek taking us past Native American pictographs, beaver ponds, and ancient granaries. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch and take a dip at the base of the incredible 126' waterfall. Afterward, we drive to our private REI Signature Camp just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park. Our camp host welcomes us for our first night of camping under the star-filled Utah sky. When the sun goes down, prepare to be transported to the ultimate stargazing experience, viewing our universe through telescopes for close-ups of planets and deep space objects. All meals included.
Hiking: 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 866', Van Transfer: 2.5 hours
Bryce Canyon National Park hike
Today’s going to be amazing as we explore Bryce Canyon's massive amphitheater, with its seemingly endless formation of white, orange, and crimson-colored hoodoos. Our hike follows spectacular trails where the views follow us with every step. We'll kick things off by taking in the expansive views of Bryce Amphitheater before descending on a well-maintained trail into the immense amphitheater itself. Along the way, we'll connect to Peekaboo trail, taking us past its iconic formations like The Alligator and Fairy Castle before meeting up with the Queen’s Garden trail. This otherworldly trail’s color and bizarre formations will keep you engaged as we ascend to the rim. Back at camp, there's time to relax before our dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 5 miles, Elevation gain: 1,690'/loss 2,000'
Enjoy Bryce's rim trail and the iconic Wall Street slot
What better way to spend our last morning in the park than by hiking the canyon rim and the infamous Wall Street Trail. From Fairyland Point, we'll gaze at the expansive views of the hoodoo-littered amphitheater as we walk the rim trail to Sunrise Point. Here, we'll descend Wall Street, a famous slot canyon trail flanked by intensely colored sedimentary rock. From the bottom, we'll hike to the rim via Two Bridges Trail, known for its whimsical hoodoos. At the top, we'll soak up the last magical views of Bryce Canyon then enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Las Vegas. We plan to arrive at the Las Vegas airport by late afternoon. Departing flights should be scheduled after 8pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 4.6 miles, Elevation gain: 1,423'/loss 1,182', Van Transfer: 5 hours