Zion & Bryce Hiking & Camping

Our trip begins this morning in Las Vegas (Henderson), Nevada. We meet our guides at our host hotel and, following introductions and 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. At the hike's end, we transfer to our campsite and enjoy our first guide-prepared dinner together under a star-filled Southwestern sky. We spend the next two nights at our private REI Signature Camp. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: up to 5 miles (with a significant amount of river wading); Elevation gain/loss: 200'; Van transfer: 4 hours. Transportation within Zion NP is via the national park shuttle

Wake to the song of canyon wrens and the smell of freshly brewed coffee as we enjoy breakfast in camp before embarking upon a beautiful hike to Scout Lookout and Emerald Pools. The trail up to Scout Lookout is cut into sandstone walls and follows Walter's Wiggles, a series of 21 switchbacks, leading up to a lofty viewpoint overlooking the soaring cliffs of Zion Canyon. After descending from the lookout, we continue our hike to Emerald Pools, a verdant oasis located in a side canyon and consisting of a series of streams and tiered natural pools. Back at camp, we enjoy another relaxing evening filled with great food with new friends. All meals included.

NOTE: An optional hike to Angels Landing may be incorporated in lieu of Emerald Pools if permits can be acquired. These highly competitive permits cannot be guaranteed, but we will attempt to secure them if possible. Angels Landing Hike: 5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,500'

Our Zion camp host bids farewell this morning with a delicious breakfast spread while our gear is loaded and we prepare to depart Zion for Bryce Canyon National Park to begin the next chapter of our adventure. Our van transfer today takes less than two hours, and the scenic drive traverses Red Canyon, providing just a glimpse of the grandeur that awaits us at Bryce. After a bountiful picnic lunch to fuel our bodies, we'll arrive at Fairyland Point to 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' tall, all steeped in the mythology of the ancient Paiute people. After donning our hiking boots and daypacks, we hike down into the canyon to walk among the hoodoos. We'll explore the incredible Fairyland Loop Trail, taking in the well-known landmarks of Sinking Ship, Tower Bridge, and the Chinese Wall. After our hike, we transfer by van to our exclusive Bryce Canyon Signature Camp where our host will welcome us in style as we arrive to find everything in its place for another night of camping perfection. All meals included.

Hiking: 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,700'

The smell of pinion pine and juniper mingled with fresh coffee and steaming hot breakfast begins a new day. Within an hour drive from our camp, Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the gems of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, a lesser-known but equally spectacular wilderness area in southern Utah. We hike three miles along a river, passing Fremont pictographs and granaries as we explore deeper into the canyon. Enjoy a relaxing lunch and swim at the base of the incredible 126' waterfall. After refueling and refreshing we'll hike back through canyon country to the trailhead. Tonight, we'll enjoy a final relaxing evening in our Signature Camp, complete with a farewell dinner and celebration. All meals included.

Hiking: 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 866'

This morning we transfer to the rim of Bryce Canyon where we enjoy a spectacular sunrise before starting on our final classic hike. We descend through the famed skyscraper hoodoos of Wall Street and past the walls of Bristlecone Ridge as we admire the changing light illuminating the canyon. We emerge from the park at Tropic Trailhead, where our camp host will meet us. A short drive takes us back to camp, where we have time to pack up and eat a tasty brunch before departure. Loading the van, we start the 4.5 hour drive to Las Vegas. En route, we make stops to stretch our legs, enjoy a short hike and savor our last picnic lunch together. We expect to arrive back in Las Vegas by early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 3.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 275'-1,300'; Van transfer: 4.5 hours