Travel to Zion National Park; hike the Watchman Trail
Holiday departures of this adventure may accommodate several separate independent groups, each with their own set of guides. For holiday departures each group will meet at a specified time on the morning of Day 1. Specific meeting times are provided approximately 30 days prior to departure. For non-holiday departures, your meeting time will be provided in your final bulletin.
Meet your guides and fellow travelers early this morning in Las Vegas, Nevada, then depart for a four-hour journey to one of North America's most outstanding national parks. Our first hike in Zion takes us to the Watchman Trail. The trail initially skirts the Virgin River, passing by towering canyon walls, while bright green vegetation provide stark contrast to the arid desert landscape beyond the park boundaries. As our first day on-trail winds to a close we enjoy a dinner at our lodgings. Dinner included.
Hiking: up to 3.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: up to 400'; Transfers: 4 hours
Hike from the heart of Zion Canyon along the Virgin River to a loop trail perched atop a massive ancient landslide
Following the river down the canyon, our trail will have spectacular views of several named sandstone features that tower over 2,000' above us, including Court of the Patriarchs, the Sentinel, Mountain of the Sun, and the Bee Hive. We will enjoy lunch and take in the iconic view of the Watchman, whose picturesque summit guards the entrance to Zion Canyon. As we complete the Sand Bench Loop, our trail winds through large sandstone boulders, with expansive views above the Virgin River. Returning to our hotel, there will be time to relax before we regroup for dinner. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Hiking: 7 miles, elevation gain/loss 500'
Climb the West Rim Trail to spectacular views of Zion Canyon and beyond
Our hike today starts near the iconic Zion Lodge. Reaching the West Rim trail, we enjoy views of towering sandstone walls. Next, we ascend the 21 serpentine switchbacks of Walter's Wiggles. At the top of the ridge, we pause to catch our breath and enjoy a picnic lunch with a beautiful view of Angels Landing. All meals included.
Important Day 3 Note: Our goal today is a viewpoint overlooking Angels Landing. Accessing the viewpoint is dependent on snow, ice, trail conditions, park discretion, and other factors beyond our control. Your guides will provide specific details on this hike prior to setting out for the day.
Hiking: up to 7 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,500'
Hike along the Virgin River in Zion Canyon
After breakfast, we take one last journey through Zion Canyon, exploring the twists and turns of the Virgin River along the Riverside Walk and the Pa'rus Trail. We round out our inspiring sojourn in Zion with a breathtaking drive through the East side of the National Park. After exiting the park, our journey continues toward Bryce Canyon National Park, where we settle into our new accommodations before dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 3 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 200'; Transfers: 2.5 hours
Snowshoe the Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
With the crowds of summer gone, we bask in solitude and enjoy the day on Fairyland Loop Trail. The trail provides a variety of terrain, meandering from high 360° panoramic viewpoints to winding along the base of towering hoodoos. At Sunset Point we are rewarded with views of the northeast section of the park, which is dominated by the imposing Boat Mesa and appropriately-named Sinking Ship. All meals included.
Hiking/snowshoeing: 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 300'; Transfers: 0.5 hours
Wander amongst the colorful hoodoos of the Queens Garden trail
We begin hiking at Sunset Point, where some of the most remarkable views within the park are found. Shades of orange, pink, peach and white are set against a clear blue desert sky. A photographer's delight, scenes found along the Queens Garden trail stoke the fires of wanderlust for shutterbugs. The namesake Queen, Wall of Windows and Thor's Hammer dominate the landscape along our route and will leave us in awe of all the remarkable treasures the southwest has to offer. Our trip concludes with a transfer back to our host hotel in Las Vegas, where we say our goodbyes. We plan to arrive early this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 3 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 600'; Transfers: 4.25 hours
*Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather, snow, trail and road conditions.