Zion & Bryce Women's Hiking & Camping

Our trip begins early this morning in Las Vegas (Henderson), Nevada at our host hotel. Our guides talk us through the basics and offer invaluable tips about outdoor gear with women's considerations in mind. After the orientation, we grab our sack lunches, hop in our van, and set out for Zion. Towards the end of the three-hour drive, the peaks of Zion rise to meet us. Our first hike is in the spectacular Narrows, a deep, water-filled chasm carved by the North Fork of the Virgin River. We travel upstream (often wading in shallow water) through the steep sandstone walls of The Narrows before returning to the trailhead. After our hike, we transfer to our private REI Signature campsite and enjoy our first guide-prepared dinner together under a star-filled Southwestern sky. We spend the next two nights at our private 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 have breakfast in camp. After breakfast, we embark on a beautiful hike to Scout Lookout and Emerald Pools. The long, steady climb to Scout Lookout takes us through the famous Walter Wiggles switchbacks before rewarding us with stunning views of Zion's soaring cliffs and deep canyon. From Scout, we descend the trail and continue to Emerald Pools. This verdant oasis is tucked away in a side canyon and consists of a series of streams and tiered natural pools. After transferring back to our tranquil camp later today, we enjoy a relaxing evening filled with great food and drink, and shared memories with new friends. All meals included.

Hiking: 4-6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,500'-1,900'

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'

After a breakfast of blueberry pancakes and maple sausage (or one of many other great hot breakfast possibilities), we bid farewell to our REI Signature Camp near Zion and relax during a scenic, two-hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. We arrive at Fairyland Point and relish our first dramatic views of Bryce. 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 over 200 feet tall. We explore part of the incredible Fairyland Loop Trail to Sunset Point, taking in the well-known landmarks of Sinking Ship, Tower Bridge, and the Chinese Wall. After our hike, we transfer 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 an incredible 126' waterfall. After refueling and refreshing, we hike back through canyon country to the trailhead. A relaxing guided yoga session at camp ends the day on a delightful note. Tonight, we spend a final 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 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'll enjoy 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 at the Las Vegas by early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

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