Bryce Canyon Easy-Active Hiking and Camping

Early this morning, we meet our guides and fellow travelers in Henderson, NV before setting out for Bryce Canyon National Park. Whether it's your first trip to Bryce or not, it's hard not to feel an overwhelming sense of awe at the sight of the towering hoodoos (sandstone spires) that rise from the canyon floor of Bryce Amphitheater. Our hike starts at Bryce Point, where we descend into the immense amphitheater on a well-maintained trail, connecting with the Peekaboo Loop Trail with its iconic rock formations, the Alligator and Fairy Castle. Continuing our descent on the Tropic trail, we appreciate our first day in the park, enjoying its breathtaking geology, mesmerizing color, and groves of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. From the trailhead, we jump in the van for the short drive to our cozy REI Signature Camp where we're welcomed in style for our first night of camping. After the sun goes down, it's time to learn about the night skies with a local astronomer, viewing planets and deep-space objects through telescopes. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +752' / -2,000'; Van transfer: 5.5 hours

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast and unspoiled wilderness playground filled with soaring cliffs, prehistoric ruin sites, and labyrinthine slot canyons. Today's out-and-back hike takes us on a fun and unique backcountry adventure into one of these spectacular slot canyons. The canyon follows a mostly flat riverbed wash, never getting too narrow, making it accessible to hikers of all levels. From the trailhead, it's only a short distance before the trail dips into the canyon and we start crisscrossing Willis Creek. The canyon walls—striped vanilla, tan and black—steadily get taller making us feel tiny in comparison. There are countless photo-ops to capture the beauty of the diverse rock textures in this geological masterpiece. Returning to camp, there's time to relax prior to feasting on another delicious dinner. All meals included.

Hiking: 3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: minimal

We set out early to experience the magic of a Bryce Canyon sunrise. From the canyon's rim, the early morning light makes the hoodoos of Bryce Amphitheater glow and appear almost translucent. After enjoying this spectacle, we'll hike from Inspiration Point—which looks out onto the main amphitheater with its endless hoodoos—to Sunset Point before descending the Navajo Loop trail. We pass the iconic landmarks of Thor's Hammer and Two Bridges and connect to the Queens Garden trail, with its bizarre and colorful formations. Ascending back to the rim, we'll have a picnic lunch and begin the return journey to Las Vegas. We expect to arrive between 5pm-6pm local time. Departing flights should be scheduled after 8pm tonight. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 3 miles, Elevation gain: +862' / -940'; Van transfer: 5 hours