Meet in Las Vegas. Hike in the iconic Narrows
Our trip begins early this morning in Las Vegas (Henderson), Nevada at our host hotel. Our guides will conduct a short trip orientation before our scenic three-hour drive to Zion National Park. After a picnic lunch in Springdale, we'll take the park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, the starting point for our hike into The Narrows. Our trail is the Virgin River as it winds its way between the thousand-foot-high walls of the enormous slot canyon (a sizable portion of the Narrows hike requires wading through ankle to thigh-deep river water). It is easy to understand why this route is often described as one of the best hikes in the U.S. Our first afternoon in the park will leave you breathless and ready to enjoy the comforts of our exclusive REI Signature Camp. After settling into camp, we sit down to an al fresco dinner expertly prepared by our guides and camp host. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: up to 5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 200'; Van Transfer: 3 hours. We walk on trail for approximately one mile before entering The Narrows where we literally get our feet wet. We hike upstream for up to 1.5 additional miles, gradually gaining approximately 200' before turning around and exiting the same route.
Hike to Scout Lookout and Emerald Pools
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. We then return to camp for a relaxing evening, complete with a farewell celebration dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 6.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,500'
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, 1500'
Morning hike of the Watchman Trail. Return to Las Vegas
This morning we say goodbye to camp and return to the park for our last hike on the iconic Watchman Trail. This out-and-back trail offers a moderate hike with fantastic views of some of the most famous features in the park including West Temple and Towers of the Virgin. Following our hike, we will spend a little time at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and savor our last picnic lunch together before the three-hour drive back to Las Vegas. We expect to arrive at the Las Vegas airport by approximately 6pm. Do not schedule your departing flight prior to 8pm.
Hiking: 3.2 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 368'. Optional side hikes may add additional mileage and will vary depending upon the group and conditions.