Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Utah Zion & Bryce Canyon Hiking Lodge Based
Day 1 Travel to Zion National Park and hike the Watchman Trail
4 hours private van transfer
3 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
Meet your guides and fellow travelers this morning in Las Vegas, Nevada. We transfer four hours to Zion, one of North America's most outstanding national parks. Our first hike takes us to the scenic Watchman trail, giving us a birds eye view of the canyon. Bright green vegetation provides stark contrast to the arid desert landscape beyond the park boundaries. As our first day on-trail winds to a close we enjoy a picnic dinner with stunning views. We spend the next three nights in the quaint town of Springdale at our hotel just 10 minutes from the Zion Canyon. Lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation: Hotel De Novo
(L, D)
Day 2 Climb the West Rim Trail to spectacular views of Zion Canyon and beyond
7 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
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. NOTE: An optional hike to Angels Landing may be added to our hike if permits can be acquired. These highly competitive permits cannot be guaranteed, but we will attempt to secure them if possible. Depending on which day we can secure an Angels Landing permit for, the exact days of our itinerary might potentially change.
Accommodation: Hotel De Novo
(B, L)
Day 3 Explore the iconic Zion Narrows and Emerald Pools
5-8 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain and loss
Celebrated as one of the most picturesque slot canyons in the southwest, The Narrows provides an outdoor adventure like no other. With towering 2,000' cliffs tapering the canyon as they creep closer and closer together, the picturesque River Walk eventually gives way to the Virgin River where we begin our trek through a path of water. Walking in ankle- to knee-deep water is the only way to explore the heart of this geologic masterpiece. Depending on timing, we may also explore the emerald pools trail, a route that skirts the Virgin River beside towering canyon walls. Dinner is on your own this evening, pick from great options in Springdale. Breakfast and Lunch included.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Drive through the East side of Zion, picnic at Red Canyon on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park
2.5 hours private van transfer
4 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss
We round out our inspiring sojourn in Zion with a breathtaking morning drive through the East side of the National Park. After exiting the park, our journey continues toward Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the way, we will stop for a picnic in Red Canyon and take a scenic hike through colorful hoodoos. After the hike, we settle in to our new accommodations. All meals included.
Accommodation: Ruby's Inn
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike the enchanting Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
6 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Bryce Canyon National Park offers a unique and stunning landscape of its own. Today's hike on the Fairyland Loop Trail perfectly showcases the park's grandeur. We begin our hike at the rim of the canyon where spectacular views of the natural amphitheater provide a glimpse of what is in store. The trail provides a variety of terrain, meandering from high 360° panoramic viewpoints to winding along the base of towering hoodoos. As we ascend to Sunrise Point, we are rewarded with a glimpse of the northeast section of the park, which is dominated by the imposing Boat Mesa and appropriately named Sinking Ship. We continue along the rim to Sunset Point, where our van is waiting to return us to our hotel. All meals included.
Accommodation: Ruby's Inn
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Visit the hoodoos of Navajo Loop; transfer to Las Vegas
4.5 hours private van transfer
3 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Our journey starts at Bryce Point to take in some of the most remarkable views within the park. Shades of orange, pink, peach, and white are set against a vibrant blue desert sky. A photographer's delight, scenes found along the Navajo Loop and Wall Street trails stoke the fires of wanderlust for shutterbugs world-wide. The Three Wise Men, 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. In the afternoon we depart for Las Vegas; we anticipate arriving at our host hotel late this afternoon. Note: Timing may vary depending on trail conditions, weather and other elements beyond our control. Breakfast and lunch included.
(B, L)
Vacations by Lisa Scrimger
