Grand Canyon-Bryce-Zion Hiking

Hike the Southwest's Premier National Parks
Showcasing the mystical and stunning landscape of Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon. Delve into a world of awesome natural amphitheaters, soaring rock sculptures, and tinted canyons full of juniper, aspen and pine. Discover the beautiful work of centuries of wind, water, and ice. We're sure this magnificently diverse display of natural grandeur will create an impression to last a lifetime.

Explore three of America's most incredible national parks: Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion. Well versed in the region's rich natural history and lore, Your guides will lead you on a journey through this intricately carved and sculpted wilderness of color and grandeur. Following quiet footpaths we will enter the vast depths of the Grand Canyon, the richly tinted amphitheater of Bryce, and Zion's vertical world of sandstone cliffs and temples. Each day we'll uncover a unique aspect of America's canyon country, and at night relax in the comforts of a fine inn.

This trip is one of our best getaways for accommodating varying ability levels. It is ideal for the beginning hiker, but also offers options for those who want longer or more challenging adventures.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Hiking Red Canyon
Be sure to eat a hearty breakfast before we meet in St. George at 8:00 a.m. After introductions and a brief orientation, we shuttle to Red Canyon, a little-known gem of southern Utah. Our guides lead us on the Castle Bridge Trail through wind-sculpted bluffs and red rock formations. After our hike, a short van shuttle takes us to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce's stunning amphitheater and colorful spires and buttes beckon immediately upon arrival. For those wanting some more and equally spectacular hiking before dinner, the Navajo Loop trail descends to Two Bridges and Thor's Hammer, passing through Wall Street where Douglas firs tower between the glowing red walls.

• Castle Bridge Hike [3.7 miles round trip with several hundred feet of elevation gain / loss]
• Navajo Loop Hike [1.4 miles; 521 feet of elevation loss/gain]

Day 2. Hiking Fairyland Trail, Bryce Canyon
In the morning light, Bryce's amphitheater of radiant spires and pinnacles set the course for a delightful hike. Winding below the rim on the Fairyland Trail, explore an intricate maze of contorted and colorful hoodoos and rock formations. The scenery along this trail rivals any in the park, with the Sinking Ship, Aquarius Plateau and distant Navajo Mountain forming the backdrop. Marvel at the geologic layering featuring many shades of red, purple, white, and yellow. After lunch, we depart for our exploration of the Grand Canyon, one of the world's seven natural wonders. Carved over eons, the Grand Canyon is a remarkable testimony to the forces of nature. Only one in ten guests to the Grand Canyon visit the tranquil sanctuary of the North Rim, making it an ideal spot to explore one of Mother Nature's finest masterpieces free from the crowds.Before dinner, enjoy a walk to Bright Angel Point for your first glimpse of this awesome canyon and an incredible Arizona sunset!

• Fairyland Loop Hike [4.9 miles; 900 feet of elevation loss/gain]

Day 3. Hiking North Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon
Rise and shine for a day of exploration! To experience the canyon from below the rim, we descend on the North Kaibab Trail. From the trailhead on the Kaibab Plateau, switchbacks through breaks in the sheer cliffs of Coconino sandstone lead us into the void of Roaring Springs Canyon. Blasted in the 1930s, the Supai Tunnel then takes us down through the Esplanade to the top of the Redwall limestone formation, where a bridge spans the rocky gorge. The Redwall traverse is spectacular, descending to a rocky notch just below the spire of the “Needle”. We end our descent at a green oasis below Roaring Springs, water source for both rims of the Canyon, and the pumphouse which lifts the water nearly 3,600 feet to the North Rim. Quite a sight to behold, the springs literally “roar” as the massive discharge spews from the base of the Redwall. Then the “fun” begins as we reverse direction and climb back out of the canyon.

• North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel [3.6 miles round trip; 1200' elevation loss/gain]; or further to Redwall Bridge [5.4 miles round trip; 2200' elevation loss/gain]; or further yet to Roaring Springs [10 miles round trip; 3200' elevation loss/gain]

Day 4. Hiking Widforss Trail
Today we'll get in a morning hike on the Widforss Trail, arguably the finest plateau-top trail in the Park. This classic trail is named in honor of Gunnar M. Widforss, the “Painter of the National Parks” who created vividwatercolors of his favorite national park in the 1920s and 1930s. Huggi ng the edge of the Transept, a 4,000-foot- deep tributary of Bright Angel Canyon, the trail winds through meadows of lupines and forest of blue and Engelmann spruce, white fir, quaking aspen, Ponderosa pine and Gambel oak. After lunch we shuttle to Zion National Park Lodge, located beneath towering walls of sandstone and a stone's throw from the cool waters of the Virgin River.

• Widforss Point Trail [up to 10 miles round trip; mostly level with a total of 200 feet of elevation loss, then gain on the return]

Day 5. Hiking Angels Landing and Emerald Pools
A great start to your day is the fabulous hiking trail to Angels Landing—a true construction wonder. Cut into solid rock in 1926, the trail passes through Refrigerator Canyon (you'll love the cool breeze), ascends the 21 short switchbacks of “Walter's Wiggles” and culminates with spectacular views over sheer drops into Zion Canyon. From Scout Lookout to Angels Landing, the route travels along a narrow ridge with support chains anchored into the rock. The 360 degree view at the end is worth every heart-pounding and breathtaking step! This trail is truly a classic. This afternoon the Emerald Pools trail beckons. Formed by a small year-round creek coming out of Heaps Canyon, two small waterfalls with pools below are the main attraction. Views include Lady Mountain, the Great White Throne, Red Arch Mountain and majestic cliffs in all directions. Or, if you'd rather just relax, you can soak up the sun, take off your shoes and dip your toes into the soothing waters of the Virgin River.

• Angels Landing Hike [5.0 miles round trip; 1,488' elevation gain/loss]
• Emerald Pools Hike [2.3 miles round trip; 300' elevation gain/loss]

Day 6. Hiking the Narrows of the Virgin River, St. George
Our tour concludes with what for many is the highlight—a water tramping experience in the Narrows of the Virgin River—where the trail is simply the river itself. Here the river has carved a chasm 2,000 feet deep into the Markagunt Plateau. On a hot day, there are few things more enjoyable than this river hike in the Narrows. The river meanders through a sculptured gorge of grottoes with lush riparian vegetation beneath the soaring fluted walls. Following a late lunch we say a fond farewell to Zion—knowing you'll be back again—and shuttle back to St. George.

• Narrows of the Virgin River Hike [round trip distance variable, up to each individual; no detectable change in elevation]

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Lodgings are arranged at these quality lodges:

Day 1: Bryce Canyon Lodge
Day 2 and 3: Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge cabins
Day 4 and 5 : Zion Lodge cabins (June 25, July 9, Aug 20, Sept 3 or Flanigans Bed and Breakfast (May 21, June 11, Sept 17, Oct 8)