BRYCE-ZION-GRAND CANYON HIKER An Inn-to-Inn, hiking adventure
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, The World Outdoors guides will lead you on a journey through this intricately carved and sculpted wilderness of colour and grandeur. Following quiet footpaths we will enter the vast depths of the Grand Canyon, the richly tinted amphitheatre 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.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 Hiking Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon Lodge Our group assembles in St. George at 11:00 a.m. and shuttles 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. We will enjoy a hike along the park’s multi-colored rim for breathtaking panoramic views of Bryce Canyon’s natural amphitheatres that have been sculpted by eons of erosion. Tonight, we either relish the historic ambience of the Bryce Canyon Lodge, where we stay in log cabins located a short walk away from the canyon rim, or relax in the Bryce Canyon Resort, where we will be surrounded by spectacular views and enjoy amenities such as an indoor swimming pool. Castle Bridge Hike [1.2 miles round trip] Bryce Canyon Rim Hike [distance up to the individual]
DAY 2 Hiking Fairyland Trail, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge In the morning light, Bryce's amphitheatre of radiant spires and pinnacles set the course for a delightful hike. Heading below the rim, we explore the Fairyland Trail as it winds through an intricate maze of contorted hoodoos and rock formations, featuring many colours of the rainbow.In the afternoon we will travel to the serene North Rim of the Grand Canyon.From our comfortable accommodations we walk to a scenic viewpoint, and as the setting sun alights the vast chasm, our guides recount tales and folklore of the canyon's colourful past. Bryce Canyon Hike [5 miles; 550 feet of elevation loss, then gain]
DAY 3 Hiking North Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge We have a couple of options as we begin 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.With the freedom of carrying only a light daypack, descend into the heart of the Grand Canyon on the North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs.For those who prefer a more leisurely hike, wind through forests of ponderosa pine and open meadows to a seldom-visited canyon overlook.Other hikers can enjoy views of the canyon on their own along shorter trail options. North Kaibab Trail [up to 10 miles; 3600 feet of elevation loss, then gain] Widforss Point Trail [10 miles; rolling terrain], Transept Trail or Uncle Jim’s Trail [up to 5 miles]
DAY 4 Hiking Cape Royal, Zion Lodge or Flannigan's Inn Early risers are treated to what may be one of their most memorable sunrises as golden rays light up the canyon walls.The group explores shorter trails for breathtaking panoramic views of Marble Canyon, Angel’s Gate, Vishnu Temple and the Colorado River from Imperial Point and Cape Royal. Later that afternoon we shuttle to Zion National Park and lodge at either Flannigan's Inn, a lovely hand-crafted complex of rustic beams, natural wood and rock walls, or Zion Lodge, located amidst hanging gardens and winding streams.Enjoy the lush green lawns, desert willows, Arizona ash and cascading flowers.At Flannigan's Inn, choose to round out the day with a soothing dip in the outdoor swimming pool scenically set beneath the towering red rock canyon walls. This evening our guides will prepare a special BBQ dinner. Cape Royal Hikes [up to 5 miles]
DAYS 5-6 Hiking Zion National Park, Zion Lodge or Flannigan's Inn From canyon walls and massive stone monoliths to multi-colored cliffs and unique formations, Zion National Park has it all.For two days we are free to explore Zion's numerous hiking trails to crystal waterfalls and lofty overlooks.A highlight for many is a walk through the Narrows of the Virgin River. The trail is simply the river itself as the sheer canyon walls stretch hundreds of feet from the river.For a taste of the old West, you can also swing into the saddle for a half-day horseback trail ride.Our trip concludes in St. George on day 6 at approximately 5:00 p.m. Zion Hikes [distance up to the individual]; Option: Horseback Ride [additional cost]
TOUR DETAILS Inn-to-Inn Trip: 6 days/5 nights Trip Rating: Easy to Moderately Easy, with 4 days of Moderate options Meeting Time & Place: 11:00 a.m. at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott.Please plan to arrive at the inn at the designated meeting time, and not earlier, for the convenience of the innkeeper.We recommend you have brunch prior to our meeting, and arrive ready to hike. Trip Conclusion: 5:00 p.m., Fairfield Inn, St. George. Trip Fees Include: All meals (dinner Day 1-lunch Day 6), all accommodations (double occupancy), T-shirt, water bottle, support vehicle, historical information packet, national park fees, and professional naturalist guides.
