Deserts and Canyons of the Southwest

Upon arrival into Las Vegas, it is recommended that you clear customs and make your way to the group hotel specified in your final tour voucher. You will meet with your group leader and other members of the group the following morning when the group briefing will take place.

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• Overnight: Tuscany Suites & Casino, 1 night.

Your tour leader will meet you at the hotel in the morning for the group briefing. We head out to nearby Utah, where we commence our first walks at Snow Creek Canyon. Here trails lead over petrified sand dunes past lava tubes and interesting geological formations.

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• Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham - St. George, 2 nights

• Drive time: ~120 mi / 190 km or 2 hrs

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• Lava Tube to Moqui Marbles: 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-150 m

We have a full day to enjoy the wonders of Zion National Park, where a little desert creek, the Virgin River, has carved an 800m-deep canyon out of dark red sandstone cliffs. Some of the west’s most iconic walks are to be found here, such as the famous Angel’s Landing with its Via Ferrata and Observation Point. The group will hike to Observation Point, while those wanting the experience of Angel’s Landing (permits required and must be reserved by individuals in advance) can head out on their own up this trail.

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• Overnight: Sleep Inn - Hurricane, 1 night

• Drive time: ~80 mi / 120 km or 50 min

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• Emerald Pools: 3 mi / 5 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-200 m

We soon reach Bryce Canyon National Park via winding mountain roads. Of all the parks, Bryce Canyon is considered by many to be the most beautiful. Tectonic forces uplifted an ancient lakebed, exposing the soft sandstone deposit to the elements. Over time, the frost and wind erosion continued to chisel them and created a true wonderland of rocks. We walk through a giant amphitheater filled with purple, pink, and dark red stone towers. In autumn, the fall colors contrast magically with the red rocks, while in spring the wildflowers enchant with their fleeting beauty. Because of its elevation, this is the coldest place in the south west, and snow conditions vary from year to year. We may be walking on icy trails with step on crampons or use our snow shoes to access the many sights.

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• Overnight: Best Western Plus - Ruby's Inn, 1 night.

• Drive time: ~140 mi / 220 km or 2 hrs

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• Queens Garden and Navajo Loop: 3 mi / 5 km, 3 hrs, +/-200 m

Continuing over the amazing Highway 12 we skirt Boulder Mountain. The Burr Trail is a little known track through stunning desert scenery. A remote hike takes us to one of the most amazing overlooks: Strike Valley. From here we have vast views over Utah’s desert, the Henry Mountains, and the striking giant monocline of Capitol Reef. We spend the night in Torrey just outside of our next National Park.

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• Overnight: Red Sands Hotel, 1 night.

• Drive time: ~150 mi / 240 km or 2.5 hrs

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• Strike Valley Overlook: ~4 hrs, 6 mi / 10 km, +/-100 m

At Goblin Valley State Park we marvel at the rock formations creating a labyrinth of mushroom rocks.Then we head out to a breathtaking loop hike in a remote slot Canyon of San Rafael Reef. Some tight squeezing through the narrows will be required (this hike is not possible on a rainy day due to flash flood danger). Then, we make our way to our hotel in Moab for the night where we can dive right into our next National Park.

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• Overnight: Moab Valley Inn, 1 night.

• Drive time: ~140 mi / 220 km or 2-3 hrs

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• Little Wild Horse Canyon: 1.8 mi / 2.9 km, 1.5 hrs, +/- 125 m

Arches National Park is famous among hikers. Here we find a maze of twisted, dark red sandstone fins eroded into more than 2000 arches. Trails lead through this wonderland of rocks and provide never-ending photo opportunities. We start with a walk on the Primitive Trail to Double O Arch. Then we head over slick rock to Delicate Arch, often framed by the snow covered La Sal Mountains.

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• Overnight: Inn of the Canyons, 2 nights

• Drive time: ~100 mi / 160 km, or 2 hrs

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• Double O Arch: 4 mi / 7 km, 2-3 hrs, +/-140 m

• Delicate Arch: 3 mi / 4.8 km, 2.5 hrs, +/-184 m

Canyonlands National Park is a huge park consisting of three different regions. The Needles District is less visited yet fabulous for hiking. Trails lead over rock fins,

through rock fissures and at times over ladders and slick rock past towers, walls, and arches of dark red sandstone.

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• Overnight: Inn of the Canyons

• Drive time: ~100 mi / 160 km or 1.5 hrs

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• Squaw Loop: ~8 mi / 13 km, 5-6 hrs, +/-200 m

We continue our journey heading south towards the Grand Canyon soon reaching Monument Valley. The local tribe will take you out on a guided Jeep tours, allowing you a deeper insight into the world of the nomadic peoples that inhabit this area. Then we head to Chinle, the small Navajo settlement at Canyon de Chelly National Monument where we stay in the historic, 1896 trading post built of adobe brick.

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• Overnight: Thunderbird Lodge, 2 nights.

• Drive time: ~220 mi / 350 km or 4 hrs

Canyon de Chelly is a very special place. The canyon has been inhabited for over 4000 years and the Anasazi or “Ancient Ones” that lived here between 350 and

1300 A.D. supported a thriving community of farmers. The Ancient Ones built their settlements into the canyon cliffs to protect against enemies. The Navajo arrived in the area around the year 1400, proclaiming “Spider Rock” as the most sacred site of their religion. Today the Navajo continue to live on their farms, only accessible by 4x4 or foot. Because of the culturally sensitive nature, walks are only allowed with local guides. On our trip, we descend into the canyon on the Bare Rock Trail, traveling along farms, 1000-year-old rock art panels, and 800-year-old cliff dwellings. In this place we explore the magic and the silence of the canyons.

*some trails require creek crossings, bring water sandals for wet conditions

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• Overnight: Thunderbird Lodge

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• Twin to Bare Rock Trail: ~5-6 hrs, 11 miles / 17 km, +/-300 m

Our next destination awaits the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Grand Canyon! But first, we must make a stop at Horseshoe Bend to marvel at one of the most photographed sites in Arizona. Stretch your legs and take in the natural wonder where the Colorado River meanders in a tight, horseshoe-shaped curve around a sandstone escarpment. This iconic viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the river’s emerald green waters contrasted against the red rock canyon. Then we continue through the scenic Painted Desert before reaching the Grand Canyon just in time for a walk along the rim at sunset.

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• Overnight: Red Feather Lodge, 2 nights

• Drive time: ~224 mi / 350 km or 4 hrs

A full day to relax and explore at the Grand Canyon. With it being 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, there is not way to see it all in one day. We recommend an easy hike along the West Rim to the beautiful Hermit’s Rest overlook where you'll be treated to an ever-changing, colorful panorama of the canyon's unique rock formations. If you are looking for a bit more action, there are some recommended hikes that will take you into the canyon itself. Note that you have to come up as far as you went down so keep that in mind to ensure you have enough food, water and plenty of time. It will take you twice as long to return to the rim as it did for you to descend. *Note: Hikes in Grand Canyon National Park are self-guided due to permit regulations.

For those searching for a little excitement, helicopter tours, bike rentals and an IMAX theater (to be paid locally, not included in tour package) are available as well.

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• Overnight: The Red Feather Lodge

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• Havasupai Gardens via Bright Angel Trail: ~9 mi/14.4 km, 4-5 hrs, +/-940 m

• Cedar Ridge via South Kaibab: ~3 mi/5 km, 3-4 hrs, +/-300 m

• Hike along the rim: up to 8 mi/13 km, up to 4 hrs, +/-50 m

In the morning you have a chance to take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon (optional, not included). We then head back to Las Vegas via Route 66. At Seligman there is chance to stock up on some last minute Route 66 memorabilia. Our journey concludes with one night in the city that never sleeps – Las Vegas.

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• Overnight: Tuscany Suites & Casino, 1 night.

• Drive time: ~260 mi / 400 km or 4-5 hrs

Our tour comes to an end here in the of Las Vegas. Our hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport. Please coordinate which time is best for you. If you wish to spend more time in Las Vegas, we are able to book additional nights for you in advance and we highly recommend that!