Beyond the Grand Canyon: Treks of the West

Welcome to the neon city in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas. This brash, iconic destination offers you the chance to explore over-the-top casinos, see a show, shop or simply watch the world pass.



The welcome briefing will usually be held in the morning of Day 2, so today is free for you to explore the city and see the neon lights in all their glory.



Accommodation: Alexis Park Resort (or similar)

After leaving Las Vegas, we drive through desert landscapes before arriving in the state of Utah and our destination for today, Zion National Park. Here lies Zion Canyon, which was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their promised land. Some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of Southwest USA is here, in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With a two-night stay, we have plenty of time to discover Zion. Upon arrival, your leader will take you on a walk via the Watchman Trail as an introduction to the park.



Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)

Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and its vast network of trails, all accessible with the free shuttle bus into Zion Canyon. We recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or, if weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows, a water channel where you'll witness outstanding scenery. Staying dry is not an option as you wade through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching sun.



Another hike option is Angels Landing, which due to its popularity cannot be booked by a tour operator and requires individual customers to apply for a permit via a seasonal lottery. We have included more details on how to go about this in the ‘Is This Trip for You?’ section.



Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)

Driving out of Zion National Park, we climb in elevation to almost 8,296ft (2,529m) and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park, home to a series of fascinating natural amphitheatres of pink, orange and white sandstone spires known locally as hoodoos. There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range in difficulty.



The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trails will enable you to hike right among these unique rock formations with your tour leader. Some may prefer to remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing shadows and hues as the sun moves across the wide-open sky. The inspiring hoodoos will make a lasting impression and leave you yearning for more.



Optional activities:



Western horseback riding at Bryce: US$65-US$90



Accommodation: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn (or similar)

We make tracks for Arches National Park. Stunning red sandstone arches have been created over millions of years by the whipping winds that brush down the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The park offers hiking trails through spectacular sandstone landscapes with intriguing names, such as the Devil's Garden. One of the more widely recognised arches, and by far the most visited, is Delicate Arch, a 65ft (20m) freestanding arch that has become a symbol of Utah, which we visit today.



Optional activities:



Mountain biking: US$60

Extreme off-road hummer tour: US$79



Accommodation: Virginian Inn (or similar)

Today we drive out to Canyonlands National Park. We visit the Island in the Sky district, with sweeping views of the Green and Colorado Rivers and take several small walks to Mesa Arch and Grand View Point, which showcases spectacular panoramic views over the canyon edge. We also experience the iconic view at Dead Horse Point of the Colorado River snaking through the water channels.



Accommodation: Virginian Inn (or similar)

We start today travelling south-east for a photo stop at the greatest treasure of the Navajo Nation: Monument Valley, a sacred land to those who call it home and the backdrop to countless Western movies.



Then on to Grand Canyon National Park, one of those rare places that has yet to be adequately described, painted or photographed in its entirety. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 277mi (445km) long, up to 18mi (29km) wide and over 1mi deep (1.6km). Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1,450mi (2,330km) through seven US states and two Mexican states. Upon arrival, take a stroll along the South Rim to experience the vastness of the canyon.



Watch as the sun sets on this incredible place and attempt to comprehend the staggering proportions and power of this canyon.



Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)

There are many rim trail walks that you can enjoy using the park transport, as well as the park ranger's guided nature walk, or you may just wish to sit in quiet contemplation on the edge of this natural wonder. However, we highly recommend lacing up your hiking boots and walking the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge for spectacular views across the canyon. For a unique bird's-eye view, opt for the optional scenic flight over the canyon, which offers perspectives that cannot be seen when visiting on foot.



Optional activities:



Grand Canyon helicopter flight: US$349 (starting rate, price varies according to demand)



Please note: Grand Canyon National Park regulations limit group size and do not allow guided hikes. Your tour leader will provide briefings, directions and maps, but is not permitted by the National Park Service to walk with you on the trails.



Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)

This morning, we begin our journey back to the desert city of Las Vegas. En route, we drive along a section of the original Route 66, stopping at the town of Seligman, which is filled to the brim with pure Americana. This stop makes for some wacky photos but also echoes back to a time when the Mother Road was the main highway to cross America.



This incredible adventure comes to an end as we return to Las Vegas. If you would like to extend your stay to experience the bright lights of Las Vegas, please speak to your sales representative.