Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Utah Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks Hiking
Day 1 Hike Snow Canyon State Park & Scenic Transfer to Bryce Canyon
3-3.5 hour private van transfer
2-4 hours/3-5 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain
Welcome to Utah! Your guides will pick you and your fellow adventurers up this morning from your pre-trip hotel. After an orientation meeting, lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails of Snow Canyon State Park, where you'll discover a world of natural wonder waiting to be explored. A place of breathtaking beauty, where the sandstone cliffs, red rock formations, and lava fields create a stunning natural landscape for hiking enthusiasts to explore. Marvel at the diverse wildlife, from desert tortoises to Gila monsters, and take in the vibrant colors of the park's plant life. The park's unique geological features make it a must-visit destination for any nature lover. After traversing Red Canyon, arrive Bryce Canyon National Park in the late afternoon. Enjoy a welcome dinner followed by an optional scenic sunset walk.
Accommodation: Bryce Canyon Lodge
(L, D)
Day 2 Hike Bryce Canyon & Kodachrome Basin
1-1.5 hour private van transfer
6-8 hours/ 5-6 miles hiking with up to 1,200' elevation gain (options available)
Drop below the rim on an unforgettable hiking adventure through the stunning Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trails in Bryce Canyon National Park. These two trails combine to create a 3-mile loop that winds through Bryce Canyon's iconic hoodoos and stunning natural landscapes. Hiking the Queen's Garden trail, head down into the heart of the canyon, where you'll be surrounded by towering hoodoos and otherworldly rock formations. The Navajo Loop trail then leads you back up to the rim, with stunning views of the canyon and beyond. After lunch discover the wondrous landscapes of Kodachrome Basin State Park, with over 70 monolithic stone spires that rise from the earth, the park's awe-inspiring beauty is a sight to behold.
Accommodation: Bryce Canyon Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike Fairy Land Loop & Rainbow Point at Bryce Canyon
1-1.5 hour private van transfer
6-8 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,600' elevation gain (options available)
Rise for a day of exploration and an extraordinary hiking adventure on the Fairyland Loop. This 8-mile trail winds through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the park and offers panoramic views of hoodoos, rock formations, and lush forests. The trail is rated as moderate, making it a great option for hikers of all levels who are looking for a bit of a challenge. Along the way, you'll encounter unique geological features, diverse wildlife, and colorful flora, making the hike a truly unforgettable experience. Highlights of the trail include the Tower Bridge, a natural arch formed by the elements, and Fairyland Canyon, which is home to some of the park's most dramatic hoodoos. In the late afternoon explore the many scenic stops between the park lodge and Rainbow Point. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views and make memories that will last a lifetime.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike the Zion’s Virgin River Narrows
2-hour private van transfer and up to 45 minutes on the Zion Shuttle Bus
5-7 hours/5-6 miles hiking – in/out of water all day (gear provided)
After breakfast, journey to Zion National Park through the iconic Zion tunnel. Today takes you through the heart of Zion Canyon, following the Virgin River as it winds through towering canyon walls that reach heights of up to 1,000 feet. The hike can be completed as a 6-mile round trip, but shorter options are available depending on your appetite for adventure. The Narrows hike is unique in that it involves wading through the Virgin River for most of the journey, with the water sometimes reaching thigh or waist height. This makes the hike both exciting and challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. As you hike through the narrow canyon walls, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and unique geological features, including hanging gardens, towering cliffs, and sandy beaches. Hiking the Zion Narrows is an experience unlike any other and one that should not be missed by anyone visiting Zion National Park. It's a true test of both physical and mental endurance, but the reward is an unforgettable journey through one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Enjoy dinner on your own in charming Springdale, Utah.
Accommodation: Red Cliffs Lodge Zion
(B, L)
Day 5 Hike to Scout Lookout & Emerald Pools in Zion National Park
10-15 minutes via Zion Park Shuttle in/out of the park
4-6 hours/ 8 7 miles hiking with up to 2,300’ 1,800' elevation gain (options available)
If you've come seeking a thrilling hiking adventure, look no further than the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout. Ascend sheer canyon walls through a series of tight switchbacks carved into the canyon wall. Along the way you'll encounter intriguing geology and outstanding scenery. Enjoy a cool respite as you traverse the narrow tree-lined Refrigerator Canyon. Climb the famed "Walter's Wiggles" to arrive at the Lookout and take time to soak in the breathtaking views and see if you can spot an endangered California Condor soaring amongst the mesas. Descend to the canyon floor after this memorable hike and head to the aptly named Emerald Pools and the cascading waterfalls that connect them. This lush area offers a variety of local flora and fauna set in an amphitheater of towering sandstone cliffs. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in Springdale.
Accommodation: Red Cliffs Lodge Zion
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Hike Watchman Trail & Depart to St. George
1 to 1.5-hour private van transfer
2-3 hours/3-4 miles hiking with up to 375' elevation gain (optional)
Rise and shine for a perfect farewell to Canyon Country. Starting the ascent of the Watchman Trail near sunrise is a perfect way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of the park in the early morning light. As you hike up the trail, you'll encounter a variety of natural features, including beehive formations, lush vegetation, and views straight up the main fork of Zion Canyon. The trail is relatively moderate in difficulty, making it a perfect way to greet the day. The trail culminates at the Watchman Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the canyon and the Virgin River. The viewpoint is especially stunning, as the first light of day illuminates the canyon walls and casts a warm glow over the landscape. Return to the hotel to pack and enjoy a hot breakfast before departing for St. George, arriving before noon to catch homebound flights.
(B)
