Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Hiking Tour An Inn-to-Inn Hiking Adventure featuring the Southwest's Triple Crown 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 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. Day 1. Hiking Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon Lodge, (435834-8700 / private baths) 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, Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge cabins (928-645-6865 / private baths) 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 North Rim Lodge cabins 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”. For Reservations and Information call 800-488-8483 or Reserve 24 hours a day at www.TheWorldOutdoors.com
Renowned for Extraordinary Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures since 1988 Address: 2840 Wilderness Place, Suite D Boulder, CO 80301
Fax: 303-413-0926
Email:
[email protected]
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]
a narrow ridge with support chains anchored into the rock. The 360 degree view at the end is worth every heartpounding 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.
Day 4. Hiking Widforss Trail, Zion Lodge Cabins (May 21-23, Oct. 08-10) 435-772-7770 / private baths or Flanigans Bed and Breakfast (Jun 18-20, September 1012) 800-765-7787 / private baths Today we 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 vivid watercolors of his favorite national park in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Hugging 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 Englemann 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 Angel’s Landing and Emerald Pools, Zion Lodge Cabins or Flanigans / private baths A great start to your day is the fabulous hiking trail to Angel’s 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’s Lookout to Angel’s Landing, the route travels along
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]; Note: the National Park Service often closes this hike in May and early June, in which case we will offer an alternative for this day
Tour Details Trip Type: Inn Trip Length: 6 days / 5 nights 2014 Departure Dates: May 18-23, June 15-20, September 7-12 (singles), October 5-10; custom dates and private departures available upon request For Reservations and Information call 800-488-8483 or Reserve 24 hours a day at www.TheWorldOutdoors.com
Renowned for Extraordinary Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures since 1988 Address: 2840 Wilderness Place, Suite D Boulder, CO 80301
Fax: 303-413-0926
Email:
[email protected]
2015 Departure Dates: May 17-22, June 14-19, September 6-11 (singles), October 4-9; custom dates and private departures available upon request Price: $2698 Single Supplement: $625 Trip Rating: Moderate Activities: hike (6 days) Gateway City: Las Vegas, Nevada Gateway City Transfer: The St. George Shuttle Service www.stgshuttle.com offers public transportation between Las Vegas airport and St. George (office is 790 South Bluff Street). The cost for this service is $39/person each way or $69 round trip plus $10 each way for a specific drop off point (please make this request with them at the time that you confirm your reservation, and it is per party, not per person). The shuttle office is very close to The Lexington Inn, 790 South Bluff Street, phone 435-628-4235). The Lexington Inn is also our meeting point in St. George. The 2-hour shuttle does cross a time zone. Call 1-800-933-8320 or 435-628-8320. Reservations are required to guarantee a seat. At the Las Vegas Airport, go to the parking area at Zero Level,. The van is clearly marked St. George Shuttle. Depart from St. George
Arrive in Las Vegas Airport
4:00 AM 6:00 AM 8:00 AM (SGX) 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Noon (SGX) 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM (SGX) 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 9:15 PM
5:10 AM 7:10 AM 9:10 AM 10:10 AM 11:10 AM 1:10 PM 2:10 PM 3:10 PM 5:15 PM 7:10 PM 9:10 PM 10:25 PM
Depart from Las Vegas Airport
Arrive in St. George
6:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:30 AM (SGX) 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 1:30 PM (SGX) 2:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM (SGX) 7:30 PM 9:30 PM 11:30 PM
9:10 AM 11:10 AM 12:40 PM 1:40 PM 2:30 PM 4:40 PM 5:40 PM 6:40 PM 8:40 PM 10:40 PM 12:40 AM 2:40 AM
[Above schedules current as ofApril 2014] Meeting Time & Place: 8:00 a.m. at The Lexington Inn, 850 South Bluff, 435-628-4235), St. George, UT. The Lexington Inn is located directly off I-15, Bluff Street Exit. 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 breakfast prior to our meeting, and that you arrive in comfortable hiking apparel, as we will hike following the orientation. Trip Conclusion: 5:00 p.m., Lexington Inn, St. George (please ask our guides to drop you at The St. George Shuttle if you plan to travel to Las Vegas this evening). If you are departing this evening from Las Vegas, it is important that airline departures be scheduled no earlier than 9:00 p.m. Trip Fees Include: All meals (lunch Day 1-lunch Day 6), all accommodations (double occupancy), T-shirt, water bottle, support vehicle, national park fees, and professional guides. Trip Fees Exclude: Airfare, personal insurance, hotel miscellaneous expenses (phone, fax, laundry, etc.), additional optional tours, services not specified in the tour itinerary, and guide gratuities (An appropriate gratuity to each trip leader is $75-$100 per guest).Trip Notes: Exploring this region can involve shuttles of up to several hours. While we always request the best rooms at each hotel in the parks, no single group is guaranteed its exact request due to each park’s popularity.
The Next Step… References Don’t take our word for it that The World Outdoors trips are the finest in the adventure travel industry. Ask our past guests. Call about any of our trips and we’ll be happy to refer you to someone who’s been there with us.
For Reservations and Information call 800-488-8483 or Reserve 24 hours a day at www.TheWorldOutdoors.com
Renowned for Extraordinary Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures since 1988 Address: 2840 Wilderness Place, Suite D Boulder, CO 80301
Fax: 303-413-0926
Email:
[email protected]
The Best Value in Active Travel Guarantee: We commit to you that all of our trips are of the highest quality at the best value. If you find a trip of equal quality that matches our itinerary and inclusions at a lower fare within 30 days of booking your trip with us, we will gladly refund the difference. A simple guarantee that assures you of the best trip at the best fare! How do I join this trip? Call The World Outdoors at (800) 488-8483 and a Trip Consultant will reserve your space(s) or register online at www.TheWorldOutdoors.com. Your travel agent can also book your trip at no extra cost and provide other helpful assistance. Special Requests: If you have any special dietary needs or any special request that will make your trip more enjoyable, please be sure to notify your Trip Consultant or travel agent upon booking. Then Leave the Rest to Us... Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including your reservation payment receipt and confirmation, travel insurance application, suggestions for preparing for your trip, a packing list, information on pre- and post-trip arrangements, a guest questionnaire and a liability release agreement. Travel Protection: To make your trip with The World Outdoors even more carefree, we strongly recommend the purchase of our travel insurance plan. Offering comprehensive coverage and peace of mind, our travel insurance plan is designed to protect you in case of lost or damaged luggage, a sudden illness or death in the family, emergency medical expenses and transportation costs, and flight delays. We’d be happy to arrange travel insurance coverage for you, so contact us at (800) 488-8483 with any questions. How do I book airfare for this trip? Call our in-house travel agent, Sherry Marriner, at 800-488-8483 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time Monday through Friday or you can email her at
[email protected]. Sherry is also available to assist you with pre- and postlodging needs. If Sherry is unavailable and your needs are urgent, please call Frosch Travel, a local travel agency, at 800-538-7461 and ask for Georgia (ext 251) or email her at
[email protected]. Be sure to tell her you are traveling with The World Outdoors. Alternatively, you are welcome to book your airfare online, directly with the airline or through your personal travel agent.
General Information, Questions & Answers What weather conditions can I expect? Bryce Canyon and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are over 7,000 feet of elevation. As a result, the daytime temperatures are generally in the 60s and 70s during the day, while the evening temperatures are normally in the 30s to low 40s. Zion is significantly lower in elevation, and the temperatures are generally in the 80s and 90s F, with evenings in the 50s and 60s. How difficult is this trip? ... Really. This trip is ideal for those who feel comfortable exercising 3-6 hours a day. It is ideal for those who are looking for a leisurely vacation or an introduction to hiking. Hikes are up to 5 miles with up to 1500 feet of elevation change. Several days have moderate options of up to 10 miles with elevation changes of up to 3,600 feet. Emergency Contact Information: Our office in Boulder, Colorado is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time 1-800488-8483. For emergencies outside of our normal business hours call Bill Marriner at 720-289-0460, Sherry Marriner at 303-915-9660, or Eric Wagner at 303-324-7795. How will the change in altitude affect me? Elevations in the Great Canyons region range from 4,000 to over 9,000-feet elevation, and have an extremely dry climate. Thus, to prevent altitude sickness we recommend that you always remain well hydrated, gradually expose yourself to higher elevations, exercise moderately until altitude acclimatized, eat a diet consisting of at least 70% carbohydrates beginning 1 to 2 days prior to ascent, and get plenty of rest. Furthermore, we suggest that you arrive at our gateway city at least 1 to 2 days prior to the first day of your trip. What are the accommodations like on this trip? We strive to offer our guests a true feel for the southwest by choosing traditional accommodations where available. Though we work with the best lodging available to meet our active itinerary, keep in mind that rural and National Park Lodging often provides only standard accommodations. The Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge, for example, offers comfortable, but simple and small cabins, whereas the Zion Lodge cabins offer an extra step up in charm and ambience. Driving to the Meeting Place: St. George is 130 miles northeast of Las Vegas, approximately a 2-hour drive. It is located directly off I-15 approaching from north or south. If you are approaching St. George from the North, exit at Bluff Street (exit 6), and take a right (if you are approaching from the South, take a left) at the stop light onto Bluff Street. When making your travel plans, remember to keep in mind that there is a time zone change. Las Vegas time is one hour earlier than St. George time. Pre/Post Trip Lodging in St. George: If you arrive the evening before, or stay over after the trip, we recommend the following hotels: Lexington Inn 435-688-8383 UT St. George Fairfield Inn by Marriott 435-673-6066
[shuttle rate $64, based on availability] [rate:$69-$119]
850 Bluff Street, Saint George,
1660 Convention Center Dr. Saint George, UT
The following is a list of hotels that The World Outdoors recommends in the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
For a listing of hotels, visit on-line at http://www.vegas.com/, http://access-las-vegas.com/ or http://www.visitlasvegas.com/ Las Vegas Hilton 702-732-5111 / 888-732-7117 [rate: $155-$250] 3000 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas Treasure Island 702-894-7111 800-288-7206 [rate: $180-300] 3300 Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas
For Reservations and Information call 800-488-8483 or Reserve 24 hours a day at www.TheWorldOutdoors.com
Renowned for Extraordinary Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures since 1988 Address: 2840 Wilderness Place, Suite D Boulder, CO 80301
Fax: 303-413-0926
Email:
[email protected]
Additional Activities: For information on additional pre/post trip activities call the St. George Chamber of Commerce, 435-627-4000 or the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, 702-735-1616.
We're Always Improving! While the information presented here details this trip's planned activities, routes, accommodations, departure and conclusion times, we are consistently seeking new opportunities to enhance this itinerary and your experience. Our actual activities and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. As a result, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary since unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Naturally, we will keep you up-to-date on any changes that may affect your arrival or departure times.
For Reservations and Information call 800-488-8483 or Reserve 24 hours a day at www.TheWorldOutdoors.com
Renowned for Extraordinary Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures since 1988 Address: 2840 Wilderness Place, Suite D Boulder, CO 80301
Fax: 303-413-0926
Email:
[email protected]
