Current as of: May 15, 2024 - 02:27
Current as of: May 15, 2024 - 02:27
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Journey into Zion, Bryce, Arches and Grand Canyon national parks to explore the best hiking trails in Southwest USA. Hike into the belly of the Grand Canyon down to Plateau Point, enjoying a sunset vista or opting for a bird’s-eye view on a scenic flight. Walk alongside the beautiful Virgin River in Zion National Park, observe strange red-rock formations in Arches and Bryce Canyon national parks, and end at the magnificent Grand Canyon. This dedicated guided hiking tour means you can explore the national parks the way they were meant to be – on foot and with camera at the ready!
This trip is also available as a camping trip – see Beyond the Grand Canyon: Treks of the West – Camping Edition.
Highlights
This adventure has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
This is a walking tour designed for active adults and offers a well-paced mix of walks for differing levels of fitness. Most walks are of moderate difficulty and are up to four hours’ long. For the more adventurous, there are often optional moderate to strenuous hikes of up to eight hours’ duration in some locations. Your tour leader will organise these on your behalf and you will pay locally. You’ll find the main optional activities listed under each itinerary day description, along with guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour.
Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility and sometimes your tour leader may suggest changes. This may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will be a tour highlight. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, local weather conditions and time of year.
Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park
During the itinerary, we have time in Zion National Park, where one of the more strenuous and popular hikes is Angels Landing. In response to concerns about congestion on the trail, the National Park Service announced that everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs a permit. Permits cannot be booked by a tour operator, so all guests who wish to attempt this hike are responsible for applying.
Permits are released via a lottery system; unfortunately, there is no guarantee of securing a permit.
The lottery system comes in two forms:
Zion is renowned for hiking and there are many excellent trails with wonderful views, such as the Watchman Trail or The Narrows. Our group takes these alternative trails. Anyone who is successful in securing their permit can hike Angels Landing while the group completes an alternative trail. For more on Angels Landing permits, such as application dates and prices, visit the National Park Service page here.
Your tour leader will take care of all the planning and organisation throughout the trip – they will drive the van taking you from A to B and make sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure you get the most out of your trip: organising activities, providing information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting any queries or problems. If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do on your tour, please let your tour leader know at the beginning of the trip and they will do their best to help you. As interests and capabilities usually vary, leaders will typically guide day hikes according to the group’s needs and the difficulty of particular hikes. Our leader enjoys spending as much time as possible on the trail with their groups; however, please bear in mind that it will not always be possible for a tour leader to accompany every hiker when groups split to hike different trails. On odd occasions, your tour leader may need to stay behind to do food shopping or arrange other optional activities.
Working hour regulations for leaders: US law regulates the total number of hours your group leader is available to work. Tours are designed to make the most of your time in the States, but there will be certain times each day that your leader will need to be off duty from work to rest and recuperate. Due to these restrictions, particularly after the longer driving days, your leader may not be able to join you for some of the daily activities or may need to tend to other work duties.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 13
Those on the group flight will be met at Las Vegas International Airport and transferred to our hotel. 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 take place in the morning of Day 2.
Accommodation: Alexis Park Resort (or similar)
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:
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:
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:
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.
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 transfer back to Las Vegas International Airport.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
We have six hotel nights and two motel nights on this trip.
Accommodation will be in clean, comfortable hotels and motels, chosen for their friendly atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the region. You will be roomed with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin-share basis (two people per room) unless you are travelling as a couple.
Single supplement from £ 900
Please note, some hotels may take a debit or credit card as a deposit at check-in. They may also take an amount to cover incidentals. Funds can be held until check-out, at which time the amount actually incurred will be charged. Please clarify with the hotel when you check out that all deposits will be refunded as promptly as possible.
Two breakfasts are included on this trip.
On this tour, we usually eat in local restaurants. To help you budget for these meals, average costs are:
Drinks cost on average:
A tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in North American restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices.
Your tour leader may offer your group the option to operate a lunch-only food kitty, this has proven to be a popular alternative to three daily restaurant meals. The leader will explain this option while on your tour, and the whole group will have to agree for this system to run.
Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate for various dietary requirements but in certain parts of North America certain food types can be limited.
You’ll travel in a private 15-seater vehicle which is driven by your tour leader. All luggage, equipment, and other necessities are stored in a specially designed trailer or storage area to maximise space and comfort in the vehicle. The size of our vehicles allows us to reach more remote destinations not accessible to larger vehicles. All our vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, Bluetooth-compatible stereo and USB charging ports throughout the vehicle.
The West is known for its very dry spring, summer and autumn weather and outstanding blue, sunny skies. However, temperatures vary greatly depending on the elevation you are at. Generally, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature. In summer, Bryce and the Grand Canyon offer pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking whereas some of the deserts might experience hotter temperatures. On warmer days, the leader will opt for early morning and late afternoon walks, leaving time for midday rest. The hottest time of day in the desert is actually 3pm, and most nights will be mild to warm. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in the summer and look out for the plentiful mountain wildflowers.
Start hotel: Alexis Park Resort, 375 E Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Phone: +1 702-796-3300
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. The welcome briefing usually takes place in the morning of Day 2
The start hotel is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves.
Make your own way
You are free to arrive any time on Day 1. Due to the late arrival time of the group flight from London, UK, it is likely that the welcome meeting will take place on the morning of Day 2. Details on the time and specific location of your meeting will be available by midday on Day 1. During the welcome meeting, you will meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and spend a few minutes filling out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport and tour documentation to the meeting.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Arrival complications
Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may even miss it. If you have missed your tour departure, first call the hotel to see if your tour leader has left you a message. If not, call the relevant emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you catch up with the group. Please note that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses incurred due to missing your tour’s departure.
There’s a group departure transfer to Las Vegas International Airport for customers who Exodus have booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. If you have booked your own flights, you may still join this transfer at no extra cost – please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Las Vegas
Location end: Las Vegas
Take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to suit the season. You may encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions, so it’s best to be prepared!
Besides your essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items you should take:
Help reduce plastic waste
Footwear
We recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good ankle support will make all walking more enjoyable. If you do not own a pair, then sports trainers will suffice although this is a personal choice. It is recommended to bring thick walking socks for comfort.
Note: Zion/Narrows walk is in the water channel, walking over rocks of irregular shape. Boots, trainers or sturdy-soled, closed-toe sandals are recommended (your footwear will get wet, so plan accordingly to enjoy).
Clothes washing
You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes on tour, this can often be done at the hotel or in town. Ask your tour leader for local information.
Luggage allowance
One suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (50lb/23kg maximum) per person. A small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel, please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as this may be less than 50lb (23kg).
We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities; however, some of our pre- and post-tour hotels will provide this service although there may be a charge. Please contact the hotels directly for further information.
Travellers from the UK and most EU countries can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provided they have registered for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – which costs US$21 – and are in possession of an onward air ticket and machine-readable passport when entering the US. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Please note, regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 (or has dual nationality of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria) may no longer qualify for the VWP. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you will not be eligible for the VWP and should instead apply for a visa to travel to, or transit via, the USA.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Nevada time zone: America/Pacific Standard Time (UTC -08:00)
Utah and Arizona time zone: America/Mountain Standard Time (UTC -07:00)
USA's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz
USA's currency: US dollar (USD)
ATMs are readily available throughout North America and major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. All ATMs in the USA charge to withdraw money (from US$1-US$5). In some off-the-beaten-track destinations, ATMs may be limited. Please ensure your credit or debit cards have international access and a PIN to access your funds at the start of the tour. It is important you advise your bank prior to leaving your home country of your intended travel, so they do not block your card. We suggest you bring US$150 with you in cash for the beginning of the trip.
We recommend you take at least US$50 per day for meals not included in the tour, drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also budget for expected tipping, as well as for the optional activities that you would like to do.
It is normal and expected in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you’re confronted by a local who is expecting a tip and you are not aware of how much to offer. For this reason, we have listed guideline prices below.
A 15%-20% tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip US$1 per drink in bars, US$1-US$2 per bag for porters, US$2-US$3 for hotel housekeeping as well as 10% for taxi drivers. It’s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional activities.
Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour and we recommend a discretionary tip of US$12-US$15 per passenger per day if your leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.