Name: Beyond the Grand Canyon: Treks of the West
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (17 reviews)

Beyond the Grand Canyon: Treks of the West Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
Destination: USA
Programmes: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
9 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: TGH
Carbon Footprint: 212.9kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Enjoy guided hikes in the fabled national parks of Southwest USA

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.

At a Glance

Six hotel and two motel nights
Seven days of walking
Reasonable fitness required
Altitude maximum: 7,875ft (2,400m); average: 2,625ft (800m)

Highlights

Guided hikes in Zion National Park
Follow the trails deep into Bryce Canyon
Walk the Grand Canyon rim trails and go down into the belly of the canyon
Enjoy the iconic view over Monument Valley

Is This Trip for You?

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:

Seasonal Lottery: You can apply for a permit one to three months before your trekking date
Day-Before Lottery: You can apply for a permit the day before your planned hike

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.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

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

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Las Vegas
End City: Las Vegas

Land Only Itinerary

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)

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)

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)

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 6mi (9km)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

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)

Distance covered: 2mi (4km)

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)

Distance covered: 11mi (17km)

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)

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)

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.

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.

Accommodation

Hotels & Lodges

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 USD 1,350

Accommodation - Pre Trip

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.

Food & Drink

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:

Hotel breakfasts: US$12-US$17
Lunches: US$15-US$20
Dinners: US$20-US$35, not including alcoholic beverages

Drinks cost on average:

Wine: US$7-10 per glass
Beer: US$5-8 per bottle

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.

Transport

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.

Weather & Seasonality

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.

Joining Instructions

Key information

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

Getting to the start hotel

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.

Catching your return flight

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

What To Take

Essential Equipment

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:

Small daypack
Waterproof jacket
Warm sweater/fleece
Casual ‘evening out’ clothes
Hiking shoes/boots
Thick walking socks
Blister packs and plasters (band-aids)
Hiking poles
Comfortable day shoes
Sandals or flip-flops
Warm hat/gloves (for early- or late-season departures)
Swimwear
Sun hat/sunglasses
Camera/binoculars
SD memory card/spare camera batteries
Drybag
Small torch (flashlight) or head torch (headlamp)
Sunscreen
Insect repellent (20% DEET)
Travel power adaptor
Toiletries/personal medicine

Help reduce plastic waste

Reusable water bottle (to reduce single-use plastic bottles we have water for refills in our vehicle)
Reusable travel cutlery with case (to reduce single-use plastic cutlery at hotels and on the go)
Reusable lunch box (to avoid the use of ziplock bags)

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.

Practical Information

Visa

USA

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.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/united-states-america
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements

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.

Vaccinations and Health

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.

Local Time

Nevada time zone: America/Pacific Standard Time (UTC -08:00)

Utah and Arizona time zone: America/Mountain Standard Time (UTC -07:00)

Electricity

USA's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz

Money

USA's currency: US dollar (USD)

ATM Availability

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.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

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.

Tipping

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.

People, Places & Planet

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.

Land acknowledgement: This adventure takes place on homelands sacred to Native Americans throughout the region. We honour their past, present and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.
Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves generates income used to upkeep and develop these important sites. In this trip, we visit the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches and Canyonlands national parks.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Our local partner is a member of the San Francisco Green Business Program. The San Francisco Green Business Program recognises businesses, non-profit organisations, and institutions in the City and County of San Francisco that meet high environmental standards.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

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.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

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.