Global Adventure - Hike Utah’s Zion, Bryce & Capital Reef National Parks

Trip

Global Adventure - Hike Utah’s Zion, Bryce & Capital Reef National Parks

Day-hike for 8 days on a sampling of the most iconic trails in 3 of Utah’s Big 5 National Parks (Zion, Bryce and Capital Reef) as well as several State Parks and National Monuments. Experience spectacular hoodoos, canyons and arches in this region by hiking trails ranging from easy/moderate to more challenging. Learn about the rich geologic history and ancient cultures of the area while carrying only daypacks, traveling by rental van, enjoying good food and relaxing in comfortable lodging at night. NOTE: Member Fee reflects only the deposit. PERMISSION REQUESTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNTIL REGISTRATION OPENS.

  • Sat, Sep 24, 2022 — Mon, Oct 3, 2022
  • Global Adventures Committee
  • Day Hiking, Global Adventures
  • Adults
  • Easy/Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 50.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
  • Pace: 2 mph

Arrive no later than noon on Saturday Sept 24, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Leader will pick up the rental van and passengers and drive to our hotel in Springdale (2.5 hrs).  The next 8 days will be spent hiking and traveling to the different Parks.  We will arrive back in Las Vegas late afternoon on Sunday, Oct 2, return the rental van and participants can arrange flights home on Monday, Oct 3, 2022 (using the free airport shuttle service at the hotel) or continue on their own for further activities in the area.

Itinerary Highlights:   

Upon arrival in Las Vegas, we will travel by rental van to our hotel in Springdale (2.5 hrs).  For the next 3 days we will explore Zion National Park, renowned for its high plateaus, deep canyons, and sheer monoliths surrounding the Virgin River.  Using the park shuttle bus to the various trailheads, our day hikes will take us to Observation Point, the Watchman, Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock. There will be free time in the afternoons to relax, swim in the hotel pool, or explore on your own as well as an opportunity for an optional, self-contracted half- day Canyoneering Adventure.  On our last day, for those who wish to, if flooding risk is minimal, we will hike a short 3 mile section of the Virgin River through the Narrows of Zion Canyon (equipped with cold water rental gear).  An alternate hike will be offered if flash flood risk is elevated.  When possible, we will take advantage of Ranger programs, designed to highlight some of the unique geology, ecology, wildlife and history of the region.

In the afternoon, we will travel by van to our next stop, Bryce Canyon National Park, with its awe-inspiring hoodoos, spires and natural bridges, and check into our next lodging (Bryce Canyon resort).  Not to be missed is the sunrise at Sunrise Point, so we will get up early, grab our breakfast- to- go and be out on the short trail to experience this!  After sunrise, we will hike Queen’s Garden and Peek-a-boo loops, returning in time for the Ranger geology talk on the Hoodoos.  Free time in the afternoon, then we’ll gather for a lovely buffet dinner at Ruby’s inn, and a short after-dinner hike to observe the Bristlecone Pines, some of the oldest living trees in the world.  On our second day, we will hike the Fairyland loop, winding in and out of the colorful rock spires, and a Ranger-led constellation hike in the evening to see the splendor of the night sky, where thousands of stars can be seen and the Milky Way extends from horizon to horizon. 

Back in the van, we will drive along Scenic Byway 12, a tourist destination in itself, stopping in Kodachrome Basin State Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante where we will learn more about the geology, history and early inhabitants of the area as we explore this area and do some short hikes.  Our destination will be our hotel near Capitol Reef National Park.  The next day we will get a taste of the early Mormon settlers in this area (and a yummy piece of pie) in the town of Fruita, and from there will hike Cassidy Arch, Hickman Bridge and Capitol Gorge trails to see some of the splendid sculpted rock layers and petroglyphs left by the Fremont People.  In the afternoon, we will drive to Tropic, where our lodging will be with Wander Camp Glamping, complete with campfire and smores.

Our final day will be the drive back to Las Vegas and farewell dinner, and participants can depart for home (or continue independent adventures) the following day.

Time of Year:   Our trip is designed to take place in the early fall, when the weather will be cooler (78-83F), skies clear, and beautiful fall colors to enjoy.

Lodging:   8 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels with pools and breakfast included, and one night in a “glamping” type tent with shared two person rooms.

Food:   Breakfasts are included on all days except two.  There will be three included dinners.  Lunches and remaining dinners will be on your own.  There will be opportunities provided to stop at grocery/convenience stores to pick up lunch items.

Leader’s Experience:   Linda Shewey (lshewey@comcast.net) is a new Global Adventures leader but has been a Mountaineer hike leader for 12 years, led 30 hikes/multiple day backpack trips in the last two years, and participated as an instructor in the Staying Found course.  She has hiked many of these hikes in the past.

Participant Requirements:   Must be a current Mountaineers member with an up-to-date waiver on file. This outing includes several consecutive days of hiking easy/moderate trails, on varied terrain, so participants need to be in good aerobic condition with good balance, and willing to hike in warm, sunny temperatures as well as hiking in cold water over slippery rocks.  Participants should have a positive attitude, an inquisitive nature and appreciation for the natural world and early cultures, and a demonstrated ability to get along well with groups.  Day packs, sun protection, sturdy shoes and trekking poles are required equipment.

 NOTE:  As a Mountaineers group we will operate as interdependent, capable travelers making our way together and helping one another succeed and be safe.  You are responsible for your own safety and that of your fellow travelers.  You must have the ability to navigate on trails with a map and compass.  

Trip Price Detail:   $2300 including all lodging, transportation via rental van from airport to all listed activities and back to hotel near airport, all breakfasts (except two), three dinners, National and State Park entry fees and Narrows hike rental gear.  Your airfare (~$378.00), travel insurance ~$160), remaining meals (~$280), gratuities, and optional canyoneering activity (~$180) are not included.

Registration Instructions:   Please submit the application form using the button below.  After the leader’s approval, please pay the 50% deposit ($1150) in order to hold your space on the roster. Registration will close on June 30, 2022 or whenever the roster fills. A place on the roster can only be held with payment of the deposit. The balance of the trip payment is due by July 31, 2022.

Application     Trip Agreement     Release     Supplemental Information

Cancellation Policy:   If you cancel from this adventure or if the trip has to cancel for other reasons, you may receive a refund less non-recoverable expenses and a $100 administrative fee.  No refund if cancellation is within 2 weeks of the start date.

Route/Place

Hike Utah’s National Parks and Monuments


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

After receiving your deposit, the leader will send out a series of letters or emails providing information to help participants succeed on the trip, including recommended and required gear, recommended maps and guidebooks.

 

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