Southern Utah National Parks Hiking Tour

After meeting our guides and fellow hikers, we drive north from Las Vegas to Cedar Breaks National Monument, for a high-elevation preview hike where we stretch our legs, dial in our hiking gear and day packs, and watch for marmots. Our visit to Cedar Breaks will give us a taste for the epic formations and canyon walls we will be camping among in a few days time.

Following lunch at a scenic overlook in Cedar Breaks, we drive past quaint mountain villages, lakes, and ancient volcanic formations on our way to our new home away from home.

This afternoon we arrive at Kodachrome Basin State Park. Our camp will be surrounded by a palette of warm shades of red, yellow, pink, white and brown which, against the deep blue sky and rare green vegetation, led the National Geographic Society to name the area Kodachrome Basin (with the consent of the Kodak Film Corporation). The park is known for it’s unique spires, or “chimneys”, of rock known as sand pipes. After dinner, prepared for you by your guides, relax in our comfortable camp while the setting sun turns our red rock home into a glowing amphitheater.

Hiking

2-4 miles

Meals

Breakfast on own, lunch and dinner included

Lodging

Established campground in Kodachrome State Park

Today we head into the wild expanse of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Our action-packed Utah National Parks exploration continues as we hike along the Escalante River’s clear flowing waters and canyon walls or off to iconic Lower Calf Creek Falls. On these hikes your guide will share ancient petroglyphs and Ancestral Puebloan Ruins. These hikes are a favorite of adults and kids alike. If time permits and the weather is just right, there’s opportunity for us to visit one of Escalante’s iconic slot canyons before returning to our home away from home for a hearty guide prepared dinner.

Hiking

5-8 miles

Meals

All meals included

Lodging

Established campground in Kodachrome State Park

After a hearty breakfast in camp, we head to Bryce Canyon National Park. Words cannot describe the sweeping views before us as we start our easy walk along the rim. After viewing this wild land of rock from the rim, we’ll hike down into the canyon through a surreal maze of pink hoodoos and rock windows all the way to the mouth of the Bryce amphitheater. The erosive force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have sculpted the colorful limestone rock into bizarre formations including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called “hoodoos.” After our adventurous hike in Bryce, we hop in the van to give your hiking boots a rest as we make our way to Zion National Park.

In the Mormon religion, Zion means “the pure in heart” or in this case, a place where people with pure hearts live. Inspired by the beauty and purity of their red rock home, the early Mormon settlers named the area Zion. Once in Zion, you’ll have the chance to explore close to camp while guides prepare a delicious meal. Tonight, we’ll hang out around campground together playing fun fireside games and getting excited for tomorrow’s adventures.

Hiking

8 miles

Meals

All meals included

Lodging

Established campground in Zion National Park

Observation Point is one of the best viewpoints offered by the list of Zion’s classic trails, with dizzying drop-offs and eye-popping scenery looking down into Zion Canyon. Though not the most family-friendly trail in Zion, this challenge is worth the effort. The maintained trail zigzags its way up the steep mountainside before venturing through Echo Canyon, a deep gorge filled with water-gnawed sandstone pockets. Beyond Echo Canyon the walls drop sharply, giving way to spectacular views. At trail’s end is an incredible view of the entirety of Zion Canyon. The West Rim Trail can be seen to the right as well as lofty Angels Landing and other famous landmarks. The challenge of hiking to Observation point may not be for everyone, if you have qualms about this hike they should be discussed with the AOA staff when planning your trip.

After lunch we will board the park shuttle to the upper reaches of Zion’s main canyon to explore the world famous Zion Narrows, a National Park classic. On this hike we will wade through the knee- to waist-deep water while 2,000 foot tall Navajo sandstone walls tower overhead – even the best waterproof hiking boots are no match for the Virgin River. Exploring the Narrows is a favorite of all of our travelers, but is often especially fun for kids. Tonight we celebrate our week of adventure and relaxation with a final dinner.

Hiking

8-10 miles

Meals

All meals included

Lodging

Established campground in Zion National Park

After breakfast, we head into Zion National Park for a finale hike to Angel’s Landing! We begin the day’s hike strolling beneath shady cottonwood and sycamore trees by the Virgin River’s edge. Soon we begin the ascent, our goal will be to reach the top before the desert sun peaks over the canyon wall. Angel’s Landing is not just a hike; it is the pre-eminent trail of our National Park System and the perfect grand adventure to cap off our fantastic week of exploring the gems of Southern Utah.

The trail ascends 1,488 feet in 2.5 miles to the 5,790-foot summit of a monolith perched partway between the river and the canyon rim. It is flanked on three sides by the erosive North Fork of the Virgin River below. The hike leads to sweeping north-south views of the Virgin River Gorge, Cathedral Mountain, Observation Point, Cable Mountain and the Great White Throne looming high above Angel’s Landing. After descending back to the canyon floor it is customary to take a cool plunge in the Virgin River and relax under a cottonwood tree for a picnic lunch, recounting the fun and adventure we enjoyed during the week of camping and exploring. Waving farewell to Zion, we arrive back to the bright lights of Las Vegas between 3:00 – 6:00pm.

Hiking

5 miles

Meals

Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own.

Lodging

On your own