Beyond the Grand Canyon: Treks of the West

Beyond the Grand Canyon: Treks of the West

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Beyond the Grand Canyon: Treks of the West

9 Days Starting and ending in Las Vegas

Visiting: USA

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TGH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 13

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

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

  • 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

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Las Vegas

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)

Day 2 : To Zion National Park

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: Springhill Suites (or similar)

Day 3 : Walking In Zion National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Springhill Suites (or similar)

Day 4 : To Bryce Canyon National Park, Afternoon Hike

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)

Day 5 : Arches National Park

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: Best Western Greenwell Inn (or similar)

Day 6 : Canyonlands National Park

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: Best Western Greenwell Inn (or similar)

Day 7 : To The Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) Via Monument Valley

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)

Day 8 : Grand Canyon National Park

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)

Day 9 : To Las Vegas On Route 66; Tour Ends

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.

What's Included

  • All accommodation

  • Two breakfasts

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader

  • Arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Optional activities

Food

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.

Accommodation

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

National Parks Walks

10 days of the most amazing scenery & fun activities. Each of the National Parks we visited was stunning, and all very different. Good variety of walking trails, lots of photo opportunities, very comfortable hotels, and excellent guides. Quite a full-on itinerary, some long drives, but a perfect way to see a lot of beautiful things in just 10 days.

A MUST DO HOLIDAY - BOOK NOW!!!!!

I am 61 and have done a fair bit of travelling and hiking. I had seen friend's DVDs of a similar holiday around the Canyons and this inspired me to book with Exodus (we had used various other tour operators previously but were 'Exodus Virgins'.) This holiday far exceeded my expectations in terms of scenery (so different to anything I had previously seen), varied walking (loved Angels Landing), quality of leaders (they were very knowledgeable, informative, great communicators, patient, motivational, inspiring, fun to be around and well organised), accommodation (great accommodation with all facilities a girl could need), transport (new and very comfortable; should be the norm!) and finally a well put together itinerary which enabled us to get the most out of the holiday. I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday - to such an extent that I would say it was my best holiday for years and years - ignore any negative comments!!

National Parks Walks

Awesome, amazing, stunning, jaw-dropping. I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and some of the iconic red rock images so familiar the world over. It turns out that the Grand Canyon is every bit as captivating as expected, but on this trip there are many equally impressive treats in store and I found it impossible to choose a favourite. This trip over delivers in spades. The only possible flaw is that it is so, so much to take in. No sooner have you been blown away by the beauty of one park you are on to the next to get blown away all over again. There were 12 in our group and all seemed equally pleased with itinerary.

National Parks Walk

The entire trip was full of surprises (always good ones) - too many to recount all here. The following is a piece I wrote on my return (for a group for whom I write regularly; my pieces form part of a local weekly 'talking news' for visually impaired listeners). This one recounts just one of the several revealing walks we took on this trip. For us participants it was an experience of real discovery, but at all times we were most carefully monitored by our leaders, and we always had every confidence in them.

YOSEMITE AND THE CANYONLANDS

Writing my reveiw after returning yesterday....  Visiting the Grand Canyon has been an ambition  since childhood, and I chose this trip as I hoped it would offer a chance to see multiple sites and I believed the camping and walking would provide a real taste of the country.  I was not disappointed but how can any other holiday live up to this experience ... 

YOSEMITE AND THE CANYONLANDS

I had a really fantastic adventure thanks to all of the people sharing the holiday with me, and to our tour guides Colin Galgon and Charlie Taussig. Colin and Charlie went out of their way to make this a very memorable trip!

walking in the national parks

a very good mix of hiking and sightseeeing in several US national parks. great scenery with comfortable accomodation of a far higher standard than i had expected.

YOSEMITE AND THE CANYONLANDS

The West is Best.

National Parks walk

The content of this trip was excellent and we had a very good holiday. There were a few minor deficiencies however, mostly concerning information/communication..... We travelled with others who had booked through Grand American Adventures and they appear to have been better served: they arrived earlier in Las Vegas and had time to explore the city whereas we had time only for a quick dash in, despite the trip notes listing day 1 as a city day. We arrived at the hotel at 6.00pm, just in time for the briefing. We were advised that our guide would expect tips of $5-7 per person per day but we were surprised to hear that there were two guides and they expected $10 per day each. As a couple, therefore, we paid $400 which was way above budget. There were other minor 'annoyances' ... we were told that no meals were included but our GAA were told some breakfasts were included. We were left unsure but caught on eventually and gained a couple of meals! The Alexis Park was disappointing: they took 1 hour to collect us on arrival, the room was shoddy (and the door lock fell off) and it is a good 15 mins brisk walk to town. We thought we might also have been dropped at the airport for our return flight, as we passed the door, rather than return to the Alexis Park and immediately return to the airport. Sedona, the last minute addition to the itinerary, was very nice and we felt we could have made more of the walking opportunities there. A short town tour and lie by the pool was all that was needed!

YOSEMITE AND THE CANYONLANDS

Great fun, good walking, lovely people. What more could you want from a holiday.

Read all 16 reviews

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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