Itinerary

Day 1 (Kolob Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Bryce National Park) The guides pick you up this morning to begin the day’s scenic sweep from St. George, to Kolob Canyon in Zion National Park, to Cedar Breaks National Monument (if time allows), to Fairyland Point in Bryce. We’ll do some “guide’s favorite” short hikes along the way.

Day 2 (Bryce Canyon National Park ) Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s geologic masterpieces. From the rim of the canyon, the ground falls away to reveal an unrestrained gallery of hoodoos, fins, mazes, and spires, in shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, and cream. Our hikes wind along the rim and down into this striking landscape. Sunset over the canyon will leave an indelible impression. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day 3 (Kodachrome Basin State Park ) If you loved the sunset last night, set your alarm for the optional pre-breakfast sunrise photo opportunity. After breakfast we head toward the fabulous Kodachrome Basin State Park, which is filled with national park quality vistas and natural wonders, including the spectacular sand pipes rock formations and small arches. We take a fairly mellow hike on one of the trails and enjoy a picnic lunch before driving the rest of the way to Boulder.

Day 4 (Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument ) Today we begin our exploration of the vistas, historic points, and mind-boggling geological features of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which still has the wild feel of terra incognita. We’ll venture deep into this diverse and striking landscape, hiking through the back country and around colorful sandstone pedestals, along sun-dappled streams at the base of 1,000 foot cliffs, and over natural bridges. At day’s end, we return to our comfortable accommodations and relax on the patio, overlooking the pond filled with melodic bird sounds. This evening we feast at the award-winning Hell’s Backbone Grill, featuring local organic produce and delectable entrees.

Day 5 (Zion National Park ) We drive about three and a half hours this morning to the small town of Springdale, gateway community to Zion National Park. On our first hike this afternoon we’ll walk through a lush canyon, past galleries of cottonwoods, and by a waterfall, looking for birds, wildflowers, and tracks. One of the great highlights of this hike is the remarkable black and reddish-brown desert varnish, formed over thousands of years. We stop for photos at the grand vistas and enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail. This evening you can enjoy a swim, a short walk to a labyrinth, or a quick rest at the comfortable inn before dinner. Flanigan’s Inn

Day 6 (Zion Canyon, Zion National Park ) Back in Zion this morning, we have the full day to explore. Zion has a remarkable shuttle system that has eliminated the kind of crowded parking lots that mar park views. We take advantage of this efficient transportation, and shuttle into the park to see Zion Canyon from the best possible viewpoint—the trails. Evening finds us back in Springdale for wonderful farewell meal at the fabulous Spotted Dog Café, famous for their unique Southwest dishes with homemade specialty sauces and locally grown vegetables. Flanigan’s Inn

Day 7 (St. George for departures home ) After breakfast we head back to St. George, then on to Las Vegas. Schedule flights out of St. George for after 1:30, and flights from Las Vegas after about 4:30.

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