Embark on a “wow-inducing” exploration of three incredible national parks. Spend eight days adventuring through the American Southwest exploring the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon. Discover your favorite vista from the South Rim as you hike down into the depths of the Grand Canyon via the South Kaibab trail. Photograph the dramatic scenery of sights like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Soak up the sorbet-colored, sandcastle-like spires and hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. Trek down the Narrows and peer beyond Angels Landing after a 1400 ft ascent in Zion National Park. This Southwest hiking adventure gets you intimately acquainted with three of America’s most stunningly beautiful national parks.
Descend below the red canyon rim to experience the immense multisensory glory of the Grand Canyon
Overlook the cliffs of Horseshoe Bend that drop 1000ft as the Colorado River carves a perfect horseshoe through the Navajo sandstone
Stargaze one of the clearest night skies as you search for constellations around the milky-way galaxy that stretches from horizon to horizon
Explore Antelope Canyon’s symphony of texture where wind and water have carved sandstone into a temple of nature where light and shadow play hide and seek
Trek through natural sculpted rock gardens of brilliantly colored spires, cliffs, and natural amphitheaters and take in the jaw dropping views from Rainbow Point
Soak up the captivating scenery as you hike past waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens on a hike recognized as one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic
More Reasons to go Exploring in Canyon Country
01
Geologic wonders! Packed sandy dunes, ancient sea beds, and volcanic remnants are just a sampling. You'll discover various rock layers in the worlds most awe-inspiring geologic display.
02
The star gazing: 7,500 stars and the bright Milky Way Galaxy are often bright enough to cast shadows at night.
03
The colors: experience an ever-changing amber, orange, and red sandstone glow that amazes from sunrise to sunset.
Early morning pick-up in Las Vegas, Nevada. We immediately leave the “City of Lights” behind as we make our way down to Arizona and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon (4.5 hours + stops). Enjoy a homemade picnic lunch prepared by your guides. This afternoon, we check out the fascinating architecture of Hermit’s Rest before embarking on a “wow-inducing” hike skirting the rim of the Grand Canyon. Tonight, enjoy dinner in the Arizona Room at Bright Angel Lodge.
About the Kachina or Thunderbird Lodge
Built in the late 1960’s Kachina and Thunderbird Lodges sit directly on the rim of the Grand Canyon. For guests seeking a more contemporary lodging option, Kachina or Thunderbird lodge is a great choice. The guest rooms have a comfortable modern ambiance and are all similar in size and amenities. Many guests choose Kachina or Thunderbird due to their prominent location in the center of the historic district. Either lodge is a great choice for active guests as they are located directly on the Rim Trail. This trail spans from Hermits Rest to the Kaibab Trailhead, approximately 12.8 miles. From your room you can hike in either direction.
This morning, we hike down South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge. The South Kaibab Trail winds us down into the depths of the Grand Canyon, giving us a much different perspective looking up at the Rim from below. We make our way down to Cedar Ridge, where the views of the Canyon and its colorful walls will leave you in awe. After a trailside lunch and break, we begin our hike up and out, stopping frequently to catch our breath and take in the magnificent surroundings. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the South Rim Village. We’ll meet back up for an early dinner in the restaurant of the famous El Tovar Hotel.
Eat breakfast before we shuttle east towards Page (2.5 hours + stops). We’ll make several stops along the way first at Desert View Watchtower, an unusual stone tower designed in Ancestral Puebloan style by architect Mary Colter, and next at Horseshoe Bend where an incredible view of a U-shaped bend in the Colorado River beckons photographers. Lunch at a local restaurant in Page. Mid-afternoon we walk through the amazing natural wonder of Antelope Canyon. The richness of the canyon’s colors at a great time of day light-wise are sure to make for some beautiful photographs. Enjoy a wonderful dinner in Page before retiring to your downtown hotel.
About the Best Western Plus Lake Powell
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon State at this Page, Arizona hotel, which not only offers scenic landscapes, but also offers easy access to many of the area’s most popular attractions. The well-appointed rooms at the Best Western Plus Lake Powell are charmingly decorated in southwest décor and offer free high-speed wireless Internet access, a Keurig Coffee maker, a hairdryer and much more. Many guests take advantage of the seasonal outdoor heated pool and hot tub – it’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or just to take a break and soak in the Arizona sun.
Bid Page goodbye as we make our way towards Bryce Canyon National Park (3 hours + stops). Upon arrival, sit down to a picnic lunch before heading out on a trek to explore the sorbet-colored, sandcastle-like hoodoos and spires of Bryce Canyon. Check into your Bryce Canyon lodging before a casual dinner with the group.
About the Bryce Canyon Grand
Located in southwest Utah just north of Bryce Canyon National Park, the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel is surrounded by fantastic scenery, most notably rock spires of every shape and size, known locally as “hoodoos.” Experience for yourself Bryce Canyon’s newest and most luxurious accommodations and amenities with the best in western hospitality. The Bryce Canyon Grand offers an enclosed courtyard offering guest privacy for the pool, whirlpool, and patio areas. You’re invited to experience Bryce Canyon City’s newest lodging facilities while visiting the breath taking Bryce Canyon National Park.
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a hike through the magical hoodoo rock formations of Bryce’s Peek-A-Boo and Queens Garden trails. Trek through natural sculpted rock gardens of brilliantly colored spires, cliffs, and natural amphitheaters and take in the jaw-dropping views from Rainbow Point. Share your favorite parts of Bryce Canyon with the group as you dine tonight. If you are a night owl, be sure to take advantage of one of the clearest night skies around and try your hand at finding some of the constellations.
This morning, we look for the fifteen small arches along the aptly-named Arches Trail just outside Bryce. Shuttle into Zion through an entrance that will leave you in awe as you wind through the magnificent canyon walls and towering cliffs that make up this majestic park (2 hours + stops). Hike to Angel’s Landing, one of the top-rated hikes in the world, before checking into your lodging for the next two nights.
About Springhill Suites
The award-winning SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park offers a comfortable, elegant setting for travelers seeking inspiration, family adventure and relaxation. Located only one mile from Zion’s gate in the town of Springdale, this hotel is centrally located to explore all that Zion National Park has to offer. The outdoor pool and hot tub with amazing canyon views are the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring Zion!
Explore more of the wonders that Zion has to offer today. Spend a full day walking and wading along the Virgin River, into the sheer-walled canyon of the Narrows. Soak up the captivating scenery as you pass waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens. The Narrows hike is recognized as one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic and is one that you will not soon forget.
During the spring, an alternate hike to Observation Point may be arranged if the Virgin River is running too high or too cold.
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts in Las Vegas, NV at 7:00 or 7:20 AM, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Las Vegas airport (2:00 pm) or your Las Vegas hotel (2:30 pm).
Activities
Hiking: 1 to 8 miles per hike, easy to strenuous terrain (sometimes multiple shorter hikes will be completed within one day).
Cultural Discoveries
Discovery: Widely considered as one of the world’s most spectacular canyons, the Grand Canyon is one of the “Natural Wonders of the World.” Called Kaibab by the Paiute Indian tribe, meaning “mountain lying down” or “mountain turned upside down,” the creamy white Kaibab Limestone forms the surface on which you’ll stand on while viewing the Canyon. Were you aware that the Grand Canyon is neither the deepest, longest, or widest canyon in the world; however, many consider it to be the most inspiring. Hear tales of Utah’s history from Butch Cassidy to Mormon settlers. Learn about Canyon Country geology, including hoodoos, arches, alcoves and fins. Known for its slot canyons, soaring towers and monoliths, and scenic sandstone, Zion National Park is full of unique formations begging to be explored. Delve into the 150 million year old history of Zion canyon’s geologic formations. Bryce Canyon National Park, named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon homesteader in the 1870’s, will satisfy your adventurous spirit with its options for awe- inspiring hikes. Discover your inner thrill seeker as you ascend the narrow switchbacks to Angel’s Landing. Absorb the magnificence of one of the most legendary canyons in all of Zion National Park, the Zion Narrows, as you walk and wade along the North Fork of the Virgin River in the midst of towering canyon walls. Come visit Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks to witness for yourself what all the hype is about! Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, Austin Adventures guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions – except one dinner on your own – are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions – except one dinner on own your own.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner during your trip.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
President
Kasey Austin
Kasey was born in Alaska and raised in Billings, Montana. She graduated in 2011 as a Presidential Leadership Scholar at the University of Montana in Missoula with a degree in Education. Growing up in the world of adventure travel, it was only natural for Kasey to jump into the family business upon entering “the real […]
