Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

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Trip Overview

The Southwest USA in a hiker's paradise! You're free to choose your own pace and enjoy the fresh air and surreal landscapes amongst the incomparable red rock spires and deep desert canyons of Zion, Bryce, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Opt for a scenic flight over one of the world most spectacular natural wonders, the magnificent Grand Canyon, or soak up the scenery at sunset. A Navajo guided backroads tour of Monument Valley and a night out in Las Vegas, completes this incredible journey.

Optional Activities (paid locally)

• Scenic Grand Canyon helicopter flight US$160-$400
• Western horseback riding US$45-$95
• Float trip on the Colorado River US$50-$100
• Extreme hummer tour US$75-$145
• Scenic walks and hikes US$FREE

Private Group Departures

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

As this tour departs at 0730 we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel. Please request at the time of booking.

Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park

After leaving Las Vegas, we drive northeast through the Mojave Desert for just over three hours into the State of Utah and our destination - Zion National Park. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their 'promised land'. Some of the best hiking in this desert terrain of southwest USA can be found here in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge. With two nights here, we will have plenty of time to explore.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 2: Zion National Park

We have a full day to further explore the delights of Zion National Park. There are various hikes to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous ones. We warm up our legs by walking on one of an assortment of short and beautiful trails such as from the valley floor to view the magical Emerald Pools. We can also cool off from the summer sun by exploring the Riverside Walk. The challenging option is to ascend 760 metres (2500 feet) to experience unbeatable panoramic views from the top of Angels Landing. If weather conditions permit, you may choose to hike deep into the Zion Narrows. There is also a chance to partake in some horse-riding.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Driving out of Zion National Park we climb in elevation to almost 8000 feet and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is a fascinating natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as 'hoodoos'. There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty.

The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trails will enable us to hike right in amongst these unique rock formations. Some of us may prefer to remain on the rim and photograph the ever-changing shadows and hues as the sun makes its way across the wide-open sky.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 4-5: Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located just a few kilometres outside the town of Moab, Utah. Stunning red sandstone arches have been created by millions of years of wind whipping down the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The park offers leisurely hikes through spectacular sandstone landscapes with colourful names like the Devil's Garden. Many of the incredible arches are known by descriptive names such as Landscape Arch and the famous Delicate Arch. Alternatively some of us may choose to spend the afternoon 'off the trail' by floating on the nearby Colorado River or experiencing the charms of Moab - the small eclectic town that serves as the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. One of our afternoon hikes can end with a visit to Dead Horse Point for tremendous views of the canyons and, with a little bit of luck, another picture-perfect sunset.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 6: Canyonlands National Park

Today is devoted to visiting Canyonlands National Park. This spectacular park centres on the Colorado River and the Green River and all the canyons and formations that surround these two great waterways. We get to explore the Needles section of the park and view Newspaper Rock.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 7: Monument Valley

Today we travel southeast on to the Navajo Nation's greatest treasure - Monument Valley, which is sacred land to those who call it home. The red sandstone monoliths have been the backdrop to countless 'westerns' featuring cowboys riding off into the sunset. After preparing camp, we set out on a spectacular, backcountry, 4-wheel drive tour, deep into the heart of the valley. After stops to photograph both the famous and lesser-known sights in the park, we come to 'the end of the road'. Our local Navajo guide will then lead us even deeper into the park to a trail's end, where we visit places that very few non-Native Americans ever to get to go to. We finish our day with yet another unforgettable sunset in the valley.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

Day 8-9: Grand Canyon National Park

On to Grand Canyon National Park, one of those rare places that no one yet has adequately described, painted or photographed in its entirety. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike down into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this massive wonder of nature is 445 kilometres (277 miles) long, up to 29 kilometres (18 miles) wide and over 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) deep. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 2330 kilometres (1450 miles) through seven US states and two Mexican states.

We watch the sunset on the first night and attempt to comprehend this canyon's staggering dimensions and power. There are many walks that you can enjoy ranging from easy walks to moderate ones, 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. In your free time, we highly recommend a scenic flight over the canyon, which offer perspectives that you cannot see by just visiting on foot.
Accommodation: Camping with meals included

NOTE: Grand Canyon National Park regulations limit group size and do not allow guided hikes. Our tour leaders will provide briefings, directions and maps, but are not permitted by the National Park Service to walk with you on the trails.

Day 10: Las Vegas

From Grand Canyon we complete our journey by travelling back to Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of North America - home to pirates and pyramids, weddings and waterfalls. If it is gambling you want, you have come to the right place! Nowhere else in the world will you find as many casinos, clubs and all-you-can-eat buffets.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.

Book Online

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

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