US National Parks Exploration Week to Grand Canyon, Zion & Bryce Canyon national parks
plus Sedona Arizona, Hoover Dam & Las Vegas

October 28-Nov. 4

  
                                           Cathedral Rock-Sedona                                              Observation Point - Zion                                            

The Grand Canyon West Rim

Join us for a week of exploring some of the most beautiful spots in the US, as we visit the spectacular scenery of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park.  We will also enjoy the amazing red rock landscapes of Sedona Arizona, plus the marvel that is the Hoover Dam and the fun and excitement of the Las Vegas show and nightlife scene.

In Zion we will enjoy a scenic drive visiting several picturesque overlooks plus a visit to a scenic ranch bordering Zion including a jeep ride across more beautiful landscapes, plus optional horseback riding, ATV rides, ziplining and guided hiking to stunning Observation Point in Zion.  

A full free day to explore Zion National Park at your leisure via the park’s free hop on hop off shuttle service or choose another optional guided hike to stunning Angel’s Landing, rounds out our 3 day visit to this incredible national park.

At Bryce we will enjoy a scenic drive to explore its unique “Hoodoo” rock formations and other natural attractions.

At the Grand Canyon we will enjoy a visit to three scenic overlooks spanning the incredible panoramic vistas of the canyon, as well as the option to walk on the one of a kind marvel that is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass walkway suspended high above the Grand Canyon, with incredible panoramic vistas in all directions (including the most unique view of the canyon floor, seen through the glass floor you are walking on.)

In Sedona, we will enjoy two nights to soak in the mesmerizing charms of this mystical city and enjoy a guided drive amidst the beautiful red rock landscapes and optional hikes for a closer view (included in your trip cost).

Plus enjoy 2 nights on the fabulous Las Vegas Strip to enjoy its fabulous shows and nightlife, as well as a walk along the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip and a visit to the Hoover Dam for picturesque photos.

Daily itinerary:

Wed. October 28th – Fly into Las Vegas on your own arrangement and make your way to the Treasure Island Resort Hotel and Casino, located in the heart of the famous Las Vegas strip.

At 5pm we will gather at our hotel for a trip orientation meet and greet.  
The evening is at leisure to enjoy the shows and nightlife of Vegas.  There are multiple Cirque du Soleil shows on the strip, including the amazing show Mystere, showing at our Treasure Island resort, with tickets starting at just $50. (We will email 60 days prior to travel, the show your trip leaders will be leading an optional excursion to as well as booking instructions for this and other shows).

Our hotel is an easy walk to the major casino resorts and shows on the strip, or you can enjoy the ease of the monorail system connecting the major resort casinos.

Our hotel also offers multiple bars including:

Señor Frog’s Restaurant & Bar at TI is the only place on the Las Vegas Strip dedicated to those looking to be adventurous and experience authentic Mexican hospitality and party atmosphere

Senor Frogs at Treasure Island also offers an optional Open Bar unlimited drink package for only $25.

Kahunaville Party Bar at Treasure Island is a Las Vegas hot spot that delivers exotic island-infused drinks in a fun, festive atmosphere

Plus a Margarita Bar, a Mojito Bar, Breeze bar (in the center of the casino), poolside bar and steakhouse bar.

Treasure Island also offers 10 restaurants, including a steakhouse, a seafood restaurant, a BBQ restaurant, a buffet, a coffee shop, Senor Frogs and more.

Thursday October 29th  - This morning we will check out and our group will be taken by a private service for a four hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park where we will enjoy a scenic drive through the park.  We will witness the incredible rock formations called ‘Hoodoos” which are unique to Bryce.

Bryce is distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks. The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views for park visitors. The hoodoos are whimsical rock which have been eroded into surreal spires.  There is no place quite like Bryce Canyon. Hoodoos (odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion)

Stop for breathtaking views at Fairyland Point and Inspiration point and marvel at the Natural Bridge.

View from Inspiration Point Inspiration Point The viewpoint at Inspiration Point consists of three levels that provide varied spectacular perspectives of the main amphitheater. From here, visitors look toward the Silent City (near Sunset Point) with its many rows of seemingly frozen hoodoos set against the backdrop of Boat Mesa. All who look out from this point are bound to be inspired, considering the intricacies of the hoodoos and their formation through the erosion of the Claron Formation. Fairyland Canyon, located one mile north of the National Park entrance station, offers an opportunity to see hoodoos at an "eye-to-eye" level. These hoodoos have inspired imaginations for years, and visitors today are bound to be as enchanted as were the Paiute Indians, who saw the hoodoos as ancient peoples turned to stone.

 
Fairyland Hoodoos

Though the name tends to be misleading, Natural Bridge is one of several natural arches in Bryce Canyon and creates a beautiful scene at this viewpoint. This arch, sculpted from some of the reddest rock of the Claron Formation (rich in iron oxide minerals), poses a stark contrast to the dark green of the Ponderosa forest that peeks through the arch from the canyon below.

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Natural Bridge at Bryce

After leaving Bryce, we will drive three hours to Zion National Park,
where we will check into our hotel, the La Quinta Springdale Hotel.

 Located just minutes from the highly acclaimed Zion National Park, our Springdale, UT hotel is convenient to all of the park’s attractions, as well as several restaurants.  We also provide top-notch, attentive service and all the modern amenities you'd expect from resort-like accommodations and free Wi-Fi.  Our free Bright Side Breakfast® will fuel your daily endeavors.

Each inviting guest room also features free Wi Fi, a 32 inch LCD TV, microwave, refrigerator and more. Get in a workout in our fitness center, featuring top quality equipment, relax in our outdoor pool and Jacuzzi hot tub poolside or stay productive at our 24-hour business center. After a long day of exploring the great outdoors, head back to your room for a great night sleep on our deluxe pillow top mattress.

Stay connected with your friends and family back home with our free high-speed Internet access. Enjoy some relaxing or inspiring music on our iPod radios, and our soft, pillow top beds will have you sleeping soundly all night long. After you wake refreshed, head on down to the main lobby to sample our exclusive free Bright Side Breakfast. From our “Make Your Own Waffles”, to hot and cold cereals, pastries, bagels, bread, cinnamon rolls, English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich with Bacon, scones, eggs with cheese, fresh fruit, yogurt, and hot chocolate, juice, and milk, you’ll find plenty of breakfast options to get your day off on the right foot. We're here to provide whatever you need; just let our courteous, attentive staff know what you need, and we'll make it so. 
This evening is at leisure to relax.

Friday October 30th  
This morning we will enjoy a scenic drive visiting the major lookout points in the park with photo stops at these overlooks and opportunities for short walks for more stunning views at two of them:

Lower Emerald Pool Trail – The National Park Service rates this as an easy walk, described as: 

 Paved trail leads to the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfalls.

The round trip distance is 1 mile.

Emerald Pools
Emerald Pools is one of Zion's sweetest signature trails. Generously endowed with breathtaking scenery, this trail is one that children and adults alike will have fun hiking. Waterfalls, pools and a dazzling display of monoliths create the Emerald Pools Trail System.

Overview
The Lower Emerald Pools Trail is a paved trail to the Lower Emerald Pool, and is accessible to strollers, so all can truly enjoy the scenery. You will move through Zion National Park and get the chance to marvel at the views of Red Arch Mountain, Lady Mountain and the Great White Throne. Colorful cliffs extend in every direction

While the pools and hanging gardens are the main attraction, visitors will enjoy sensational views all around. Towering above the trail on Zion Canyon's west side are Lady Mountain (6,945'), Mount Majestic (6,750') and Cathedral Mountain (6,930'). Looking east you'll easily identify Red Arch Mountain and The Great White Throne (6,744').

Riverside Walk – The National Park service rates this as an easy walk, described as:

Paved trail follows the Virgin River along the bottom of a narrow canyon

The round trip distance is 2 miles.

This paved trail is well maintained, but the wind does carry sand to the path where it accumulates in spots making it temporarily difficult for wheelchairs in spots, but nonetheless easy for all others.

The view at the end of the Riverside trail.

This afternoon we will enjoy an excursion to Zion Ponderosa Ranch, a scenic ranch bordering Zion National Park.
At the ranch you will have many options, including a hike in Zion National Park to Observation point, led by your trip leader, or a guided horseback riding tour, led by the ranch staff, ATV riding, a zipline, a climbing wall, bungee jumping, rappelling, horseshoes, basketball, tennis, as well as just lounging alongside their beautiful pool & relaxing in their adjacent hot tub.  Access to shower and changing facilities are also provided, as well as a restaurant where you can purchase lunch at your leisure.
For those wishing to take our included trip leader guided hike, you will enjoy fall foliage and stunning views along the Weeping Rock Trail to Observation point

The trail starts on the ranch and the enters the national park and meanders along mostly flat terrain through Echo Canyon to Observation Point, one of the most beautiful overlooks in Zion National Park, offering a stunning viewpoint of Zion Canyon.
The round trip hiking distance is 6 miles and takes an average of four hours. This is a shorter version of the same hike accessed from the trail head inside the park, which is round trip 8 miles and rated strenuous (our access point from the ranch cuts off the 2 miles which involve strenuous uphill and downhill hiking when accessed from the park service trailhead inside the park.)
Those wishing to join us for our included guided hike will enjoy views of fall colors, sweeping panoramic landscapes and towering cliffs.  

After returning to the ranch from our hike, we will have free time to relax by the pool and soak in the hot tub.

The view from Observation Point

This evening we will all enjoy a fun one hour sunset jeep ride at the ranch. 
We will leave the recreation barn about an hour before Sunset and will follow the North Fork Road and then divert to a road that takes you up to our famous Pine Knoll.  On Pine Knoll you'll capture views of the vast expanse that surrounds Zion Ponderosa. Watch the sun set on the western horizon and enjoy an ice-cream selection of your choice.  It's a breathtaking experience! 

We will return to our hotel for the evening to relax, with restaurants a short walk from our hotel and a chance to soak in the outdoor hot tub at our hotel this evening under the stars.

Saturday October 31st.
Today you can choose between a free day to explore the park at your leisure via the park service free shuttle (operating only on weekends) with drop off and pick up service throughout the day, approx. every fifteen minutes, or take our included hike led by our trip leaders. 

Those wishing to explore at your leisure will be driven from our hotel by our private vehicle this morning to the Zion National Park visitors center from where you can hop on the regular free Zion Park Shuttle to take you at your own leisure to your choice of the many stopping points in Zion National Park, to explore the park’s overlooks and trails of all lengths and levels of difficulty, from an easy stroll to a strenuous jaunt, as per your own wishes.  The shuttles run approx. every fifteen minutes so you can hop on and hop off at your leisure at as many points as you wish and then return via the free park shuttle back to the visitor’s center whenever you wish to end your day of exploring the park. 

When you are ready to return to the hotel at a time of your own choosing, just return to the visitor’s center (via the regular free park shuttle and then from the visitor’s center you can return to the hotel via the free and regular service of the Springdale town shuttle which departs from the Zion Park visitor’s center approx. every fifteen minutes as well, and makes an easy stop just one half of a block walk from our hotel.

The Visitors center also has many exhibits to explore and is also the starting point of both an easy and a moderate rated trail, for those wishing to center their day around the visitor’s center.

Parus Trail – Rated Easy by the national park service, this trail starts at the visitors center and is described as follows
Paved trail follows the Virgin River to Canyon Junction.

It is a round trip distance of three and one half miles and takes an average of two hours to complete the round trip loop.

Watchman Trail  - Rated moderate by the national park service, this trail starts at the visitors center and is described as follows:  

This trail contains some moderate drop-offs and ends at a viewpoint of the Towers of the Virgin, lower Zion Canyon, and Springdale.

It is two and three quarters miles round trip.

Those wishing to take our trip leader guided hike will enjoy the panoramic views of the Angel’s Landing Trail. –  This is one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park and offers stunning views from its summit.

Rated by the national park service as Strenuous, this trail is described as follows:

Contains Long drop-offs. Not for young children or anyone fearful of heights. The last section is a route along a steep, narrow ridge to the summit.  Strenuous uphill hike, but hiking is on a well maintained trail.

The hike distance is five and a half miles round trip and takes an average of four hours to complete.   This hike is a personal favorite of your trip leader for the panoramic views at the summit.   After we have completed the hike we will return to the hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure to relax or if you wish, take a soak in the hotel’s outdoor Jacuzzi, or for anyone wishing more activity, you may also return to the park at any time of your choosing via the free Springdale and Zion Park shuttles.

Best features of the hike - The last half mile of the trail is fun and the views along the way are impressive. The point at the end of the Angels Landing trail allows for unlimited views of Zion Canyon in both directions and the Great White Throne seems only a jump away. When standing on the peak of Angels Landing the Great White Throne is at eye level. From the top many landmarks of Zion National Park can be seen including the Virgin River, Big Bend, the Organ, Cathedral Mountain, Observation Point and Cable Mountain.  Angels Landing is one of the most famous hikes in the world and it deserves it place with the best.

 

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Route description: The trailhead is at the bridge across the road of the Grotto Picnic Area, in Zion Canyon. The first part of the hike follows the West Rim Trail, which is clearly identified by a sign. The trail is broad and well maintained. The first section is fairly level as it follows the river and then crosses the canyon bottom. Switchbacks allow the trail to climb the canyon wall, up to Refrigerator Canyon. That canyon is pleasantly cool, scenic, and walking is easy.
The trail then climbs another series of switchbacks, called Walter's Wiggles. These 21 switchbacks gain elevation rapidly, but this section is short and not oppressive.
The Wiggles put you on top of the ridge, at Scout Lookout, where views are amazing. Restrooms are available here before the last section of the uphill hike to the summit, over which chains are mounted into the trail, to provide assistance to hikers.  On arriving at the summit, more amazing views reward you.  The view here and along the route, make the hike very much worth the effort.

Monday November 1st – This morning our group will be driven by private vehicle from Zion to Sedona Arizona, (approx. a 4 hour drive).  Sedona is known for its mesmerizing red rock formations creating stunning landscapes and its mystical energy spots (called Vortexes).
We will enjoy lunch at leisure at one of the many restaurants in the popular uptown area of Sedona, where dining and chic shopping outlets abound, before checking into our hotel for the next two nights, the Best Western Aroyo Robles Resort Creekside.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas offers great value to each guest by providing amenities typically found in larger resort properties. As our guest you will enjoy;

Location: conveniently situated in the heart of Uptown Sedona-steps from fine art galleries, shopping, and restaurants for which the area is known. The hotel also offers over 600 feet of private frontage on sparkling Oak Creek. Surround yourself with ancient Sycamore trees and sounds of the Creek- a hidden gem in Uptown Sedona!

World Famous Red Rock Views: as the tallest building in Sedona, the hotel provides five floors of unobstructed panoramic views from your private balcony or patio. Town view rooms are also available.

Free breakfast: we treat our guests to a complimentary hot breakfast buffet of freshly prepared scrambled eggs, meats, potatoes, cheese, waffles, cold cereals, yogurt, bakery breads, fresh fruits and a full complement of beverages.

Comfort: each guest room is tastefully appointed with Simmons® plush pillow top mattresses together with quality linens and a variety of pillows. Hotel rooms include 46-inch LED TV¿s offering over 60 channels, DVD Player, free Wi-Fi, refrigerator.  The hotel also features an indoor pool and Jacuzzi.

Features & Amenities

• Complimentary Breakfast
• Fitness Center
• Pool
• High Speed Internet
• Pets Allowed
• Hot Tub
• Eco-Friendly

Breakfast Made Easy

• Free Breakfast
• Complimentary full breakfast
• including freshly prepared scrambled eggs
• breakfast meats
• potatoes
• cheese
• waffles
• cereals

This afternoon, we will enjoy a short driving tour to visit Cathedral Rock - Visit the famous Cathedral Rock, seen in several films, walk along the beautiful Oak Creek, visit Bell Rock, and more.

                           
Cathedral Rock images

The trail to Bell Rock
 
Hikers on T Bell Rock

This evening is at leisure to wander the chic shops, galleries and dining opportunities of uptown Sedona.

Tuesday November 2nd – Today we will enjoy a full day visit to more of Sedona’s famed Red Rock formations including

• A drive through Oak Creek Canyon, one of the 10 most scenic drives in the nation
• A stop at the Oak Creek Vista to take in the amazing views and browse Native American jewelry and crafts
• Airport Mesa, which offers the most breathtaking view of West Sedona and its famous red rocks
• Airport Vortex, one of the many places of mystical energy in Sedona  
• Chapel of the Holy Cross - Built in 1956, this beautiful, architectural wonder is built right into the red rocks of Sedona

Fall Colors in Oak Creek Canyon



The View from Airport Mesa viewpoint

This evening is again at leisure to walk amidst the shops, galleries and dining opportunities that are all walking distance from our hotel.

Wednesday November 3rd – Today we will leave the energy behind in Sedona and our group will be driven to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon (approx. 4 hours drive).  Upon arrival we will be transferred to a park services minibus which will take us to visit three of the most impressive overlooks of the Grand Canyon.

How could man connect with nature while protecting the Hualapai nation, their culture and values which are deeply engraved in the canyon walls and proudly displayed for the world to see?   Explore first-hand the beauty of the Grand Canyon from top to bottom. Soak in nature's beauty at your own pace.
Come and explore Grand Canyon West.

Viewpoints
Our convenient Hop-On-Hop-Off shuttle system that continuously operates, gives you the freedom to create your own experience. You choose the sights to see and how much time you would like to spend at each viewpoint.

Hualapai Ranch
Enjoy western hospitality, cowboy entertainment and more.
Learn how to rope, quick draw and do other cowboy activities just like in the old west.
Take an optional 30 minute horseback ride right up to the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Eagle Point
Enjoy a visit to a Native American Village: a walking tour of authentic Native American dwellings depicting multiple tribes.

Amphitheater: live Native American performances from multiple tribes demonstrated continuously all day.

Creations by Native Hands: features handmade, authentic Native American jewelry and crafts.
If you wish, walk on the awe inspiring Grand Canyon Skywalk: the glass bridge extending 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above the Grand Canyon floor. This is an amazing experience! (note: If you have a serious fear of heights, you may wish to skip the skywalk option.)

Guano Point
“Highpoint Hike”: A short easy walk, 1 mile each way, offering breathtaking panoramic canyon views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River.

Visit the remnants of a historic tram that stretched 8,800 feet across the canyon to a guano mine.

Dine right on the edge of the Grand Canyon with uninhibited 360 degree canyon views.

Hualapai Market: interact with Tribal members offering Native American jewelry and crafts.

View of the Grand Canyon and the Skywalk.

View of the skywalk and the Grand Canyon.

For those wishing more excitement, choose an optional 15 minute helicopter adventure over the canyon ($145).

At the end of our Grand Canyon visit, we will depart the Grand Canyon and return by our private vehicle to Las Vegas, approx. two and half hours drive.  Enroute, we will make a short stop at Hoover Dam (just 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas) for photos of this engineering marvel. (If time does not permit the stop at Hoover Dam today, due to time spent at the Grand Canyon, we will make the visit to Hoover Dam tomorrow morning, on a short 45 minute drive from Vegas).

Upon arrival in Las Vegas, we will check into our hotel, the Luxor Resort and Casino, right in the center of the fabulous Las Vegas strip.
Tonight, at check in, each room receives a $20 food and beverage voucher for use at any of the bars or restaurants at our hotel.

How many times in your life will you be able to say you stayed and played in a pyramid? Luxor features comfortable and spacious accommodations ranging from standard rooms to extravagant suites. Plus, Luxor offers everything you’d expect from a Las Vegas hotel – from fabulous entertainment and dining, to non-stop Las Vegas casino action.

Luxor features 13 restaurants and six nightclubs
Enjoy one final night in Vegas to savor another show, such as the magic of Chris Angel, appearing at the Luxor, or take a final walk along the neon lights of the strip, taking in memorable attractions like the fountains in front of the Bellagio, made famous in the movie Ocean’s Eleven.

Wed. Nov. 4th – This morning is at leisure to relax (or if time yesterday did not permit the visit to the Hoover Dam, it will be visited this morning).  At midday, we will return together to the airport. Passengers should plan to book their flights home from Vegas departing at 1pm or later.  Passengers wishing to book flights earlier than 1pm may do so and book their own transfer from our hotel to the airport (passengers booking a morning flight may miss the Hoover Dam visit if it is run this morning)

Trip cost: Only $1199 plus $45 tax with a roommate of the same gender assigned

Optional single room supplement: $539

Your trip includes:

Accommodations:

1 night at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino on the fabulous Las Vegas Strip
3 nights at the La Quinta Hotel - Springdale/Zion Park Utah with hot breakfast daily
2 nights at the Best Western Aroyo Robles Hotel Creekside – Sedona AZ with hot breakfast daily
1 night at the Luxor Resort and Casino on the fabulous Las Vegas Strip with $20 per room food and Beverage voucher
All accommodations include free non-smoking roommate matching based on gender

Included Activities:

• Scenic drive through Bryce Canyon National Park Oct. 29th with stops at overlooks and scenic viewpoints
• Scenic drive through Zion National Park on Oct. 30th with stops at overlooks and two trip leader escorted short walking trails as listed in the trip itinerary
• Entrance to Zion Ponderosa Ranch with access to its facilities (pool, Jacuzzi, grounds, basketball, tennis, volleyball and more) on Oct. 30th.
• Sunset Jeep tour at Zion Ponderosa Ranch on Oct. 30th
• Trip leader guided hike of the Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park on Oct. 31st
• Driving tour of Sedona on Nov. 1st and Nov. 2nd with walks among Red Rock landscapes as listed in the trip itinerary
• Entrance to Grand Canyon West and shuttle to three viewpoints of the Grand Canyon West Rim on Nov. 3rd
• Visit to Hoover Dam for photo and short walk on bridge/walkway above the dam on Nov. 3rd or 4th.
• Transport to Las Vegas airport on Nov. 4th
• Transport between all points on the trip itinerary in private, air conditioned vehicle

Optional activities:

Horseback riding at Zion Ponderosa Ranch: $55 for a guided 2 hour ride
ATV riding at Zion Ponderosa Ranch : $33 for one hour guided ride, or $55 for 2 hours
Skywalk at Grand Canyon West Rim: $37
Helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon: $144 for 15 minute ride
Horseback ride at Grand Canyon: $38 for thirty minute guided ride to the rim of the Grand Canyon

A $200 deposit is due within 7 days of your reservation.  This is refundable if cancelled by July 31st and non-refundable if cancelled thereafter.  Balance payments are due August 20th and are non refundable.