Southwest Utah Explorer

Transcription

1 Southwest Utah Explorer Bryce, Zion, the North Rim, and the Less-Discovered Places October 11 19, 2018

2 The most remote place in the continental United States? Just south of Highway 12, in southern Utah. In this case, remote means not many people around... for miles and miles. Remote also coincides with some of the best, undisturbed natural settings, and most unique landscapes in the western hemisphere. So, we ll bring the people; and southern Utah (and vicinity) will supply the drama. Join us, for multi-night stays that allow us to explore off the beaten track, and get to know a wonderful, remote region. Trip Highlights will include: Scenic Bryce Canyon / lodging for 3 nights at Bryce s back door Kodachrome Basin State Park / Cottonwood Trail / Grosvenor Arch Utah s Scenic Route 143 The Million Dollar Road (Utah route 12 known as one of the hemisphere s great scenic highways) Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument the Hole in the Rock Road the Zion Lodge (2 nights) / treasures of Zion National Park the sublime North Rim of the Grand Canyon (2 nights nearby at Jacob Lake) Up Close and personal in the Devil s Garden (Grand Staircase-Escalante)

3 Itinerary: Thursday, October 11 We ll fly from Charlotte to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, we ll load into our comfortable SUV s, and drive to St. George, Utah. Overnight, St. George. Friday, October 12 We ll continue our drive into Utah this morning, making a short detour through Cedar City home of Southern Utah University, before venturing onto Utah route 143, heading toward Bryce Canyon. We ll make our home for the next three nights in Tropic, Utah gateway to Bryce, and the natural wonderland of southern Utah. Overnight, Bryce Trails Bed and Breakfast. Saturday, October 13 Today, we ll explore Bryce Canyon National Park home of otherworldly sandstone formations, including its distinctive red rock spires called hoodoos. Photographers will revel in capturing Bryce Amphitheatre from Inspiration Point during the golden hour. Hiking options abound, as do scenic viewpoints including Fairyland Canyon, and the aptly named Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Points. As we explore the mazelike landscape, no doubt the words of pioneer and park namesake, Ebenezer Bryce, will ring true. He allegedly described the canyon as a hell of a place to lose a cow. Overnight, Bryce Trails Bed and Breakfast. Calling all cows: Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon

4 Sunday, October 14 Today, we ll embark on a great expedition east into the Grand Staircase region: Ground Zero for colorful cliffs, extensive canyons (including slot canyons ), and stunning slickrock. Utah Route 12 nicknamed the Million Dollar Highway (story on location) will take us there. Along the way, highlights will include Kodachrome Basin State Park and Grosvenor Arch, the Cannonville Visitor s Center, and a drive down the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road. We ll lunch in Boulder, Utah. By the late afternoon, we ll return to Tropic for the overnight. Monday, October 15 We ll enjoy breakfast at Bryce Trails and say goodbye s to our hosts, before relocating to Zion National Park and the Zion Lodge. We ll expect the cottonwood trees to be in their fall splendor during our visit. Our location inside the park at the Zion Lodge will give us easy access to the Eden-like Emerald Pools (via hiking trail) and views of ethereal sandstone monoliths: the Great White Throne; and the Three Patriarchs. Dinner and overnight at the Zion Lodge. Tuesday, October 16 Today we ll explore the scenic drive that follows the Virgin River through Zion Canyon. Inspiration for photographs, the journal, and the mind s eye. We ll balance

5 our gawking at nature s majesty, with optional visits to the park s museums, and walks or hikes. Overnight, the Zion Lodge. Wednesday, October 17 We ll say goodbye to Zion today, as we drive southeast, crossing into Arizona. We ll pay a visit to the Pipe Spring National Monument en route to Jacob Lake our home for two nights. Overnight, the Jacob Lake Inn. Thursday, October 18 This morning, after a good breakfast, we ll drive to the Grand Canyon s North Rim. Highlights will include a driving tour of the Cape Royal and Point Imperial overlook areas; and an optional hike to Cape Final for the stunning view. We ll also spend time back at the ranch meaning at the rustic and nostalgic Grand Canyon Lodge. Return to Jacob Lake for the overnight. Friday, October 19 We ll spend the morning driving back to Las Vegas, and our flight for home. Caution: Photo Gallery and Registration Form Just Ahead.

6 Along the Way... Vistas, Colors, and Textures [Registration form: last page (print page 8).]

7 We ll do our best to replicate this photo from Cape Royal (Grand Canyon) at sunset.

8 Trip Registration Utah Explorer, October 11-19, 2018 Please print and mail this registration form, along with your $750 / person deposit (check, payable to Explore Up Close), to: Explore Up Close, LLC 613 Poplar St. Spartanburg, SC Your Name: Mailing Address: Telephone: Name of person(s) traveling with you (if applicable): ; Contact information (if different from yours): Telephone: Lodging specifics (requests will be honored to the degree possible): room with two (2) beds room with one (1) bed Enclosed is my check, payable to Explore Up Close, in the amount of. Final trip payment is due on August 10, Refunds can be granted prior to that date, minus a $100 service fee and any non-refundable vendor monies (hotel and guide bookings, etc.). (864) chumley@exploreupclose.com