HIKING BRYCE AND ZION NATIONAL PARKS

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1 HIKING BRYCE AND ZION NATIONAL PARKS NOVEMBER 1-5, 2017 HIGHLIGHTS TRIP SUMMARY Climbing the West Rim & Observation Point Trails in Zion National Park Hiking the amongst the Hoodoos in Bryce National Park Enjoying the relative solitude and crisp fall days of October Staying for three nights in a lodge at the bottom of Zion Canyon Phone: Outside the US: Fax: info@goodadventure.com

2 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Nov 1-5, 2017 Location: Bryce and Zion National Parks, Utah Cost: $1, Activities: Hiking Arrive: Arrive Las Vegas anytime on November 1 Depart: we will be back at the Las Vegas airport by 4 pm on November 5 and you can fly out anytime after 6pm TRIP OVERVIEW Sometimes you just want to fit as much hiking into four days as you can. We've designed this trip to hike some of the best trails in the two parks in a short period- there won't be significant amounts of downtime on this trip. Maximum group size: 12 RATING This trip is rated both 3 and 4 because of the option to modify the hikes by choosing a shorter hike within the park. Except for the first day, each day's hike as described is between 4 and 6 hours and with substantial elevation gain and loss. This trip is a great choice for any healthy woman in good physical condition who loves hiking and wants to do lots of it. If you have significant fear of heights, please call the office before you register. Rating: 1 2 [3] [4] 5 WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced AGC guides Three nights double occupancy accommodation All meals from lunch on Thursday thru lunch on Sunday Transportation during the trip National Park entry fees Not included: Airfare to Las Vegas, Alcoholic beverages, Guide gratuities, Items of a personal nature

3 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 NOVEMBER 1, WEDNESDAY Arrive anytime today in Las Vegas. We'll be staying at the Alexis Park Resort that can be reached by shuttle so you can arrive whenever it's convenient. Our first formal get together will be tomorrow. DAY 2 NOVEMBER 2, THURSDAY We'll meet for breakfast and introductions. The drive to Zion National Park is about 3 hours and this afternoon we'll have a shorter warm-up hike, the Emerald Pools Trail System. The hike to the Upper Pool is about 2.5 hours roundtrip and passes both pools and waterfalls, as well as the lush environment of the lower pool and the dry environment of the upper pool. Tonight, we'll eat dinner in the open dining area at the Lodge where we can watch the night slowly darken. Overnight Zion National Park. DAY 3 NOVEMBER 3, FRIDAY Today we'll hike to Observation Point. This steep trail passes the trail to Weeping Rock and then climbs through Echo Canyon and up again to the aptly name Observation Point, gaining 2,150 feet in four miles. The view from the top is magnificent: the yellow color of the cottonwoods make the sweeping views down canyon look like a river of gold. You can also see across canyon to the red rocks of Angels' Landing and the white rocks of the western plateau, or upriver to the where the Narrows are. If there is time and energy, we recommend taking the short uphill trail to Weeping Rock when you're back down at the base - it's well worth it. Time permitting, we'll also drive up to the famous Zion Narrows for a short walk on a paved path back into the canyon. Tonight, we'll drive back into Springdale for dinner. Overnight Zion National Park.

4 DAY 4 NOVEMBER 4, SATURDAY We get up early this morning for the 2-hour (or so) drive to Bryce. The drive itself is quite pretty and if you've never seen Bryce Canyon, your first look over the rim will take your breath away - as will the elevation, which at 7500 feet is something you'll feel when you hike. Our trail today is the Peekaboo Loop. In contrast to yesterday where we climbed out of Zion Canyon, today we'll start by descending into Bryce Canyon. This 6- mile trail follows a loop around a major formation. Constantly changing views provide an excellent opportunity to see hoodoos from the bottom up and from every possible angle. After completing our hike we'll drive back to Zion, stopping at a restaurant where the food is rivalled only by the view and ambience. DAY 5 NOVEMBER 5, SUNDAY Today our choice of hikes starts on the trail to Scout's Landing. This paved trail switchbacks up on a wide trail for about 2 miles. For those who have no fear of heights and want a mental challenge, we offer Angels Landing, one of the classic hikes in Zion. From Scouts Landing, the trail follows a narrow ridge (there are chains there for support) out to a fantastic overlook high above Zion Canyon. For many, however, this will be far enough, and you can either wait (the view is amazing) or return to the trailhead and walk along the Virgin River trail. In either case you can make your final decision once you've actually seen the trail. Hiking up to Angels Landing is about.5 miles out and back. If your legs are demanding a bit of a rest today, walking along the Virgin River is always a good choice. We'll plan to leave Zion by 1:30 pm and be back in Las Vegas by 4:00 pm (we gain an hour when changing time zones) so you can get a flight home after 6:00 pm.

5 ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Sara Schuitemaker at or call 800/ ACCOMMODATIONS We will spend all three nights at Zion Park National Lodge in Western Cabins with gas fireplaces and free WiFi. The cabins are simple and comfortable, and the setting, with red rock walls soaring above you, is outstanding. WEATHER November is a great time to visit the Zion and Bryce National Parks. The weather is usually clear and crisp and most the crowds have left. Like everywhere, though, this time of year can bring a bit more unpredictable weather. And depending on the altitude, the weather varies. Highs are typically in the 60s and 70s during the day and the lows are 30s-40s at night. It can rain during this time and we've seen light snow at Bryce. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

6 PACKING LIST Please note: We will be hiking the first day and suggest you come dressed in your hiking clothes with your boots, hiking poles, and water easily accessible in your luggage or backpack. FOOTWEAR 1 pair of lightweight hiking boots: boots need to be well broken in and comfortable 1 pair of comfortable athletic shoes, Teva sandals, crocs for wearing when not hiking 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (some people also like to wear liner socks) CLOTHING 1 pair of comfortable long pants for hiking. Zip-offs work well. 1 pair of shorts (optional) 1 lightweight, light-colored, long-sleeved shirt to protect you from the sun 2-3 synthetic or lightweight wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 lightweight long underwear top: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Smartwool, MTS, or polypropylene) 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pull-over or synthetic equivalent ( expedition weight long underwear, microfleece). A fleece or wool vest can work for this layer as well. 1 fleece jacket 1 rain parka and rain pants: a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex is recommended. Underwear/nightwear 1 warm wool or fleece hat 1 pair wool, capilene, or fleece gloves 1 wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap for protection from the sun or rain 1 2 changes of comfortable clothes to wear around the hotel and out to dinner (e.g. pants and/or skirt, with a couple of tops) TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, and sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 small personal patch kit : Band-Aids, Second Skin, moleskin, cloth athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, if any. Individuals allergic to insect bites must bring an anaphylactic kit. ESSENTIALS Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/ retention strap Bandanna(s) 1 daypack large enough to hold your supplies for the day (water, snacks, sunscreen, raingear, fleece jacket, wool hat and gloves, personal patch kit, etc.). Line with a trash bag or bring a pack cover. Capacity to carry 2 quarts of water: 2 one-quart water bottles, water in plastic bottles that you buy in a grocery store, or a hydration system that fits in your pack Hiking poles (required) Small headlamp or flashlight (headlamp recommended) and extra batteries Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Personal snacks some snacks will be provided (ie granola bars) but if you have a favorite it s best to bring it OPTIONAL (if you want it, bring it personal preference and not required for the trip) Camera (extra battery/charger) and film/memory card wrist watch/travel alarm clock Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen Binoculars rain cover for daypack Insulated synthetic or down jacket to wear to and from meals National Park Pass (annual, golden, or military); these passes may entitle you to additional amenities/perks at parks

7 NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. Because we stay indoors every night, you may be tempted to skimp on the warm clothes. Don't. Weather in the mountains can be quite variable. It may be warm and sunny, cool and drizzly, or both. It is essential that you have the rain gear and clothes to stay warm during the day when you are out on the trail. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. Packing in a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase, rather than a hard-sided suitcase, will make packing our van easier. Please do not bring more than one duffel or suitcase. Daypacks: We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2200 cubic inches as you will need large enough for all your items for the day. Please line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry. Before you leave home check to be sure that your daypack is comfortable to wear all day and that there is space for all your items. Having a daypack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt will provide for much more comfortable hiking. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general trekking, lightweight cordura or leather boots work well. Leather boots may be waterproofed in various simple ways, and cordura boots will be waterproof if they are lined with Gore-Tex. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get good quality boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Personal First Aid Kit: Small first aid kit with familiar medicine you might need for personal use, ESPECIALLY blister or foot remedies like moleskin, gelskin, blister bandages or similar. The amount and kind you bring will depend on your tendency to blister but many people get blisters on hiking tours. Other suggestions: remedies for respiratory ailments? Stomach ailments? Sore muscles or joints? We will have a first aid kit too, but if you already know what works for you it s better to have it Clothing: Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your level of activity. You can use long underwear as your base layer, your mid-weight top or vest as your second layer, and your fleece jacket as a third layer. You use your rain gear as your outer layer, and warm hat and/or gloves as needed. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. The hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Lastly, the wind/rain pants. They should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. Hydration: It is very important to your safety and enjoyment to have an independent ability for accessing your water. As you are hiking you will need water to be accessible to drink frequently. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, or Platypus bladder bags, which are simply a collapsible water bag with a hose attachment that you drink from. These fit inside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder where you can access your water without the use of your hands. Some models are designed to attach to the outside of your pack. Bladder bags can hold oz. of water. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are required for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. In addition, they help conserve your energy by transferring some of the work to your arms and chest. If you are not familiar with trekking poles we have written a blog spot that addresses the most commonly asked questions You can find that at:

8 If you will be purchasing trekking poles for your trip please make sure they meet the following guidelines: 1. Height of the poles can be adjusted 2. They have an upright (as opposed to cane-like) handle 3. Have wrist straps that can be adjusted. For a detailed description of considerations when purchasing a pair of trekking poles please see: Next-Hiking-Trip Please note: Trekking poles can be an expensive equipment purchase. If this is new to you we suggest purchasing an inexpensive pair (EBay, or some of the big box stores can be a good source) or borrow a pair from a friend. During your trip, you will have the opportunity to learn the correct technique to use them, practice with them. Once you ve gained a bit of experience and you know that hiking is going to be a regular part of your life, you can make a more informed decision about whether you want to invest in the perfect pair of poles. Important Note regarding luggage: Please follow the packing list closely to avoid excessive luggage. We recommend packing in a medium-size suitcase or duffel with wheels. You must be able to easily handle your own luggage keeping in mind that some hotels may not have elevators and negotiating stairs may be necessary