HIKING BRYCE AND ZION NATIONAL PARKS HIGHLIGHTS OCTOBER 31 NOVEMBER 4, 2018 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: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Oct 31 Nov. 4, 2018 Location: Bryce and Zion National Parks, Utah Cost: $1,425.00 Activities: Hiking Arrive: Arrive Las Vegas anytime on October 31 Depart: we will be back at the Las Vegas airport by 4 pm on November 4 and you can fly out anytime after 6:00 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 Four nights double occupancy accommodation All meals from lunch on Saturday thru lunch on Tuesday Transportation during the trip National Park entry fees Not included: Airfare to and from Las Vegas, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities and trip insurance
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 OCTOBER 31, WEDNESDAY Arrive anytime today in Las Vegas. We'll be staying at a hotel 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 1, 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 2, 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 makes 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.
DAY 4 NOVEMBER 3, 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 4, 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. ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call 206-395-7836. 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. We can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions but, depending on your specific circumstances, we may ask you to bring supplemental food. Please contact the office if this is a potential concern for you.
WEATHER October is a great time to visit the Zion and Bryce National Parks. The weather is usually clear and crisp and the majority of 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 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
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
NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 1 liter of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1500 and 2000 cubic inches or 25 to 32 liters with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry and/or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. 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 hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! All active wear should be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. 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 particular level of activity. 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. In particular, 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? Your wind/rain pants 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. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters 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. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/trekking-poles-for-hiking-trips-the-4-mostcommon-questions. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea