HIKING THE GRAND STAIRCASE NATIONAL PARKS HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 16-23, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Hiking through two billion years of geologic time as we descent 3000 feet into the Grand Canyon Seeing Bryce Canyon's hoodoos as you hike through them Experiencing the peace of Zion Canyon from the floor of the canyon and the rim Learning about the diverse and fascinating geology of the area Gazing upward at more stars than you ever knew existed Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Sep 16-23, 2018 Location: North Rim Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce National Parks Cost: $2495 Activities: Hiking Arrive: September 16, at 3pm at Las Vegas airport Depart: September 23, Las Vegas airport in time for flights out after 7pm TRIP OVERVIEW The Grand Staircase refers to an immense sequence of sedimentary rock layers that stretch from Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, through Zion NP and Grand Canyon NP. The rock that is at the bottom of Bryce forms the top of Zion and the bottom rock of Zion is the top layer of the Grand Canyon. We've picked three National Parks along the Grand Staircase to hike: Zion, Bryce and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Parks are all spectacular and all very different from the others. The Grand Canyon is vast: it is 10 miles from one side to the other and a mile deep. Bryce is known for amazing hoodoos, the brightly colored spires of varied shapes; and Zion, with the tallest layer of redwall limestone of any canyon, is both majestic and a more intimate canyon that fully deserves its name. We have chosen some of the classic trails in each park, designed to give you an experience and understanding that can only be gained by hiking in them. RATING This trip is rated 4 because, except for the first day and on the Virgin River hiking day, each day's hike 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. Prior to the beginning of the trip, participants should be engaged in aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2-hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is usually required. Rating: 1 2 3 [4] 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Two AGC experienced guides Seven nights of double occupancy accommodation All meals from dinner on Sunday thru lunch on the following Sunday Transportation during the trip, starting in Las Vegas National Park entry fees Gear rental for the Narrows What's not included: Travel to and from Las Vegas, alcoholic beverages, snacks, guide gratuities and travel 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 SEPTEMBER 16, SUNDAY Our trip starts today at 3:00pm at the Las Vegas airport. It's a busy airport so plan to arrive not later than 2:30. After brief introductions we will pack up the vans and head to Mesquite, a small town out of the bustle of Las Vegas. We'll start getting to know each other and have a trip orientation in the evening before sharing our first dinner. Bedtime is likely to be early tonight! DAY 2 SEPTEMBER 17, MONDAY We'll get an early start this morning and drive the remaining 1.5 hours to Zion National Park. Geologically speaking, Zion is the middle of the Grand Staircase. Our hike today is to Observation Point. This steep trail passes Weeping Rock and then climbs through Echo Canyon, gaining 2,150 feet in four miles. Observation Point is aptly named; from here we have a phenomenal view down into the canyon of the Virgin River and across to the plateaus from which it is carved, as well as a clear look at Angels Landing. Overnight Zion National Park DAY 3 SEPTEMBER 18, TUESDAY We'll start this morning with a trip to the Visitors' Center and then into the charming town of Springdale. We'll pick up the gear we need for the Narrows and also take time to wander the town a bit. We'll then return to the Park and our hike today is completely different as we wade up the Narrows. This is the name given to a spectacular gorge in the upper reaches of Zion Canyon that is 16 miles long and up to 2000 feet deep. Our destination is Orderville Canyon, about 2 hours upriver and site of some of the most spectacular scenery in the Narrows. However, it is an out and back hike so turning around earlier or going a little further are also options, depending on the weather and our energy. If the weather or the conditions don t permit a hike into the Narrows the guides will take you on one of the other phenomenal hikes in Zion. Overnight Zion National Park
DAY 4 SEPTEMBER 19, WEDNESDAY 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. Whichever you choose, we'll regroup for our drive to Bryce Canyon. This is a very scenic drive of about 2 hours. We'll pass Checkerboard Mesa and go through the Zion Tunnel, an engineering marvel from the days when cars were smaller. We'll arrive in time to settle in and, since our rooms are only 5 minutes from the Rim, we can get our first look at this unique landscape. Tonight we'll enjoy a delicious dinner at the wonderful old Lodge there. Overnight Bryce Canyon DAY 5 SEPTEMBER 20, THURSDAY Our hike today, the Fairyland Loop, will leave you breathless - both by the brightly colored rock spires that have been carved into a myriad of fascinating shapes by erosional forces, and from the altitude. Bryce is at the top of the Grand Staircase, and the rim of the canyon is around 8,000 ft. The loop will help us understand the concept that Bryce Canyon is not truly a canyon. This 8-mile trail, which follows a loop around a major formation with constantly changing views, provides an excellent opportunity to see hoodoos from the bottom up. The trail starts with 2.5 miles along the rim before plunging down into the hoodoos of Fairyland Canyon. The scenery is spectacular along the way we get a great view of the Chinese Wall, hike past Sinking Ship Mesa, and take a short spur to Tower Bridge. With much less traffic, here than other trails in the park, it may be one of the park's best kept secrets. Or you can chose the equally spectacular Peekaboo Loop. This 6-mile hike includes the Navajo Trail, Peekaboo Loop, and the Queens Garden Trail. The Navajo Trail descends into the canyon in a series of dramatic switchbacks, winding under hoodoos, and down to a trail junction at the bottom. From here it's a short distance to the Peekaboo Loop, an undulating 3 mile trail that gets its name from the "windows" along it. Returning to the junction with the Queen's Garden Trail, we'll follow it along the foot of the escarpment for about a mile. This evening we can gaze at the sunset over some of the most amazing geology you will ever see. Bryce is also known for having one of the most glorious nighttime skies of anyplace in the U.S. and if stargazing appeals to you, this is the perfect place to do it. Overnight Bryce Canyon National Park.
DAY 6 SEPTEMBER 21, FRIDAY Today we say good-bye to the top of the Grand Staircase and drive to the top of the bottom of the staircase. The 4-hour drive will take us to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. At 8,000 feet it is 1,000 feet higher than the south rim. Its distance from metropolitan areas results in 10 times fewer visitors than its southern counterpart. We start our visit here with a hike on the Widforss Trail, a relatively flat trail that follows the rim of the Transept and is 10 miles. However, the first 3 miles are the most scenic and there are numbered stops and a brochure that are a great introduction to some of the natural and human history of the Grand Canyon. Overnight, North Rim of the Grand Canyon DAY 7 SEPTEMBER 22, SATURDAY We will hike down into the Canyon on the North Kaibab Trail. The North Kaibab Trail is the least visited but most difficult of the three maintained trails at Grand Canyon National Park. If we hiked all the way to the Colorado River (which we do not because it is 14 miles one way), we would pass through every ecosystem to be found between Canada and Mexico. Initially we hike through fir trees and aspen. Next we descend through the Redwall Limestone where the trail is blasted directly into the cliff. Most likely we will stop at Roaring Springs, where water gushes directly out of the canyon walls to form Bright Angel Creek. After a long drink and a chance to bathe our feet, we retrace our steps up the 4.7 miles and 3,000 feet we came down. Some women prefer going up steep trails, some prefer going down; both will get their wish today. Overnight Grand Canyon National Park. DAY 8 SEPTEMBER 23, SUNDAY Oh no! Can this be our last day? It can so we will not waste it. We start with the very short hike out to Bright Angel Point. Following that we'll drive Cape Royal Road, one of the most scenic drives in the park. We'll turn off onto the 3-mile road to Point Imperial, at 8803' the highest point on either rim, and then go on to Vista Encantada at the end of the road. Our last hike is a 1/2 mile nature trail that goes by Angels Window, an eroded opening that frames a view of the Colorado River, the perfect way to end our time here. It's about a five-hour drive back to Las Vegas. We'll have you at the airport by 5:30 pm and you can fly out any time after 7:00.
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE The trip starts and ends in Las Vegas, NV (LAS), which is serviced by all major airlines. Please arrive by 2:30pm in order to meet the group at 3pm. More details on the meeting location will be included in the pre-departure information. If you are driving you can meet the group at the airport and leave your car at any of the long term parking lots. 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 be staying in double-rooms in the lodges right in or very near the the National Parks every night, which gives us the opportunity to become intimately acquainted with each. 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 call the office if you would like help planning. WEATHER September is a great time to visit these National Parks. The weather is usually clear, warm 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 70s during the day and the lows are 30s-40s at night. The autumn is typically dry but there can be rain. 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 FOOTWEAR 1 pair of midweight hiking (boots or shoes) 1 pair of comfortable shoes for general use 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Darn Tough) CLOTHING 1-2 pair of comfortable synthetic long or 3/4 pants for hiking - zip-offs work well 1 pairs of shorts/3/4 pants (lightweight and quick drying) 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun/bug protection - button up front is the best 1 medium weight fleece/down jacket/vest 1 lightweight long underwear top / bottom silk, wool or synthetic 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pullover or synthetic equivalent. A lightweight fleece pullover or a fleece vest works well for this layer as well 1 lightweight/midweight/warm fleece/down jacket or 1 rain jacket/poncho and rain pants waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex - not a lightweight plastic poncho Underwear/nightwear 1 pair wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves 1 warm/lightweight wool or fleece hat 1 wide brimmed or baseball style hat for protection from the sun/rain 1 swimsuit 1 2 changes of casual clothes to wear at end of day EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS Passport and a photocopy of your passport (when applicable) 1 pair Trekking poles (required) 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity) Capability to waterproof your backpack. Either a rain cover or a heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack. Capacity to carry 2/3 liters of water (Please see Notes on Packing List) Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/retention strap insect repellant Small headlamp or flashlight 1 2 bandanas/buff Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Wristwatch/travel alarm clock Tupperware-like container for sandwich/lunch TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL (personal preference, not required) Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen Compact binoculars Your favorite snack (snacks will also be provided) National Park Pass (annual/golden/military) Short Gaiters (good for keeping dirt/stones out of your hiking boots/shoes)
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, sometimes up and down stairs. We recommend packing in a convenient, wheeled piece of luggage and bringing with you a soft-sided (canvas or nylon) duffle without wheels to use for the trek. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2-3 liters 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 30 40 Liters (1800 and 2400 cubic inches) 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. IMPORTANT: 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! It should all 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. 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. 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.