Canyons of South-Western USA The canyon is calling and I must follow... 30 April to 19 May 2018 29 April to 18 May 2019 Trip Length: 20 days / nights Minimum 6 guests / Maximum 11 guests (Maximum numbers are set by US National Park administration) (6-8 US$ 6899 / person, 9-11 US$ 6499 / person. Single Supplement US$ 500 / person) (2019 prices TBA) 2018 trip fully booked 2019 trip Included meals marked each day. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 1. Monday 30 April Las Vegas, transport to lodge on Route 66 (L,D) Black Canyon 7 km return, moderate, lodge accommodation Our guides collect us from our hotel in the morning and we get straight out of Sin City and head to our rustic lodge on Route 66 to prepare for our trek into the spectacular Havasu Falls. Along the way, we will stop for a hike in Black Canyon. This round trip descends a beautiful narrow canyon to the Colorado River where you might like a quick dip in the chilly water! We will have lunch before heading back to the trailhead. After checking into the lodge our guides will hold a welcoming orientation. Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Day 2. Tuesday 1 May Hike into Havasu Camp (B,L,D) 16 km hiking, moderate, camp Transport to the Hualapai Hilltop for a four-day hike, base camping trip into the Grand Canyon-Havasu Falls. There is no other place like it in the world. Horses will carry the bulk of our gear in and out of the canyon, so you travel light on the hikes. After passing through Havasu Village, a short side trip takes us to the magnificent Havasu Falls, often referred to as the most photographed falls in the Grand Canyon. We have a chance to swim in the turquoise waters before continuing to our campsite. Day 3. Wednesday 2 May Havasu Canyon (B,L,D) 10 to 12 km hiking, moderately strenuous, camp Today you ll head down canyon to the beautiful Beaver Falls. A series of ladders and chains takes us through a miner s tunnel to Moonee Falls and then we follow the shoreline to the aptly named Buddah Beach.This exciting hike crosses Havasu Creek many times and involves some scrambling and climbing ladders. It s a full-body workout and tons of fun! Day 4. Thursday 3 May Havasu Canyon (B,L,D) 10 km hiking, moderate, camp We visit a number of other nearby waterfalls and side canyons. Swimming and exploring is the flavour of the day. Or choose to kick back and relax... you re on holiday. Magical Havasu Falls
Mule train ascending Bright Angel Trail Day 5. Friday 4 May Hike out from Havasu Canyon, transfer to Grand Canyon South Rim (B,L) 16 km hiking, moderate, hotel accommodation After packing up camp, we retrace our steps back to the canyon rim, enjoy lunch overlooking the canyon, and drive to Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Enjoy a hot shower (coin operated) and a short stroll to the rim, before dinner at a nearby restaurant. Day 6. Saturday 5 May South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park. Day hike to Plateau Point, transfer to Cameron (L) 19 km hiking, strenuous, lodge accommodation. Today we will hike the famous Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point, one of the finest views below the rim. It s a big hike, descending 915 m below the rim, but the rewards are unrivaled views of the inner canyon and Colorado River. After the hike, we will transfer to a lodge in the tiny town of Cameron on the Navajo Reservation. Monument Valley Day 7. Sunday 6 May Monument Valley, Canyonlands Needles District (L,D) Minimal hiking, easy, camp We drive about two hours to famous Monument Valley for a tour through this iconic John Wayne landscape. A drive through the Tribal Park reveals the classic views and rock pinnacles. We then cross the Arizona / Utah border and head to Canyonlands National Park, an area of unrivaled sandstone canyons and remarkable rock formations. Along the way we stop at Newspaper Rock, an incredible display of ancient Navajo rock art, before heading to our campsite - home for the next three nights. Day 8. Monday 7 May Canyonlands Needles District. Day hike to Chesler Park (B,L,D) 18 km hiking, moderately strenuos, camp Today s hike highlights the Needles wild topography. Our journey through Chesler Park takes us along the Joint Trail, an exciting series of narrow passages through sandstone fins. This landscape has to be seen to be believed. Enjoy another night camping in this beautiful landscape. Day 9. Tuesday 8 May Canyonlands National Park, Peekaboo Trail (B,L,D) 12-16 km hiking, moderately strenuous, camp Today we ll explore the vast expanses of slickrock as we head out to the Peekaboo Trail for an exciting day trekking along sandstone ridges where we have unparralleled views of the Needles District and the distant La Sal Mountains, near Moab. We ll then head back to camp for our final night in our Canyonlands campsite. Day 10. Wednesday 9 May Arches National Park, Devil s Garden Primitive Loop hike (B,L) 12-18 km hiking, moderately strenuous, lodge accommodation A full day of exploring the endless sandstone arches of Arches National Park, including the Devil s Garden Primitive Loop and, if time permits, famous Delicate Arch. We spend the night in Moab. Negotiating the slickrock
Day 11. Thursday 10 May Transfer to Escalante, short hike in Capitol Reef National Park (L) 6-8 km hiking, moderate, camp Today we will take a scenic drive through the canyons and mountains of Southern Utah on our way to the hiker s paradise of Escalante. Along the way we stop for a hike in Capitol Reef National Park, a land of multi-coloured cliffs, hidden canyons and arches. Tonight we check into a comfy campground, complete with showers, our base for the next three days. Day 12. Friday 11 May Escalante National Monument, Pine Creek Canyon (B,L,D) 12-16 km hiking, moderatel, camp In this truly scenic area, Pine Creek, a tributary of Escalante River, flows through a lush, steep-walled canyon just outside the town of Escalante. We ll descend, or ascend, through mixed conifer forests and into Ponderosa pines. There are many creek crossings so plan on a full day and getting your feet wet as you hike in and out of the shallow creek. Day 13. Saturday 12 May Escalante National Monument, Boulder Mail Trail (B,L) 16 km hiking, moderately strenuous, camp The Boulder Mail Trail features amazing hiking across broad expanses of slickrock. The white Navajo Sandstone represents ancient petrified sand dunes and the slickrock is punctuated by tall pine trees. You can explore this rock wilderness for hours and never tire of the sureal landscape. After a full day, and a shower we ll head into town for dinner at a local restaurant. Day 14. Sunday 13 May Bryce Canyon National Park, Fairyland Loop (B,L) 13 km hiking, moderately strenuous, lodge accommodation An early morning departure for a full day hike that allows us to explore the famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. This loop offers all that Bryce is famous for: unique rock towers (hoodoos), natural arches and windows and spectacular views. And it s also less crowded than some of the other trails in the park. You ll enjoy fascinating features like the Chinese Wall, Boat Mesa and Tower Bridge. There are plenty of ups and downs along the way but the rewards are excellent! Day 15. Monday 14 May Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch (L) 5-8 km hiking, moderate, lodge accommodation Today s hike leads us through a spectacular and exciting canyon to the banks of the Colorado River, at the very beginning of the Grand Canyon. We descend through the Spooky Narrows, described by legendary canyon hiker, Harvey Butchart, along narrow ledges and various obstacles. We ll then check in to our rustic lodge directly beneath the base of the towering 700 m high Vermillion Cliffs. Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Day 16. Tuesday 15 May North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Cape Royal, Cape Final Trail (L,D) 9 km hiking, easy, camp We re off to the North Rim of Grand Canyon for some camping and hiking. We ll arrive late morning and then visit some of the outstanding viewpoints such as Point Imperial and Cape Royal. If time allows, we ll enjoy a 6.5 km return hike to Cape Final, a stunning and secluded viewpoint, before heading to the campground. The magical hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park A helping hand across one of many creek crossings
Day 17. Wednesday 16 May North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs (B,L) 16 km hiking, strenuous, camp Today we ll experience a hike below the rim of the Grand Canyon on the famous North Kaibab Trail. Depending on the heat and how the group is doing, this could be an all day hike to Roaring Springs or back to the rim by early afternoon for a hike on the beautiful Widforss Trail, a forested walk along the rim featuring fabulous views and lots of ancient fossils. For those who want, we can book into and enjoy a dinner at the famous Grand Canyon Lodge. From the dining room and lounges there are spectacular views over one of the Seven Wonders of the natural world. Along the North Kaibab Trail Day 18. Thursday 17 May Zion National Park, hike Angel s Landing (B, L) 9-13 km hiking, moderately strenuous, camp After breakfast we will drive two hours to Zion National Park, and then hike the famous switchbacks of Angels Landing to admire the fantastic views from this high vantage point. Park shuttles give quick and easy access to Springdale, where you can have dinner at one of the restaurants. Day 19. Friday 18 May Zion National Park, The Narrows of the Virgin River (B,L,D) 9-13 km hiking, moderate, camp An early morning start will allow the group a chance to explore the Zion Narrows. Depending on group size, the group may have to be split: one group hikes to Emerald Pools while the other explores The Narrows. Then switch so both groups get to see everything. Free time in late afternoon. Day 20. Saturday 19 May Transfer to Las Vegas, Red Reef Trail (B,L) 8 km hiking, moderate, hotel accommodation After packing up camp, we will begin the drive to Las Vegas, stopping for one last hike along the way. The Red Reef Trail takes us through beautiful red rock canyon country and narrow, watery canyons.the scenery is breathtaking and the walking is a lot of fun, including a section of small Moki Steps carved from the sandstone cliffs. Plan to get your feet wet on this hike! Finally it s on to Las Vegas for our final night dinner together. On our way up Angels Landing, Zion National Park
Local guides All road transport Camping gear (tents, sleeping mats, all cookware and camp kitchen implements) Trekking poles for those who don t have their own All accommodation as listed on a twin share basis (13 nights camping, 7 nights lodge / hotel) Meals as listed (B,L,D) including trail snacks for Havasu Falls trek All national park entry fees, permits and camping fees Quality camping equipment What s Included Transport other than vehicle... What s Not Included All personal trekking equipment (including backpacks, sleeping bags, liners and pillows) Round trip airfare from Australia. Transfers to and from McCarran Airport, Las Vegas Any lodging prior to or after the tour dates Requested single supplement cost Meals other than those listed Trail snacks other than those provided for Havasu Falls. We ll purchase these along the way. Personal bottled water Travel and Accident Insurance Personal alcohol, cash for extra expenses, personal tips for guides and other services. Note: While it s not the norm in Australia, tipping is customary in USA. The amount is a personal choice and is left to the individual hiker. For a bit of an overview visit: http://www.immihelp.com/newcomer/tipping-tips.html Other General Information From our local operator, Dave... Once we near the end of April, the weather is pretty much perfect, but you can expect snow on both rims of the Grand Canyon at any time... For the dates we have chosen, the norm is for highs around 24-27C and lows around 8-11C Minor changes may be made along the way due to factors such as weather conditions, road or park closures, or permits being unavailable. This is left to the discretion of our on-theground guides and leaders.
Testimonials from our 2016 Canyons of USA trip Julie & Jim - We had a fabulous trip. Loved what we saw, great company, fantastic guides and of course our leaders were awesome. Arla -... I just had to write to let you know that I enjoyed the USA trip immensely and the lingering images that I have of the Canyons and National Parks are awesome. All the walks were great but some of them were exceptional... The trip was relaxed and allowed for a little independent exploration which I appreciated... Matt and Bob were a wealth of knowledgeable. Alan & Karen - Thank you both for a truly wonderful trip. We are enjoying the contrast in scenery here (England, lovely green gardens, forest and fields) compared to the USA. It was a wonderful experience. Edith - I enjoyed the trip immensely. You two put on a great trip and are fun to walk with. Take A Walk Publications and Adventures Pty Ltd PO Box 66, Camp Hill, Qld 4152 Australia 07 3843 3930 0417 611 810 info@takeawalk.com.au www.takeawalk.com.au