WALKING IN THE CANYONLANDS

13 days from GBP1,799 to GBP2,299 including flights

Tripcode: TAJ

Itinerary

Day 1: We depart London, normally using the scheduled services of Continental or American Airlines for the flight to Las Vegas. We arrive in Las Vegas early in the evening and transfer to our hotel. Those who have made their own flight arrangements may arrive at the hotel at any time during the afternoon or evening.
Day 2: We head out of Las Vegas, a fantasy world based on the dreams and desires of humankind. We drive east into the vast deserts of Nevada toward the gorge of the Virgin River, where we ascend steeply to the much greener, high desert regions of Utah's Colorado Plateau (driving time 3 hours). We set up camp for two nights in Zion National Park or very near the entrance. In the afternoon we're on to our first walk, to the delicate waterfalls of Emerald Pools.
Day 3: Zion National Park exceeds all descriptions: the Virgin River has carved a dark red sandstone canyon so deep and impressive that it is nearly impossible to capture it on camera. We start our adventure by trekking to the top of Angel's Landing, a huge sandstone dome overshadowing the valley, offering incredible views. (8km total, 4 hours, 450m). Weather permitting, we'll wade into the famous Narrows, a deep cleft in the red rock, or choose another hike. In the afternoon you may see the excellent show on Zion Canyon at the big screen IMAX movie theatre (optional).
Day 4: We head out early and in about 2 hours reach Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon is described by many as a close competitor in beauty with the Grand Canyon, although very different. It is a geological fairyland of rock spires beneath high, pine-clad cliffs and lies at an altitude of 2500m. Intricate mazes of turrets and stonewalls of thin limestone glow in hues of red, orange, pink and yellow. We will take in a fantastic walk through the rock formations along the Navaho Loop and Queen's Garden Trails.
Day 5: Drive to the desert oasis of Moab on the shores of the Colorado River, widely accepted as the birthplace of mountain biking. The town is nestled in a valley created by a fault, surrounded by a vast wilderness of red rock.
Day 6 - 7: Canyonlands NP consists of vast canyons carved into the desert. The Canyons are over 700 m deep and in their bottoms we can see the mighty Colorado and Green rivers cutting away at the red sandstone. This park was Edward Abbey's (famous and beloved American naturalist and author of "Desert Solitaire") favourite! Join our leaders for a variety of hikes and see why-you will not be disappointed! In the heat of mid-Summer, the groups may opt to take shorter trails leading to fantastic viewpoints and stunning geological formations, a cool river float trip or relax in Moab around the pool.
Day 8: We head into the vast vistas of the deserts as we approach the fabled valley of the Navajo Indians, Monument Valley (130 miles / 2½ hours). This is Indian country: the local Indians, the Navajos, still reside and farm in this valley.
Day 9: We now continue through vast Painted Deserts to the south rim of the Grand Canyon (3 hrs). We enjoy the incredible viewpoints of the Canyon's East Rim before we reach camp. We establish camp for the next two nights in (depending on availability) or near the park. (Hotel departures will be based outside the park). In the afternoon we're on to our first Grand Canyon walk!
Day 10: Neither words nor pictures can describe the greatest of all canyons - the Grand Canyon. Its size is incomprehensible to those peering into the gorge from the top, 16km wide and over 1,500m deep! Light plays with forms and colours as the sun moves across the sky and offers an ever-changing panorama. Rock layers exposed are over 1.7 billion years old. The brave will enjoy an unforgettable sunrise at the canyon's edge. We have two days to explore the canyon on foot. Walk along the West Rim Trail for great views or walk down the Kaibab Trail. Those wanting a true challenge may descend into the canyon to Plateau Point. There is also time to board a plane or helicopter for an unforgettable flight. The IMAX theatre offers an impressive movie on the canyon that should not be missed (all optional). Please note that due to Federal laws, your leader cannot hike with you at Grand Canyon, they will advise you of all the available walks, but they cannot guide the hikes.
Day 11: Today we have to say goodbye to one of the world's greatest sights. We are heading west, back towards Las Vegas. There might be some time for last minute shopping once we arrive Las Vegas. In any case, you have all night to enjoy this city that never sleeps. Walk the strip and enjoy the nighttime crowds.
Day 12: After a final breakfast those on the group flight will transfer to the airport for their flight back to London. Those who have made their own flight arrangements will leave us during the morning.
Day 13: We arrive in London Gatwick in the morning.