Current as of: March 29, 2024 - 12:25

Hiker woman in Bryce Canyon hiking looking and enjoying view during her hike wearing hikers backpack. Bryce Canyon National Park landscape, Utah, United States.

Canyons and Navajo Lands Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: USA
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 9 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: ANL
  • Carbon Footprint: 18kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Visit three awe-inspiring national parks in Southwest USA

This eight-day tour to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas visits the best national parks and Native American lands in Southwest USA. Travel along the Grand Staircase taking in the red sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park and the supernatural hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park. Enjoy a two-night stop at the Grand Canyon, an unrivalled natural wonder. Visit the spiritual heart of the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley, where a Navajo guide takes us on a 4×4 journey into the backcountry to learn how the landscape shaped Native American myths and hear Navajo legends.

At a Glance

  • Travel by private minibus
  • Mixture of cultural experiences and walks
  • Walks are suitable for a range of abilities
  • Group normally 5 to 13, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Five nights in comfortable hotels and two lodge nights

Highlights

  • Explore three national parks
  • Enjoy a Navajo-guided backroads tour in Monument Valley and traditional dinner
  • Discover ancient cliff dwellings at Navajo National Monument
  • Gaze over the Grand Canyon at sunrise or sunset
  • Take in sandstone cliffs of Zion and rock hoodoos of Bryce Canyon

Is This Trip for You?

This tour has been graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

This cultural tour is designed for active adults and offers a well-paced mix of cultural visits with walks for all fitness levels. Most walks are of moderate difficulty and up to four hours’ long, however there are often shorter walks available for those who prefer to take in the views at a slower pace. For the more adventurous, there are sometimes optional moderate-to-strenuous hikes up to eight hours’ long. Your tour leader will organise these for you and you can pay locally in cash. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour.

The tour includes some long days as there is so much to see! Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility needed and from time to time your tour leader may suggest changes. This may be due to road conditions, weather or a visit to a special attraction or event that happens to be in progress. Flexibility is key, and often a side diversion will be a highlight of the tour. Hikes and optional activities cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group interest, weather and time of year.

Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park

During the itinerary we have time in Zion National Park, where one of the more strenuous and popular hikes is Angels Landing. In response to concerns about congestion on the trail, the National Park Service announced that everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs a permit. Permits cannot be booked by a tour operator, so all guests who wish to attempt this hike are responsible for applying.

Permits are released via a lottery system; unfortunately, there is no guarantee of securing a permit.

The lottery system comes in two forms:

  1. Seasonal Lottery: You can apply for a permit one to three months before your trekking date
  2. Day-Before Lottery: You can apply for a permit the day before your planned hike

Zion is renowned for hiking and there are many excellent trails with wonderful views, such as the Watchman Trail or The Narrows. Our group takes these alternative trails. Anyone who is successful in securing their permit can hike Angels Landing while the group completes an alternative trail. For more on Angels Landing permits, such as application dates and prices, visit the National Park Service page here.

Group

Your tour leader will take care of all the planning and organisation throughout your tour, drive the van, and make sure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure you get the most out of your tour; organising activities, providing information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting out any queries or problems. If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do, let your tour leader know at the beginning of the tour and they will do their best to help.

Working hour regulations for leaders: US law regulates the total number of hours your group leader can work. Tours are designed to make the most of your time in the States, but please understand there will be certain times each day that your leader will need to be off duty from work to rest and recuperate. Due to these restrictions, particularly after the longer driving days, your leader may not be able to join you for some of the daily activities or may need to tend to other work duties.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 5

Max group size: 13

Itinerary

PCZ Map

Land Only

  • Start City: Las Vegas
  • End City: Las Vegas

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Las Vegas

Welcome to the neon city in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas. This brash, iconic destination offers you the chance to explore over-the-top casinos, see a show, shop or simply watch the world pass.

The welcome briefing will usually be held in the morning of Day 2, so today is free for you to explore the city and see the neon lights in all their glory.

Accommodation: Alexis Park Resort (or similar)

Day 2
Las Vegas to Zion National Park

After leaving Las Vegas, we drive through desert landscapes before arriving in the state of Utah and our destination for today, Zion National Park. Zion Canyon was named by the early Mormon settlers of Utah who thought of it as their ‘promised land’. On arrival, we head to the Zion Human History Museum, which focuses on the rich human history of the area now known as Zion National Park. Several exhibits explain the geology, plant life and human survival in Zion Canyon throughout history.

Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)

Day 3
Zion National Park

Today is all about exploring Zion National Park and its vast network of trails. Some of the best hiking in the desert terrain of Southwest USA is here, in and around the fertile Virgin River Gorge, and today we follow the Watchman Trail. It is a steady uphill climb until you reach the viewpoint, which has stunning views of Watchman Peak. In the afternoon, we recommend a walk beside the Virgin River or (if weather conditions permit) you may choose to hike deep into the Narrows, a water channel where you’ll witness outstanding scenery. Staying dry is not an option as you wade through the Virgin River between towering walls. The cool waters and the shadow of the canyon can provide a much-needed respite from the scorching sun.

Another hike option is Angels Landing, which requires a permit that individual customers need to secure. We have included more details on how to go about this in the Is This Trip for You? section.

Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Bryce Canyon National Park

Leaving Zion, we climb in elevation to almost 8,296ft (2,528m) and traverse a high plateau to Bryce Canyon National Park. ‘Mysterious’, ‘breath-taking’ and ‘out of this world’ are just a few of the descriptions offered by past visitors to describe this fascinating natural amphitheatre of pink, orange and white sandstone spires, known locally as hoodoos.

There are a variety of scenic overlooks and trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The Navajo or Peek-a-Boo Loop trails will enable you to hike right among these unique rock formations. Wherever you walk, you’ll encounter a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colours and a fantasy land of rock spires. Photographers may prefer to remain on the rim and capture the ever-changing shadows and colours as the sun travels across the open sky.

Optional activities:

  • Western horse riding: US$65-US$90

Accommodation: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Monument Valley

Today we travel southeast along the Utah-Arizona border and stop at the immense Glen Canyon Dam en route to Monument Valley in the heart of the Navajo Nation. This is sacred land to those who call it home and the red sandstone monoliths and spectacular sunsets and sunrises have been the backdrop to countless Westerns. Explore the incredible array of rock formations on a guided backroads tour, led by a local Navajo guide, to learn the magic and myth of this Native American culture, then indulge in an included traditional Navajo dinner.

Accommodation: Kayenta Monument Valley Inn (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

Day 6
Navajo National Monument; to the Grand Canyon National Park

Head west through the Navajo Reservation to the Navajo National Monument, high up on the Shonto plateau. Here, we discover cliff dwellings dating back to around 1250, which were inhabited by Ancestral Puebloans (descendants of Native American hunter-gatherers). Our Navajo journey continues at the Explore Navajo Museum, where we can see a traditional Navajo hogan (traditional dwelling) and learn about the Navajo stories of creation, before a stop at the Cameron Trading Post to shop for local jewellery, crafts and cultural souvenirs.

In the late afternoon, we approach the eastern entrance of the mighty Grand Canyon, where we catch our first glimpse of it at Desert View. This incredible spectacle is difficult to comprehend, even as you stand at the rim or hike into the canyon. Carved over several millennia, this natural wonder is 277mi (445km) long, up to 18mi (29km) wide and more than 1mi (1.6km) deep. Snaking through the canyon floor is the mighty Colorado River, which runs 1,450mi (2,330km) through seven US states and two Mexican states.

Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)

Day 7
Grand Canyon - choice of walks

There is a whole host of rim trail walks that you can enjoy using the park transport, as well as the park ranger’s guided nature walk, or you may just wish to sit in quiet contemplation on the edge of this natural wonder. However, we highly recommend lacing up your hiking boots and walking the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh-Ahh Point for spectacular views across the canyon. For more of a challenge, you may choose to continue the hike as far as Cedar Ridge.

In your free time, we highly recommend a scenic helicopter flight over the canyon, offering perspectives you simply can’t see on foot. Alternatively, stroll the easy meandering South Rim Trail, hike your way down the more challenging trail to Plateau Point, or simply relax at the canyon edge and enjoy a spectacular sunset over one of the most fantastic natural wonders in the world.

Optional activities:

  • Grand Canyon Helicopter flight: US$349 (starting rate, price varies according to demand)

Please note: Grand Canyon National Park regulations limit group size and do not allow guided hikes. Your tour leader will provide briefings, directions and maps, but is not permitted by the National Park Service to walk with you on the trails.

Accommodation: Red Feather Lodge (or similar)

Day 8
Route 66 - Las Vegas

From the epic Grand Canyon, we travel onto Seligman, where we stop for an optional lunch at the Snow Cap Diner along a section of Route 66. Prepare to be dazzled all over again by the bright lights of Las Vegas, a memorable end to a fantastic eight days.

This tour ends in Las Vegas at approximately 5pm. If you would like to extend your stay to experience the bright lights of Las Vegas, please speak to your sales representative.

Accommodation

Hotels

Accommodation will be in clean, comfortable hotels, chosen for their friendly atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the region. You will room with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin-share basis (two people per room) unless you are travelling as a couple.

There are no compulsory single supplements on our tours; however, if you’d like your own space, you can request a single room for an additional fee.

Accommodation - Pre Trip

Some hotels may take a debit or credit card as a deposit at check-in. They may also take an amount to cover incidentals. Funds can be held until check-out, when the amount actually incurred will be charged. Please clarify with the hotel when you check out that all deposits will be refunded as promptly as possible.

Single supplement from £ 845

Food & Drink

There are two breakfasts and one dinner included on this trip.

Most meals will be taken in local restaurants.

To help you budget for these meals, average costs are:

  • Hotel breakfasts: US$12-US$17
  • Lunches: US$15-US$20
  • Dinners: US$20-US$35, not including alcoholic beverages

Drinks cost on average:

  • Wine: US$7-10 per glass
  • Beer: US$5-8 per bottle

A tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in North American restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices.

Your tour leader may offer your group the option to operate a lunch-only food kitty; this has proven a popular alternative to three daily restaurant meals. Leaders will explain this option on your tour, and the whole group will have to agree for this system to run.

Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this trip, please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared. We do all we can to accommodate various other dietary requirements but in certain parts of North America certain food types can be limited.

Transport

You’ll travel in a private 15-seater vehicle which is driven by your tour leader. All luggage, equipment, and other necessities are stored in a specially designed trailer or storage area to maximise space and comfort in the vehicle. The size of our vehicles allows us to reach more remote destinations not accessible to larger vehicles. All our vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, Bluetooth compatible stereo and USB charging ports throughout the vehicle.

Weather & Seasonality

The West has very dry weather and blue, sunny skies in spring, summer and autumn. However, temperatures vary greatly depending on the elevation. Generally, the higher the elevation, the cooler the temperature. Spring and autumn have perfect hiking days in the deserts and cooler days at higher elevations. In summer, Bryce and the Grand Canyon offer pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking whereas some of the deserts might experience hotter temperatures. On warmer days, the leader will opt for early morning and late afternoon walks, leaving time for mid-day rest. Please note, the hottest time of day in the deserts is 3pm. Most nights will be mild to warm. In summer, prepare for afternoon thunderstorms. Spring has stunning displays of desert wildflowers, summer has mountain wildflowers and in autumn the tree colours are beautiful.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Alexis Park Resort, 375 E Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Phone: +1 702-796-3300
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. The welcome briefing usually takes place in the morning of Day 2

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer 

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves.

Make your own way

You are free to arrive any time on Day 1. Due to the late arrival time of the group flight from London, UK, it is likely that the welcome meeting will take place on the morning of Day 2. Details on the time and specific location of your meeting will be available by midday on Day 1. During the welcome meeting, you will meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and spend a few minutes filling out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport and tour documentation to the meeting.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Arrival complications

Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may even miss it. If you have missed your tour departure, first call the hotel to see if your tour leader has left you a message. If not, call the relevant emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you catch up with the group. Please note that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses incurred due to missing your tour’s departure.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Las Vegas International Airport for customers who Exodus have booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. If you have booked your own flights, you may still join this transfer at no extra cost – please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Las Vegas
Location end: Las Vegas

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Dress tends to be informal and you should take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates as you may encounter a wide variety of temperatures due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions.

Besides your essential clothing, other items you should take include:

  • Small daypack
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Warm sweater/fleece
  • Casual ‘evening out’ clothes
  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • Thick walking socks
  • Blister packs and plasters (band-aids)
  • Hiking poles
  • Comfortable day shoes
  • Sandals or flip-flops
  • Warm hat/gloves
  • Swimwear
  • Sun hat/sunglasses
  • Camera/binoculars
  • SD memory card/spare camera batteries
  • Small torch (flashlight) or head torch (headlamp)
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent (20% DEET)
  • Travel power adaptor
  • Toiletries/personal medicine

Help reduce plastic waste

  • Reusable water bottle (to reduce single-use plastic bottles we have water for refills in our vehicle)
  • Reusable travel cutlery with case (to reduce single-use plastic cutlery at hotels and on the go)
  • Reusable lunch box (to avoid the use of ziplock bags)

Please note, airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your luggage. If in doubt, check with your airline before travelling.

Footwear
We recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good ankle support will make all walking more enjoyable. If you do not own a pair, then sports trainers (sneakers) will suffice although this is a personal choice. If you intend to do some walking, it is recommended to bring thick walking socks for comfort.

Washing clothes

You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes on tour, and this can often be done in town. Ask your tour leader for local information.

Luggage allowance

One suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (51lb/23kg maximum) per person. A small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel, please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as this may be less than 51lb (23kg).

We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities; however, some of our pre- and post-tour hotels will provide this service although there may be a charge. Please contact the hotels directly for further information.

Practical Information

Visa

USA

Travellers from the UK and most EU countries can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provided they have registered for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – which costs US$21 – and are in possession of an onward air ticket and machine-readable passport when entering the US. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Please note, regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011 (or has dual nationality of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria) may no longer qualify for the VWP. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you will not be eligible for the VWP and should instead apply for a visa to travel to, or transit via, the USA.

Vaccinations and Health

USA

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Nevada time zone: America/Pacific Standard Time (UTC -08:00)

Utah and Arizona time zone: America/Mountain Standard Time (UTC -07:00)

Electricity

USA's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz

Money

USA's currency: US dollar (USD)

ATM Availability

ATMs are readily available throughout North America, except in some off-the-beaten-track destinations. Major credit cards are widely accepted. All ATMs in the US charge to withdraw money (typically US$1-US$5). Please ensure your credit or debit cards have international access. It is important you advise your bank of your intended travel prior to leaving your home country, so they do not block your card.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

We recommend you take at least US$50 per day for meals not included in the tour, drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also budget for expected tipping and for the optional activities you plan to do. We suggest you bring US$150 with you in cash to have at the beginning of your trip.

Tipping

It is customary in North America to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you’re confronted by a local who is expecting a tip and you are not aware of how much to offer. For this reason, we have listed guideline prices below.

A 15-20% tip is standard in restaurants and you should also expect to tip $1 per drink in bars, $1-2 per bag for porters, $2-3 for hotel housekeeping as will 10% for taxi drivers. It’s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional activities.

Your tour leader will work long and hard for you during your tour and we recommend a discretionary tip of US$12-$15 per passenger per day if your leader’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • Land acknowledgement: This adventure takes place on homelands sacred to Native Americans throughout the region. We honour their past, present and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.
  • Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
  • The group goes on a guided backroads tour in Monument Valley, which is run by members of the Navajo Nation so this provides income for local families.
  • Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
  • The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves generates income used to upkeep and develop these important sites. In this trip, we visit the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks.
  • Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
  • We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration hereincluding our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • Our local partner is a member of the San Francisco Green Business Program, which recognises businesses, non-profit organisations, and institutions that meet high environmental standards.
  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.