Compare Discover American Canyonlands by G Adventures vs Western Canyons & Grand Canyon by Access Tours
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,974 | $ 2,860 |
| Price Per Day | $ 372 | $ 318 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches | N/A |
| Description |
Sandstone spires, crimson plateaus, and 2,000-year-old rock art—the canyonlands of the American Southwest encompass a geological playground millions of years in the making. Discover the natural treasures of this fascinating region alongside scientists and local experts, embarking on thrilling walks in Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Antelope Canyon. Hike past cascading hanging gardens and colourful hoodoos, splash your way through the Narrows slot canyon, and gaze out over incredible abysses carved by the mighty Colorado River. |
Explore Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon Nat'l Parks and Glen Canyon Nat'l Recreation Area (Lake Powell) with a Lake Powell Boat Ride) |
Day 1 Las Vegas
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or get tickets to a show for this evening.
Day 2 Las Vegas/Zion National Park
Depart for the sandstone slot canyons of Zion, Utah's oldest national park, where monumental cliffs of cream, pink, and red pierce the sky. In the afternoon we get our first glimpse of the park as we hike along The Watchman Trail. This unpaved trail climbs 368 ft (112 m) to a magnificent viewpoint of the Watchman, Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, and the Town of Springdale.
Day 3 Zion National Park
Set out on an unforgettable guided hike to the famed Narrows. Splash, wade, and swim in the cool water of the river that cuts through this stunning slot canyon. Soak up the beauty of the high plateaus, towers, temples, mesas, and some of the planet’s tallest sheer sandstone walls.
The canyon is narrow, and the river covers the bottom in many places, which means you will have to wade or swim to proceed. Prepare to get wet but the cool water makes this hike particularly pleasant during the hot summer months. During the cooler months, there are available gear rentals including Gore-Tex dry pants, canyon shoes, and neoprene socks. Hiking poles are available for rent year-round. Hiking is not permitted when the river is high from runoff or flash flooding. Runoff mostly occurs in April and early May. Late summer thunderstorms can occasionally produce flooding. If the hike is not possible due to weather, it will be replaced with another activity.
This is a moderate level hike of 4 to 5 hours, during which you are wading through water which could be ankle or waist deep, depending on local conditions. As well, the terrain is often rocky and uneven. We recommend bringing water shoes with a hiking tread. Should you choose to not do the hike, you can stay and relax at the lodge or discuss with your CEO other optional activities that may be available (at additional cost).
Day 4 Zion National Park/Page
This morning, hike through Bryce Canyon National Park, famed for its maze of multi-coloured rock pinnacles called hoodoo. Keep your camera at the ready to snap shots of these spectacular natural towers that cover the canyon floor. Continue on to Page, Arizona, the gateway to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the beautiful Lake Powell.
Day 5 Page/Grand Canyon National Park
Join a local Navajo guide for a thrilling exploration of Antelope Canyon, a stunning natural sandstone cathedral located on Navajo land and accessible only with an authorized guide. Later, go on a short hike to Horseshoe Bend, and stand on steep vermillion cliffs overlooking a spectacular natural bend in the Colorado River. Enjoy lunch at a family-owned Navajo food truck, a G Adventures–supported project, before continuing on to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon.
Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you but don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth.
Day 6 Grand Canyon National Park
Spend the day exploring this ancient gorge with an expert from the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute. Set out on foot along the South Rim and gain insights on the unique geology and botany of this geological phenomenon, as well as the local human history. After, view iconic park structures at the Historic Village District, then descend below the canyon rim along the Bright Angel Trail to see 2,000-year-old rock art and 250-million-year-old fossils.
Day 7 Grand Canyon National Park/Las Vegas
Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Lowell Observatory to see the giant telescopes and learn about the study of astronomy, as well as enjoy a lecture on Mars. Return to Las Vegas, by way of Seligman, Arizona—the birthplace of Route 66. Check out the historic general store and original motels as you discover the legacy of the U.S.’s early transcontinental highway system.
Day 8 Las Vegas
Depart at any time.
Want to spend more time in Sin City? Ask your GCO or Travel Agent about booking post-tour accommodation in the 'Entertainment Capital of the World'.
Day 1
Arrive in Las Vegas, Nevada. Transfer to your hotel. A get acquainted / re-acquainted dinner together, for those who wish. Others may choose to go out to one of the many terrific Las Vegas shows. We'll help you on your way, if you do.
Day 2
To the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where we spend the next two nights. The drive takes us through desert, grasslands and timber; and from just above sea level to 7,000 feet!
Day 3
Our day will be spent by the Grand Canyon! This huge-beyond-belief canyon is as awesome and colorful as you have ever imagined and you'll love the accessible views. We'll also drive a few miles down to Tusayan, to see a spectacular IMAX Grand Canyon movie.
Day 4
Drive east along the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Out of the park we’ll stop at Cameron Indian Trading Post, on the Navajo Indian Reservation for lunch, then head for beautiful Lake Powell, where our hotel overlooks the lake.
Day 5
You'll take the Canyons Adventure Boat Cruise on Lake Powell this morning! Blue waters against the red sandstone -- spectacular! After lunch we continue our journey to Zion National Park, so magnificent, and one of the nation's oldest, where we stay two nights in Zion Canyon at Zion Lodge.
Day 6
One of the great things about Zion is that Zion Canyon is closed to motor vehicles unless staying at Zion Lodge, in which case vehicles can drive that far only. This means that there isn't pollution, noise environmental degradation due to traffic. However, there are accessible shuttle busses that are quiet and clean running for us to hop on.
In the morning, we'll take a shuttle to the end of the road up the canyon, then enjoy Riverside Walk, a mile-long paved path up the canyon, next to the Virgin River. After we return, we'll have lunch and the balance of the afternoon will be yours to enjoy, whether it's to just admire the scenery, enjoy one of the paths, read or write a novel.
Day 7
Off to Bryce Canyon National Park, where the myriad spectacular rock formations and bright pink colors must be seen to be believed! Stay one night.
Day 8
We drive north to Salt Lake City today, through mountains, hills, valleys with farms and ranches, and rural communities. Later, our farewell dinner.
Day 9
Depart from the West today with unforgettable memories.
