Compare Red Rock Basecamp Tour by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel

Day 1

Hiking Mileage: 8.6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1198 feet

Campground: Lo Lo Mai Campground

The first day of this Sedona hiking tour we experience one of Sedona’s gem hikes as we walk back in time on old wagon roads (now trails) to a red rock saddle that offers incredible views. The trail we hike, Hangover Trail, named for the overhanging rock that shelters part of the route from the sun, is a Sedona must-do. It involves exhilarating steps on pure sandstone up Schnebly Hill for vistas and panoramic views of the canyons below. This is a great hike to hear the history and story of T.C. Schnebly and his wife Sedona, for whom the town is named after. We'll take our time returning to the trailhead to enjoy the downhill hiking and soak up the views.

After our hike we'll head to our campground where everything is set up waiting for us. We'll get "moved in" to our tents and enjoy some time to relax, swim, shower or explore Oak Creek before a fantastic dinner and campfire.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 8.8 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 2250 feet

Campground: Lo Lo Mai Campground

Today we'll head north to conquer Sedona’s highest peak at 7,122 feet.

On the first few steps of this hike we're immediately transported to an entirely new character of landscape - the ecosystem is lush, with tall, deciduous and coniferous trees. Towering red and white sandstone spires protrude from the mountainside and provide stunning views as we ascend to the summit of this glorious mountain.

On the summit we’re rewarded with arguably one of the best views the Sedona area can offer - a panorama of the beautiful Red Rocks surrounding us and Oak Creek Canyon below us! We'll enjoy a wonderful, relaxing picnic lunch with endless Sedona views as our backdrop before hiking back to our trailhead.

We'll shuttle back to our campground, relax for an hour or two, and then enjoy another outstanding outdoor dinner.

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 500 feet

Campground: Lo Lo Mai Campground

Today is a more relaxing but iconic Sedona hike. We'll walk 7.5 miles on one of Sedona’s most scenic hiking routes. We begin near Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, two of Sedona's most prominent and beautiful landmarks, and quickly climb several hundred feet into layered shelves of red rock sandstone. We'll stop to appreciate and learn about all the different types and uses of desert plants in the area. Half-way into our hike we'll reach Cathedral Rock, a stunning, nearly 1,000 foot tall sandstone monolith.

We'll rest in the shade of cottonwood trees lining the banks of Oak Creek, along the northwest side of Cathedral Rock. Your guide will prepare a tasty lunch and share some of the native and indigenous history of the area - this very spot was once a fertile hunting ground. Nearby, petroglyphs hidden behind oak brush and manzanita tell the story of how deer were once hunted along the banks of this perennial stream.

After lunch we'll complete our hike among the towering cliffs, sheer pinnacles and pristine canyons of Sedona. We'll shuttle back to our campground, relax for an hour or two, and then enjoy another outstanding outdoor dinner.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 6-10 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 400-1400 feet

Campground: Lo Lo Mai Campground

Today is a perfect treat to top off our amazing 4 days of hiking! We finish this trip with a creek hike that brings us to a beautiful high desert oasis (with great swimming)! The hike is moderate and follows close to the creek the whole way until we reach our swimming destination about 3.5 miles in.

We will enjoy a nice lunch creekside and take full advantange of the shady trees. We will have the option to continue up into the Mogollon Rim 1,100 feet above Wet Beaver Creek or take the nice stroll back to the trailhead. This is an amazing hike and opportunity to see an entirely different side of the Red Rock District!

After the hike, we will travel back into Sedona proper and say our goodbyes after an amazing 4 days.

Day 1 Las Vegas / Zion National Park

Welcome to Las Vegas! The real wild west is home to some of the USA’s most incredible scenery. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am. Then, you’ll hop aboard a private van. Get to know each other over a picnic lunch, then venture into the stunning landscapes of Zion National Park. Join your leader for a guided hike, then spend the night in Springdale – known as the gateway to the park.

Day 2 Bryce Canyon National Park / Page

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to make tracks for Bryce Canyon National Park – make sure your camera is ready to go, as some of the views you’ll come across today are truly out of this world! Take a short drive in your private vehicle, then spend the morning hiking through the epic landscapes of the park. Walk along the canyon rim and marvel at hundreds of unique sandstone towers, known as hoodoos, that jut out from the natural amphitheatre. Relax while you enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your magnificent surroundings, then hike down into the canyon for a closer look at the fascinating hoodoos. Then, drive on to the town of Page, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3 Lake Powell / Horseshoe Bend

Journey south this morning, driving through more spectacular scenery before arriving at Lake Powell. This gorgeous reservoir is certainly a sight to behold from the shore but to really appreciate it, you’ve got to get on the water. Jump in a kayak and paddle across the water’s surface, weaving your way through remarkable rock formations while your leader regales you with stories of the lake’s history. Back on dry land, set out for a gentle walk along Horseshoe Bend, taking in beautiful views with every step. This afternoon there is an option to visit Antelope Canyon before returning to Page for the evening.

Day 4 Monument Valley / Grand Canyon

Start the day with a drive to Monument Valley – one of the world’s most iconic sights. If this landscape dotted with towering sandstone buttes looks familiar to you, it’s no surprise – Monument Valley has been the filming location for many famous Western films. More importantly, this is the native land of the Navajo. When you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4WD and enjoy a Navajo-guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. Continue your journey onto the iconic Grand Canyon for some awe-inspiring walks along the rim.

Day 5 Route 66 / Las Vegas

This morning it's time to return to Las Vegas, but first we'll make a stop along Historic Route 66. You’ll arrive back in Las Vegas at approximately 4 pm where your adventure will come to an end.