Compare Blue Ridge Hiking 3-Day by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
0 | Poor
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 3 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 1,210 | $ 2,060 |
| Price Per Day | $ 403 | $ 385 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Our 3-Day Blue Ridge Hiking combines the highlights of Western North Carolina into a relatively short, purely Appalachian hiking vacation. You'll intimately experience some of the most diverse forests, stunning waterfalls, charming towns, and scenic drives the Appalachian region has to offer. We've also meticulously hand-picked the lodging and the restaurants to make your week as comfortable and enriching as possible! |
Deserts, canyons, lakes and valleys await on a five-day adventure through western USA’s most spectacular national parks. Hike through the diverse scenery of Zion National Park, marvel at sandstone spires in Bryce Canyon National Park, join a Navajo guide to learn about the history of Monument Valley and take in one of the natural wonders of the world at Grand Canyon National Park. Let an expert local guide share stories of the landscape and discover there’s more to each destination than what meets the eye. |
Day 1
Accommodations: Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Asheville
Shuttle to the trailhead: 2 hours
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1400 feet
This multi-day Asheville hiking tour starts a drive from Asheville, NC to the amazing views and waterfalls near Linville Gorge in the Pisgah National Forest. Our first stop will be to the Linville Falls Visitor Center, where we will start a 1.6 mile round trip hike to 3 different viewpoints of this outstanding waterfall. Next we will shuttle thorough this magnificent area to our next hike up Table Rock Mountain for large sweeping views of the spectacular Linville Gorge. After a picnic lunch on the summit of Table Rock Mountain our next destination is along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.
If time allows we will take one last hike for the day through diverse forests to another outstanding waterfall at Crabtree Meadows. We end this spectacular first day with a return drive along Blue Ridge Parkway back to our cozy lodge, and then an award winning meal at one of our favorite Asheville restaurants.
Day 2
Accommodations: Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Asheville
Shuttle to the trail head: 1.5 hours
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1400 feet
Today we head out of Asheville on our way to the lesser known gem in the Nantahala National Forest, Panthertown Valley. This amazing area has a tremendous amount to offer: waterfalls, pristine mountain creeks, towering cliffs, lush forests, wildlife, and spectacular views. No wonder it gets the nickname of "The Yosemite of the East!" Our loop hike in this unique Appalachian valley brings us to multiple waterfalls and cliffs, with splendid views of the surrounding area. After soaking it all in we will head back to Asheville for another outstanding Appalachian dinner and relaxing night in our hotel.
Day 3
Shuttle to the trail head: 1 hour
Hiking Mileage: 6.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1650 feet
Shuttle to Asheville: 1.5 hours
On the final day of our Appalachian hiking adventure we will start by hiking to the summit of one of the most iconic landmarks in the region, Looking Glass Rock. This is one of the classic hikes in the Pisgah National Forest. After reaching the summit our efforts will be rewarded by massive, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and a wonderful picnic lunch prepared by your guide.
After enjoying our lunch with a view, we will descend back to our vehicle and head to the spectacular roadside waterfall, Looking Glass Falls. Our travel back to Asheville will again be along a different stretch of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. We will stop along the way for fantastic views of today's hike. As we drive back into the city of Asheville we can reflect on our unique Appalachian hiking experience and begin dreaming of the next one!
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.
