Compare Grand Circuit Inn-based by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel

Day 1

Shuttle to the North Rim: 4-hour drive from Flagstaff

Hiking Mileage: 1.5-4.0 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 600-1441 feet

Accommodations: Grand Canyon Lodge

On this Grand Canyon hiking tour, we'll pick you up at your hotel in Flagstaff and begin our drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. En route we'll cross the Little Colorado River and then the Colorado River near Lee's Ferry, where the Old Navajo Bridge (built in the 1920's) is suspended 467 feet above the water. Your guide will drop you off so you can walk across the historic bridge and snap pictures of this amazing spot, which marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon. Occasionally we see California Condors perched on the rafters beneath the bridge.

After eating breakfast at the Old Navajo Bridge, we'll continue on our journey to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and the famous Grand Canyon Lodge. We'll check in to our rooms, then enjoy the lodge and its massive picture windows before hiking to Bright Angel Point, one of the most impressive views in the Canyon. After a hearty lunch we'll hike down the famous North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook, another one of the most impressive overlooks in the Canyon.

Once the hiking is done we'll continue back to the Grand Canyon Lodge, where we'll shower and meet up for a wonderful dinner overlooking the depths of the Grand Canyon from the Lodge restaurant's spectacular picture windows.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 2-6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1,200 - 2,500 feet

Accommodations: Grand Canyon Lodge

After a big breakfast we'll drive a short distance to our trailhead. Today's hike is on a beautiful trail that winds through the pine trees and aspen of the high North Rim (8,000 feet) past ancient fossil beds to the edge of the Canyon. Elk, deer, coyotes, fox, mountain lions, and even half-breed wild buffalo roam these forests and meadows regularly. The plant life is rich and lush, which is an amazing contrast to the desert ecosystems we'll be gazing down at inside the Canyon (and later walking through off the South Rim). Once we reach the edge of the Canyon, we'll traverse the North Rim to a stunning viewpoint. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the depths of the Canyon, explore this incredible area by extending our hike along the Rim, and then return on the same trail.

We’ll have a nice sunset dinner this evening cooked by your guide at a spectacular view point called Point Imperial.

Day 3

Shuttle to the South Rim: 4-hour drive from the North Rim

Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1,200 - 2,500 feet

Accommodations: Grand Canyon Squire Inn

We'll check out of our rooms and drive again over the Colorado River at Lee's Ferry. We'll turn west and enter the Park from the East Entrance this time, where we'll stop at the famous Desert View Watchtower. This amazing structure is a replica of a Native American tower found in the same location by early explorers centuries ago.

After driving along the famous Desert View Drive, we'll reach the jumping off point for our amazing hike on the Grandview Trail! As the name implies, phenomenal views abound on this hike! You can see for more than 100 miles on a clear Grand Canyon day from the top. Originally used by native peoples of the Grand Canyon, the Grandview Trail as we know it today was built as access to the Last Chance Mine when copper was discovered on Horseshoe Mesa in 1890. Along with prehistoric sites, much of the old mining operation remains, including the original miner's cabin walls and fireplace.

After our hike we'll check in to our hotel, have another hearty dinner at one of the South Rim's historic rim-side restaurants, enjoy showers, and relish in some much-deserved relaxation time.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 2,040 feet

Accommodations: Grand Canyon Squire Inn

After breakfast we’ll make our way to the Hermit Trailhead. Built by the Santa Fe Railroad as a route to Hermit Camp, the Hermit Trail leads us through fossil beds in the limestone and sandstone formations to Waldron Basin. From the high desert valley of Waldron, we will continue hiking along the top of the Red Wall with incredible views into a deep, seemingly bottomless canyon. One of the great highlights of this hike are the 260+ million year old reptile prints, complete with the swish of the creature's tail, permanently etched in a slab of sandstone next to the trail. Our hike's turnaround point is Dripping Springs, a desert spring that drips from the ceiling of a sandstone alcove, nourishing the desert with water.

Tonight's meal is a celebratory sunset dinner prepared by your guide at a remote spot on the South Rim (weather permitting). We'll enjoy a short walk along the Rim either before or after our meal as the sun dips behind distant ridgelines and the Canyon's shadows grow long across the landscape. The outdoor dinners on this tour tend to be long-remembered by our guests.

Day 5

Hiking Mileage: 6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1,700 feet

Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5 hours

On our final morning we'll get an early start, check out and head to the South Kaibab Trail, which descends the spine of the spectacular Cedar Ridge and allows for BIG Grand Canyon views as the ridge drops off on both sides and in front of you. It is the trail to do if you’re looking for some of the best panoramas in the Grand Canyon. These panoramas and the moderate nature of the hiking make the South Kaibab Trail one of the most photographed trails in the country. Possible sightings of California Condors and truly fascinating geologic history will round out the day.

It's a relatively short shuttle drive back to Flagstaff after today's hike, during which time you can relax and reminisce over the last 5 amazing 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.