Compare Horseshoe Mesa by Wildland Trekking vs Western USA National Parks Loop by Intrepid Travel
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Trip |
0 | Poor
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4.5 | Great
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Duration | 3 days | 5 days |
Price From | $ 990 | $ 1,966 |
Price Per Day | $ 330 | $ 393 |
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Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
If you're interested in experiencing the wilder side of the Grand Canyon and only have a couple days or a long weekend to fit it in, this backpacking tour is for you! We hike one of the most spectacular trails in the Canyon to a mesa that extends into the Canyon like the deck of a battleship. We camp on the mesa, with sweeping views in all directions, and hike to caves, oases, and spectacular viewpoints that you'll never forget! |
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
Shuttle to the South Rim: 2-hour drive from Flagstaff
Hiking Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,500 feet
This Grand Canyon backpacking trip begins with a hike down the Grandview Trail to our destination for two nights, Horseshoe Mesa. We hike along a historic Indian route rebuilt by Pete Berry for his Last Chance copper mine. Pete Berry and partners staked the Last Chance claim in 1890 and worked the mine on and off until 1916. The legacy of Grand Canyon mining is abundant here as we explore the remains of the Last Chance mine. Mine shafts and relics are everywhere, as are the walls of Pete Barry's cabin, and the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: up to 7 miles day hiking
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1000+ feet
The second day will be a layover day to hike and explore Horseshoe Mesa. Your guide will hike the group out to the edge of the mesa to appreciate the incredible views into the Inner Gorge of the Grand Canyon, where the Colorado River flows a whopping 2,500 feet below us (that’s nearly double the height of the Sears Tower)! We’ll also hike to Miner’s Spring, where we’ll enjoy more mining ruins and a lush oasis in the Grand Canyon desert. The hike to the spring descends an exciting series of exposed switchbacks with incredible views.
For those interested, we’ll also have an opportunity to explore Cave of the Domes. This is the only cave in Grand Canyon National Park open to the public and is found just off the west side of the mesa. It contains signatures of early pioneers to the Grand Canyon including those of the Kolb brothers; a pair of adventurous photographers who are among the first to show the Grand Canyon to the world. Past Cave of the domes we’ll have the option of continuing to Cottonwood Creek, where more exciting hiking exists descending a beautiful canyon to a desert oasis.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Shuttle to Flagstaff: 2-hour drive from the South Rim
casual morning and delicious breakfast will precede our hike back to the South Rim on the Grandview Trail. Those interested will also have the opportunity to explore some of the previously mentioned features that may not have been seen the day before. We'll top off at the Grandview Trailhead and say fond farewells to the Grand Canyon before driving back to Flagstaff.
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes.
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.