Compare Mount Leconte Lodge Tour 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 | $ 1,510 | $ 1,926 |
| Price Per Day | $ 503 | $ 385 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| 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 Mount LeConte Lodge trek has it all: big views, mountain summits, rushing creeks, diverse forests, and amazing history. This diversity makes it one of our most popular Appalachian mountain adventures. This trip also includes hiking on some of the Park's best trails and most scenic areas. We spend 2 nights in the amazing and rustic Mount LeConte Lodge, where we'll soak up sweeping Appalachian views and relax in cozy accommodations! |
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: Mount LeConte Lodge
Shuttle to the Smokies: 2-hour drive from Asheville
Hiking Mileage: 5.5
Elevation Gain: 2600 feet
This inn-based Great Smoky Mountains hiking tour begins on a spectacular trail, which follows a beautiful, rushing creek into the mountains. After the trail leaves the creek we climb to the famous Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs - 2 fantastic landmarks and vantage points - where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your guide. After lunch we will continue our trek to the Mount LeConte Lodge and the mountain's spectacular summit. We will soak up endless views of the Smokies and enjoy a hearty meal at the lodge. With any luck at all, we will cap the day off with a wonderful sunset (don't forget your camera!) before settling into our cozy cabin(s) for the night while the outside temperature plummets and we enjoy some much-deserved rest.
Day 2
Accommodations: Mount LeConte Lodge
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1700 feet
On day 2 we will get you up early if you'd like to watch the sunrise at "Myrtle Point", something we highly recommend. We will sit down for a delicious Appalachian breakfast at LeConte Lodge before hiking out across the Mount LeConte ridge and setting off on today's adventure. Along a quiet, seldom-used trail we will enjoy the amazingly diverse vegetation and big views the Smoky Mountains are famous for. We will reach Trillium Gap and the summit of Brushy Mountain for a picnic lunch in a spectacular setting. After lunch, we will head back up to the LeConte Lodge where again we will be rewarded with another excellent dinner, amazing sunset, and cozy night's sleep at the lodge.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
Elevation Loss: 2350 feet
Shuttle to Asheville: 2-hour drive to Asheville
On our last day we will enjoy one more breakfast at the lodge before descending the Boulevard Trail to the Appalachian Trail. A short side hike up to the "Jump Off" overlook will give us sweeping views of the surrounding area and Charlies Bunion. Today's lunch will be at the historic Mountain Farm Musuem and Visitors center, where we have an excellent chance of seeing elk. We will enjoy our lunch, explore the museum, and finally we will reflect on our unforgettable Smokies adventure while shuttling back to Asheville and the end of our trip.
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.
