Compare New Hance Loop 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 | 5 days | 5 days |
Price From | $ 1,395 | $ 1,926 |
Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 385 |
Highlights |
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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 |
Are you up for a more challenging hike? Experience famous "Red Canyon", one of the most geologically unique areas in the Grand Canyon, camp next to the Colorado River, see impressive rapids, and enjoy the solitude of a less-visited and wild part of the Grand Canyon on this unforgettable backpacking adventure! We descend one of the most spectacular trails in the Canyon, and ascend one of the most exciting - this is a trip 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: 1.5-hour drive from Flagstaff
Hiking Mileage: 3 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,500 feet
We’ll begin this exceptional Grand Canyon backpacking tour by hiking down the Grandview Trail, 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. Our destination for night 1 is Horseshoe Mesa. 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 is Pete Barry's original cabin, and the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For those interested, we’ll also have an opportunity to hike and 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. At sunset we’ll hike out to the edge of the mesa and drink in the phenomenal views of the Colorado River flowing a whopping 2,300 feet below us.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 2 miles
Elevation Loss: 1,300 feet
Today we’ll sleep in, eat, and pack up before hiking east off Horseshoe Mesa to Hance Creek. Our hike switchbacks steeply past Paige Spring (our water source while on Horseshoe Mesa) and into the Hance Creek drainage. Once camp is established we’ll enjoy a day hike down the intermittent path leading into the serpentine drainage of Hance Creek Canyon.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles
Elevation Loss: 1,100 feet
We’ll get up reasonably early, eat and eventually resume our eastward trek along the Tonto Plateau toward Hance Rapids. Grand views unfold on this day as we hike across the plateau to the brink of Red Canyon and hike down to the Colorado River. We'll make camp on the banks of the Colorado and mouth of Red Canyon, which forms a thundering section of whitewater on the Colorado River, Hance Rapids.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 3 miles (plus 3 miles optional day hiking)
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
After breakfast and before breaking camp we’ll take a beautiful day hike upstream to the Papago Rockslide. Those so inclined are welcome to join the guide in climbing over the rock slide to the mouth of Papago Creek on the Colorado River. After lunch we’ll return to camp and pack up for a short hike up Red Canyon, where tilting strata provide stunning scenery and an amazing geologic story, as the area was once an island that rose above the waters of an ancient sea. We’ll hike up the dry creek bed of Red Canyon and eventually make camp at a beautiful spring or the upper part of the canyon.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet
Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5-hour drive from the South Rim
A hearty breakfast will precede our hike out as we make our way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We’ll hike up out of Red Canyon and traverse the Supai and Red Wall formations into an old creek bed. After following the creek for awhile we’ll hike and scramble up out of the creek bed to the trailhead and the end of our Grand Canyon backpacking adventure. From there we'll ride comfortably back to Flagstaff and much deserved - and anticipated - showers.
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.