Compare Shining Rock Wilderness 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 | 4 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 945 | $ 1,926 |
| Price Per Day | $ 236 | $ 385 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | 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 Appalachian guides feel this is the best backpacking trip we run east of the Mississippi River! When it comes to trails, views, swimming, and summits it is amazing in that it quite literally has it all. But it also has something unique in the region, which is wonderful mountain solitude. Get away from the crowds to experience sweeping Appalachian views, waterfalls, exceptional hiking, fascinating geology, and a chance to see wildlife! |
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 trailhead: 1 hour
Hiking Mileage: 4+ miles
Elevation Gain: 600-1000 feet
This multi-day Appalachia backpacking trip to the Shining Rock Wilderness starts with a drive through the city of Brevard and a stop at an amazing roadside attraction, Looking Glass Falls. From here it is a short drive to our trailhead at the East Fork of the Pigeon River. Our hike and tonight’s camp is along this enchanting waterway full of cascades and swimming holes. Our first night in the Appalachian Wilderness will end with a Hearty meal prepared by your guide and the relaxing sound of the creek as we sleep.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 5-7 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 1,765 feet
Day 2 starts with a relaxing morning and breakfast. We'll break camp and hike up to the Appalachian high country along Grassy Ridge Ledge, where sweeping views of the surrounding area surround us. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch at a high mountain gap while enjoying even more amazing views. After lunch we’ll continue hiking to our next camp near Shining Rock Gap. Here we will set up our home for the next two nights before exploring the unique and other worldly summit of Shining Rock, a mountain capped with white quartzite rock outcroppings. We'll cap today off with a beautiful sunset dinner, prepared fresh by your guide, at the quartzite rocks.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 9 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,795 feet
Today we get the luxury of hiking with smaller backpacks to an amazing summit view from atop Cold Mountain, whose name you might recognize from Charles Frazier’s historic fiction novel based in this region during the Civil War, "Cold Mountain". Our summit brings us to a height of 6,030 ft., the highest of our trip. After lunch at the summit we’ll hike back toward Shining Rock Gap and our comfortable, scenic camp for one more, much deserved, hearty Appalachian dinner prepared by your guide!
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Loss: 2,365 feet
Shuttle to Asheville: 1 hour
Today we head down the beautiful Shining Creek trail. Along the way we will stop and enjoy multiple cascades along our journey to our waiting vehicle at Big East Fork. Lunch today is at one of the many amazing viewpoints of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. While enjoying the views and a delicious lunch we will recount the highlights of our Shining Rock Wilderness adventure. After lunch it is a short drive back to Asheville and hot, deserved 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.
