Compare Slot Canyons Traverse 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 | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Our Slot Canyons Traverse backpacking trip is a 5-day, 4-night thru-hike from upper Paria Canyon to where it enters the Colorado River east of the Grand Canyon. With water-polished, sandstone walls towering thousands of feet above us, these canyons are very similar to Zion Canyon but with fantastic solitude! This trip is for folks interested in adventure, solitude, fantastically unique landscapes, and a generally secluded experience. We trek a 30-mile length of Paria Canyon above its confluence with the Colorado; we explore Buckskin Gulch, the longest slot canyon in the world; we enjoy stunning and peaceful campsites; we visit arches, oases and have opportunities to see desert wildlife; and we hike heartily each day with mileages of 6-10 miles daily through a maze of Canyon Country landscapes. |
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: 3-hour drive from St. George
Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Loss: minimal
Our Slot Canyons Experience backpacking trip begins in St. George, Utah where we get an early start and drive to the remote trailhead. From the trailhead, we hike a short distance before entering the Paria drainage. The day's hike continues downstream and gradually the wash begins to resemble a canyon as the Navajo Sandstone walls rise on either side. We pass by Slide Rock Arch before we arrive at the Confluence with Buckskin Gulch. We'll set up our basecamp nearby.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 6-10 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: minimal
Today we have the chance to explore 1.5 miles up Buckskin Gulch to the Boulder Jam and beyond. Buckskin Gulch is one the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world. At its deepest point near the confluence with the Paria its canyon walls stretch 500 feet above the canyon floor. As we progress, the day’s changing light plays on the canyon’s walls in a brilliant show of reds, yellows, and browns. Another option is to explore down the Paria drainage through stands of cottonwood and boxelder inside an enclosure of rich red, towering sandstone walls. We'll then break camp and continue downstream to a serene spring-side camp, where we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and laughter beneath a star-lit sky.
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 6-10 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: minimal
This morning we'll enjoy a big breakfast, then continue down the Paria River. The canyon grows deeper and presents an ever-changing mix of massive overhangs, refreshing springs, exquisite lighting and a myriad of colors. We see evidence of historic development along the Paria. We pass by The Keyhole, marking approximately the halfway point of our journey. In the afternoon, we’ll have the option of hiking up Wrather Canyon to explore Wrather Arch, one of the most remote arches in the world. We’ll once again set up camp near one of the springs.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 8-10 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: minimal
As we encounter the much softer Chinle Formation, the Paria Canyon begins to widen quickly. Today we will leave the creekbed and begin hiking on the high water route. This is a long day consisting of 8-10 miles of rugged canyon hiking and will likely take most of the day to complete. We’ll see Petroglyphs today and encounter a historic ranch.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 3-5 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: minimal
Shuttle to St. George: 3-hour drive from the South Rim
After a relaxing morning, we will finish our journey today. We will have a chance to explore several historical sites along the way, including the picturesque Lonely Dell Ranch. We’ll meet our shuttle driver and enjoy a relaxing and scenic drive back to St. George.
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.
