Compare South Rim Basecamp 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 | $ 995 | $ 1,926 |
| Price Per Day | $ 332 | $ 385 |
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| Trip Style | Group 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 |
We created this Grand Canyon hiking tour for guests who want to have an adventurous, outdoor experience of the Grand Canyon, but also have access to showers and comfortable camping facilities. Highlights include three challenging day hikes whose locations span over thirty miles of the South Rim, a "sprinkled in" tour of the best Grand Canyon museums and visitor attractions, a sunset dinner on the rim prepared by your guide, and cozy camping just a ten minute walk from the edge of the Canyon. All fully included in the trip cost! |
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: 3-6 miles
1-way Elevation Change: 1,200-2,500 feet
Campground: Ten-x or Mather Campgrounds
On this Grand Canyon hiking tour, we'll pick you up at your hotel in Flagstaff and drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon through the East Entrance, where the initial views are sure to blow you away! We’ll stop at the Desert View Watchtower en route to the Grandview Trail. This amazing structure is a replica of a Native American tower found in the same location by early explorers centuries ago.
The well-named Grandview Trail takes us down a series of exciting switchbacks with seemingly endless views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. The trail was built by one of Grand Canyon's most famous miners, Pete Berry, in the late 1800's to extract some of the richest copper ore in the world. Eventually when his mine failed, he turned to tourism for a living, taking guests down his amazing, hand-cobbled trail. We'll descend down through geologic and cultural history, gazing into the depths of the Canyon and discussing the immense beauty and intrigue of this landscape.
Once the hiking is done we'll set up camp and enjoy our first tasty dinner of the trip. Each evening it's your option to shower and relax around the campfire, and/or go with the guide on a moon-lit walk on the rim.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
1-way Elevation Change: 2,040 feet
Campground: Ten-x or Mather Campgrounds
We'll start today with a steaming cup of hot coffee in the cool pines of the South Rim, then a quick breakfast so we can hit the trail early and take advantage of the refreshing morning hours. Our hike today is on the fantastic South Kaibab Trail.
The South Kaibab descends the spine of spectacular Cedar Ridge and allows for BIG Grand Canyon views as the ridge drops off on both sides and in front of you. It is the trail to do if you’re looking for some of the best panoramas in the Grand Canyon. These panoramas and the moderate nature of the hiking make the South Kaibab Trail one of the most photographed trails in the country and a great first day for us. Possible sightings of California Condors and truly fascinating geologic history will round out the day.
After our hike we'll return to camp for some relaxation and then a wonderful outdoor feast prepared by your guide(s).
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
1-way Elevation Change: 1,700 feet
Shuttle to Flagstaff: 1.5-hour drive from the South Rim
Built by the Santa Fe Railroad as a route to Hermit Camp, the Hermit Trail leads us through fossil beds in the limestone and sandstone formations to Waldron Basin. From the high desert valley of Waldron, we will continue hiking along the top of the Red Wall with incredible views into a deep, seemingly bottomless canyon. One of the great highlights of this hike are the 260+ million year old reptile prints, complete with the swish of the creature's tail, permanently etched in a slab of sandstone next to the trail. Our hike's turnaround point is Dripping Springs, a desert spring that drips from the ceiling of a sandstone alcove, nourishing the desert with water.
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.
