Compare Wilson Mountain Overnight 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 | 2 days | 5 days |
Price From | $ 320 | $ 2,060 |
Price Per Day | $ 160 | $ 385 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Private guided 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 |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Wilson Mountain is Sedona’s highest point - 7,122 feet above sea level - and home to towering Ponderosa Pine trees overlooking spectacular views of Red Rock Country! This trip to the top of Wilson Mountain is an opportunity for private groups, families, couples, and individuals to leave the crowded streets of Sedona behind and venture out on a secluded and scenic 1-night backcountry adventure in Red Rock Country (backpacking or portered)! A great add-on experience to a longer stay in Sedona, or a worthy stand-alone experience, this tour is fantastic for folks interested in a unique take on Sedona, who appreciate amazing views, and who want to challenge themselves on a relatively demanding hike. |
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
Hiking Mileage: 4-6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2250 feet
This overnight Sedona hiking and camping trip begins with pick up at your hotel in Sedona, then breakfast at the picnic area near the trailhead. We'll take some time to fit our packs and arrange any of our gear that may need it. Then we'll start our ascent of Wilson Mountain, the highest point in Sedona at 7,122 feet! Don’t be fooled by the smaller mileage on this trip as the elevation gain and rewarding panoramas are the real accomplishment here!
The ecosystem is lush, with tall, deciduous and coniferous trees. Towering red and white sandstone spires protrude from the mountainside and provide stunning views as we ascend to the summit of Wilson Mountain.
We will reach the summit and have lunch overlooking Sedona while we set up camp (or our porters do it for us) and relax. There is an option for an afternoon, shorter but very worthwhile 2-3 hike to the North Canyon Overlook if we so desire.
We will have a wonderful sunset dinner at our campsite, prepared by your guide, and rest under the night sky in this spectacular high desert environment above Sedona.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
Elevation Loss/Gain: 2250 feet
We'll start our morning with hot coffee and a big breakfast, as today will be our hike down the south side of Wilson Mountain. We (or our porters) will pack up camp, load up backpacks and then we will all set off down the trail for a little over a mile before reaching the junction that will lead us towards famous Midgley Bridge below. This trail and side of Wilson Mountain is so different from the first day, it will almost feel like we are on a totally different adventure! With less tree coverage, we continue to have expansive views of Sedona, Wilson Canyon and Oak Creek Canyon as we hike off our towering desert summit.
We will get picked up at the finishing trailhead, shuttle back into Sedona proper and bring you to your local accommodations. There we will say goodbye to our fun, one-night adventure below the stars and atop Sedona's highest mountain!
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.