Compare Winter Creeks and Peaks 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 | $ 1,966 |
| Price Per Day | $ 236 | $ 393 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Standard |
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| 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 |
On our Winter Creeks and Peaks backpacking trip we combine the best of two worlds - big Smoky Mountain views and beautiful creek side hiking - in the year's most peaceful season. The historically rich route we follow was used originally by early Native Americans, then settlers, loggers, and livestock herders after them. We'll retrace their collective footsteps on a rejuvenating and adventurous Appalachian adventure. |
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 trail head: 1-hour drive from Asheville
Hiking Mileage: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1250 feet
On this multi-day Great Smoky Mountains backpacking trip we depart the Big Creek Campground and soon start to enjoy creek views and cascades. First we come to the "Midnight Hole" deep pool and Mouse Creek Falls, two classic Smoky Mountain water features. After these falls, our journey grows quieter, with wonderful solitude, as we pass historic logging sites on our way to our first night's base camp at Lower Walnut Bottoms. We will set up camp, enjoy a hearty back country feast, take a short night hike and turn in for a peaceful night of sleep with the soft murmuring of the creek as our backdrop.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 10.4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1970 feet
This day starts with a delicious hearty Appalachian breakfast prepared by your guide. Then we will head off from camp with just daypacks up the Low Gap Trail. This old historic path brings us by old agriculture sites and the Dan Gunter home site on our way to the famed Appalachian Trail. Here we will turn North on this legendary trail to what most consider the best views in the park, the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower. This tower, the only rock one of it's kind in the park, was built by local laborers and the CCC in the 1930's. After lunch in this magical spot we will head back to our base camp at Lower Walnut Bottoms for another quiet night in this warmer low elevation campsite.
Day 3 (4-Day Itinerary Only)
Hiking Mileage: 11.6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2820 feet
This is the most challenging hike, and arguably the most fulfilling, of the 4-day trip. We start our climb by Swallow Creek, a crystal clear mountain creek. We will enjoy hiking near the creek, but soon leave it to climb up to Pretty Hollow Gap and our junction with the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail. After some fantastic high country trekking through Spruce and Fir trees we come to the Mt. Sterling summit and Fire Tower. We will soak up sweeping views of the Smokies Crest and especially Mt. Guyot (the Park's 2nd highest peak). After enjoying the views from the highest point of our trip, at 5,820 feet, we will hike back down to the warmer lower elevation of our base camp at Big Creek. We top off this extraordinary day with a large fire and a celebratory dinner.
Final Day
Hiking Mileage: 5.3 miles
Elevation Loss: 1250 feet
Shuttle to Asheville: 1-hour drive
The last day of our Smoky Mountains adventure starts with a final nutritious breakfast prepared by your guide. Afterwards we will hike down the Big Creek Trail to our shuttle. A short drive will bring us back to our starting point in Asheville, NC and end our Appalachian winter hiking experience.
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.
