Utah Canyon Lands
Tour Map
Daily Itinerary
October 6: St. George to Zion National Park
We meet in St. George and head straight for one of the most remote areas in Zion National Park. Our first hike takes us through a lush canyon, past galleries of cottonwoods, and by a waterfall, looking for birds, wildflowers, and tracks. One of the great highlights of this hike is the desert varnish—that colorful coating on desert rocks, comprised of a thin layer of microscopic bacteria and lichen. Savor dinner at the Spotted Dog Café, famous for their unique Southwest dishes. Flanigan’s Inn (L,D)
October 7: Zion Canyon, Zion National Park
Today we explore the vividly colored canyons of Zion National Park. Hike at the base of the massive cliffs of the Virgin River through its lush groves of cottonwood trees. The river is an oasis in this rocky, desert land, sheltering mule deer, birds, and hikers from the midday heat. Evening finds us back in the small town of Springdale for another scrumptious meal. Flanigan’s Inn (B,L,D)
October 8: Kodachrome Basin State Park &
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park
One of the most spectacular features of Kodachrome Basin State Park is the “sand pipes” rock formations. After a mellow hike and picnic lunch, we’re off to begin our exploration of the vistas, historic points, and mind-boggling geological features of Escalante National Monument. The main lodge is a wonderful, welcoming gathering spot with a great room and library. Each guest room has a television, telephone, duvets, and coffee and tea service. This evening we feast at the award-winning Hell’s Backbone Grill, known for its organic, regional cuisine. Boulder Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)
October 9: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park
We hike all day today, through back country slot canyons and among colorful sandstone pedestals, and along sun-dappled streams at the base of 1,000 foot cliffs, where hanging gardens of ferns and flowers drip from the rocks and astonishing natural bridges connect the trails. At day’s end, we return to our comfortable lodge to relax on the patio overlooking a pond filled with shorebirds and waterfowl. Boulder Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)
October 10: Bryce Canyon National Park
In Bryce Canyon we find an unrestrained assortment of hoodoos, fins, mazes, and spires. The pinnacles and eroded stone come in shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, and cream and stand in galleries of bizarre statuary, which never appear quite the same way twice. Hikes wind along the rim and then down into this striking canyon country. Our final inn is nestled at the base of Bryce Canyon’s spectacular hoodoo canyons, just a short bike ride or walk away from the park’s walk-in entrance. Each tastefully decorated room has a unique natural theme. Sunset over the canyon will leave an indelible impression. Stone Canyon Inn (B,L,D)
October 11: Cedar Breaks National Monument to St. George
Early birds can enjoy a sunrise hike over the canyon lands. After breakfast we leave reluctantly, but ease the transition back with a stop at Cedar Breaks National Monument, returning to St. George for afternoon flights home. (B,L)
Special Tour Note
Plan to fly to Las Vegas or St. George the day prior to be ready for the morning departure from St. George. We will be happy to arrange pre-trip shuttles and lodging.
We will be traveling at elevations ranging from 2750 to 9000 feet. Expect daytime temperatures in the desert parks to range from the 70’s to 80’s with cooler evenings.
*Solo travelers on NPCA women’s journeys have no need to worry about single supplements. NPCA will match solo women travelers with a roommate. If no roommate is available, no additional charge applies as long as the tour is reserved 90 days in advance.
