Today’s hike will bring us into the canyon. While we walk along the rim, you’ll see why this truly ‘grand’ canyon is revered by many as an American landmark. In the meantime, your luggage has been transported to the lodge. In the evening, enjoy cocktails as the sun sets and lights up the earth and sky with hues of red, orange, yellow, brown, and blue.
Accommodations: Maswik Lodge

DAY TWO.  HIKING INTO GRAND CANYON.  For centuries, the Hopi people have worshipped the Grand Canyon as the wellspring of all creation. In the 1800’s, the first Europeans to explore the canyon were inspired to call its mesas, ‘temples’, and name them after eastern deities such as Buddha and Isis. Even in the present age, the canyon arouses soul-stirring awe in all who behold it. On today’s hike, you’ll experience the transcendent grandeur that continues to make the Grand Canyon a natural cathedral for people from around the world.
Accommodations: Maswik Lodge

DAY THREE.  AROUND THE CANYON FROM SOUTH TO NORTH.  We’ll do a scenic drive around the canyon from the south rim to the north rim. Along the route, we’ll stop at vistas that overlook the canyon, desert plains, mesas, and rivers. At the north Rim, we’ll take a hike either along the rim or down the north Kaibab Trail. From the patio of the Grand Canyon Lodge, you’ll gaze south to where you had been the night before.
Accommodations: Grand Canyon Lodge

DAY FOUR.  FROM THE TOP OF THE GRAND TO THE BOTTOM OF ZION.  Today we drive from the top of Grand Canyon to the bottom of Zion Canyon. An oasis in the desert, Zion Canyon features ‘hanging gardens’ sprouting from barren slickrock, emerald pools set exquisitely in sandstone grottos, and an aquamarine river bounded by a classic red rock canyon. The name Zion suggests a place of peace and refuge. That is true for both visitors and wildlife. The park is a sanctuary for roadrunners, golden eagles, mule deer, and mountain lions.

At Zion we’ll stay at the Desert Pearl Inn in Springdale, Utah. That afternoon, we’ll check into the hotel where you can do some lounging by the pool. Take some time to do some shopping in the quaint town of Springdale, visit the park museum, or take a hike up the Watchman trail. Or maybe rent a bike and explore a near by ghost town? Enjoy the quiet serenity of Zion.
Accommodations: Desert Pearl Inn 

DAYS FIVE AND SIX.  DISCOVERING ZION NATIONAL PARK.  With two full days in Zion, you’ll have plenty of time to explore at your leisure.

One option is to ascend Angel’s Landing. A platform summit placed at the center of Zion, Angel’s Landing offers unforgettable 360-degree views of this earthly paradise. From the bottom of the canyon we follow a trail along the Virgin River. You may pass wildflowers that manage to take root and sprout along the river’s edge or in soil in a rock crack. As the trail gets steeper you’ll take switchbacks across the side of the rock-faced canyon. Below the Angel’s Landing summit is a narrow path with steps built into the rock. On both sides is a steep rock face that drops 1,000 feet. Not for the faint of heart!

Another option for those who are up for it is the Zion Narrows. The Narrows is an area of the canyon with 1,000-foot vertical walls spaced as little as 10 feet apart! On most of the route we’ll be walking in the Virgin River.
Accommodations: Desert Pearl Inn

DAY SEVEN.  RETURN HOME In the morning, we drive back to Las Vegas. You will be dropped off at either an area hotel or the airport. Farewell!