Zion, Bryce & Escalante: Canyons & Hoodoos

This is one of our more approachable trips, which makes it a wonderful choice if you're newer to this or building your confidence. Most of our hikes are moderate (Level 2) — beautiful scenery without big mileage or climbs. The one day that bumps it up to a 3 is our hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls, a longer, sandy 6-mile round trip. Everything else — including our easygoing walks through the slot canyons — is gentle and gorgeous. We take our time, rest often, and there's always a way to take it at your own pace. If you can hike a few miles on uneven ground, you're going to love this one.

Every day looks a little different. In Zion, we wade through the river in the Narrows (cool water, canyon walls straight overhead) and pedal the flat canyon road by bike. In Bryce, we descend into the amphitheater and wind back up through the hoodoos. In Escalante, we walk a sandy desert trail to a waterfall, and stroll through narrow, sculpted slot canyons on flat, sandy floors. Nothing here is extreme — just varied, gorgeous, and full of wonder.

Your first and last nights are spent at the same comfortable hotel near the Las Vegas airport (the Hampton Inn), with your own bed and time to settle in. Your final night's stay is included in your trip.

For the heart of the trip, we glamp in two gorgeous spots — and yes, this is glamping, not roughing it! In Zion, we stay at Watchman Campground, right inside the park within walking distance of the visitor center and shuttle. Out in Escalante, we stay at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, tucked beside a quiet reservoir. You'll share a large, walk-in tent (two women per tent) outfitted with cots, sleeping mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows, a rug underfoot, and a shared nightstand with a lantern — and you'll always have your own bed. Showers and flushing toilets are available at both stops.

Fly into Las Vegas and settle in at our hotel near the airport. This evening, meet Michele in the lobby for a welcome dinner, where you'll meet your fellow adventurers and we'll walk through the exciting week ahead. (Dinner included.)

After breakfast, we'll make the drive to Zion National Park and get settled at our campground right inside the park. To stretch our legs and soak in that first taste of Zion, we'll hike the Watchman Trail — a moderate climb to a gorgeous overlook of the canyon and the town of Springdale below. Then it's back to camp for dinner and our first campfire under the canyon walls. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

This morning we'll rent bikes and explore Zion Canyon on the car-free scenic drive, coasting beneath those famous 2,000-foot walls with the Virgin River alongside us. After lunch — river conditions permitting — we'll take on the legendary Narrows, wading right up the river into a slot canyon where the walls close in and the water leads the way. It's unforgettable, and we'll go as far up as the group is comfortable. (In spring the Virgin River occasionally runs too high for the Narrows; if that's the case, we'll explore Zion's beautiful Emerald Pools instead — no less magical.) (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

We'll break camp and drive to Bryce Canyon, home of the hoodoos. We'll hike the park's very best route — the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop — descending right down among those glowing spires and winding back up through the amphitheater, with stops at the famous overlooks along the rim. On our way toward Escalante, we'll stop to wander Willis Creek Narrows, an easy, enchanting slot canyon where a gentle creek has carved a smooth, flowing corridor through the sandstone — flat, beautiful, and perfect for every level. Then we'll continue on to camp near Escalante for the next few nights. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

Today we'll hike into the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante to Lower Calf Creek Falls — a sandy, scenic 6-mile round trip that follows a creek through the desert to a spectacular waterfall pouring into a cool green pool. Pack your swimsuit if you're brave; that water is refreshing! (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

This morning we'll visit Singing Canyon, a short but jaw-dropping slot off the Burr Trail famous for its natural acoustics — step inside and you'll understand the name (bring your singing voice; we always do!). Then we'll wander the playful hoodoos and hidden arches of Devil's Garden, an easy, whimsical spot to explore, before easing into some well-earned free time — relax at camp, wander Escalante, or simply soak in this wild, wide-open corner of Utah on our last night on the trail. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.)

On our final morning, we'll have breakfast, break camp, and begin the drive back to Las Vegas, stopping for lunch along the way. We'll arrive back at our hotel for your final, included night. (Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own tonight — go toast to an incredible week!)

Planning your flights home: Your final night's hotel is included, so most guests fly out on Saturday. If you'd rather head home Friday evening, just be sure to book your flight for after 5:00 PM so we have time to make the drive back.