Canyonlands Adventure

There are no planned activities today until the evening welcome meeting, so check out the strip or get tickets to a show for this evening.

Head out early today to Zion, Utah’s oldest national park. Once you arrive the group will take the shuttle further into the park and go on some hikes to emerald pools, hanging gardens, and sandstone cliffs.

The canyon is narrow, and the river covers the bottom in many places, which means you will have to wade or swim to proceed. Prepare to get wet but the cool water makes this hike particularly pleasant during the hot summer months. During the cooler months, there are available gear rentals including Gore-Tex dry pants, canyon shoes, and neoprene socks. Hiking poles are available for rent year-round. Hiking is not permitted when the river is high from runoff or flash flooding. Runoff mostly occurs in April and early May. Late summer thunderstorms can occasionally produce flooding. If the hike is not possible due to weather, it will be replaced with another activity.

In the morning travel to Bryce Canyon National Park and go for a hike amid the strange rock pinnacles known as hoodoos. Take some pictures of these natural towers that rise from the canyon floor before continuing with the group to Page, Arizona.

Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you but don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth.

The day begins in this ancient gorge with an expert from the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute. The group will begin on foot along the South Rim and learn about the geology, botany, and local human history of this park. Pay a visit to the Historic Village District and then hike into the canyon itself on the Bright Angel Trail.

Check out the Lowell Observatory on a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll learn about astronomy and see the giant telescopes. Afterwards, drive to Las Vegas along Route 66.