Explore a thrilling 6-day hiking trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon and Zion National Park, packed with scenic trails and adventure.
Ready to turn your Vegas trip into an outdoor extravaganza? Swap the neon lights for starry nights as we guide you on a thrilling 6-day hiking expedition, connecting Vegas to the majestic Grand Canyon and captivating Zion National Park.
Dive deep into canyons, tread along scenic vistas, and maybe even spot a bighorn sheep! With a trusty guide leading the way (shoutout to Simon!), every day unveils a new hiking treasure.
So, ditch those heels for hiking boots, and let’s transform your Las Vegas experience into an unforgettable adventure!
Highlights
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime as you explore the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park on this thrilling 6-day hiking tour. This journey promises to leave you breathless as you hike along some of the most beautiful trails in the country, taking in stunning views of the natural beauty that surrounds you.
As you explore the Grand Canyon, you’ll marvel at the sheer magnitude of this geological wonder. With your expert guide leading the way, you’ll hike along the rim of the canyon and gaze out over the vast expanse of red rock formations that stretch out before you.
Keep an eye out for the elusive California condor, soaring gracefully above the canyon. This rare bird is a sight to behold and is just one of the many unforgettable moments you’ll experience on this tour.
After exploring the Grand Canyon, you’ll continue on to Zion National Park, where you’ll discover the hidden treasures of this magnificent park. From the Narrows to Angel’s Landing, each hike promises to be an adventure in itself.
Hike through narrow slot canyons, and feel the thrill of ascending to the top of Angel’s Landing. You’ll stay in charming lodges nestled within the parks, where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery that surrounds you.
This hiking tour is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park without taking on the challenge of hiking to the bottom of the canyon. With transportation provided to and from the parks, all you have to do is lace up your hiking boots and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Come explore the Grand Canyon and Zion, and discover the natural beauty that has captured the hearts of visitors for generations.
Day 1: Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park
Flagstaff, Arizona is a charming city known for its proximity to many of the state’s natural wonders, including the Grand Canyon. As you arrive in Flagstaff, you’ll immediately notice the beautiful mountain views and pine forests that surround the city.
The town itself has a rich history, with a downtown area filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries that celebrate the city’s past and present.
As you depart from Flagstaff, you’ll make your way towards the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This part of the canyon is the most popular and is where most visitors come to experience the natural wonder.
The South Rim is home to many of the park’s famous viewpoints, including Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View. These locations offer stunning panoramic views of the canyon and are a must-see for any visitor.
However, as beautiful as the South Rim is, it can also be crowded with tourists. That’s why your guide will lead you towards the Western Rim Trail, a quieter and more secluded area of the park. This trail offers a different perspective of the Grand Canyon and is perfect for those looking for a more peaceful and immersive experience.
The Western Rim Trail is a moderate hike that offers stunning views of the canyon and the Colorado River. The trail runs along the rim for about 8.6 miles and is a perfect way to experience the beauty of the canyon without the crowds.
You’ll walk through beautiful forests of ponderosa pines and juniper trees, taking in the fresh air and the sounds of nature. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the canyon below.
The Western Rim Trail offers a unique perspective of the Grand Canyon and is a great way to get away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the beauty of the park. As you make your way back to Flagstaff, you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, knowing that you’ve experienced something truly special.
You will stay at the designated hotel in the Grand canyon national park. You can even choose your preference and let the guide know!
Day 2: Grand Canyon- Bright Angel Trail and the Indian Gardens
The second day’s hike will take you deep into the Grand Canyon, as you follow the iconic Bright Angel Trail. This trail is one of the most popular in the park, and for good reason – it offers stunning views of the canyon and takes you down into the heart of the natural wonder.
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll make your way to the Bright Angel Trailhead. As you descend into the canyon, you’ll be struck by the beauty of the surroundings. The rocks around you are vibrant red and orange, and the path ahead is surrounded by tall cliffs and rock formations.
The trail is well-maintained, but you’ll need to take care as you navigate the switchbacks and steep inclines.
As you hike deeper into the canyon, the scenery around you changes. You’ll see different types of vegetation, including cacti and other desert plants. You’ll also encounter various wildlife, including mule deer, squirrels, and even the occasional California condor soaring above you.
Your goal for today’s hike is to reach Indian Gardens, a beautiful oasis located about halfway down the trail. Here, you’ll take a well-deserved break, refuel with snacks and water, and take in the stunning views around you.
Indian Gardens is a popular spot for hikers, and it’s easy to see why. The area is filled with lush greenery and provides a stark contrast to the desert landscape surrounding it.
After a brief rest, you’ll continue your journey out of the canyon. The hike back up is challenging, but the views are worth it. As you make your way up the trail, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. You’ve hiked deep into one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, and you’ve done it with ease and grace.
As you reach the top of the trail, you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views of the canyon below. You’ll take a moment to catch your breath and reflect on the beauty of the park. This hike has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you’ll never forget the memories you’ve made today.
Day 3: North Rim, the Desert View, and Cathedral Canyon trails
Today you will continue your adventure by driving to the North Rim of the park. As you make your way through the stunning landscape, your guide will make several stops along the way, giving you the opportunity to explore some hidden gems of the area.
One of the first stops will be at a slot canyon. These narrow canyons are formed by water erosion and are a natural wonder in themselves. You’ll get the chance to hike through the narrow passageways, surrounded by towering rock walls on either side.
The light filtering through the narrow opening above creates beautiful patterns on the canyon walls, making it an ideal spot for photography.
As you continue your journey, your guide will also take you to a viewpoint where you can look for the incredibly rare California condor.
These magnificent birds are some of the largest in North America, with wingspans that can reach up to 9.5 feet. Seeing them soar above the canyon is a breathtaking experience that you won’t soon forget.
Your day’s hiking adventure will continue as you explore the Desert View and Cathedral Canyon trails. The Desert View trail takes you along the rim of the canyon, providing spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll be able to see for miles in every direction, and the colors of the rocks and cliffs are truly breathtaking.
The Cathedral Canyon trail is a bit more challenging, taking you down into a narrow canyon with towering walls on either side. The trail is named for the rock formations that resemble a cathedral, and it’s a perfect spot for some memorable photos.
As the day comes to a close, you’ll settle into your hotel in Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll have some time to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures before enjoying a delicious dinner with your fellow hikers.
Day 4: The Ken Patrick Trail
As you embark on your fourth day of hiking, you’ll be taking on The Ken Patrick Trail, one of the most tranquil and remote areas of the Grand Canyon. The trail spans a distance of 8 miles, and although it’s not the most challenging hike on the itinerary, it’s still a moderate-level trek that requires a reasonable amount of fitness.
The Ken Patrick Trail offers hikers stunning views of the canyon and is known for its relative solitude. You’ll find that there are fewer hikers on this trail compared to some of the more popular trails in the park, making it an ideal route if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll see some of the most breathtaking scenery that the Grand Canyon has to offer. The trail follows the rim of the canyon, and you’ll be able to take in the incredible views of the canyon walls and the Colorado River below. The route is also dotted with juniper and pinyon pine trees, which provide a beautiful contrast against the red rock formations.
One of the highlights of this trail is the historical aspect. The Ken Patrick Trail is named after a man who dedicated his life to the preservation of the Grand Canyon. He was one of the early park rangers and worked tirelessly to maintain the natural beauty of the park.
As you hike, your guide will share stories about the history of the Grand Canyon and the efforts that have been made to protect this natural wonder. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to take photos of the stunning scenery along the way.
At the end of the day, you’ll return to your hotel in Grand Canyon National Park, tired but exhilarated from a day spent exploring one of the most serene and beautiful parts of the park. After a delicious dinner, you’ll retire to your room, knowing that you have one more day of adventure ahead of you.
Day 5: Zion National Parl – Orderville Canyon and the Narrows
On the fifth day of your hiking adventure, you’ll bid farewell to the Grand Canyon and set off for the equally impressive Zion National Park. After a 2.5-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the park and immediately be struck by its stunning geological formations and towering cliffs.
Your first hike of the day will take you through Orderville Canyon, which is famous for its narrow slot canyons that have been carved out by millions of years of erosion. As you make your way through the canyon, you’ll be amazed by the sheer size and beauty of the rock formations that surround you.
After exploring Orderville Canyon, you’ll move on to one of the most iconic hikes in Zion National Park: the Narrows of the Virgin River. This hike involves wading through the river, which can be anywhere from ankle to waist deep, depending on the time of year. You’ll be provided with special shoes and walking poles to help you navigate the river safely.
As you make your way through the Narrows, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs that seem to stretch endlessly upwards. The sound of the rushing water and the beauty of the canyon walls will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into another world.
The hike through the Narrows is a truly unforgettable experience, and you’ll come away feeling humbled by the incredible power of nature. After a full day of hiking and exploring, you’ll return to your hotel in Zion National Park, where you can relax and unwind after an incredible day of adventure.
As you settle down for dinner, you’ll be filled with excitement and anticipation for your final day of hiking in Zion National Park, knowing that you’ve already experienced some of the most incredible natural wonders that this park has to offer.
Day 6: Angel’s Landing
The final day of your hiking adventure will take you on one of the most exhilarating hikes in Zion National Park: Angel’s Landing. This iconic hike is not for the faint of heart, as it involves hiking along a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on either side.
As you make your way up the trail, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding canyon and towering cliffs. The hike involves a series of steep switchbacks and strenuous uphill sections, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
As you reach the summit of Angel’s Landing, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Zion National Park. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and awe as you look out at the sweeping vistas, knowing that you’ve conquered one of the park’s most challenging hikes.
After enjoying the views from the summit, you’ll make your way back down the trail and return to your hotel for a well-deserved lunch. As you reflect on your week of hiking, you’ll feel a sense of gratitude for the incredible natural wonders that you’ve been able to experience.
After lunch, the shuttle will transfer you to Las Vegas, where your tour comes to an end. You’ll say goodbye to your fellow hikers and your expert guide, knowing that you’ve shared an unforgettable adventure that you’ll remember for years to come.
Conclusion
Exploring the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park on a hiking adventure is an experience like no other. From the breathtaking views along the rim of the Grand Canyon to the dramatic slot canyons of Zion, this tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world.
Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide who will lead you on beautiful hikes and share their knowledge of the area’s geology, history, and wildlife. You’ll stay in charming lodges nestled within the national parks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of these spectacular locations.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this tour offers something for everyone. From the tranquil trails of the Ken Patrick Trail to the exhilarating climb up Angel’s Landing, you’ll be challenged and rewarded every step of the way.
As you reflect on your adventure, you’ll realize that there’s nothing quite like the feeling of pushing yourself to your limits and experiencing the awe-inspiring power of nature. This hiking adventure is truly an experience of a lifetime and one that you’ll cherish for years to come.
