Southwest Parks Hiking Adventure

DAY 1

We’ll meet in Las Vegas after lunch and set out on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Zion. Our first hike on the Watchman Trail offers the perfect introduction, with sweeping canyon views and the soft glow of late-day light. After settling into our Springdale hotel, we’ll gather for a relaxed dinner at Porter’s to savor good food and a chance to get to know each other.

Hiking Distance: 2.8 miles, 479.4ft elevation gain

DAY 2

After breakfast, we set out early for one of Zion’s most iconic experiences: the Narrows. Hiking bottom-up to Big Springs, we’ll wade through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls that shift with the light (weather dependent, we will have an alternative hike planned if there is any chance of flash floods). A trail lunch keeps us fueled before we step back in time with an afternoon visit to Grafton, one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West. Once a small farming community along the Virgin River, Grafton was abandoned after floods, harsh conditions, and isolation made life unsustainable. Today, its restored schoolhouse, pioneer homes, and weathered cemetery offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century frontier life. We’ll enjoy dinner at Zion Brew Pub, followed by a relaxed stroll along the Pa’rus Trail, where soft desert light and open skies bring the day to a perfect close.

Morning Hiking Distances: 4, 6, or 9.4 miles, maximum 334 ft elevation gain
Evening Hike: 1.6 miles

DAY 3

Today we'll check out of our Zion hotel and head out for one more Zion hike: Canyon Overlook Trail. This hike rewards us with one of Zion’s most breathtaking panoramas: an expansive view looking down into the heart of the canyon. From there,we take the scenic drive along Highway 9, winding through the historic Zion Tunnel and across open desert landscapes before arriving in Tropic for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we enter Bryce Canyon, where we’ll stretch our legs and hike Sheep Creek and Swamp Canyon, a quieter corner of Bryce offering sweeping views, colorful rock formations, and fewer crowds. A leisurely drive along the rim road offers even more perspectives of this otherworldly landscape before we check into our hotel. Dinner awaits at Bryce Canyon Pines, with an optional sunset outing at Sunset Point to close the day in glowing shades of orange and pink.

Morning Hiking Distance: 1 mile, 154 ft elevation gain
Afternoon Bryce Canyon Hiking Distances: 2.4 or 4.4 miles, maximum 859 ft elevation gain

DAY 4

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll take a short drive to the trailhead for the Navajo Loop, descending among the park’s iconic hoodoos. By midday, we’ll head south to Kanab, Utah, where you’ll have time for lunch on your own in this charming western town known for its film history and red rock scenery. From there, we continue to Page, Arizona, and check into our hotel before stretching our legs on the Rimview Trail, a local favorite with panoramic views over Lake Powell and the surrounding desert. Dinner is on your own this evening, with plenty of local options to choose from.

Morning Hiking Distances: 2.9 or 4.9 miles, maximum 1,475 ft elevation gain
Afternoon Page Hiking Distances: 2 or 4.4 miles, maximum 171 ft elevation gain

DAY 5

The famous Horseshoe Bend and the Colorado River Overlook start this day, taking in the stunning views before a short hike to stretch our legs. From there, we drive to Grand Canyon Village, arriving in time for lunch on your own amid the historic heart of the park. In the afternoon, we’ll hike a portion of the Rim Trail from Grand Canyon Village to Hermit’s Rest, offering iconic canyon vistas at every turn. After checking into our hotel, we’ll gather for dinner at Maswik, a cozy spot to relax and reflect on the grandeur of the day.

Morning Page Hiking Distances: 1.5 miles or 5.29miles, maximum 538 ft elevation gain
Afternoon Grand Canyon Hiking Distances: 2.6 or 4.6 miles, maximum 237 ft elevation gain

DAY 6

This morning, we’ll embark on a hike along the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge. Sweeping views of the canyon floor and towering cliffs await for us. For those preferring a gentler pace, the Rim Trail offers equally spectacular vistas without the descent. Lunch is on your own in the village, giving you a chance to explore or relax. In the afternoon, we drive to Flagstaff and check into our hotel before gathering for a relaxed dinner on-site, reflecting on the awe-inspiring landscapes we’ve experienced.

Morning Hiking Distances: 1.8 or 3 miles, maximum 1,181 ft elevation gain

DAY 7

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll drive to Sedona, arriving in time to hike through the stunning red-rock landscapes of Red Rock State Park or explore the town’s charming streets and galleries. Lunch is on your own, giving you a chance to savor local flavors. In the early afternoon, we’ll depart for Phoenix International Airport, arriving around 3:00 PM and bringing our Southwest adventure to a memorable close.

Hiking Distance: 2.5 miles, 144 ft elevation gain