At a Glance
Prepare yourself for an amazing voyage exploring the craggy wilderness and topographies at the heart of the American Southwest as you hike along Capitol Reef's colossal Waterpocket Fold, Bryce’s magnificent Hoodoos and see the resident sublime wildlife of this beautiful region on this fascinating 5-day adventure.
Departing from St. George, we shuttle to explore the northern edge of Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument for a hike past primordial figures to a dramatic box canyon. Feel the cool mist on your skin as you witness Lower Calf Creek Falls descending over a sandstone cliff. Enjoy the solitude and the immaculate natural beauty of the remote wonderland, Capitol Reef National Park. Marvel at the sights of natural arches, water-carved canyons, and elevated domes during a hike through the massive Waterpocket Fold. Venture into ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Brief orientation in St. George on Day 1
- Hiking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- All meals as specified
- 4 nights accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- All luggage, airport, hotel transfers and shuttle transfers
- Park and other entry fees
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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Level 1, Approx. 9km (5.7 miles), Elevation gain: 122m (400 ft) Meet your tour leaders at 8:30 am, at the Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, Utah. Make sure to arrive in your hiking clothes, a daypack with your rain gear, anything else you need for the day's hike, and your luggage (which will be transported to our first night's accommodations). We begin our Southwest adventure by traveling from the desolate topography outside St. George to towering elevations of the green Sevier River Valley and into some of the most unique and secluded parts of the state. Following that, we shuttle along one of the most beautiful roads in the world, Utah's All-American Road, Scenic Byway 12. The byway links Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks traversing a diverse topography of red rock formations, cliffs, deep slot canyons, high lumbered plateaus, and abundant alpine forests. Moving into the immaculate canyon country, we savour a delicious picnic lunch and then go on our first hike along the northern edge of the wide and rough Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Walking through the mineral-streaked cliffs of Navajo sandstone, we pass by primordial rock art sites on the way to Calf Creek Falls, which was named for its use as a pen for calves back in the 19th century. Getting to the 40m (130 ft) waterfall, enjoy the cool reviving mist, or even take it further by taking a dip. |
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After our hike, we shuttle towards the secluded town of Boulder with a population of about 200 people. Here, we settle into Boulder Mountain Lodge, a haven of serenity and comfort, overlooking an 11-acre bird sanctuary and our lakeside home for the next two nights. Tonight, we dine at Hell's Backbone Grill, a unique Michelin star restaurant, serving luxurious farm-to-table cuisine. Amuse your palates with traditional American fare.
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Boulder Mountain Lodge, Boulder
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: After having breakfast, we shuttle North along the Scenic Byway toward Capitol Reef National Park, one of Utah's best-kept secrets. Within this secluded and seemingly infinite topography awaits a reminiscent world of amazing coloured cliffs, hidden arches, huge domes, deep canyons, and the famous, massive Waterpocket Fold. We begin to explore the park by hiking the Grand Wash Trail, one of the few paths that cut east-west through the colossal Waterpocket Fold. Our route follows a broad and usually dry creek that passes through three different layers of rock: Navajo and Wingate sandstone and the ridgy Kayenta formation. The route also takes us through a kilometre narrow section, with steep vertical walls rising over 152 metres, reminiscent of the famed Narrows section of Zion National Park. You could choose to climb out of Grand Wash by a concatenation of sandstone steps and ledges that lead to the spectacular Cassidy Arch located high on the cliffs. For those pursuing more exploration and adventure, continue hiking to the Frying Pan Trail which takes you across the top of the Waterpocket Fold with magnificent sweeping views. Make sure to stay hydrated as you make your way through the landscape, which takes you down to Cohab Canyon. Here, walls of Wingate sandstone are carved dramatically into hundreds of slot canyons. According to local legends, Cohab Canyon was named when it was used by Mormon polygamists who hid from law enforcement when the practice became a crime in the 1880s. |
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After a day's adventure, head back to Boulder Mountain Lodge, unwind in its hot tub or cosy by the fire pit before indulging in another delicious organic meal at Hell's Backbone Grill.
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Boulder Mountain Lodge, BoulderBreakfast, Lunch, Dinne |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Leaving Zion behind this morning, we make our way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Enjoy a delicious picnic before setting out on our hike to explore this stunning vast landscape. The park’s namesake Mormon settler Ebenezer Bryce deemed this region "a hell of a place to lose a cow." You'll understand why when you take a look at the amphitheater's maze of spires, hoodoos, windows, walls, and pinnacles. Our afternoon hike provides a great introduction to the park, as well as a stunning panorama. Absorb the distant views of the Grand Staircase and Escalante before going down into the canyon through the Fairyland Loop, a less-frequented section of Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the trail, bless your sights with views of Boat Mesa, rising above the tops of hoodoos. Pass by the Sinking Ship, a rock formation floating in the distance. The expansive China Wall, a fortification of hoodoos and rock sticking out from Bryce's Pink Cliffs, guiding us through the canyon before we hike back to the rim. You’ll stay at the beautiful, secluded and rustic Lodge at Bryce Canyon, a perfect embodiment of its serene surroundings . After settling into your room, we reconvene at the lodge for a flavourful dinner. End a magical day stargazing where Bryce's elevation and distance from civilisation make it possible to see thousands of stars with the naked eye! |
Lodge at Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Begin your day exploring the Queen's Garden with sights of Bryce's most famed hoodoos, the totem pole-shaped rock steeples that flood the park. Walk into the canyon, where eccentrically shaped rock formations crowd beneath the Queen Victoria hoodoo. Feel the otherworldly essence of this beautiful destination. From the Queen's Garden, connect to the Navajo Loop Trail and walk through Wall Street, a spectacular canyon with overhanging walls. Be prepared for a steep climb up to the rim at Sunset Point, or take a byway on Peek-a-Boo Loop, a fairly gruelling trail with a lot of ups and downs, but with amazing views of Fairy Castle, the Alligator, the Silent City, and the Wall of Windows. Alternatively, explore the canyon on horseback for a different perspective (at an additional cost). In the afternoon, you could opt for a stroll and enjoy the stunning scenery, or simply relax at the lodge. Celebrate your final evening with a farewell dinner in the lodge's dining room in a convivial affair with classic Western delights. |
Lodge at Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon National ParkBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx. 4km (2.5 miles), Elevation Gain: 61m (200 ft) Choose to start your day with a walk along the Rim Trail, to witness the hoodoos wake up with the sunrise. As you gaze north and east across the Bryce Amphitheater, the beauty is revealed as the early morning light transforms the colours of Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship against the stunning Pink Cliffs. Enjoy breakfast before saying goodbye to Bryce Canyon National Park. Journey to St. George as you shuttle through Red Canyon and then across Paunsaugunt Plateau, while simultaneously appreciating otherworldly hoodoos. Stop to enjoy one last picnic in Cedar City before returning to St. George where you bid farewell. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is St George, Utah.
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to St George. The nearest airport is St. George Municipal Airport and is 24km (15 miles) from the centre of Saint George, Utah. The closest international airport is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport which is 208km (129 miles).
The only rule about weather in canyon country is that there is no rule! Please be prepared for varied climates on this trip. Because the changes in elevation as we travel are substantial, you may experience a wide range of weather conditions in a single day. You may awake to a chilly frost-dusted landscape, but be baking in the heat of the desert sun by mid-afternoon. (Keep in mind that it's dry heat, which is generally more comfortable than humid heat.) Although most of the areas we visit are considered arid, afternoon thunderstorms are always possible, and occasionally it rains all day. We strongly suggest bringing quality waterproof rain gear made of a breathable material. There is also a slight possibility of snow at higher elevations (7,500 feet and above) in late May/early June and late September. This is a rare occurrence, however, and the snow usually melts when it hits the ground.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
