Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Arizona & Utah Hiking with Premier Lodging
Day 1 Hike Water Canyon & Explore Zion National Park
3.5- to 4.5-hour private van transfer
2-3 hours/5 miles hiking with up to 1000' elevation gain
Depart Las Vegas on a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes of Southern Utah. Arriving at the trailhead for lesser-known Water Canyon, enjoy a picnic and trip orientation before lacing up your hiking boots for a journey through this hidden gem, where towering sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation create a verdant oasis in the desert. Traverse winding trails and scramble over ancient rocks, keeping an eye out for native wildlife and hidden waterfalls. After this challenging hike, enter the surreal landscape of Zion National Park for an easy and educational stroll. Hike the Pa'rus Trail one way from the Visitors Center to the Human History Museum. "Pa'rus" is Paiute for "bubbling water" and this trail follows the Virgin River and has incredible views of the Watchman and up the main canyon. Celebrate the day with a gourmet dinner looking out over your lodge's resident herd of bison before retiring to your private cabin.
Accommodation: Zion Mountain Ranch
(L, D)
Day 2 Marvel at White Pocket & The Toad Stools
1.5- to 2-hour private van transfer round trip up to 3.5 hours 4x4 adventure
3-4 hours/3-6 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain
Heading south from Zion, embark on a thrilling 4x4 excursion to the remote trailhead and otherworldly landscape of White Pocket, nestled within the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Traverse rugged terrain and soft, undulating sands with the help of your guide in this secret spot of swirling colors, hidden arches, prehistoric sandstone formations, whimsical hoodoos, and ancient petroglyphs. Here you'll discover mushroom-like protrusions, bulges that resemble brains, polygonal fracturing, and wave-like features in the rocks. Even expert geologists are stumped by the processes that created these strange formations! Time permitting, continue to The Toadstools for fairy-tale hoodoos and balanced rocks, sculpted by centuries of wind and water erosion for fun exploration and photography. Continue towards Lake Powell where safari-style tents await in a spectacular setting with outstanding stargazing.
Accommodation: Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Adventure through Hanging Gardens, Horseshoe Bend & Monument Valley
3- to 4-hour private van transfer
6-8 hours/5 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain
Begin your day in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with a guided hike along Lake Powell's sandstone cliffs towards the entrance to a hidden oasis known only to a few. The Hanging Gardens Spring is a verdant sanctuary nestled amidst the desert's harsh embrace where lush flora cascades down the canyon wall. The adventurous may reward themselves with a dip in the lake too! Shifting away from off-the-beaten-path gems to bucket-list highlights, head toward a confluence of boundaries, including Grand Canyon National Park and the Navajo Nation, at Horseshoe Bend. Stand in awe at the edge of the precipice, gazing down into the depths of the canyon where the Colorado River is bent back on itself by geological forces. Next venture into the Navajo Nation's iconic Monument Valley, where towering sandstone buttes rise from the desert floor like ancient sentinels towering up to 1,000 feet.
Accommodation: Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike Canyonlands National Park & the Needles District
3- to 4-hour private van transfer
6-8 hours/up to 8 miles total hiking with 1500' elevation gain
Begin your day at Bear Ears National Monument with a visit to Newspaper Rock, a sacred site adorned with over 2,000 petroglyphs, each telling the story of ancient peoples who once roamed these lands. Marvel at the intricate designs and mysterious symbols carved into the sandstone, pondering their meaning. Continue your journey into the heart of Canyonlands National Park, where the rugged beauty of the desert landscape unfolds before you. Led by expert naturalist guides who will illuminate the secrets of the desert ecosystem and its inhabitants, hike along winding trails and narrow canyons to Big Spring, a hidden oasis. Explore Chesler Park, with panoramic views of the famed Needles formations, following the trail as it winds its way through narrow canyons and hidden alcoves. Continue to Moab, where luxury safari-style tents are perfectly positioned to take in breathtaking views across Canyonlands and plunge pools soothe and refresh.
Accommodation: ULUM Moab
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Relax or Hike to Looking Glass Arch & Depart
1- to 3-hour private van transfer
2-3 hours/up to 3 miles optional hiking with up to 500' elevation gain
Your final day of adventure is yours to design. Start with a serene session of yoga amidst the tranquil beauty of the desert landscape or relax and reflect at the resort. Feel the warmth of the morning sun on your skin and the soft whisper of the breeze as you find peace and balance in body and mind. Another option is one last scenic hike to Looking Glass Arch. Follow winding trails that lead you through ancient rock formations and towering cliffs as you make your way to this stunning geological formation. After your morning adventure, enjoy another sumptuous meal made with locally sourced ingredients and check out the vibrant town of Moab. As your journey ends, choose a transfer to the rental car facility in Moab or transfer to Grand Junction Airport in Colorado for departing flights.
Accommodation: ULUM Moab
(B, L)
