Desert Southwest!
May 24-29, 2025
Highlights include:
Grand Canyon - Sunset view then sunrise hike on the South Kaibab Trail
Zion National Park - Explore the "Narrows" and hike up to Angel's Landing
Antelope Canyon - Kayaking and hiking
Horseshoe Bend - Sunset
Sedona, AZ - Hiking Cathedral Rock and swimming at Slide Rock State Park
Lake Powell - Camping on the beach
Exploring the Desert Southwest!
May 24-29, 2025
Group size: 7 guests plus your guide, Sam.
"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."
Summary
There’s no better place than the Desert Southwest to make you feel like a speck of dust in the continuum of the universe. To hike into the Grand Canyon, watch a magnificent sunrise or sunset, or marvel at the stunning night sky is to experience sacred connections to sacred places.
Who's going to love it?
The American Desert Southwest is perfect if you love stunning landscapes, warm temperatures, and clear night skies. Hikers and campers with a sense of adventure will love this trip and remember it for the rest of their lives!
What's Included?
12-passenger van transportation throughout the trip.
4 nights camping and 1 night hotel stay in Las Vegas
Kayak rental for Antelope Canyon
All park entrance fees and permits
Camping gear and supplies: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, chairs, trekking poles, etc.
Experienced guide with you every step of the way!
Not included:
Transportation/flights to trip meeting point: Las Vegas
Food throughout the trip
How will we manage the high temperatures of the desert in the summer?
We’ll generally be active in the mornings, we’ll get in the water every day, and we’ll do most of our driving (with A/C!) in the afternoons during the hottest part of the day.
Horseshoe Bend
Hiking in Zion
Itinerary
Full but not frantic. Active but not rushed.
Day 1 - Depart Las Vegas and drive three hours to Zion National Park. Hike the world-famous Narrows then camp at the Watchman campground. Explore the town of Springdale.
Day 2 - Get on the first shuttle into the canyon and hike up Walter’s Wiggles to the world-famous Angel’s Landing! Drive three hours to Lake Powell, stopping along the way at the "Belly of the Dragon." Set up camp at Lone Rock Beach then enjoy a magnificent sunset at Horseshoe Bend.
Day 3 - Spend the morning kayaking and hiking in Antelope Canyon. Lunch in Page, AZ. Drive 3 hours to the town of Sedona, AZ for dinner and a hike up to Cathedral Rock for sunset. Camping along Oak Creek, north of Sedona.
Day 4 - Morning swimming and playing at Slide Rock State Park! Drive 2 hours to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for a world-class sunset! Stay in Mather Campground at the Grand Canyon.
Day 5 - Early morning hike down into the Grand Canyon on the iconic South Kaibab trail! Enjoy the views at “Ooh Aah Point” and continue on to Cedar Ridge with constant sweeping views of the Grand Canyon. Drive back to Las Vegas with a stop along the way for a malt at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner.
Explore Las Vegas! Enjoy a night in a hotel
Day 6 - Return home
Activity Level
3 - Moderate: For outdoor novices and above. (Rating System)
Activity: 4-6 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 4 miles most days
Surfaces: a variety of rolling, sandy, desert and canyon terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 1,200 ft/day.
Max Altitude: 7,200 ft at the South Kaibab trailhead at the Grand Canyon.
Participants will carry light daypacks with water and snacks. The trails are safe but there are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike.
I recommend a physical conditioning regimen beginning at least 3–5 months prior to departure which includes hiking with as much elevation gain and loss as possible with a weighted daypack, layering in as much additional cardiovascular exercise as manageable. Review your personal health and preparation plan with your physician prior to traveling.
Guest packing list:
Hiking shoes/boots. We’ll be doing a lot of hiking so make sure your boots/shoes have good tread and that you've hiked in them enough to make sure you won't get blisters.
Sandals or water shoes of some kind
Merino wool socks for hiking
Hat to protect you from the sun
Clothing for 6 days
Clothes for hiking
Clean clothes to sleep in
Long pants and light jacket for cool nights
Backpack for day hikes
Sunscreen
Money for food and souvenirs
Sunglasses
Swimsuit
Lightweight rain jacket
Small pillow
Headlamp or small flashlight
Phone charging cord
Towel
Toiletries, soap/shampoo, personal items, medications (could include sleeping aids, painkillers, allergy meds, etc.)
Optional items:
Headphones
Camera
Reading material
Food suggestions:
Breakfast bars - granola, clif, protein bars, etc.
Oatmeal cups (just add hot water)
Fruit - canned or fresh
Sandwich supplies
Electrolyte powder packets- Propel, Gatorade, etc
Snacks while hiking - trail mix, jerky, dried fruit, energy bars, etc.
Items Available to borrow if needed:
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Backpack for hiking
Trekking poles
Small travel towel
Headlamp
Small pillow
Sam will bring:
Jetboil cooking stove
Gear as needed: Sleeping Bags, sleeping pads, tents, chairs, etc.
Zion Narrows
The trail up to Angels's Landing
Zion
View of Zion Canyon from Angel's Landing
Camping at Lake Powell
Hiking Antelope Canyon
