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THE GREAT PARKS OF THE WEST

Have you been dreaming of this destination for a while? The wide open spaces, the deserts, the colors, discovering the mythical parks of the American Southwest on long hikes… Following this itinerary, you will visit some of the most beautiful regions of the United States. We offer you an

array of hikes to choose from according to your level of comfort, ranging from easy to difficult. Your dream will finally become a reality!

Itinerary

DetourOn in association with Chinook Aventure

Start date to end date

The Great Parks of the West DetourOn © Itinerary

Day 1 – Zion National Park If renting a JUCY campervan, refer to your rental agreement for time and place of pick-up.

Start point Las Vegas, NV

Morning

St George, UT Red rock mesas and lush waterways create the setting for one of Utah's fastest-growing cities. Under the direction of Brigham Young, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were called to settle the region with the creation of the town of St. George. Today, much of the Mormon history is well-

preserved and displayed in important historic buildings around town. St. George has blossomed into a haven for people of all ages and interests looking for mild weather and amenities such as golf courses, great dining, world-class destination spas, and even a 2,000-seat outdoor amphitheater. There is even a convenient regional airport, a renowned university, a state-of-the-art medical center, an accommodating convention center, and a wide variety of entertainment options, museums, art galleries and other outdoor pursuits. Driving time: 1 hour 30 mins Visit time: 1 hour

Afternoon

Hike – Zion National Park – Lower and Emerald Pools 2.5-mile (3.5km) one-way, 270ft (80m) elevation gain, moderate hike. A paved trail from Zion Lodge leads to the Lower Emerald Pool (1.2 miles/1.8km), a natural pool abundant with life fed by a seasonal waterfall. A well-maintained yet uneven trail continues behind the water (slippery when wet) to the Upper Emerald Pool. Nice views of

Zion Canyon along the way. Do not swim. Do not drink from the pools or streams. Driving time: 1 hour Visit time: 2 hours

Zion National Park Human History Museum Permanent exhibits display the rich human history of Zion National Park. Showcasing American Indian culture, historic pioneer settlement, and Zion's growth as a national park, the Human History Museum also illustrates the effects of water in Zion. Both creator and destroyer, water is why people have traveled through and settled in Zion. Water creates the scenery and sanctuary that makes Zion famous.

Driving time: 10 mins Visit time: 1 hour

Accommodation Springdale, UT Driving time: 10 mins


Day 2 – Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning Red Canyon, UT This is one of many exceptional stops along Utah Scenic Byway 12, located just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park amid spectacular red and vermilion-colored sandstone spires and stands of Ponderosa pines. The many trails of the area are open to foot traffic, road bikes, mountain bikes, horses, and/or ATVs. The visitor center, aside for souvenirs and trail information, also features seasonal displays of the area’s flora and fauna.

Driving time: 1 hour 30 mins Visit time: 15 mins

Afternoon

Hike – Bryce Canyon National Park – Figure 8 3 to 6.4-mile (5 to 10.2km) loop, 1631ft (497m) elevation gain, moderate hike. This unique trail meanders through the most famous hoodoos of Bryce’s biggest amphitheater. Starting at Sunrise Point, combine the Queens Garden loop with Peekaboo and Navajo trails, and reemerge at the rim at Sunset Point. Possibility to shortcut by exiting at Wall Street or Bryce Point and taking the park shuttle back to the starting point.

Driving time: 2 hours Visit time: 4 hours

Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center Permanent exhibits display the rich ecosystem of Bryce Canyon National Park, including flora, fauna, geology, and so much more. Aside for being a souvenirs shop, bookstore, and information desk, the visitor center also continuously plays an interesting and educational 20-minute film about Bryce called "Shadows of Time."


Accommodation Bryce Canyon City, UT Driving time: 10 mins


Day 3 – Canyonlands National Park

Morning Capitol Reef National Park Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.

Driving time: 3 hours Visit time: 30 mins

Afternoon Hike – Canyonlands National Park – White Rim Overlook Trail 0.9-mile (1.4km) one-way, easy hike. Breathtaking views of White Rim Road, Colorado River, La Sal Mountains.

Driving time: 3 hours Visit time: 1 hour

Hike – Canyonlands National Park – Mesa Arch 0.5-mile (0.8km) loop, easy hike. Well-maintained and popular trail leads to the photogenic arch, sitting on the cliff edge. Amazing views through the arch.

Driving time: 15 mins Visit time: 20 mins

Accommodation Moab, UT Driving time: 1 hour


Day 4 – Arches National Park

Morning Hike – Arches National Park – Delicate Arch 1.5-mile (2.4km) one-way, 480ft (146m) elevation gain, moderate hike. People come from all over the world to visit Delicate Arch, a widely recognized symbol of the state of Utah and one of the most famous geologic features in the world. The light opening beneath the arch is 46 feet high and 32 feet wide, making it the largest free-standing arch in the park.

Driving time: 1 hour Visit time: 2 hours

Hike – Arches National Park – Landscape Arch 0.8-mile (1.3km) one-way, easy hike. A relatively flat, gravel-surfaced trail meanders through tall fins to a spectacular view of Landscape Arch, a spectacular ribbon of rock whose span is more than a football field in length. Some steep slopes may be accessible to wheelchairs with assistance. Trail guide available at trailhead. After Landscape Arch, the Devils Garden trail becomes difficult, with rock scrambling, narrow ledges, and exposure to heights.


Afternoon Hike – Arches National Park – The Windows and Double Arch 1.5-mile (2.4km) loop, easy hike. A gentle climb up a gravel trail leads to the massive North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. Return to the parking lot via the same trail, or take the slightly longer primitive trail around the Windows. From there, continue on a relatively flat, gravel-surfaced trail that leads to the base of two giant arch spans joined at one end.


Accommodation Same as previous night Driving time: 1 hour


Day 5 – Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

Morning Sand Island Petroglyphs Panel The Sand Island panel is an impressive rock wall that stretches more than 100 yards, and is covered with ancient Anasazi scrawlings estimated to be anywhere from 800 to 2,500 years old. Its images span nearly the entire time humans were known to inhabit the Four Corners area with markings from the early Basketmaker period through the Pueblo III period, and, more recently, records from Ute and Navajo people.


Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park This great valley boasts sandstone masterpieces that tower at heights of 400 to 1,000 feet, framed by scenic clouds casting shadows that graciously roam the desert floor. The angle of the sun accents these graceful formations, providing scenery that is simply spellbinding.

Driving time: 2 hours Visit time: 2 hours

Afternoon Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam This beautiful, modernistic building whose circular, glass-enclosed east end juts out over the dam, provides a sweeping panoramic view of the dam and Lake Powell behind it. There are wonderful exhibits, photographs, and dioramas depicting the construction and functions of the dam, and a beautiful relief map of Lake Powell and the surrounding area. Bookstore, souvenirs, and restrooms available, as well as introductory films and tours of the dam.

Driving time: 2 hours Visit time: 1 hour

Accommodation Page, AZ Driving time: 10 mins


Day 6 – Around Lake Powell

Morning Hike – Antelope Canyon Short, easy hike, yet requires walking on uneven ground in tight spaces. Few geological formations are as picturesque and awe-inspiring as Antelope Canyon, a magnificent slot canyon winding through tall red sandstone walls. The canyon is known for its wave-like structure and the light beams that shine directly down into the

openings of the canyon, creating a supernatural appearance. GUIDED TOURS ARE MANDATORY AND MUST BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE. Driving time: 10 mins Visit time: 2 hours

Hike – Horseshoe Bend Short, easy hike, yet requires walking on steep sandy sections. An incredible natural vista of a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River, just four miles downriver from the Glen Canyon Dam. The best view is from a steep cliff 1000ft above the river surface.

Driving time: 10 mins Visit time: 30 mins

Afternoon Desert View Watchtower For visitors coming into the park via the East Entrance, a stop at Desert View provides the first views of Grand Canyon. The 70ft tall watchtower, built in 1932 for tourism purposes, boasts some of the finest views of the Colorado River and canyon geology. Perched on the rim of the canyon, the Watchtower reflects the art and architecture of the ancestral Puebloans in the Four Corners region. Bookstore, souvenirs, restrooms, and park information nearby.


Yavapai Museum of Geology and Observation Station The Yavapai Museum exhibits explain the deposition of rock layers, the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, and the carving of Grand Canyon. Geological displays include three-dimensional models, powerful photographs, and interpretive exhibits that describe the complicated geologic story of the area. Bookstore, souvenirs, amazing views, and park information available inside.


Accommodation Grand Canyon Village, AZ Driving time: 1 hour


Day 7 – Grand Canyon National Park

Morning Hike – Grand Canyon National Park – South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge 0.9 or 1.5-mile (1.5 or 2.5km) one-way, 880 or 1204ft (268m or 367m) elevation gain, moderate to difficult hike. Maintained dirt trail, steep, and well-defined, used as a path for mules to get to the canyon bottom. Very little shade, mostly from canyon walls and dependent on time of day. Water at trailhead only. The

South Kaibab Trail offers wonderful views all along the trail making it very easy to lose track of how far down you have hiked. Additionally, the steepness of the trail is very misleading on the way down. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. Pit toilets available at Cedar Ridge. Ooh Aah Point is an unmarked viewpoint, the first point where the trail opens to a wide view. Driving time: 15 mins Visit time: 1 hour

Afternoon Hike – Grand Canyon National Park – West Rim Trail 7-mile (11km) one-way, easy to moderate hike. The Rim Trail extends from the village area to Hermits Rest. Begin from any viewpoint in the Village or along Hermit Road. The Rim Trail offers excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike. No water west of Bright Angel Lodge. By using the shuttle buses, you can customize your hike to meet your needs. Part of the trail is paved and accessible.

Driving time: 15 mins Visit time: 3 hours

Accommodation Same as previous night Driving time: 10 mins


Day 8 – Route 66

Morning Seligman, AZ Located in Northern Arizona between Flagstaff and Kingman, Seligman is now internationally known as an iconic Route 66 town. It successfully made the transition from railroad town to Route 66 town, but suffered a devastating economic blow when bypassed by Interstate-40 in 1978. Eventually Seligman would use this setback as a catalyst to make a name for itself. In 1987, Seligman gained its name “Birthplace of Historic Route 66” due to the efforts of Seligman residents, most notably Angel

Delgadillo, the Seligman barber who convinced the State of Arizona to dedicate Route 66 a historic highway. This grassroots effort to bring Route 66 back not only revitalized Seligman but it also caused world-wide interest in Route 66 and the old-fashioned Americana that it represents. Seligman now sits at the beginning of the scenic drive that is the longest remaining stretch of Route 66 in the United States. Driving time: 2 hours Visit time: 1 hour

End point Las Vegas, NV Driving time: 3 hours 10 mins


Price This itinerary is provided free of charge. Consider making a donation to DetourOn for project improvements. Optional inclusions: $99 flat fee for a personalized roadbook with driving directions, alternate activity recommendations, restaurant suggestions, destination maps, and fun facts about your destinations. Booking and reservation fees through DetourOn in association with our travel partners for rental car and/or accommodations. Price does not include: flights, insurance, meals, entrance fees to monuments and museums not purchased in advance through DetourOn, anything not mentioned in the “price includes” section above.

your name - detouronfinest views of the colorado river and canyon geology. perched on the rim of the...

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