Southwest Road Trip: Zion, the Grand Canyon & Santa Monica Sunsets

Meet your group at 8:00 AM for a quick Welcome Meeting, then hop in the van for about 3 hours and head to Bryce Canyon National Park. Around 1:00 pm (we lose 1 hour at the Utah border-but don't worry, we'll get it back soon), stop in Cedar City where you'll have time to grab lunch on your own. Arrive to Bryce Canyon in the early afternoon and spend a few hours hiking, exploring and gazing at the crazy rock formations known as hoodoos. Hike the Navajo Loop & Queens Garden trail to get more up close with these cool geological features. Pitch your tent and make dinner at camp with your fellow Roamies.

Please note your arrival flight should land no later than 6:00 AM in order for you to be on time to your 8:00 AM Welcome Meeting.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Today, the adventure begins. Be sure to arrive in time to meet your group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your trip. The group will meet at 8:30 AM on day 1 before beginning the journey to Zion National Park via Bryce Canyon.
• Bryce Canyon National Park Visit: See a sight like no other at this giant forest of stone made up of collection of massive natural amphitheaters. This park contains hundreds of thousands of eroded spires, pinnacles, and other shapes as far as the eye can see.
• Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike: Trek through the most popular trail in Bryce Canyon to see its famous hoodoos - tall, thin spires of rock that seem to magically balance upon their dusty, red rock base. Begin your hike at Sunrise Point and make your way toward Queen Victoria, the trail's namesake rock formation. Continue through the amphitheater on Navajo Loop past Wall Street or Thor's Hammer, depending on trail conditions. Exit at Sunset Point before walking the Rim Trail back to our starting point. Soak in the views one last time - you'll want to take it all in. Hiking distance: 4.6km (2.9 mi) Elevation change: 183m (600 ft).

Wake up with the birds chirping and make breakfast at camp. Pack a lunch for the day then drive to Zion National Park. Once there it's time to explore! You'll board the national park shuttle to take you into the park and explore your heart out. There are a couple different trail options, the main ones being The Emerald Pools, The Narrows, Scouts Lookout and Watchman Trail. Grab your hiking books, your new best buddy and get out there! Enjoy your packed lunch whenever you choose! Later, travel back to East Zion for a chill evening with your fellow Roamies at the camp site. Once it gets dark, get ready to sit around the campfire, roast some marshmallows and stare up at the stars. First one to see a shooting star wins an extra s'more!

Please note that while the trail to Angels Landing is not included in this itinerary, it is available to be done independently. If you’re interested in continuing to the top, you must apply ahead of time for a permit via the National Park’s lottery system at this website: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm.

Included Experiences

• Zion National Park Visit: Admire monumental sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that tower into the sky. Experience diverse plant and animal life, and wade through water in a narrow slot canyon as the park transitions from desert to forest. Gaze at the awe-inspiring beauty of the high plateaus, striking towers, temples, mesas, and the earth's tallest-known sheer sandstone walls.
• Free Time: Spend a full day exploring the wonders of Zion. Sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, and then opt to check out various trails like, the Emerald Pools, the famous Narrows, Scouts Lookout, or Watchman Trails.

Optional Experiences

• Watchman Trail Hike: The Watchman Trail is often overlooked by visitors to the park, but is a great trail that allows you to enjoy expansive views of the entire Springdale area. Just half a mile away from the South Entrance to the park it's the closest classic hike in the park itself and makes for a great first-taste of all of Zion's magnificence. Short, but sweet you'll climb less than 400 ft in elevation while being surrounded by desert greenery on all sides. While there is some shade make sure you bring plenty of water on this hike.
• The Narrows Hike: Known as one of Utah's best slot canyon hikes, The Narrows takes you through towering canyon walls along the Virgin River (and yes, this means walking in water!). Enjoy some of the park's best scenery, stop to take photos, and don't forget to watch your footing. Opt to make your way back at any point. Hiking distance: 6.4km (4 mi) Elevation change: 102m (334 ft).
• Scout Lookout Trail: This trail is also the same one that goes to Angels Landing, because of this be prepared to gain more than 1,000 ft in elevation and walk up 21 challenging switchbacks to reach the lookout point. The hike begins at The Grotto shuttle stop and once you arrive at the lookout, you'll be able to enjoy jaw-dropping views of the valley before you.

If you stayed up late with your new friends, you can sleep in the van. Today we wake up early to drive to Grand Canyon National Park, with a couple awesome pit stops along the way. The first stop is at Horseshoe Bend. This geological masterpiece was sculpted by the Colorado River. Go on and walk to the overlook, hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Continue onwards to our next national park of the trip. En route, stop for lunch at a Navajo-inspired restaurant and trading post. Arrive at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon—one of the world's Natural Wonders— and set up camp for the next two nights just in time for a spectacular sunset.

Included Experiences

• Horseshoe Bend Hike: Take a short hike to this spectacular horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Stand atop steep orange-coloured sandstone cliffs and look out at Horseshoe Bend. Peer down more than 300m (1,000 ft) at the emerald river below.

After having breakfast and packing a lunch, get those water bottles ready because today is dedicated to the Grand Canyon. Starting from the South Rim, there are so many hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time. You got this! Sit down for a picnic lunch in the park then maybe choose to rent a bike, or if you're feeling really adventurous, opt to take a legendary helicopter ride over the canyon. The choice is yours! After a full day in the park, sit down for an unforgettable pizza dinner along the rim of the Grand Canyon as the setting sun lights the sky.

Included Experiences

• Grand Canyon South Rim Visit: Visit the south rim of the canyon for a great first impression. Marvel as the Grand Canyon unfolds before you. Don't get too close. The land drops almost straight down for more than 1,000m (3,280 ft) into the serpentine canyons below! The gorge is filled with rocky buttes, sheer limestone cliffs, and deep canyons all arrayed in a rainbow of colors. Words defy. This is truly one of the most magnificent sights on earth.
• Grand Canyon Hike: Opt to hike along the rim or down into the canyon. Experience breathtaking scenery with spectacular views. Bring lots of water, a hat and plenty of energy. Remember -- hiking down is optional, hiking back up is mandatory!
• Grand Canyon Sunset Pizza: Find a spot to sit and dig in to the most scenic dinner you've ver had! Enjoy some pizza as the sun sets over the Grand Canyon offering breathtaking views while the canyon walls glow red and orange in the fading light. This is truly one of the great wonders. Enjoy the moment.

Optional Experiences

• Bright Angel Trail Hike: Hike towards the heart of the Grand Canyon on the spectacular Bright Angel Trail. Descend into the canyon to experience its natural beauty in a way most visitors miss. Journey to Indian Garden, and depending on group fitness and the season, continue on to Plateau Point.
• Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: The Grand Canyon helicopter ride is a must! Enjoy a bird's-eye view for 45 to 50 minutes as you fly over the canyon, taking in the stark contrast of the blue-green Colorado River against the thousand shades of red rock found in the canyon. From above, you can fully appreciate the greatness of the gorge and see why it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Road trip! Get your kicks, because its time to drive along one of the most famous roads in history: Route 66. After you eat breakfast and break down camp, we head out and cruise south west toward Joshua Tree National Park. We'll stop in Seligman along Route 66 and then continue to Kingman, where you will have free time to grab lunch on your own. Throughout the drive, we will take short stops to admire the Mojave Desert, and the funky dessert trees that gave Joshua Tree it's name. Arrive to the camp site in the early evening and after setting up, you will have the night free to explore Pioneer Town. Watch the sky light up in flames during an incredible desert sunset and maybe throw down a blanket to watch for shooting stars tonight in one of California's clearest skies.

Included Experiences

• Route 66 Drive: Travel the historic Route 66 through the southwest.
• Joshua Tree National Park Visit: Discover the rugged rock formations and iconic Joshua trees that gave this National Park it's name. Go for a hike, keep a sharp eye out for desert wildlife, and take in the incredible scenery.

After another night under the stars, pack away your camping gear, have some breakfast at camp, and drive to one of the LA's most famous beaches for a day of fun. You'll have the entire afternoon free to explore Santa Monica and do whatever you please with your fellow Roamies. Opt to lounge on the beach, have some of the worlds best ice cream, take a ride on the pier, or just people watch with a spicy margarita at an open air bar. Whatever you choose, make it count! Tonight we'll stay at an awesome, hip hostel in Santa Monica.

Included Experiences

• Santa Monica Visit: Make a stop at Santa Monica where you can choose to lounge in the sand, rollerblade on the sidewalks, bicycle along the waterfront, or take a walk down the pier. The choice is yours during your afternoon here.

Optional Experiences

• Santa Monica Pier Visit: Check out the pier, boardwalk, and some of the city's best shopping at 3rd St Promenade in this beachfront city.
• Rollerblades and Bike Rentals: Choose to rent rollerblades or bikes and explore Santa Monica at a faster speed.

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time.