Zion National Park Hiking and Camping Trip will be AWESOME as always! April 2 - 5, Easy, Moderate and more difficult hikes are ALWAYS offered. Hike as little or as much as you like!
Designated in 1919, Zion is Utah's oldest national park. Most park facilities are located in the Zion Canyon area, and it attracts the most visitors. The Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace sections are good choices for travelers who want to see the park's backcountry. All three areas feature Zion's trademark soaring towers and monoliths. The park is known for its incredible canyons, including The Narrows, which attract canyoneers from around the world. Hiking possibilities are endless. With nearly three million visitors per year, Zion is Utah's most heavily used park.
The Virgin River has gnawed through native sandstone to create the incredible scenery found in Zion Canyon. The river itself now serves as a natural corridor for exploring the park. There are several easy, self-guiding trails along the river, along with more challenging hikes where the river and its tributaries cut through narrow canyons. For those with strollers or in wheelchairs, the Riverside Walk(Gateway to the Narrows) is suitable for all ages. More adventurous or strenuous hikes include Angels Landing and The Narrows. No matter what type of hike you are looking for you are sure to find it at Zion National Park.
March 11 – 14 (Thurs – Sun), $99 Trip! Snow Canyon State Park,Register Here April 8 – 11 (Thurs – Sun), $99 Trip! Zion NP, Register here
April 29 – May 2, $99 Trip! Diamond Fork Hot Springs/Green River/Moab/Arches, Register Here
May 20 – 23, $99 Trip, Kodachrome Basin/Willis Creek, Register Here
Switzerland! Best of the Alps (Day Hikes in Zermatt and Jungfrau): 3 dates to choose from. Great for all level of hikers or non-hikers. June 17-25 July 27-August 4 August 14-22 http://www.alpenwild.com/
June 10 – 13 Cedar Breaks/Kolob/ZNP, $99 Trip! Register Here
June 24 – 27, $99 Trip! Fremont Indian/Sevier River
July 8 – 11, $99 Trip! Fish Lake/Capitol Reef NP
Jungfrau Explorer (An exciting inn-to-inn traverse of this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage region.) July 17-26 http://www.alpenwild.com/ Aug. 5 – 8, $99 Trip! Mt. Timpanogos/Aspen Grove/Alpine Loop/Cascade Springs
Switzerland! Haute Route (A classic Inn to inn trek on the most scenic trail in the Alps) August 5-13 http://www.alpenwild.com/ Aug. 26 – 29, $99 Trip! High Uintas, Mirror Lake, Bald Mountain, Lofty Loop
Sept. 9 – 12, $99 Trip! Bear Lake, Logan Canyon, Tony Grove
An outdoor, adventurous, 4 day, 3 night weekend getaway with other healthy, active, outdoor enthusiasts!
Campsites with quality, modern bathrooms (most of them include FREE showers). Many are beautiful, well maintained State Parks. If you prefer, book a nearby motel to stay in. (Motel expenses are not included in the $99 price. The cost is the same whether you camp or stay in a motel.)
Delicious, healthy meals are provided including three delicious dinners, two of them are Dutch Oven Dinners.
Companionship, opportunities to make friends with other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, carpool assistance, and experienced hiking and outdoor adventure guides.
We generally always have plenty of people willing to drive so it's not necessary to drive if you don't want to.
Camping and hiking permits are provided.
On some trips, bike riding and flat water kayaking may be available. Flat water kayaks are provided but bikes are not included. Either rent a bike or bring your own. Plenty of opportunities are provided to perfect your skills and knowledge in Dutch Oven cooking, camping, bike riding, hiking, emergency preparedness, survival skills, kayaking, etc. Each of our trips have been studied, researched, scouted out, planned, and organized ahead of time so you can enjoy it to the fullest without any "down time".
Most of our trips are less than 3 hours driving time, one way, from SLC. A few are 4 - 5 hours from SLC.
The trip does not include:
Gas expenses to and from the destination. We encourage and help people carpool to keep those expenses down.
When you carpool with someone, you are expected to pay for your portion of the gas expense. (generally around $30 RT). You pay that directly to your driver. National Park entrance fees - generally $25/car State Park entrance fees - many times these are waived if we are staying at the park.
Rentals, souvenirs, spending money, extra food, etc.
More details about our Utah Weekend Adventure Vacations....
Most Utah Weekend Adventure Vacations focus on camping, exploring, hiking, flat water kayaking, bike riding, Dutch Oven Cooking and generally being active in the outdoors. Emergency preparedness skills are practiced as well.
For those who want to enjoy the outdoors but aren't excited about camping or hiking their legs off are still encouraged to come. Relax and even stay in a motel if you prefer. A wide variety of activities are available to you. We are a very diverse group. Take in the beauty of Utah in a way that pleases you. The cost of the trip is the same whether you get a motel or not.
Upon arriving at our destination, we generally set up camp within 100 feet from our cars. It will be our home base. Camping is simple and very comfortable IF you learn and understand some basic skills. If you've never camped before, let me know and I'll be happy to help you before you go camping with us.
The Utah Weekend Adventure Vacations do not involve "Backpacking", which requires more skill and physical strength, since you are carrying your "home" on your back.
Our priority is to help you have a positive, memorable experience on your very first trip with us.
Most of our camping trips are located at or near a State or National Park in Utah. A great experience is in store since each location has so much to offer in personality and incredible scenery.
Utah has five National Parks and many State Parks. Click on the link to get a sample of the State Parks in Utah. http://stateparks.utah.gov/.
I've camped or visited most of the State and National Parks in Utah and love every one of them.
Activities to Enjoy
Hiking Star Gazing Tracking and Stalking Animals Exploring Plant life Nature Photography Bike Riding Shopping in nearby towns Kayaking Canoeing Fishing Nature Walks Campfires Socializing Site seeing Meeting new people Relaxing/sleeping Rock skipping Swimming Rafting Horse shoes Eating Dutch Oven Cooking Campfire Cooking
Packing List, What to bring
Camping gear: Tent Tarp NOTE: Only those we have predetermined need to bring a tent and tarp. Sleeping bag Pad – Prefer a Thermal Pad (2" - 4") essential for warmth/comfort. Pillow NOTE: I store these items STUFF SACKS.
MESS KIT (Plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork, spoon – NON-breakable) Plan to clean your own dishes.
FRUIT to share with group: Fruits in season i.e. bananas, pineapple, cantaloupe, grapes, strawberries, oranges, apples, etc.
SACK LUNCH for the first day – we are generally on the road for a few hours. This should be something to eat until dinnertime.
Lip protection Pocket Knife Foot/heel cream – living in Utah makes your heels dry/rough Flip Flops/Sandals (NOT for hiking)
Hiking shoes or good lightweight athletic shoes – if possible bring 2 pair since one may get wet (but it's not necessary). Hiking socks Long pants – stay away from fabrics like denim. Find pants that stretch, wick and breathe well. Polyester high tech fabrics work GREAT!
Shirts - long sleeve and short sleeve – no cotton, easy to layer shirts – polyester is great. Find shirts that are comfortable, stretch, wick and breathe well. Sleepwear – bring something for your head for cold nights. Don’t sleep in the same clothes you hike in. Underwear
Sweatshirt or warm jacket Windbreaker that is rain resistant Sunscreen Bug Repellent Hat with a wider brim and neck protector Water bottles – 2 ½ liters worth (fresh water is available at our campsite)
Think like an ONION!! Clothing that you can layer – stay with thinner, lightweight polyester fabrics. Be ready for all types of weather. Backpack/Fanny pack Personal toiletries – (hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toilet paper, tissue for nose, etc.)
Body/Hand Lotion Wet wipes Sunglasses Head lamp/flashlight Spending money for souvenirs, rentals, eating out, etc. Gas money for your driver (Approx. $30 RT)
Wood for campfire – Everyone please help w/ providing wood as needed - when we get there. You can get a bundle for approx. $4 Matches Camera Swim Suit/Towel Camping Chair
OPTIONAL: Walkie Talkie/2 Way Radio Ear Plugs GPS Trekking poles/walking stick - highly recommended Acoustic guitar/harmonica
Cell phone for emergency phone calls Journal/notepad/pen/pencil Frisbee, simple small games First Aid Kit – ibuprofen, band-aids, etc. Map
Meals and food...
Breakfast
Freshly Ground Whole Wheat Pancakes with real Maple Syrup and/or Whole Grain Hot Cereal Breakfast Bar
Hot Cereal: Cracked Wheat or Six Grain Rolled Mix Add any of the following toppings: Craisins Raisins Shredded Coconut Chocolate Chips Walnuts Peanuts Pecans Cinnamon Maple Syrup White Sugar Brown Sugar Honey Strawberries Apple Slices Banana Dried Fruit Fresh Fruit Milk
Lunch
Sandwich makings: Bread Peanut Butter Honey Jam Fresh Fruit Trail Mix of Dried Fruit and Nuts Cookies
Dinner
Mexican Dutch Oven Dinner Enchiladas - Chicken and Vegetarian Fresh Tossed Green Salad w/ Dressing Chips w/ Salsa Peach or Apple Cobbler
Italian Dutch Oven Dinner Lasagna w/ Meat or Spinach Lasagna (Vegetarian) Dark Green Leafy Tossed Salad w/ Dressing Garlic Bread Apple or Peach Cobbler
Chuck Wagon Dinner Grilled Salmon w/ Dill Creamy Mashed Potatoes White Chili (chicken or vegetarian) Dark Green Leafy Tossed Salad w/ Dressing Cobbler or S'mores
NOTE: Provide your own drinks Eat what is provided or bring your own food.
"Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” ~Dr. Seuss