Topographical Maps: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Zion National Park; Bryce National Park

Transcription

1 The World s Longest Running Adventure Travel Company for Women Since 1978 Zion, Bryce National Parks: Hikes, Hoodoos & Hot Springs October 9-15th, 2011 Rating: Moderate Group Size Limit: 12 Clients Accommodations: 6 Nights Camping Cost: $1,425; Reservation Deposit $500. Balance due 3 months before start date of trip. The Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave Desert provinces form a junction at Zion National Park, accounting for great geography and unusual plant and animal diversity. Bryce Canyon National Park also boasts unique geology, including limestone rock formations called hoodoos. You ll see it all on our exciting adventure from Angel s Landing to Fairyland to The Narrows. Our hikes take us to gorgeous vistas, quiet canyons and majestic arches. We ll hike daily in this enchanting, magnificent region from our base camp in Zion National Park. We ve designed our itinerary with strong-and-steady hikers in mind so make sure your boots are broken in and you re ready for a great week of women s hiking. Join us! Day 1 ~ Las Vegas, NV, to Zion National Park base camp Meet at the Las Vegas International Airport. Please try to arrive no later than 11:30 am in order to take the 12 noon shuttle to St George, UT. From there, we will begin our drive to our camp in Zion National Park. Some clients may prefer to arrive in Las Vegas a day early, in order to be ready for the 12 noon pickup the following day. (For more information, see Arrival and Departure Planning.) After an orientation stop at the Zion Visitor s Center, we ll go to our reserved camp sites inside the park. We will camp all six nights at Watchman Campground, a three-hour drive from Las Vegas. (Dinner) Day 2 ~ Hike to Angel s Landing with view of The Great White Throne Today we ll make the spectacular hike to Angel s Landing. Even though the hike is less than 5 miles round-trip, there s a 1,500-foot elevation gain and the route is rigorous and thrilling. Near the top, the trail is cut into solid rock along a sandstone rib. At the high point, an incredible view unfolds. Below is the Virgin River, and seemingly a stone s throw away across Zion Canyon is the park s most famous landmark, The Great White Throne, its sheer cliffs rising up 2,200 feet from the canyon to the broad mesa above. Beyond is the incredible color tapestry of southern Utah s majestic, soaring cliffs. In the afternoon, you will have time to explore the area around Watchman Camp and the Visitor s Center. We ll have another delicious dinner this evening and good conversation around the campfire. Mileage: 4.8 miles; Elevation Change: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

2 Day 3 ~ Fairyland Loop Trail, Hoodoo formations in Bryce Canyon Today we ll make the scenic drive to Bryce Canyon National Park, which has the most unusual spectacle of erosional forms on earth. Bryce is a high-elevation park the Visitor s Center is at 7,900 feet--so come prepared for cooler days here than in Zion. There are endless panoramas, and in the crystalline air you can see vistas of Utah landscapes 100 miles away. Most visitors to Bryce don t venture far from their cars, but we ll hike down into Bryce Canyon via the Fairyland loop trail. Our route goes through Fairyland and Campbell Canyons and passes Boat Mesa, Chinese Wall, Tower Bridge, Seal Castle as well as amphitheaters with stands of Bryce s mysterious hoodoo formations. We ll have dinner out before returning to our campground in Zion. Mileage: 8 miles; Elevation Change: (Breakfast, Lunch) Day 4 ~ Explore Kolob Canyon, Soak in Hot Springs We ll have an early breakfast and try to hit the road by 7 a.m. as we head to another gorgeous part of Zion, the Kolob Canyon area. We ll hike on the Taylor Creek trail past two homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove. On our return drive back to Watchman Campground, we ll stop at Pah Tempe hot springs and then have dinner out. Mileage: 5 miles. (Breakfast, Lunch) Day 5 ~ Rest day or Easy Day Hikes near campground We have set aside this day so you can relax around camp before embarking on the 10.4-mile hike to The Narrows on Day 6 of our trip. In the late afternoon we will go as a group to be fitted for boots and waterproof overalls to protect us from the elements on our hike to The Narrows. During the morning and early afternoon you may want to head to nearby Springdale for a shower or some shopping. There s also a short hike from our campground to vistas offering views of Bridge Mountain, The Watchman and other geographical wonders. We ll enjoy dinner and a campfire at the campground.(breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 6 ~ Narrows of Zion Canyon The famous Narrows of Zion Canyon is one of the classic canyon hiking trips on the Colorado Plateau and is perhaps the most exciting and challenging trip in all of Utah s National Parks. Throughout this hike most of the time will be spent wading in the stream. The hike begins from the Gateway to the Narrows at the upper end of Zion Canyon. Today s goal is to make it up to Big Springs Canyon and back, a round trip of 10.4 miles. Tonight we ll have another fine meal and celebrate our last night in Zion. Mileage: 10.4 miles (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 7 ~ Departure day Enjoy a great breakfast before breaking down camp. We ll depart early and head back to St. George, UT where you ll pickup the shuttle to Las Vegas Airport. For those planning flights, please plan to depart after 1:30 pm. Some clients may prefer to extend their trip a day or two to take in the Las Vegas sites before heading home. (Breakfast) Mileage: 28.2 miles Topographical Maps: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Zion National Park; Bryce National Park

3 Note: Itinerary subject to change at leader's discretion due to weather and other contingencies. WHAT YOUR TRIP INCLUDES: Experienced Guides Excellent food (provided meals are noted on itinerary) Transport from Las Vegas Airport & St. George Shuttle Transfer Tents and Community camping equipment Camping fees and permits NOT INCLUDED: Air or ground transport to Las Vegas Alcohol, sodas, or trail snacks Boot and hiking stick rentals for hike in The Narrows Sleeping Pad & Sleeping Bag Gear Rental is available Optional tips for your guides About tipping: People on our trips often ask us about gratuities, so here are some guidelines: Each person usually tips $8-$10 per day for each guide depending on the level of service and the number of guides assigned to the trip. Guides cook and serve your meals and take care of many extra details to give you a safe and fun trip. Tips at the end of the trip are a way of showing your special appreciation if you feel that your guides have given very good service to you. They are optional, but always appreciated for a job well done. DAILY ACTIVITY AND MILEAGE OPTIONS Day 1 ~ Meet in Las Vegas, then drive to Zion National Park campground Day 2 ~ Mileage: 4.8 miles; Elevation Change: Day 3 ~ Mileage: 8 miles; Elevation Change: Day 4 ~ Mileage: 5 miles Day 5 ~ Rest day or short hike from camp Day 6 ~ Mileage: 10.4 miles Day 7 ~ Departure QUALIFICATIONS Call of the Wild trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure. We expect trip participants to be in good physical condition, aerobically fit, and willing to undergo the potential hardships of outdoor living. You must have your own health insurance. Our best trips are those where everyone is equipped with a positive attitude, the sensitivity to recognize the needs of the group, and a sense of humor! HOW TO REGISTER First, call ( ) or go online to our reservation tool (Sign Me Up!) at our website You can make a payment with Visa or MasterCard. We also accepts checks. Next, send in completed and signed Trip Application. The Trip Application is available by fax, mail, or from our Web site at After receiving your deposit and application, we will send you confirmation of your reservation and an information packet on your trip.

4 TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE We strongly suggest that you take out trip cancellation insurance. Due to our small size, cancellations affect us greatly. Call of the Wild does not issue cash refunds, no matter what the circumstances of your cancellation may be. Depending on the time of your cancellation, you may or may not be eligible for a credit for another trip. Please read our refund and cancellation policy at under Trip Terms & Conditions. You may be committed to going on your trip, but more times than we like to think about people have been forced to cancel because of some completely unexpected misfortune. To sign up for Travel Guard insurance call us for a brochure or visit For certain coverage, you must purchase insurance within 14 days of making your initial deposit with Call of the Wild. Please Note: Call of the Wild provides TravelGuard insurance brochures and a link to the TravelGuard Web site for your convenience. However, there are many travel insurance companies such as HTH Worldwide, Travel Safe, and Travel Insured. When you buy travel insurance, it is your responsibility to know the restrictions and provisions of your policy. AIR TRAVEL AGENT For air travel, please contact Wendy Fazio at Skyline Travel or wendyatskyline@aol.com. Let her know that you are traveling with Call of the Wild. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PLANNING Please plan on arriving into Las Vegas International Airport no later than 11:30 am on Arrival Day. Once you have collected your baggage, proceed out the doors to ground transportation Zero Level. Our Shuttle (marked St George Shuttle ) will be parked there. A reservation in your name will on file with them. The drive is a little over 2 hours to St. George (+1 hour time change). Call of the Wild guides will meet you at the drop-off point in St George. From here, we will pick up any last minute items client wish to collect before heading into the National Park. Note: We suggest that those coming in from the East Coast or other distant points fly in a day early and spend the night in Las Vegas so you are ready to leave by 12 noon on Day 1. Call us for suggestions on lodging or with other questions about transportation. Our travel agent can make lodging and air reservations for you. On Departure day, please plan all flights after 1:30 pm from Las Vegas International Airport. You ll arrive at the airport on the shuttle at 11:40 am. Some clients may prefer to extend their trip a day or two to take in the sights and sounds of Las Vegas or enjoy a day at the spa before departing home. Call us for suggestions on lodging, day spas or with other questions about transportation. WEATHER Temperatures are expected to remain warm during early October, but could drop at night. We may experience 30-degree swings (45 to 75) in the temperature so remember to pack warm clothes and plan to dress in layers. There s a chance of afternoon thundershowers so remember to pack raingear. The colors of fall will be evident in the high country. HEAT CONSIDERATIONS Heat exhaustion can sneak up on you. Take care of yourself in a number of little ways: Wear a sun hat. Wear loose, lightweight clothing. Wet your hair. Wear a bandanna hanging from your

5 hat over your neck and keep it wet. Do not stop to rest in direct sun; find a shady spot. Don't forget to eat, and eat salty snacks. You'll find that foods with a higher salt content than you're used to taste great. Salted nuts or pretzels, salami, celery are good choices for hot weather hiking. Most important of all: drink lots of water. In hot weather you'll need to drink 4-6 liters of water during a day of hiking on the trail. The most common reason for hikers feeling out-of-sorts is mild dehydration. Usually if a person doesn't drink, it's because they don't feel thirsty. You can be dehydrated and not feel thirsty! Drink lots of water and don't forget to add electrolyte replacement powder to help maintain proper blood sodium levels. CONDITIONING The two main aspects to your physical conditioning are aerobic and strength conditioning and altitude acclimation. See below for altitude acclimation information. The best aerobic and strength conditioning for backpacking is backpacking! If possible, hike with your pack on steep, rocky trails. Start with a low weight of lbs and gradually add weight. Of course, most of us can't hike on wilderness trails every day. So, the next best alternative is to spend time running and hiking on inclined trails with a day pack. If you can't get to a trail, Stairmasters, Nordic trainers, and treadmills are good for your aerobic capacity and weights are good for your strength. You want especially to strengthen your quadriceps, also your back, and upper body. How many months ahead of your trip you start conditioning depends on your general level of fitness. Someone with a good level of fitness should begin conditioning at least 8 weeks before this trip. ALTITUDE ACCLIMATION There are a few things that you can do to help you acclimate. First, have a high level of fitness (see above for aerobic and strength conditioning). Second, drink lots and lots of water, at least two days before the trip starts! It gives your body and muscles the water it needs to be well hydrated to facilitate acclimation. Also, a sign of acclimation is frequent urination. So if you are not drinking enough water, it is hard to tell if you are acclimating properly. Third and most effective, spend significant time at altitude. This includes sleeping and exercising at altitude. Some people arrive a couple of days early on this trip. The first day they exercise moderately (a hike) and sleep at altitude (about 9000') and the second day, they rest and sleep at altitude. This does wonders for acclimation. Be aware that altitude will increase your heart rate. You may also feel lassitude, nausea, shortness of breath, headache, no desire to eat. All these can be symptoms of what is known as acute mountain sickness (the effects of not being acclimated to altitude), or AMS. For most people, the symptoms of AMS abate in hours. SHARING TENTS / WILDERNESS CAMPING Our tents are Sierra Designs Comets or Meteorlights, designed for 2-3 people. On nonbackpacking camping trips such as Zion & Bryce, we have 2 people in a tent. If you prefer not to share a tent, you can bring your own small tent or rent one from us. Due to campsite National Park rules on the maximum number of tents, please let us know if you prefer your own tent upon registration. EQUIPMENT RENTAL Call of the Wild provides tents and all other community camping equipment. A full packing list will be sent in your trip packet upon registration. You are responsible for providing your own

6 sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Call of the Wild can rent you these items if needed. Please note all rentals must be confirmed at time of registration in order to guarantee availability. ABOUT OUR GUIDES Call of the Wild guides have extensive wilderness experience and bring proven leadership to your wilderness trip. We pride ourselves on giving women safe opportunities to venture into the wilderness and do something they've never done before. Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders and they'll go the extra mile to make you feel at home in the wilderness. They are interesting people and include a pilot, a former paramedic, a personal trainer, an exercise physiologist, a glacier guide, and the owner of a wild mustang. They share a love of the wilderness and an enjoyment of people's company. ABOUT OUR FOOD Our menu features hearty, healthy meals made with recipes from Call of the Wild s founder Carole Latimer's cookbook Wilderness Cuisine. You'll feast on dishes such as Pad Thai, Anasazi Stew, Truffled Porcini Potato Soup, and fresh-baked Coffee Cake. Our meals tend to be higher in carbohydrates and lower in fat for hiking trips, and we dehydrate some food in order to preserve freshness and decrease weight. Meals are often vegetarian, but we serve meat dishes as well. We avoid processed food, but you won't get a strict brown rice and wheat germ regime either, and we think there's nothing wrong with an occasional backslide to decadently rich food after a hard day on the trail. Most people love our food and much care and effort goes into preparing your meals. However we are not able to accommodate each person's preferences. Often we are cooking in the wilderness and our menus are limited by weight, fuel, refrigeration, space, and so on. We cannot make separate meals or bring different provisions for individual diets and preferences. Therefore, if you have food allergies, if you are vegan, or if you don't eat certain foods we suggest that you call us. You can then plan your own food to supplement our menu.