Expedition Details
Introduce your family to the incredible geological treasures of the American Southwest, exploring Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks. Hike amid Bryce Canyon’s whimsical maze of red rock spires and Zion’s wonderland of slot canyons, hanging gardens, and waterfalls. Explore the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on foot or ride mules in the style of the old pioneers. Stay in historic park lodges with Old West atmosphere, and take part in activities and excursions geared for explorers of all ages.Trip Highlights
- Learn about the incredible formations called hoodoos, and go on a scavenger hunt at Bryce Canyon.
- Hike or ride a mule along the Grand Canyon’s rim and peer into its mile-deep chasm.
- Marvel at the rainbow colors of the high desert, and go on a rafting trip on the Colorado River.
- Splash through the Narrows of the Virgin River beneath Zion’s sheer red cliffs.
Itinerary - 7 Days
Day 1 — St. George, Utah/Kolob Canyons/Bryce Canyon
Meet in St. George and travel north to begin your family adventure in the canyon country of the desert Southwest. In Kolob Canyons, a lesser known area of Zion National Park, hike up the short Timber Creek Overlook Trail and peer into the red sandstone expanse. From here, amazing landscapes unfold as we continue to Bryce Canyon National Park. Stop for a family photo at Fairyland Point before walking along the Rim Trail overlooking Bryce Amphitheater, painted all shades of pink, red, orange, and brown. Then settle into our lodge near the rim of the canyon, and gather for a festive welcome dinner.
Bryce Canyon Lodge (L,D)
Day 2 — Bryce Canyon
Spend the day exploring Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos—crimson-colored rock formations which have been eroded into fantastic spires. Hike or drive into the heart of the park, and learn about the geology behind this landscape of time-sculpted stone. This afternoon, kids head off on a scavenger hunt with the kids coordinator to look for lizards, chipmunks, prairie dogs, hawks, and other canyon wildlife. Meanwhile, adults can relax at the National Historic Landmark stone-and-timber lodge, go on a hike, or drive to Rainbow Point for panoramic views.
Bryce Canyon Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Colorado River/Grand Canyon
Get up with the sun and watch as it spotlights mesas and mountaintops on our journey to the Grand Canyon. Then hop into rafts for a fun, splash-filled adventure down the Colorado River. Starting at the head of the Grand Canyon, raft through colorful gorges and white-water rapids, and discover hidden grottoes amid the high desert landscape. After a riverside picnic, continue south to Grand Canyon National Park and our historic lodge nestled amid the alpine forests of the North Rim.
Grand Canyon Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 4 — North Rim of the Grand Canyon
This morning, kids saddle up for an exciting mule ride along the rim of the Grand Canyon. Look down into the mile-deep chasm, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, and marvel at the colorful expanse. Meanwhile, adults can choose from a variety of hikes for all levels, and learn about the park’s unique ecosystems and vegetation. Return to our lodge this evening, and get your camera ready to capture nature’s dazzling palette at sunset from the stone balcony overlooking the canyon.
Grand Canyon Lodge (B,L,D)
Days 5 & 6 — Zion National Park
Travel northwest to Zion National Park, a wonderland of sandstone slot canyons, lush hanging gardens, and gushing waterfalls. Hike the Emerald Pools Trail, listening to the call of canyon wrens, and pass under the cool spray of a waterfall. Our National Geographic expert will talk about the geological events that have shaped this land for over 200 million years. The next day, splash through the Narrows of the Virgin River, and climb to Scout Lookout for a sweeping view of Zion’s stunning rock sculptures.
Cliffrose Lodge (B,L; B,L,D)
Day 7 — Zion/St. George
Go for a morning hike, and get one last long look at some of Zion’s famous landmarks, including the Towers of the Virgin, the Altar of Sacrifice, and the Watchman. Each is an iconic image sure to remain with you long after you have left this dramatic red rock country. After lunch, return to St. George for your family's flight home.
(B,L)
Related Trips
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Kirt Kempter
Kirt Kempter is a field geologist and teacher based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A Fulbright Fellow, Kirt has led many geologic expeditions to Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks, and has published numerous maps and articles on the geology of the American Southwest. He has conducted fieldwork on a National Geographic-funded project, as well as studies of plate tectonics and volcanism around the world, including Iceland, Costa Rica, and Mexico. He received his Ph.D. in geology from the University of Texas.
Kirt will join the following departure:
Jul 22 - 28, 2012Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
What To Expect
This expedition is designed to accommodate both adults and kids at different activity levels. Choose hiking options ranging from easy walks of one to two miles to moderate or strenuous hikes of four miles or more, depending on your preference.
In addition to our National Geographic Expert, every departure includes an extra leader as kids coordinator to ensure both kids and parents have an expedition of a lifetime.
