Expedition Details
Discover the geological treasures of the American Southwest, exploring Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks. Hike amid Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly maze of crimson-colored spires and Zion’s wonderland of slot canyons, hanging gardens, and waterfalls. Explore the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on foot, and learn about the powerful forces that have carved this mile-deep chasm over 200 million years. Wind through colorful gorges on a float trip down the Colorado River, and soak up the Old West atmosphere at historic park lodges.
Trip Highlights
- Discover the geologic and natural wonders of three national parks—Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Zion.
- Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the American Southwest: hike amid Bryce Canyon’s surreal maze of pink spires and Zion’s magnificent red rock monuments.
- Explore the Grand Canyon on foot, and the Colorado River on a rafting trip.
- Stay in historic national park lodges, and learn about the region’s unique wildlife and varied vegetation.
Itinerary - 7 Days
Day 1 — St. George, Utah/Kolob Canyons/Bryce Canyon
Arrive in St. George and travel north into canyon country. 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, beautiful landscapes unfold as we continue to Bryce Canyon National Park. Stop for breathtaking views at Fairyland Point. Then stroll along the Rim Trail overlooking Bryce Amphitheater, and settle into our lodge.
Bryce Canyon Lodge (L,D)
Day 2 — Bryce Canyon
Spend the day exploring Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos—whimsical rock formations shaded red, orange, and yellow, which have been eroded into surreal spires. Hike or drive into the heart of the park, and learn about the geology behind this landscape of time-sculpted stone.
Bryce Canyon Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 3 — Colorado River/Grand Canyon
Enjoy the early morning light as it spotlights mesas and mountaintops on our journey to the Grand Canyon. Float down the Colorado River on a leisurely rafting trip starting at the head of the Grand Canyon, and wind through colorful gorges and high desert landscapes. Enjoy a riverside picnic before continuing south to Grand Canyon National Park and our historic lodge perched amid the alpine forests of the North Rim.
Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Grand Canyon/North Rim
Set out to explore the canyon’s rim, peering into the multi-hued chasm, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Choose from a variety of hikes for all levels, and learn about the park’s unique ecosystems and geology while enjoying sweeping views at every turn. Return to the lodge this evening, and capture the canyon’s dazzling colors at sunset.
Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim (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 cascading waterfalls. Hike the Emerald Pools Trail, listening to the call of canyon wrens, and passing under the cool spray of a waterfall. Our expert will discuss the geological events that have shaped this land for over 200 million years. The next day, explore the Narrows of the Virgin River, and climb to Scout Lookout for a panoramic 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 see some of Zion’s iconic landmarks, including the Towers of the Virgin, the Altar of Sacrifice, and the Watchman. After lunch, return to St. George for your 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 departures:
Jul 08 - 14, 2012 • Aug 20 - 26, 2012Expedition Dates 
Expedition Costs
What To Expect
This expedition is designed to accommodate guests at different activity levels. Choose hiking options ranging from easy one to two mile walks to moderate or strenuous hikes of four miles or more, depending on your preference.
