Experience the real wild, wild west on this 4-day Intrepid Retreat in Utah. Spend time getting back to nature with hikes in both Zion and Bryce National Parks and take a 4x4 jeep ride through Monument Valley with a Navajo guide to enjoy exceptional perspectives of this otherworldly landscape. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a homecooked, family style meal. Plus, you’ll be based at a mountain ranch in Zion for the duration of the trip, which means you only have to unpack once!
The trip involves a lot of walking through Zion National Park, so be prepared with hiking shoes, a water bottle and day pack. Lunches will be simple picnic style so perhaps bring some of your own snacks if you think you’ll get hungry between meals. We will be travelling to the desert, which means it is often very warm during the day but cold at night, so make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for all weather.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Private Guide
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
- Explore some of the country’s great wildernesses
- Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
- Heading to Monument Valley for the day
- Enjoy a Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley
Day 1: Las Vegas / Zion National Park
Welcome to Utah! Get ready to embrace the wild west as you explore some of the country’s great wildernesses. You’ll meet your group in Vegas for a Welcome Meeting and then all board the private bus together to transfer to Zion National Park. After a picnic lunch, your leader will brief you on the various self guided walks and trails available such as strenuous Scout Lookout.Tonight, if you wish, you can enjoy dinner back at the ranch and maybe even relax with a bottle of wine under the stars, or head out for a stroll around the property.
Accommodation: Ranch
Day 2: Bryce Canyon / Zion
This morning after breakfast you’ll be heading to Bryce Canyon National Park for the day. After a short drive in your private, air-conditioned vehicle you’ll reach an elevation of 8000 feet (just over 2400 metres) and will have officially entered Bryce National Park. From here, you’ll spend the morning hiking, with a stroll along the canyon rim to marvel at the unique sandstone spires (known as hoodoos) that rise dramatically from the natural amphitheater. A picnic lunch is included, so you’ll have time to rest your legs and relax with the other travelers in your group. Later, hike down into the hoodoos for an up close and personal experience with this fascinating landscape, with plenty of great nature photo opportunities, before heading back to the ranch at about 4pm for a free time before a traditional Dutch Oven dinner of classic dishes like ribs and cornbread tonight.
Accommodation: Ranch
Day 3: Monument Valley / Zion
Today after breakfast you’ll be hopping back into your private vehicle and heading to Monument Valley for the day. The southbound drive will take you through lots of the southwest’s spectacular scenery, past Lake Powell until you reach one of the most iconic locations on the planet. Monument Valley is the set for many famous western movies so may look quite familiar to some. But, most importantly, it’s the native land of the Navajo. Once you arrive, you’ll transfer from your vehicle to a 4X4 jeep and enjoy a Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about their rich culture and history in the area, before sitting down to a traditional homecooked, family-style Navajo lunch. After lunch we’ll make our way back towards the ranch, stopping at the famous Horseshoe Bend for an incredible photo opportunity on the way. Once back at the ranch, you’ll have time to rest and recuperate after a fun-filled day.
Accommodation: Ranch
Day 4: Peekaboo Slot Canyon / Las Vegas
This morning after breakfast, drive out to visit a secret slot canyon called, Peekaboo, that evokes images of Petra’s siq in Jordan. Your local host will be able to show you around the coral-pink sands and towering walls of this lesser-known, local gem. After a picnic lunch, depart for Las Vegas where your escape will come to an end (approximately 5 pm).
