Trip Overview

Explore Utah’s Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in AdventureWomen style! Try canyoneering and hike among hoodoos through this iconic landscape, all while enjoying comfortable ranch living to round out each active and adventurous day.

Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are two of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels, their gigantic canyons and erosion-carved forms layered in ribbons of red, yellow, and white. Begin at the 4,000-acre Zion Ponderosa Ranch. Over a tasty welcome dinner, get to know your Utah-based guides and fellow AdventureWomen travelers joining you to explore Utah’s canyon country. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way! Then settle into your single room in one of the ranch’s comfortable vacation homes.

Zion National Park

For your first full day in Utah, survey America’s big, beautiful backyard with the sweeping scenery during a 3-mile roundtrip hike. After hiking, stop in the historic ghost town of Grafton, which you may have seen in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  Next, you’ll have some time on your own for shopping and walking around Springdale before you head back to the ranch.

The next day treats you to a choice between two spectacular morning hikes within Zion. You’ll have the opportunity to hike either part of the Emerald Pools or a portion of Angel’s Landing. Afterward, head to Zion Narrows, a deep slot canyon, where you will be wading portions of the Virgin River to reach wild hanging gardens and walk among the arcing walls. The following day, wake early for a hike to see the sunrise. Later in the day, try your hand at rock climbing and ziplining.

Bryce Canyon

For a true visual feast, on day five spend your time hiking down into sun-baked Bryce Canyon and around its spiky sea of multi-colored vertical sandstone hoodoos.

Saving the very best for last, harness up and join your friends and professional guides for the heart-pumping thrill of canyoneering! Whether you’ve never tried it before or you’re an “old hand,” this activity is suitable for everyone. Feed out the ropes as you descend step by step along steep red sandstone walls to land safely far down below. It might seem scary before you step out over the cliff, but by the time you reach the canyon floor, canyoneering might be your favorite sport!

Your week concludes with a spectacular farewell dinner to match a spectacular week. Wish each other a bon voyage, appreciating the camaraderie, the moxie, and the shared laughs that will be recounted and remembered often in the years to come.

Main Attractions

  • Hike in the beautiful expanse of Zion National Park
  • Try canyoneering for the first time, seeing the area from a different angle
  • Explore your surroundings during a Sunset Jeep tour
  • Explore Bryce Canyon National Park on foot
  • Hike in the narrows of Zion National Park and climb to the top of Angels Landing
  • Stay in houses on a ranch with all single rooms and en-suite bathrooms

What You'll See and Do

  • Canyoneering
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • National Parks
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Utah
Welcome to Zion Ponderosa! Your outdoor playground for the week is located on the eastern side of Zion National Park. This 4,000-acre retreat is the perfect home base for exciting outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty.

During your Zion and Bryce adventure, you’ll get to know your Utah-based guide, who will help you discover this incredible natural area of the southwest. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

Arrive at the St. George, Utah Airport (SGU) today before 3:00pm. You can also fly to Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) and take a shuttle to the St. George Airport.

You will be picked up at 3:00pm from the St. George Airport and transferred to Zion Ponderosa. Check into your room and relax before dinner.

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner in one of the houses your group is staying in as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman in your trip is excited to explore Utah!
Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 2

Zion National Park
With Zion Ponderosa on the East side of the park and about 4,000 feet above the canyon floor, today you will get up above the park for an amazing vantage point. This three mile hike does include going uphill but the views you get will be worth it.

Stop in Grafton, a historical ghost town that has been featured in several films. You’ll have the rest of the morning and early afternoon to explore the town of Springdale and have lunch on your own.

After a long day, have dinner at the ranch and take some time to relax in the hot tub.
Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 3

Zion National Park
Today you will have a choice for your morning hike. You can hike the Emerald Pools which has lower, middle and upper pools. All hikes lead to sparkling waterfalls and glistening pools. Majestic sights can be seen all along the trails and your guides will point all of those out. It’s an easy 1.2 mile round trip to lower pools, 2 mile trip to middle pools, and 3 miles strenuous trip to the upper pools.  The other option is to hike a portion of Angel’s Landing. Take in some great views as you hike from the bottom of the canyon to Scout’s Lookout.

After the morning hike, we will hop on the shuttle and go into Zion Canyon to the furthest stop in the canyon to the Temple of Sinawava where we will hike the one-mile paved path to the Narrows. If weather permits, put on your water shoes and hike through the water up to two miles depending on weather.  You’ll have a bag lunch to eat along the way.

Head back to the ranch for dinner and nighttime stargazing.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 4

Zion National Park
Enjoy another day in the stunning Zion area. Cement the memory of the landscapes in your mind – it’s an incredibly unique part of the world!

Wake early for a hike to see the sunrise from Overlook Canyon. Watching the colors change before you is something you will remember forever!

After lunch at the ranch, enjoy time on your own to relax in your cabin or take part in any of the activities available on the property.

Enjoy dinner as a group. Play some games this evening if you have any energy left after your action-packed day!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 5

Zion and Bryce National Parks
Set out from the ranch with a boxed lunch for a day in Bryce Canyon National Park. Hike into the hoodoos via the Navajo Loop from Sunset Point. This beautiful trail gives you an up-close look at the National Park. Take some time to absorb your unique surroundings.

Our jeep tour will take you to the tippity top of Zion Ponderosa for 360 views to see the sunset on the western horizon. It’s a bumpy ride but with our expert drivers you can sit back and enjoy laughing and making memories with your new friends as you see Zion from above.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 6

Zion National Park
Saving the very best for last, harness up to join your friends and professional guides for the heart- pumping thrill of canyoneering! Whether you’ve never tried it before or you’re an “old hand,” this activity is suitable for everyone. Feed out the ropes as you descend step by step along steep red sandstone walls to land safely far down below. It might seem scary before you step out over the cliff, but by the time you reach the canyon floor, canyoneering might be your favorite sport!

Zion National Park and the surrounding area is one of the premiere places in the country for canyoneering. Your expert guides will help you make the most of your guided canyoneering adventure. This guided canyoneering adventure is suitable for beginners and even more advanced levels, and your guides are trained to assist you and ensure your safety. Enjoy a boxed lunch on your way!

Have a farewell dinner with your new AdventureWomen friends. Reminisce over all the memories you have made and celebrate the end of an amazing journey through this truly spectacular area.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 7

Depart Utah
Bid farewell to your new friends and journey home. Transfer to the airport to catch your flight.
Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Traveling to Utah



Arrival and Departure Information

September Departure:

Arrive: Arrive at the St. George, Utah Airport (SGU) on September 24th, 2022 before 3:00pm. You can also fly to Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) and book a shuttle to the St. George Airport.

Depart: Depart St. George, Utah (SGU) on September 30th, 2022 after 12:00pm. You can also take a shuttle from the St. George Airport to Las Vegas.

October Departure:

Arrive: Arrive at St. George, Utah Airport (SGU) on October 1, 2022 before 3:00 pm. You can also fly to Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) and book a shuttle to St. George Airport.

Depart Depart St. George, Utah (SGU) on October 7th 2022 after 12:00pm. You can also take a shuttle from St. George Airport to Las Vegas.

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are highly trip-dependent and details will be provided to you prior to departure. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests $200-250 (or more) for gratuities on most trips. As always, tipping is at your discretion. 

Activity Level

We rate this trip as High Energy. Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, or skiing. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission!) to make the most of your adventure. We have a partnership with FitForTrips, a company that will design an individualized fitness plan for you with this itinerary in mind. Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 25% discount with the code FITWOMEN. Learn more on the FitForTrips website.

You should come with a flexible, adventurous, and enthusiastic spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor that adventure travel requires.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

September Departure Final Payment Due Date: June 26, 2022

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on single occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • All park fees
  • All activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional hiking and canyoneering guides

Not Included

  • Airfare to and from Utah
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Shuttles to/from Las Vegas (if required)
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

Zion Ponderosa

The mountain vacation rental homes at Zion Ponderosa sit on a 4,000-acre ranch at the border of Zion National Park and are just over a one-hour drive from Bryce Canyon National Park. Unpack once and enjoy your stay in your private single room; each house has a different layout and most rooms have en suite bathrooms. The house will be run as a bed and breakfast type of stay for your trip, so no need to worry about cooking! You are welcome to bring or purchase your own coffee and wine or beer to enjoy when hanging out in the common areas with your AdventureWomen friends.

Amenities: Limited amounts of soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer; Wifi

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary