Trip Overview

Explore Utah’s Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in 2021 AdventureWomen style! Try canyoneering, hike among hoodoos, and ride horseback 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.

For your first full day in Utah, survey America’s big, beautiful backyard from Observation Point. At 6,521 feet high, the sweeping scenery before you includes most of Zion Canyon, its high walls and canyon floor stretching out for miles. While many make the strenuous four-mile climb up from the park, AdventureWomen has a better way to reach the top! A 3.5-mile trail from the park boundary takes a gentler course to reach those jaw-dropping views. This afternoon you have the option for a horseback ride through the scrublands before you harness up for a rappelling lesson to get ready for your canyoneering adventure later in the week.

The next day treats you to “secret” hikes within Zion. None are long or strenuous, but combined they total 8-10 miles throughout the day. Your first stop is the Court of Patriarchs. This stunning short hike offers expansive views of the monumental peaks that welcome you into Zion Canyon. You’ll have the opportunity to hike part of the Zion Narrows, a deep slot canyon, wading portions of the Virgin River to reach wild hanging gardens and walk among the arcing walls. Discover a few more secret spots in the park unknown to tourists, and crown this perfect day with s’mores and a crackling campfire. You have two options for your next day. For a hike that will test your mettle and prove you love a challenge, choose to travel into Zion to tackle a tricky and demanding route to Angels Landing, navigating switchbacks and sheer drop offs. Your reward is completely breathtaking 360-degree views. For those who prefer a less-challenging option, wake early for a less demanding hike to see the sunrise at Canyon Overlook. Afterwards meet up for lunch, shopping and walking around Springdale. 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 secret, hidden areas of Zion National Park
  • Horseback ride through the expansive countryside
  • Try canyoneering for the first time, seeing the area from a different angle
  • Explore Bryce Canyon National Park on foot
  • 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
  • Ziplining
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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!

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

The Zion Area
Most visitors to Observation Point in Zion endure a challenging four-mile climb and a 2,148-foot ascent from the Weeping Rock area in the bottom of the canyon, but AdventureWomen has a better way! From Zion Ponderosa Ranch, there is a park boundary trailhead that follows a more gentle rolling course across the Zion National Park plateau. This 3.5-mile one-way hike winds through the forest bending slightly northwest and then back to the southwest toward the overlook. About two miles in, you’ll encounter spectacular views into a side canyon, but only whet the appetite for the incredible view at Observation Point.

Enjoy lunch back at the ranch. Then spend your afternoon in a harness! Take a rappelling lesson to prepare you for your canyoneering adventure. Then have a chance to climb the rock wall and try out the zip line!

Late this afternoon, you’ll have the option to go horseback riding or relax and enjoy the amenities at Zion Ponderosa. More stunning views await you on the outskirts of Zion. Have dinner as a group this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 3

Zion National Park
Head into the park this morning for AdventureWomen’s secret hikes of Zion! First up is a one-mile loop to see the Court of the Patriarchs. This stunning short hike offers 360-degree views of the monumental peaks that welcome you into Zion Canyon. Take the shuttle to the furthest stop in the Canyon to the Temple of Sinawava, where you will hike the one-mile paved path to the Narrows. If weather permits, put on your water shoes and hike through water up the Narrows about a mile. Every curve and corner hiking up this beautiful canyon offers stunning views of Zion and seeing how this canyon was formed by the Virgin river is a true masterpiece.

After the Narrows, take the shuttle to Zion Lodge. This is a perfect spot to have a picnic lunch and enjoy the view. Enjoy lunch before heading to a few other spots in the park that are unknown to most tourists. Lower Pine Creek Falls is the most technical hike of the day which involves an short half mile hike to Pine Creek, and then to get to the waterfall you’ll need to maneuver up and around boulders, but don’t worry – your guides will be there every step of the way to make sure you are comfortable! There are places to jump into the cold water or even slide into the water. It’s a gorgeous secluded area. The afternoon will be kept flexible, but your guides have some other small hikes up their sleeves. They can’t wait to show you these different, hidden areas you wouldn’t know are even there!

After a long day, kick up your feet around the campfire and have some s’mores!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 4

Zion National Park
You have two options today. You can wake up early, grab a granola bar or snack for breakfast, and head out as early as possible to hike Angel’s Landing. An early start is essential to beat the crowds on this iconic, famous hike. If you choose not to hike Angel’s Landing, wake early to hike for a sunrise at Canyon Overlook.

Both groups will meet in the local town of Springdale for some shopping, exploring, and lunch on your own.

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

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 5

Bryce Canyon National Park
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.

After dinner take some time to relax in the hot tub.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

Day 6

Utah Canyons
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
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Traveling to Utah



Arrival and Departure Information

April 25th Departure:

Arrive at the St. George, Utah Airport (SGU) on April 25, 2021 before 3:00pm. You can also fly to Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) and book a shuttle to the St. George Airport.

Depart St. George, Utah (SGU) on May 1, 2021 after 12:00pm. You can also take a shuttle from the St. George Airport to Las Vegas.

September 19th Departure:

Arrive at the St. George, Utah Airport (SGU) on September 19, 2021 before 3:00pm. You can also fly to Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) and book a shuttle to the St. George Airport.

Depart St. George, Utah (SGU) on September 25, 2021 after 12:00pm. You can also take a shuttle from the 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.

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!

Preparation and Packing

Once you register for your adventure, we will send you a comprehensive preparation guide including weather information, gratuity suggestions, and a packing list.

As a reference, AdventureWomen typically suggests $200-250 for gratuities on most trips. Detailed information will be provided to you prior to departure.

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

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.

April 25th Departure Final Payment Due Date: January 25, 2021

September 19th Departure Final Payment Due Date: June 21, 2021

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
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What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary in single rooms
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation as listed in itinerary
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure days
  • All park fees
  • All activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional, experienced hiking and canyoneering guide(s)

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