Trip Overview

Explore Utah’s Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks “AdventureWomen style” in 2020! Try canyoneering, hike among towering hoodoos, and horseback ride through the setting sun over desert landscapes, all while enjoying Utah guest ranch luxe 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 ochre red, yellow, and white. Begin your Utah adventure vacation at the 4,000 acre Zion Ponderosa Ranch, a Utah guest ranch resort, just perfect for our home base for the week. Over a gourmet welcome dinner, get to know the other women joining you to explore Utah’s canyon country, then settle into your room in one of the ranch’s luxury vacation homes.

For your first 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 some make the tough four-mile steeper climb up, AdventureWomen has a better way to reach the top! A 3.5 mile trail from the park boundary takes us on a gentler course to reach those jaw-dropping views. Afternoon options include horseback riding through Utah scrub lands to catch a luminous sunset.

The next day, head out on the “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 grab a hard hat to join your friends and professional guides to experience the heart-pumping thrill of canyoneering! Whether you’ve never tried it before or you’re an “old hand,” this safe but adventurous activity is suitable for all Adventure Women! Learn to gradually belay yourself downwards with your climbing ropes as you descend step by step down steep red sandstone walls to land safely down below. It might seem scary as you first step out over the cliff, but by the time you reach the canyon floor, canyoneering might just become your favorite sport!

Your Utah adventure tour with hiking, horseback riding, and canyoneering concludes with a spectacular farewell dinner at our Utah guest ranch to match your spectacular week. As you wish each other a bon voyage, savor the camaraderie, the moxie, and the shared laughs you will remember for years to come.

Spacious and comfortable accommodations at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort at Utah’s Zion National Park.

Main Attractions

  • Hike to Angels Landing, one of the most stunning views in the west
  • 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
  • Learn about astronomy as you gaze at the pristine night sky
  • Stay in houses on a ranch with all single rooms and en-suite bathrooms

What You'll See and Do

  • ATV Ride
  • Canyoneering
  • Hiking
  • 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.

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 welcome dinner and trip orientation in one of the vacation homes your group is staying in.
Welcome 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.

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. After the ride, put on your 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!

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. After lunch head 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

Explore the Zion Area
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
The major feature of Bryce Canyon National Park is Bryce Canyon, which, despite its name, is not a canyon but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks. The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views for park visitors.

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 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 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!

Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening, toasting the end of an incredible adventure!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zion Ponderosa

 

Day 7

Depart from Utah
Bid farewell to your new friends and transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
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/Departure Information

September 20 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive at the St. George, Utah Airport (SGU) on September 20, 2020 before 3:00pm.

Depart: Depart from the St. George, Utah Airport (SGU) on September 26, 2020 after noon.

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. Please contact us at:

(800) 804-8686 or (617) 544-9393
email: info@adventurewomen.com

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.

Health Considerations

We rate this trip as High Energy. Our High Energy trips 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, whitewater rafting, 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 at: https://fitfortrips.com/partners/adventure-women/

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

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).

September 20 Departure Final Payment Date: June 22, 2020

A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

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 in single rooms
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All transportation throughout the trip
  • Transfers from St. George, Utah airport for the scheduled arrival and departure dates and times
  • All park fees
  • All activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Experienced hiking and canyoneering guides
  • One AdventureWomen Ambassador

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Meals not specified in itinerary
  • Shuttles to/from Las Vegas (if needed)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • 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 with an ensuite bathroom. The house will be run as a bed and breakfast type of stay for your trip, so no need to worry about cooking! Hang out in the common areas with your AdventureWomen friends.

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 to Bring

IMPORTANT: You will be traveling in a 12-15 passenger van, and there is not a lot of room for luggage! It is imperative that you do not bring a large suitcase or duffel bag.

Your duffel bag should be no larger than 30” x 14” x 14”. It can have wheels. Your carry-on bag should be your daypack, which you will need to carry for most of your activities during the day time. It should be able to fit under the seats in the van (the size that would fit under an airline seat).

Note: Zion Ponderosa Ranch is located in the mountains, and it is cold in the mornings and evenings. You’ll want to dress in layers as the weather is unpredictable. We recommend bringing either an extra pair of hiking shoes or water shoes, as your shoes will get wet when you are in the Narrows in Zion.

Utah is always an adventure! The Narrows closes often with heavy rainfall or runoff, but it does not affect the trip too much. Sometimes it will open back up, sometimes not, however, there will always be alternate hikes in the event of bad weather.

There are laundry facilities in your accommodations, but you may want to bring some detergent or you can purchase some in the gift shop.

Clothing and Gear:

  • Duffel bag or small suitcase
  • Daypack with rain cover
  • Medium-weight waterproof hiking boots or shoes (make sure they are broken in!)
  • 1 pair water shoes
  • Comfortable shoes for evenings
  • Gore-Tex/waterproof jacket
  • Gore-Tex/waterproof pants
  • 1 medium weight fleece sweater/jacket to layer under rain shell
  • 2-3 short sleeve shirts (quick dry recommended)
  • 1-2 long sleeve shirts (quick dry recommended)
  • 2-3 pairs of pants
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • Bathing suit
  • 1-2 sets of comfortable clothing to wear around the house
  • 5-7 pairs underwear
  • 4-5 pairs of wool hiking socks
  • 1 wool or fleece hat
  • 1 pair wool or fleece gloves
  • Sleepwear

AdventureWomen Essentials:

  • Travel documents (identification,
    e-tickets, money)
  • Locks for your suitcase/duffel
    bag
  • Travel alarm clock with spare batteries/phone
  • Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries
  • Binoculars (optional; 8x40/42 models are excellent
    choices)
  • Digital camera, memory cards, battery charger
  • Power adapters/power bank
  • Sunglasses, case, and strap
  • Spare glasses, contact lenses,
    cleaner, saline, etc.
  • Money belt or neck pouch
    (optional)
  • Your AdventureWomen water
    bottle
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Hand wipes/hand sanitizer
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
  • Small packet of tissues
  • Tampons and panty liners (avoid plastic applicators)
  • Earplugs: We recommend Mack’s Pillow Soft White Moldable Silicone Snore Proof Earplugs. Available at most drugstores or at www.earplugstore.com
  • Assortment of stuff sacks and Ziploc bags
  • 1-2 bandanas/Buff
  • Reading material/journal
    and pens
  • National Park Pass - if you have a senior pass or any National Park pass, please bring it with you
  • Snacks - your accommodation has a full kitchen, so if you want to bring snacks go for it! You also may want early-morning coffee or evening wine at your house! Feel free to bring some from home.

Personal First Aid Kit:

  • Prescription medicine you usually take (in original containers)
  • Personal epi pen (if you need one, don’t forget to pack it!)
  • Bandages, Gauze, Ace bandage, blister prevention
  • Antiseptic wipes/spray
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Cotton-tipped applicators
  • Oral rehydration tablets/packets
  • Antidiarrheal medication
  • Mild laxative
  • Antacid
  • Cold remedies
  • Ibuprofen/acetaminophen
  • Eye drops
  • Tweezers, scissors (travel size), safety pins

If you prefer to buy a complete kit, we recommend the Smart Travel first aid kit.

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