Including Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon!
DISCOVER AMERICA’S CANYONLANDS!
September 25 - October 2, 2010 - SOLD OUT!

Come join us as we explore the spectacular Canyonlands in the American West this fall!

With the superb leadership of geological expert Dr. Douglas Brew and biologist Bob Love, we will explore the dramatic wonderlands of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon, including a one day float trip on the Colorado River. This will be at the time of fall color, when golden leaves accent the spectacular red rock formations.

Our adventure will begin in Las Vegas with a welcome and trip orientation.

We will then depart for Zion National Park. Its cathedral-like quality inspired its name, “the heavenly city of God.” The colorful sedimentary strata at Zion were originally deposited by ancient seas, lakes, wind, and volcanoes, then uplifted, and incised by the Virgin River to form a photogenic landscape of thousand-foot high red rock cliffs! A land of exceptional scenic grandeur, Zion includes an exciting desert plant community and pinyon-juniper woodland. It is the lowest in elevation of the three parks we will visit (at approximately 4,000 feet) and represents a significant chapter in the geologic story of the Southwest.

From Zion, we will head to Bryce Canyon National Park, an erosional fantasy of crumbling cliffs, spires, and pinnacles in rich oranges, reds, and golds, named after the original Mormon pioneer settler. A series of erosional amphitheaters on the southeast edge of the Paunsagunt Plateau and drained by the Paria River, the intricate sculptures at Bryce are due to weathering by wind, running water, and frost. The rim at Bryce is from 8,000 - 9,000 feet. Rock “hoodoos” punctuate the landscape which the ancient Paiutes believed were the Legend People whom their trickster “Coyote” had turned to stone. We’ll explore the park on short walks and hikes, and enjoy interpretation by our trip leaders. At night, the skies are a feast of stars because of the exceptionally clear skies.

The excitement will build today as we drive southeast from Bryce to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We’ll drive through great forests of lodgepole and ponderosa pines as you approach the Grand Canyon. The splashes of color on the landscape en route are just a teaser of what awaits you! We’ll explore the rim and enjoy the fantastic views, with an optional mule ride part way into the canyon.

From Page, we will enjoy a one-day float trip from Glen Canyon Dam along the upper part of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. (This is on gentle water!) We will travel on a 15 to 22-passenger inflatable motorized river raft for 15 miles down the Colorado River. This river-level view of the canyon will be an delightful experience, and will include a short hike to see ancient petroglyphs.

We’ll also explore the geologic and ecologic significance of the Grand Canyon at the South Rim with more fantastic views and nature walks.

With interpretation and comments by our geological and biological leaders, you will have a superb adventure!

We invite you to join us!

Brochure (Requires an Adobe pdf reader to view)