Monday will be a big hike day with options including the Rim to River to Rim, the South Rim ½ Marathon, the Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa, the Bright Angel to Plateau Point and several shorter Rim Hikes..

Late Tuesday morning we will check out and take the 5 hour ride to the magical solitude of the North Rim. Our veteran hikers looking for a greater challenge and who want to see more of her majesty will hike the South Kaibab Trail through Bright Angel Canyon and out the North Kaibab Trail. While they are hiking across the Canyon we will have a moderate hike from Bright Angel Point along the Transept Trail on the North Rim. You must make dinner reservations early to assure a table in the main lodge. The view is spectacular, the dining room is grand and the cuisine is worth the extra cost.

Wednesday morning hikers will have the choice of several beautiful trails including Uncle Jim, the Widforss, and the short but challenging Ken Patrick Trail. The Uncle Jim Trail was a hit last year with its beautiful views of the North Kaibab Trail and Roaring Springs Canyon. The South to North Rim hikers will want to see this view showing the last four miles of their challenging trek. After our morning hikes we will check out but return for lunch in the main lodge after the last hike. By late afternoon we will have completed our hour and 45 minute scenic ride to Kanab, Utah. Our lodging at the Quality Inn features a great pool and large jacuzzi with a good view of the red rocks. There is limited laundry facilities here but ample facilities available for the rest of the trip.

We will get an early start Thursday morning for Bryce Canyon Park with its wonderful trails, including a new challenge. Following a late buffet lunch at the neat Bryce Canyon lodge we will have a beautiful drive through the Escalante area into Zion Canyon and to the awesome Majestic View Lodge. Zion National Park literally offers a smorgasbord of great hikes, plus biking, horseback riding and canyoneering; you pick and choose at your own convenience. The free transportation system is great both in Springdale and in the park. The shuttle stop is in front of your lodging and will take you all the way to heaven.

The Virgin River Narrows hike is world famous and offers the challenge of hiking in a river through a magnificent narrow canyon, sometimes no more than 20 feet wide. The River Narrows hike can be experienced by hiking out and back from within the park but more serious hikers will want to consider doing the 16 mile from top to bottom which begins outside the park. The very popular West Rim and East Rim hikes will also be offered again this year. The views are awesome! All of the hikes from outside the park are optional and require an extra charge. Drop-off transportation will run about $37 and the river hike gear costs about $30.

Sunday, after three days of hiking, dining, shopping and other leisure pursuits in this magnificent area we will reluctantly check out of the Majestic View Lodge mid morning for our 2 ½ hour beautiful drive to Las Vegas. Before we board our 2:25PM flight back to Chicago we will stop en route at Inn and Out Burger for lunch.