DESTINATIONS NATIONAL PARKS THE US
was the standout moment, there was plenty of other excitement, from an immersive film at the Imax (included with the tour, or $14 separately) to a Junior Ranger programme for kids and hiking trails for the active. In fact, it was only by hiking
down into the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail – suitable for a variety of fitness levels – that we were able to truly admire its layered sandstone formations, and to gain a sense of its colossal scale.
w PROMISED LAND That was the end of the journey, but it was with the imposing cliffs of Zion that our tour began. Here, burnt umber and cream sandstone, swirled with specks of silver and grey, surrounded us at every point, creating a magical, harmonious landscape formed from years of erosion. The name, which translates as ‘promised land’, was
Zion, which translates as ‘promised land’, was given by Mormon settlers, and it’s not hard to see why
given by Mormon settlers when they arrived in the 19th century, and it’s not hard to see what inspired them. It’s a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and, spurred on by our guide and half the group, I braved one of the park’s most famous trails, Angels Landing, an adventurous climb up sienna- hued sandstone rocks, complete with stunning views, sheer drops and heart- pounding moments aplenty. Zion offers several easier hiking trails, all of which visitors can get
to via a shuttle bus through the park. Among them is Emerald Pools, a three-mile round trip that took us through a dream-like world of glistening waterfalls, lush trees and peaceful watering holes, creating a kaleidoscope of colours that my camera just couldn’t quite capture. It wasn’t all about hiking, though, and the tour gave us the flexibility to do as much or as little as we liked. With more than 400 wildlife species living in the park – including Mexican spotted owls, grey foxes, mountain lions and California condors – it’s a haven for nature-lovers, and an intriguing human history means it also draws in culture-seeking travellers. Everyone from the archaic settlers of 6,000BC to modern-day Mormons have occupied its diverse landscapes, and the museum gives visitors a fascinating snapshot into its colourful past.
SAMPLE PRODUCT
Grand American
Adventures offers an eight-day Canyons & Indian Lands tour priced from £868 land- only. Highlights include a Navajo- guided backroads tour through
Monument Valley, tours of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam and the
Grand Canyon, plus a visit to Seligman on the original Route 66. The price includes hotel accommodation, transport and
free Wi-Fi, with meals paid locally. A camping option starts at £688.
grandamerican
adventures.com
50
travelweekly.co.uk 7 July 2016
LEFT: Bright Angel Trail BELOW: Grand Canyon BOTTOM: Angels Landing
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