GRAND CANYON
“Until you stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon, no photograph, however spectacular, really does justice to the moment.” – Ken Burns
BRYCE CANYON
Ebenezer Bryce, for whom the canyon was named, said of its labyrinth of
pink cliffs and whimsical hoodoos, “it’s a hell of a place to lose a cow...”
ARCHES
“If Delicate Arch has any significance... it lies in the power of the odd and unexpected to startle the senses... with a reawakened awareness of the wonderful.” – Edward Abbey
Waterpocket Fold, which is sort of a “warp” in the Earth’s crust that runs nearly 160 km, and see Strike Valley, the spectacular sandstone Capitol Domes that give the park its name, colourful cliffs, soaring spires and of course the odd monoliths. Arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park, home to some of Earth’s more whimsical geologic formations, then settle in at your lodge for time at leisure, or enjoy an optional Sunset Scouts opportunity this evening. Meals BLD
5. BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Another independent Dawn Patrol is available this morning, a hike along the rim of Bryce Canyon to catch the shocking array of colours illuminated by the first rays of light on the hoodoos below. More of a series of horseshoe “amphitheatres” than a canyon, morning walks reveal millions of pinnacles positively glowing... This afternoon, depart for Zion National Park; en route you’ll learn about the park’s complicated creation in a film vignette by Ken Burns, who shares his favourite memories of the park. Upon arrival, Ryan Paul, Curator of Frontier Homestead State Park Museum (formerly Iron Mission State Park), entertains with a lecture on “singaways” and the contribution of the Union Pacific Railroad to the story of the national parks. There is an independent Sunset Scouts opportunity tonight to the historic Virgin River bridge located at the mouth of the canyon. Meals BLD
6. ZION – CANYONS AND MOUNTAINS “I was so impressed by the red cliffs and wilderness surroundings of Zion Canyon that I determined we should... have it made a national park.” The words of conservationist Horace Albright set the stage for the expansion of national park designations in the Southwest, and the creation of Zion National Park in 1919. Zion’s most striking images are unique sandstone cliffs that range from towering monoliths
to narrow canyons, changing in colour from light cream to pink to red. Begin with a narrated tram tour into Zion Canyon. Tour the park with walks to Weeping Rock and the Court of the Patriarchs, then have some free time to explore as you please: hike up The Narrows, or visit the Emerald Pools; go on photo or naturalist expeditions, or just relax at the lodge. Late afternoon, internationally acclaimed environmental historian and author Alfred Runte gives a talk on the history of the railroad in the national parks; he was on the team advising Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan during production of The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, and appeared in every episode. Those who wish a little time for personal reflection this evening might do an independent Sunset Scouts’ visit to the Virgin River, a tributary of the Colorado River that earned the designation “wild and scenic.” Meals BD
7. NORTH RIM, THE GRAND CANYON A film vignette by Dayton Duncan tells the story of Grand Canyon National Park, and how it exemplified the struggle that often occurred when creating a new national park. This morning you’ll depart Zion National Park, and en route to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park you’ll stop at Pipe Springs. Here you’ll get a guided tour of fascinating Pipe Spring National Monument, where you’ll learn about the Paiute Indians and Mormon pioneer history. Continue into Grand Canyon National Park and the North Rim – a place more intimate and less crowded than the South Rim. Of the park’s approximately five million annual visitors, only 10% of this total make their way there. Following lunch, explore the North Rim, including the vistas from Point Imperial. Dinner tonight is at Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim, where you’ll be spending the next two nights. Located at Bright Angel Point, it is the only lodging on the north rim of the canyon and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Meals BLD
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