Day 1 Meet a local expert who reveals the area’s geologic evolution and a yawning canyon abyss Get your first taste of Zion National Park’s grandeur on a stunning hike through cottonwood, box elder and Gambel oak trees to the Emerald Pools. Day 2 Angels Landing, with views of Zion’s soaring rock faces Wind your way through cool Refrigerator Canyon Beat the heat and get wet on a spectacular trek through the Narrows – a classic Zion hike – following the inner gorge of the Virgin River as it forges through rock Small waterfalls and hanging gardens drape the canyon walls, which rise 1,000 feet Of course, there’s always the option of strolling through charming Springdale or lounging poolside at the hotel. Day 3 Astonishing rock formations, river-carved gorges and Navajo sandstone cliffs Climbing more than 2,000 feet in four miles, the Observation Point trail is the most strenuous of the trip – but the sweeping vistas are worth the challenge After winding through a beautiful slot canyon with undulating sandstone walls, reach the pinnacle and soak up the panorama of high backcountry plateaus. Days 4-6 Hike amid Bryce’s fantastical hoodoos, crooked stone spires and striking monoliths in brilliant hues of orange, pink and red The Fairyland Loop drops you into a seldom-visited section of Bryce Canyon National Park Feeling young? You will next to bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living organisms on earth Discover the otherworldly wonderland of Queen’s Garden Grab your camera and a seat on the canyon rim to watch the sun set or rise over Bryce; the dance of light and color over the spires is a performance you’ll always remember.

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