“World Famous” National Parks Road Trip: Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion

Phone: (619) 594-6958

DESCRIPTION

Spend Thanksgiving Break visiting via foot and van four National Parks and traveling through several National Forests and Monuments. We will take our time driving through the parks, stopping to take a few hikes to some of the most dramatic viewpoints and places of interest. Our first stop will be Joshua Tree National Park. Next comes the South Rim of the Grand Canyon; then onto Utah via Lee’s ferry and the Glen Canyon Dam to experience Zion Nat. Park, Cedar Breaks Nat. Monument, and Bryce Canyon Nat. Park. To maximize our time taking in as many sights as possible, we will stay in inexpensive family owned motels and eat dinner in locally owned restaurants along the way. Our goal will be to experience the wonders of the natural world and immerse ourselves in the local communities along the way.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Depart from SDSU Tuesday at 7am. We’ll have lunch while hiking in Joshua Tree and stop for dinner and the night in Kingman, Arizona. Wednesday, after a continental breakfast at our motel, we will make our way to Grand Canyon Nat. Park and again have a trail lunch. We will spend the night at Cameron, UT so we can visit Lee’s Ferry on Thanksgiving Day. Grandma Tina’s, a local restaurant, will provide us with a traditional Turkey Dinner! Friday we will make our way towards the Bryce Canyon arriving for some hiking and sightseeing. We will take in the sunset, have dinner and rest up for the night at Carmel Junction. Saturday, we head towards Zion early and plan for a 5 mile hike to the top of Angel’s Landing and a view of the entire park. Afterwards we will depart and make our way to Hurricane, UT for our last night on the road. With a very early start on Sunday, we should be back to SDSU in the early afternoon.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FOOD

Breakfasts will be “continental style”, but very filling. Lunch on the Trail will simple—but nutritious and filling as well. We will take a survey at the pre-trip meeting of desired van snacks. Again, every effort will be made to eat in local, family owned restaurants and eateries so as to maximize our monetary contributions to the various local communities we pass through.

PRE-TRIP MEETING

Pre Trip Meetings are required and will be held the Monday, the week before your trip, from 6-7pm in the AMC rooms, right outside the ARC. You will meet the leaders and other trip members as well as cover all details such as weather, menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bags, pad, tent, etc.).

WEATHER

Day and night time temps vary during the winter season, but you can anticipate lows in the 20’s and highs in the 70’s always with a chance of snow at the higher elevations. We will review the specific packing list at the pre-trip meeting.

LODGING

We will reserve motel rooms based on quadruple occupancy. This means each motel room will have two queen size beds where four people share. For those uncomfortable sharing a large bed, we can provide you with an air mattress and sleeping bag or you can choose to pay $175 additional for a double occupancy room. Again, every effort will be made to utilize locally owned motels. This in mind, please do not expect our motels to have fancy amenities—they will most likely be very simple, clean, comfortable rooms.

RISKS/HAZARDS/SAFETY

There are numerous risks and hazards associated with the canyon and high desert hiking. Cactus and other plants with sharp branches, wildlife of varying variety and of course the unpredictable weather of the late fall and early winter season. However, the most dangerous and common hazard at this time of year is getting too close to the edge of cliffs and canyons. The rock and soil is notoriously loose and many visitors have died from falls where the cliff edge gave way. Not dressing appropriately can result in cold illnesses (Hypothermia). Not drinking enough water results in dehydration and not being in adequate physical condition can result in sore muscles. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment; however, while they may be able to treat injuries they cannot always prevent them.

OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

This trip is designed for people who are self-motivated and want to make the most of their Grand Canyon National Park experience. Plan on being a contributing member of a group of 10 or less. The leaders will often need to make decisions based on the needs of the group—not the special needs of one individual. This is a group experience and everyone is expected to help with all the camping tasks such as: cooking meals and clean-up, setting up camp, and organizing gear. DRUGS & ALCOHOL WILL NOT BE PERMITTED AT ANY TIME DURING THE TRIP.

HEALTH/PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

Hiking in high desert and canyon country can be very strenuous on the entire body. Despite our traveling on designated trails the entire trip, you will get tired. We could be hiking for the better part of four to six hours a day. Staying well hydrated, taking your time, resting when necessary (but not for too long), and keeping your energy level high is essential. From now until the trip begins, we highly encourage you to get in shape.

COST $600

Included in the Cost: Two Aztec Adventures Leaders, round trip transportation in a 15 passenger van, five nights motel lodging based on quad occupancy, five breakfasts, five lunches, and van snacks. In addition all group gear, Park entrance fees, and any personal equipment outfitting (sleeping bag, pad, rain gear, etc.) that may be needed.

NOT Included in the Cost: Five dinners/road meals, personal snack food and souvenirs.

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(619) 594-6958
aztecadventures@ sdsu.edu