ECOTOURISM

Great Canyons of the Southwest

This canyon adventure will examine the unique ecology of this beautiful and somewhat unforgiving landscape. From the little whiptail and fence lizards darting on the trail in front of you to the stealthy mountain lion stalking the skittish mule deer, you will begin to understand the distinctive bond of nature in this desert environment. Join EAC on this special adventure!

Highlights:

• Visit some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America – Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyons.
• Desert ecologists will join the group to answer questions and assist with field studies.
• Days will be spent sightseeing, studying tracks and signs of the elusive desert wildlife, and learning the ecology of the hearty flora.
• Learn photographic techniques for capturing this beautiful landscape on film.

Tour Details

Day 1: St. George, Utah to Zion National Park
Arrive at the St. George, Utah airport and be met by your guides for the week. You will then be transferred to Zion National Park, about an hour’s drive.

This evening, the group will meet in the Zion Canyon Lodge for a reception social and dinner. An orientation to the desert environment will be presented.

Overnight at Zion Canyon Lodge (D)

Day 2: Zion National Park
Today you’ll explore Zion National Park, a land of high plateaus, deep canyons and sheer monoliths surrounding the North Fork of the Virgin River. This unique landscape has become a haven for wildlife and unique plant communities. Accompanied by a park naturalist and historian from the Zion Natural History Association, you will explore the river corridor that began forming over 200 million years ago! This area offers very diverse flora and fauna, with lush riparian habitats and a rich array of birds.

There are many options for exploring, and you will travel at a pace acceptable to the group. The park shuttle buses will be utilized while visiting in Zion’s main canyon. In addition, fifteen passenger vans will be used to drive the internal primary and secondary roads to areas such as the Temple of Sinawava, Weeping Rock, and the Lower Kolob Plateau. Expect unparalleled views and a lifetime of memories.

Overnight Zion Park Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Zion to Cedar Breaks and Bryce Canyon National Park
This morning, you will travel through Cedar Breaks, an amphitheater carved into the side of the Markagunt Plateau, as you head for Bryce Canyon. The plateau is filled with colorful spires and columns and plunges 2,500 feet deep into green alpine meadows. You will also take the “Rim Drive,” a road offering some of the best panoramas of the region.

As you look over the rim of Cedar Breaks, a NPS ranger will give a brief lecture to the geologic processes that shaped this awe-inspiring landscape. After a picnic lunch, there will be an easy hike along the rim of the plateau where you can discover the habitat of sub-alpine forest and the Bristlecone pine, the world’s oldest tree.

Dinner and overnight at Bryce Canyon Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park
This morning you begin your discovery of canyon ecology in Bryce Canyon National Park. Unlike Zion where you look up at the cliffs, at Bryce Canyon you look down upon miles of exquisitely carved pinnacles and spires. The red, pink and orange colors of the intricately eroded limestone “hoodoos” constantly change with the sun, making the magical landscape come alive. You’ll explore the deep green habitats of ponderosa pine, spruce, fir and ancient bristle cone pine, examining the different flora and fauna that call this area home.

After a picnic lunch, there is an option of taking either a moderate hike down into the canyon along a desert oasis or an easy hike that trails the canyon’s edge.

Overnight at Bryce Canyon Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Lake Powell, Arizona
This morning, you will travel south from Bryce along the Grand Staircase of Escalante National Monument. In the heart of Escalante, there is an easy hike up Hackberry Canyon for an up-close look at canyon wall formations and tracks of desert creatures. You will also stop a wonderful state park to observe petroglyphs left be ancient peoples and to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Following lunch, you’ll head towards the Vermillion Cliffs and Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell. A National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is the second largest man-made reservoir in the world. In the afternoon, there are options of hiking around Lake Powell or free time to explore the Lake Powell area on your own.

This evening, you’ll enjoy a presentation from Gary Ladd. Ladd has been acknowledged as one of the best at the specialized and difficult art of canyon photography. He is also a scientist who understands, appreciates, and can explain the geology and biology behind his natural subjects.

Overnight at Marriott in Page, Arizona (B,L,D)

Day 6: Lake Powell to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
This morning, take a boat tour on Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon and observe the sandstone slot canyons and crystal clear water. After lunch at Lake Powell, you will travel to Marble Canyon.

Marble Canyon is a research center site operated by the Peregrine Fund, where you will have an opportunity to learn about raptor and California condor ecology. Take a short walk to the actual release site where recently they have had success in rearing California condors. Your journey continues into Navajo Nation Indian Reservation to the Kaibab Plateau and the Grand Canyon. You will enjoy dinner in the Grand Canyon Lodge overlooking the North Rim.

Overnight at Grand Canyon Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 7: North Rim of the Grand Canyon
You will spend a day exploring the less-visited North Rim of the Canyon and studying the ecosystems of this remarkable region. The ponderosa pine forest of the North Rim’s Kaibab plateau offers habitat to one of the seven species of tasseled-eared squirrels and to the common mule deer. With luck, you may be able to see these species as well as finding evidence of the endangered California condor and the elusive, introduced Grand Canyon wild burro.

You will hike some of the easier trails and find the location for the perfect sunset photo. You could spend a lifetime and never see all of the Grand Canyon!

Overnight at Grand Canyon Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 8: Grand Canyon to St. George, Utah
After a wonderful week together, it is time to depart for home. You will arrive in St. George around noon for the return flights home. (B)

Luggage
It is requested that luggage be kept to a minimum of one large (preferably soft-sided) suitcase and one carry-on/backpack per person.

Physical Activity
Most everyone in a reasonably good physical condition can participate in this tour offered by the Environmental Adventure Company. The activities will include some hiking in conditions ranging from snow and mud to dry conditions. Standing and observing for periods of time and kneeling or squatting to examine wildlife tracks or signs, are part of the activities. Consult with your physician if you have questions about the program. It is your responsibility to let the tour operator know of any complications that may be associated with traveling under any of these conditions.

Pre-Departure Information
When you sign-up for an adventure, you will receive a detailed Pre-Departure information packet prior to your trip which will help you prepare. This packet will help you make decisions about what to bring – and what not to bring! It includes a reading list, a clothing recommendation page as well as information on what to expect the weather to do while you are at the destination! There is also information about necessary documents, health issues, and even photographic tips. Feel free to contact EAC for more information.