THIS TRIP IS FULL.

Three days in Zion National Park. Travel days are July 2 and July 6. Days in the park are July 3-5.

The first day we will go canyoneering, guided by Zion Rock and Mountain Guides: http://www.zionrockguides.com/zrmg/Canyoneering/Guiding/fullcanyondaymain.html. Canyoneering involves rappelling in slot canyons and possibly swimming through some of the sections at the bottom (the water shouldn't be too cold in July). No experience is required, and all the gear will be provided. The cost is $120. This trip is optional, but please indicate when you sign up if you will be participating in canyoneering, so that I can give the guide an accurate number of attendees.

The other two days will be dedicated to hiking in the park. I want to hike Angel's Landing and Zion Narrows. Both of these trails are well known for being the best in the park. Zion Narrows should open around July 1. If it's still closed when we are there, we'll substitute another hike. We may also do a couple of other short hikes as our energy and time allow.

Angel's Landing: 5 mile round trip, strenuous. Details and pictures here: http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-angels-landing-trail.htm

Zion Narrows: We will go for the first 3 miles, which will take us to the narrowest and most spectacular part of the canyon. We will then turn around for a total of about 6 miles. This hike is along the Virgin River, wading through water and swimming through some sections. Trekking poles, water shoes and dry bags are a must. Rentals are available in the canyoneering shop we'll be using. Pictures of Zion Narrows trail: http://www.zionnational-park.com/zion-narrows.htm.

Difficulty Level:

Although I'm posting this trip as beginner, because you don't have to have any canyoneering experience to participate, please keep in mind that the hikes we'll go on are strenuous and not for the first-timer. You also need to be comfortable scrambling up and down rocks and rappelling in a canyon.

Lodging:

Best Western, 1.5 miles from the park entrance. I reserved 3 rooms with 2 queen beds in each for July 2 through July 5, checking out July 6. We will share the rooms, and the cost for one bed is $55 plus tax per night ($220 for 4 nights). If you will be bringing your husband or wife with you and will be occupying one bed, the cost is $65 plus tax per night ($260 for 4 nights). I will do my best to arrange same-gender roommates. If you want to sign up and wait to see if another member of the same sex signs up so that you can share a room together, that would be fine. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and a hot tub! Pictures and info here: http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=45077&srcPage=SelectHotel&isMapOpen=true&selectedHotels=

Food:

Please pack your lunches for hiking/canyoneering days. In the evening, I plan to eat at restaurants near the hotel.

Transportation:

There is a free shuttle inside the park that we will use to get to the trailheads. Please feel free to arrange car pooling for Friday and Tuesday to get to and from Springdale, UT.

Sign-ups and payment:

Please sign up for the waiting list and let me know if you'll be bringing anyone with you and if you'll be going on the canyoneering trip. I will then e-mail you the payment information (via PayPal). Cancellations: I will refund you 50% of your total payment until June 18th. After that, there will be no refunds, unless another member takes your place.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I have never been to Zion Canyon, so I'm not 'leading' this trip. I'm just inviting people to come with me.

I understand that you will be paying me a considerable amount of money via PayPal, and I want to make you feel as comfortable as possible before doing so. Please feel free to e-mail me any questions - I can either respond by e-mail or by phone, whatever works best for you.