U.S. Hiking with Backcountry: Sedona, the Grand Canyon & Zion

• U.S. citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within the United States. If you plan to use a state-issued ID or driver's license on or after May 7, 2025, it will need to meet Real ID requirements. Real ID compliant versions of these IDs will have either a yellow or black star, white star inside a yellow or black circle, or a white star inside a bear in the top righthand corner. Please visit dhs.gov for more information.

• In order to enter the United States, Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.

• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

• Round-trip flights booked through EF Adventures arrive in Phoenix and depart from Las Vegas, as reflected in the tour itinerary.
• Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
• Upon arrival in Phoenix, an EF Adventures representative will meet you in the arrivals hall holding an EF Adventures sign or a sign with your name. If you don’t see a representative right away, please remain in the arrivals area—they may be assisting other travelers and will return shortly.

Physical activity level

This tour is rated as Moderate, which means you’re ready to tackle some hills and elevate your heart rate, but not at the expense of enjoying the surroundings. This level balances active hiking with moments of leisure. You’ll encounter moderate elevation gains and longer trails, with breaks to catch your breath and soak in the scenery.

This tour is great for:

• Recreational hikers
• Those who enjoy a good workout in nature

What to expect:

• Daily mileage: 1–9.5 miles
• Daily elevation gain: 60–3,100 ft
• Typical terrain: A mix of well-maintained desert and canyon trails, including packed dirt paths, sandy washes, and rocky switchbacks. Expect uneven footing, exposed sections with little shade, and sustained climbs and descents—especially in the Grand Canyon—along with some steep drop-offs and stair-like rock formations.

Tour pacing

This is a fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• Three 2-night stays
• Most days and evenings full of included activities
• Most transportation by private bus/van
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Climate considerations

• In summer (June-September), temperatures can reach the low 80°F in Utah and even higher in Arizona and Nevada, often exceeding 100°F. Occasionally, heatwaves during the summer months can push temperatures even higher, with records up to 117°F.
• Summer is the monsoon season in Arizona and Nevada, bringing high levels of humidity, short, intense bursts of rainfall. Temperatures range between 75°F to 95°F. Utah experiences less intense monsoon activity, but can still have thunderstorms and rain during this period.
• Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 7,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.

Physical activity & tour pace questions

• EF Adventures and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!

• This tour includes various modes of transportation, but mostly private buses/vans and shuttle buses to/from Zion National Park.

On this tour, you'll need to come prepared with your own gear for daily hikes and mountain adventures, including hiking shoes, a day pack, reusable water bottle, and more. For a detailed suggested packing list, see the “Clothing & packing tips” section.

• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on buses/vans.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
• Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels and airports.

From Sedona’s sun-baked red rock to the rim of the Grand Canyon and the canyon floors of Zion, this itinerary takes you through a wide range of terrain and conditions. Temperatures can also change quickly as you gain and lose elevation.

Pack lightweight, breathable layers you can easily add or remove, plus reliable sun protection. A Backcountry Gearhead has curated a gear list specifically for this itinerary—use it as your starting point.

Don’t forget to pack:

• Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots with good traction
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
• Sunscreen
• A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear, as these will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather
• Moisture-wicking, quick-drying hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
• Multiple warm mid-layers (fleece or wool) - temperatures can drop significantly
• A warm, lightweight jacket
• Warm hat and gloves (it can be cold at high elevations)
• Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs
• A daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen
• A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste)
• Binoculars, in case you want to get a closer look at local wildlife and scenery
• A collapsible walking stick for long hikes (some travelers find them useful)
• Casual clothes for evenings and travel days
• Dressier attire for Welcome/Farewell Dinners and in case you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• Sleepwear and toiletries
• A universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter
• Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for boat and bus rides
• Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)

• EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability and local charm.
• Specific properties may vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas.
• Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
• Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
• All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.

• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
• Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
• There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities like hiking, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
• Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 7,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.

• This tour includes two lunches and three dinners. They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, juice or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• The cuisine of the American Southwest combines influences from Spanish colonial settlers, Mexican staples, and Native American tradition. Expect dishes spiced with chile peppers, like enchiladas, tacos, and chili con carne. Boiled mutton and corn are the cornerstones of the Navajo Nation’s culinary culture, as well as fry bread, used in the famous “Navajo taco.”

• Tips for meals, bus drivers, porterage (if applicable), sightseeing guides, and local hiking guides are included in the price of your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity.
• We recommend tipping $15-$20 USD per person per day for your Tour Director.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.

• You will use the U.S. dollar on this tour.
• We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director.

• To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the buses.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Your Tour Director will be an experienced hiker who will accompany you throughout the entire journey. In addition to sharing their knowledge of the region's history, culture, and natural wonders, they will:

• Support the group during daily hikes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers
• Provide detailed briefings on trail conditions, weather, and altitude considerations
• Coordinate logistics and arrange meals and transportation
• Offer basic first-aid assistance and emergency support if needed

As experienced hikers themselves, your Tour Director will be well-versed in mountain safety and trained in high-altitude first-aid procedures.

• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.

• Utah is on Mountain Time (MT), which is two hours behind Eastern Time (ET).
• Nevada is included only for the departing flight from Las Vegas, which is on Pacific Time (PT).
• Arizona does not observe daylight saving time and aligns with Pacific Time (PT) from March through October.
• When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10 am on tour in Utah.
• When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 9 am on tour in Arizona and Nevada.

• When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Directors to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
• When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
• When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
• Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from animal parts or products tested on animals.
• If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.