What if your next vacation could take you into the depths of America’s Southwest, where you switch off and soak up national park life? That’s precisely what we arranged for a group of adventure-craving friends who loved the freedom of the outdoors, but didn’t want to leave luxury and comfort behind.
The group of young professionals left their busy schedules for a long weekend to take in everything that the Southwest had to offer. After landing at Harry Reid International Airport, our EXP Guides met the group and whisked them to their home for the next three nights.
En route, they watched as the desert landscape unfolded with towering red sandstone cliffs until they reached the heart of it, at a private luxury camp set just outside the boundary of Zion National Park — one of the most iconic, and Utah’s first, national park.
Waking up with nature.
Luxe details and five-star sleeps.
Lux Camps to Access Epic Trails
The group found themselves settling into their canvas-walled tents, which were anything but rustic, complete with king and twin beds, private en-suites, and thoughtful amenities that brought luxury and comfort to the wilderness.
With half a day still left for exploring, our EXP Guides took them to enjoy one of Zion’s best activities: privately guided e-biking. The group, who were lovers of all activities, appreciated the fact that not only did they cover more ground with less effort on e-bikes, but they also bypassed the crowded shuttle buses along the way. Our EXP Guides shared stories about the landscape, recounting tales of early settlers and powerful geological forces that have shaped the canyon into what it is today.
Back at base camp that evening, they were welcomed by camp games, which they enjoyed with mixologist-crafted cocktails as the sun went down on their first day. After a competitive round of blow darts and cornhole, they indulged in a gourmet dinner worthy of a five-star resort, courtesy of the camp’s award-winning chef.
A fireside evening at base camp.
Hoodoos and Fireside Legends
One of the best things about the camp was its location, just a stone’s throw from the park, allowing the group to effortlessly explore Zion before the crowds and roam into one of America’s wildest areas. After breakfast, the day began with an easy hike along the Canyon Overlook Trail with jaw-dropping views over Zion’s rugged terrain.
Riding effortlessly through the landscape.
Stepping into the wild.
Located in the Upper East Canyon portion of the park, the trail is one of the best, where the group witnessed the expanse of Zion Canyon and the road as it switchbacks below the west end of the famous Mount Carmel Tunnel. The group also spotted iconic Zion highlights, including The West Temple and The Watchman.
Evening spent under the stars with a WWII Navajo Code Talker and decorated war hero.
After relaxing in the afternoon, the friends were treated to a private fireside storytelling session from a Navajo Code Talker and former Chairman of the Navajo Nation. He shared his stories of service in World War II, his life in Arizona, and the connection his people have to the land. After learning more about the people and history of the land, they then enjoyed another delicious dinner under the stars before retreating to their tents.
Hiking in search of hoodoos.
More Trails and Desserts in the Desert
The next day, the group’s eyes were opened up to yet more incredible scenery as they set off on a privately guided Bryce Canyon hiking excursion. They were feeling fresh, so they went for a more strenuous section of the trail.
Another of Utah’s national parks, Bryce Canyon, is renowned for its largest collection of hoodoos — the unique and irregular columns of rock formed by the erosion of limestone and sandstone layers. The drive back to camp and between these two parks treated the group to some stunning views.
That night, after hiking all day, the group refueled with dinner, enjoyed fireside chats and mouth-watering s’mores for dessert, surrounded by a blanket of stars above them on one of the clearest nights of the trip.
Sunrise on the Arizona Trail.
On Top of the World
When the group thought their weekend couldn’t possibly get any better, we saved the best for last. They woke up early and headed to Arizona for a sunrise walk along a section of the famous Arizona Trail, an 800-mile route that spans from Mexico to Utah.
Then came the grand finale: they boarded a private helicopter for a breathtaking aerial tour over Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and Horseshoe Bend, admiring the surreal patterns of red rock below. The pièce de résistance was the landing on Tower Butte, a striking sandstone formation that rises 5,000 feet above sea level and is a sacred landmark for the Navajo people.
Tower Butte in all its glory.
Up here, surrounded by nothing but sky and sweeping views in all directions, the group enjoyed a private lunch prepared by the chef. Below them, as they felt on top of the world, the canyons of Lake Powell were worth multiple photographic opportunities.
An iconic Tower Butte lunch setup.
Transferred back to Page Municipal Airport, the friends boarded their flights home, being sure to make a pact that they would return for another EXP adventure together, and next time for longer.
