Zion Ranch Stay & Hiking Adventure

The trip involves a lot of walking through Zion National Park, so be prepared with hiking shoes, a water bottle and a day pack.

Lunches will be simple picnic style so perhaps bring some of your own snacks if you think you’ll get hungry between meals.

You will be traveling to the desert, which means it is often very warm during the day but cold at night, so make sure you pack the appropriate clothing for all weather.

A negative COVID-19 test is NOT required before joining a trip unless it is a requirement of entry for the country. If you are unwell prior to traveling, please stay at home and contact Intrepid to make alternative arrangements. At the group meeting, you will be asked to complete a self-screening health form and report any COVID-19 symptoms as well as any close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19. If you are displaying any symptoms or have any health concerns at this time, the advice of local health authorities will be followed to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required. All travelers should continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms to their tour leader.

While traveling on this tour, you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule the group tends to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company.

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in the preferred accommodation. In these cases, a similar standard of accommodation will be used. Throughout the trip, properties will prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels.

To allow flexibility in showing your appreciation, gratuities are not included. If you're happy with the service you receive, providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. Please note Intrepid recommends that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.

Local Guides:

Throughout your trip, you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. Intrepid suggests US$5-20 per day for local guides. Ask your leader for suggestions as to what is appropriate for a given activity.

Your Group Leader:

You should also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. Your leader works long and hard for you. He or she may well become your friend during the trip but they do need to pay their bills. If the leader's performance meets or exceeds your expectation they will gladly accept a tip from you. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however you should plan to tip your leader US$7-10 per person per day.

All luggage is carried in trailers or inside the vehicle so please don't bring more than one medium-sized bag, backpack or suitcase (20kg maximum) per person. Your suitcase/rucksack may get some rough handling, so make sure it's a tough one. A small daypack and camera may also be carried inside the vehicle.

Your leader will provide basic information about the sights and cities you'll be visiting but please note that Intrepid's leaders are not 'tour guides' in the traditional sense. They are adventure travel specialists and are there to organize your trip, arrange activities and help with questions or problems you may have while on your tour. Your leader will provide you with all the important information you need to embark on your own explorations. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

• It's strictly forbidden for non-qualified rangers to present any information about some National Parks in North America, therefore Intrepid adopts a system (as requested by the park rangers) where their leader will encourage travellers to visit the information centres in the National Parks for details about the site.
• If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Driving

They are also responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures Intrepid's drivers are well-rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the roads.

While your group will have a minivan for all included activities on the trip, please note that the services of the van and the driver may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi. 

• Reusable water bottle. Intrepid recommends at least a 1.5 litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. Tap water in the US and Canada is safe to drink and there are many places to fill up along the way, so please save plastic by bringing your own water bottle.
• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Clothing that you can layer. You may encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions - so be prepared! Make sure to pack a warm fleece and a waterproof jacket. Intrepid suggests you check the expected temperatures en route and bring clothing that you can layer.
• Closed-in shoes. If you are planning on doing any hiking during your trip Intrepid highly recommends that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings from dangerous animals in this environment.

Recommended:

• Insect repellent
• Spare camera battery. You should have access to electricity to charge your battery most nights, but it is always a good idea to carry a spare.
• Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, anti-diarrhoeal, antibacterial gel, wet wipes, bandaids/plasters etc.

Optional:

• Travel pillow if you like to sleep during long drives
• Reusable coffee cup such as a travel mug or KeepCup if you are a coffee drinker. Not only is it much better for the environment, but many places in the US and Canada also give a discount for bringing your own cup.
• Ear plugs to guard against a snoring room-mate
• A good book, a journal or an iPod for the long drives.
• Swimwear

• Airfare
• Accommodation in Las Vegas
• Any dinners
• Airport transfers, taxes and excess baggage charges
• Travel insurance (mandatory and must be taken out at the time of booking)
• Optional activities and all personal expenses