Fly in to Salt Lake City any time before 6 pm and meet your new travel friends and tour guide at 7 pm. Go over details on the days to come and then head out on the town with your new crew. Salt Lake City is an under the radar place with some great food and a world class craft beer scene, so enjoy!

Stay: Crystal Inn & Suites -Downtown Salt Lake City (1 Night)

This morning we roll out of Salt Lake City and hit the road for our journey to Yellow Stone National Park, where our hiking adventure begins! On the way, watch the scenic views go by as we travel through Utah and into Idaho. We stop for a quick walk at Mesa Falls where you can stretch your legs for an hour walk and check out one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Idaho! As we arrive in Yellowstone, we set up camp and have dinner as a group around the campfire.
Stay: KOA West Yellowstone Campground- 3 Nights
Hike: Mesa Falls, Idaho (1 Hour)
Drive: 4 Hours

During the first day of our group tour in Yellowstone National Park we head to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone bright and early to arrive well before the crowds and while the sunlight is at the most dramatic angle. You’ll be photographing the falls as the water cascades down 300 feet into the canyon, carving out the rock walls as it has for over 150,000 years! The canyon walls show many colors, leaving behind clues to the incredible volcanic activity that formed this area. Among the pinks, browns and greens, the yellow shows through, perhaps demonstrating why the area is called Yellowstone!

Next up we begin our guided hike along a scenic ridge to the summit of Mount Washburn, where we are rewarded with sweeping views of the park and a warm summer breeze for our picnic.

Timing is hard to predict in Yellowstone, as there are often “Bison Jams” if a herd of Bison decide to traipse across the road, or even just stop and hang out in it for a while. If there is time, we may go and see another Yellowstone attraction, like a geyser, but may not be able to if the Bison or bears are acting up.

Hike: Mount Washburn Summit (6 miles, 1400 feet elevation, 3-4 hours.)
Drive: 1-2 Hours
Stay: KOA West Yellowstone Campground

This morning we wake up very early and head to the Lamar Valley while it is still dark. The Lamar Valley is one of the best places to spot wildlife in North America and by arriving early, we not only dodge the crowds, but also arrive in time for the sunrise to break up the morning mist, creating a really special show for us. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, as this is home to the largest herd of bison in North America, as well as wolves. You’ll be learning about wolves and how they were once extinct in the park, and are now making a remarkable comeback, which in turn is essentially saving the entire eco-system of the park- but more on that later!

After our time in the Lamar Valley we head to Mammoth Hot Springs, to see one of the world’s best concentration of hot springs. Check out the naturally created pools, with the crystalized mineral deposits forming beautiful terraces and pools with the hot water cascading down. On our way back to our campsite we visit the Artist Paint Pots to walk along the trail and discover the pools that are formed when the volcanic bodies of water become acidic and eat the surrounding rock to form natural pools filled with sulfuric acid, creating a blend of colors that would leave Ansel Adams speechless.
Hike: Several shorter walks to natural attractions throughout the day
Stay: KOA West Yellowstone
Drive: 1-2 Hours

Today is the last of our Yellowstone Park sightseeing and we hit the road to Jackson and Grand Teton National Park. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun!

In the morning we head to some of the most famous attractions in Yellowstone. We visit Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the third largest hot spring in the world and features some of the most vivid colors you could possibly imagine. No trip to Yellowstone National Park would be complete without a trip to Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts 20 times a day, with a near boiling blast of water that shoots almost 200 feet in the air for 2-5 minutes at a time. Yup, it’s pretty dramatic and one of the most iconic experiences in the park. Your guide will plan the day so you arrive in perfect time to see the eruption too, if all goes to plan! We also visit West Thumb Geyser, which is close to Yellowstone Lake, which serves as a backdrop to this otherworldly spring. There are eruptions here too, but they are much more rare than Old Faithful, hence the name!

Once we have experienced all the wonders of Yellowstone we head off on our journey to Jackson, where we are greeted by the sight of the Grand Teton mountain range, which one could argue is one of the most visually appealing mountain landscapes in the world!
Drive: 3 hours
Hike: Various walks throughout the day at park attractions
Stay: Snake River Park Campground (3 Nights)

Today you can choose your adventure, either hanging with your Fresh Guide on a Grand Teton National Park guided tour, or opt to head out for a self-guided hike!

There is no commercial guiding allowed in the national park, so our guide won’t be able to hike with you, but will be there to provide you with a few trail options and information so you can head out with a few friends for a hike!

If you prefer the guided experience, you can hang with your guide and explore some of the highlights of the park, like Schwabacher Landing, Jenny Lake and Signal Mountain, along with several jaw dropping viewpoints and wildlife hot spots.

Driving: 1-2 Hours
Stay: Snake River Park Campground
Hiking Trails:
Taggart Lake: 4 mi/ 6 km, 400 feet/ 130 m elevation, 2 hours
Jenny Lake: 7 mi/ 11.5 km, 500 feet/ 150 m elevation, 2.5-3 hours
Cascade Canyon: 8.5 mi/ 14 km, 1100 feet/350 meters elevation, 4 hours

Today we head out on a scenic rafting trip on the Snake River, winding through some of the most photogenic scenery in America! Enjoy a fairly gentle float, with some minor rapids and a whole landscape buffet for your eyes!

In the afternoon we head back into Grand Teton Park, in search of wildlife and exploring some of the hidden gems of the parks. If you prefer, you can head out for a self-guided hike with some tour friends in the park. Your guide will have some options for you and will shuttle you to and from the trailhead.

In the evening we head in to the town of Jackson, where you can explore some of the shops and bars as well as have a civilized dinner!
Drive: 1 Hour
Stay: Snake River Park Campground

We head back towards Salt Lake City making a few stops along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy some roadside attractions. Once back in Salt Lake City you have some time to relax and enjoy the nightlife and craft beer or head out for a quick sunset hike.
Drive: 4.5 hours
Hike: Ensign Peak (1 mi/ 1.6 km, 400 feet/ 120 m elevation, 1 hour)
Stay: Crystal Inn & Suites (1 Night)

We leave Salt Lake City again on our journey to Moab, and the land of arches and canyons. Along the way we stop to elarn about the history f the Colorado River plateau, and the tales of river runners and fishermen that pioneered this area. As we arrive in Moab, we settle into our campground for the next few nights and then head out for a guided hike to Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Mesa Arch is one of the most iconic arches in the USA and sunset is the picture perfect time to visit, taking photos of the arch and getting an epic view of the 1200 foot canyon directly under your feet.
Drive: 3.5 Hours
Hike: Mesa Arch (1 mi/ 1.6 km, 300 feet/ 100 m elevation, 1 hour)
Stay: Sun Outdoors Campground (3 Nights)

Today is a big day and we start bright and early to beat the Utah desert heat! First thing we head to Windows and Turret Arch trail to get our first taste of the many famous arches you will see today. Next we head to Devil’s Garden Trail and head out for a bonafide scavenger hunt of arches, monoliths and other geological phenomenon. You will hike between 6 and 10 miles throughout the day, stopping to photograph the arches and tick off some of the most iconic sights in the USA. Some of the attractions we aim to see are: Double O Arch, Landscape Arch, Navajo and Private Arch, and possibly Dark Angel, depending on time, weather and the group. We return to the campsite to relax and have a nice group dinner, then head out again for one more adventure. Tonight we head to Delicate Arch to enjoy another Utah desert sunset at one of the most famous sights in Utah, and the very same landmark that is on the Utah license plates!
Drive: 1 hour (local transfers)
Hike: 8-12 mi/ 12-18 km, 500 feet/ 150 m elevation, 5-6 Hours
Stay: Sun Outdoors Campground

This is our last day to hike as a group an we aim to make it count! First thing in the morning we begin hiking the Fisher Towers Trail for some truly spectacular Utah scenery. Along the trail we pass directly beneath sheer cliff walls, past minarets, turrets, hoodoos, fins, pinnacles, gargoyles and spires. This hike really leaves nothing out! These trails have been traversed for thousands of years, and you can really feel how special this place is on your hiking tour in Arches National Park.

After our guided hike finishes, we head back into town for lunch and then you have the afternoon free to choose some optional activities, like rafting, or a sunset hummer tour (or both!)
Hike: Fisher Towers (6 mi/ 10 km, 700 feet/ 200 m elevation, 3-4 hours)
Stay: Sun Outdoors Campground

Today your Yellowstone National Park and Utah hiking tour concludes and we drive back to Salt Lake City arriving at 4 pm. We hope to see you back for another adventure soon!
Drive: 4 Hours
Drop Off Time: 4 pm

During your camping tour in Utah and Wyoming regions you won’t have to stress about weather! We plan our small group tours for the times of year with the best weather.

Utah and Wyoming are blessed with a ton of sun, and warm temperatures, ranging from mildly warm to scorching hot.

Summer temperatures USA’s desert regions can get up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).

The best news is that the desert regions are blessed with roughly 345 days of sun each year, so you won’t have to worry about rain on your camping trip!

Another perk to travelling on a USA hiking vacation in the desert is that there are hardly any bugs!

Dry climates mean fewer mosquitoes and flies. You really don’t need to put much thought into bugs while on your group tour with us, but if you prefer to be on the safe side, a can of bug spray is never a bad idea to bring!

The hikes on this tour are moderate in level, though hot temperatures can increase the challenge, as well as sandy or technical trails, which can make walking a little more difficult. We have rated this tour a mix of level 2 and 3 in our activity ratings, which means you should be prepared for Level 3 activities. Often the total hiking distance each day is broken into 2-3 hikes, which offers opportunity to rest between walks and possibly even sit one out if you are too tired.

Level 3-Active
Hiking: Hiking on established trails with a light daypack. Covering 10-18 km (6-12 miles) with elevation gain up to 1000 meters. Typically hiking for 3-5 hours per day.

Our groups are small and sociable and we believe that our Fresh Family is what makes our tours amazing! We are lucky to attract very warm, welcoming people from all over the world who share a passion for adventure and sharing experiences with new people.

Age Range: 30-75 (Average age around 50)
Gender: Roughly 60 percent female/ 40 percent male
Booking Size: Roughly 60 percent are travelling solo and 40 percent are couples and small groups of 2-3 friends.

You don’t need to carry everything on your back, so you can pack in a suitcase, duffel bag or backpack.

Days are usually warm, though nights can occasionally be cool. Below is a general packing list:

• 2 complete warm layering systems that are not cotton (think fleece, polyester, merino wool etc, for top and bottom) It is best to dress in layers so you can adapt to changing weather. A light base layer, with a warmer layer on top and rain jacket will help you stay warm.

• Rain jacket (anything wind and waterproof will work) Rain pants are helpful too.

• Comfortable hiking boots (Anything comfy, stable & blister free & don't mind getting dirty/ wet)

• Bathing suit and towel (for showers along the way)

• Socks and underwear (you knew that though I hope)

• Small day pack to carry your personal items on hikes

• Any medications you need (like epi pens, asthma or heart meds, insulin) Very important!

• Suitcase/ duffel bag or back pack for your luggage (we have lots of room, bring whatever works- you won't have to carry it)

• Hiking poles if you feel you might need them to protect your knees on rocky paths

• Sunscreen, bug spray, sun glasses, lip chap all help

• At least two 1 liter water bottles

• Travel pillow (or bunch up your sweater) & Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees C (unless renting ours) This is for camping tours only.

• Headlamp or flashlight (helps during the midnight dash to the toilet)

• Camera for the epic views

Hotels on the tour are 3 star hotels, typically with two queen beds per room and a private bathroom.

For camping stays we pair two people up in a three person tent to ensure there is adequate space.

Tents are spacious, but not big enough to stand up in. There is a vestibule on each side for luggage to be stored.

Bathrooms are nearby and have showers and flush toilets for the most part.

We have a kitchen area with a group tarp, fire ring and picnic tables to relax and socialize at.

We have found over the years that our travelers have a vastly better time on their tour if they pitch in a bit throughout the tour. That being said, this is no military routine and our priority is for you to have fun.

We ask our guests to be in charge of setting up/ taking down their tents at each new campsite. Our tents are easy and usually take less than five minutes to set up, plus our guides are there to help or offer some guidance.

Around camp we ask our guests to help a bit with meals, which usually is in the form of helping chop some veggies/ grate cheese etc on 2-3 meals and help with dishes for 2-3 meals over the course of your entire tour.

This helps ensure your guide is able to focus on delivering a smooth and memorable experience for you!

Our guided Utah hiking vacations are perfect for solo travelers with our solo-travel policies.

We were awarded “The Best Tour Operator For Solo Travelers In Canada” in 2022!

As a solo traveler on our guided hiking trips, you can opt to share a tent and hotel room with another traveler of the same sex, or upgrade to a single room for more privacy and space- the choice is yours

You will never be forced to pay extra as a solo traveler.

There are a few moments where cash is required on your Utah and Wyoming walking tour.

A few of the campgrounds have coin operated showers. Almost everything else can be paid for with credit card.

If you bring $100 USD cash during your walking holiday, you will have plenty and there are ATM’s along the way, so your guide can help you access cash.