Compare Superstition Mountains Backpacking by REI Adventures vs Desert Escapes of California & Arizona 2022 End Phoenix Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 4 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 849 | $ 3,195 |
| Price Per Day | $ 212 | $ 399 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 2 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Backpack through one of the premier hiking destinations in the Southwest. The Superstition Mountains boast quintessential high desert landscapes: Saguaro cacti rising from the earth, craggy wilderness and rugged peaks against a backdrop of bright blue sky. Beginning at an elevation of 2,420', we climb past the towering Miner’s Needle, an imposing spire of weathered lava. Led by our expert guides, we hike over incredible volcanic terrain and relish panoramic desert views, learning about the history and geology of the area as we venture northward. |
Enjoy the best of the desert and its delicacies in this 8-day guided tour through California and Arizona. See Palm Spring’s ritzy homes, where Hollywood legends, such as Frank Sinatra, used to live on a mid-century architecture tour. Take the world’s largest rotating tram car to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city and desert below. In Phoenix, meet a chef for a tour of the local farmer’s market, then enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor during a cooking demonstration and Southwestern food feast. Just outside of Tucson, travel to Tombstone, where a Local Expert will show you a once-bustling town from the real Wild West. In Saguaro National Park, you’ll watch the sun set over the desert, then join an astronomer to gaze at the stars through the largest moving compound telescope in the world. |
Day 1: Meet at REI Chandler store for a trip orientation and group dinner.
An orientation and gear check is held at the REI Chandler store at 5pm. You can walk or transfer to the store on your own. Because the guides hold a gear check, distribute group gear (10 to 15 pounds per person comprised of tents, cooking equipment, and food), and talk about efficient packing and preparation tips, it's important that you bring your loaded pack to the store with you.
The pre-trip orientation will give you a chance to meet fellow travelers and provide your guides an opportunity to walk through the trip itinerary. This is also a good opportunity to pick up some last minute items. Over dinner we get to know each other in eager anticipation of our adventure. Picnic style dinner included.
Tonight's lodging is not included in your trip cost. We recommend booking the Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Chandler. Transportation back to the Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Chandler or your hotel is on your own.
Day 2: Hike to breathtaking panoramas of the Superstition Mountains desert landscape.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Backpacking: 6 miles; elevation gain: 1,000'.
After breakfast, we meet at 7am in the hotel lobby to begin our backpacking adventure. We'll leave our cars at the hotel and shuttle to our starting point on the southern side of the Superstitions Mountain Range. Beginning at an elevation of 2,420', in a sea of Saguaro cactus, we climb past the imposing Miner's Needle. Today's traverse continues through incredible volcanic geology to bring us past panoramic views dominated by the towering Weaver's Needle, an enormous volcanic plug whose unusual presence has inspired legends galore. In the late afternoon we arrive at our first campsite, where the presence of ancient cottonwood and sycamore trees stand in stark contrast to the surrounding desert. Breakfast on your own
Day 3: Explore the marvels of Le Barge Box and West Boulder Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Backpacking: 6 miles; elevation gain: 700'. (optional side adventures add mileage)
After breaking camp, we will continue through Marsh Valley and on to West Boulder Canyon. Our guides will provide a wide variety of side adventures and detours throughout today's hike. Drop your pack and venture into the narrows of La Barge Box. Remember to bring your bathing suit if you're feeling brave! West Boulder Canyon will serve as home for the night.
Day 4: Traverse the Boulder Canyon trail, with views of Weaver's Needle.
Backpacking: 4 miles; elevation gain 1000'+.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
We ascend the Boulder Canyon trail, which leads us out the eastern ridge of the canyon before cresting and descending back to Canyon Lake. The views are expansive and Weaver's Needle dominates the landscape. This imposing spire of weathered lava, named after famed frontier scout Pauline Weaver, has challenged the imagination for more than a century. Most versions of the legend of the Lost Dutchman gold mine claim that the lost mine lies somewhere under the Needle's shadow. After we are picked up at the trail's end in Canyon Lake Marina, your guides will prepare a delicious picnic lunch before returning to the hotel between 3pm and 5pm. Please do not schedule a departing flight out of Phoenix prior to 7pm. Dinner on your own
Day 1: Arrive in Palm Springs
Welcome to Palm Springs. A star-studded city nestled in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, it was the getaway for Hollywood legends Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin and Loretta Young in the 1950s and 60s. It now prides itself on its glory years with a nod to its glitzy past evident in its retro architecture. Once you have arrived at the airport a transfer will take you to your hotel where you will meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Out and about in Palm Springs
Start the day with a tour of Palm Springs’ mid-century architecture, guided by a history and architectural expert. Learn about the architects that have shaped the landscape of Palm Springs, including Richard Neutra, John Lautner, Donald Wexler and the Alexander brothers. This afternoon, board the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in the world's largest rotating tram car and journey along the breathtaking cliff tops to the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. As you ascend on your 10-minute journey, the tram car rotates slowly, offering amazing vistas of the valley floor below. A Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant introduces you to the best of what the area has to offer.
Day 3: Exploring Joshua Tree National Park
This morning you’ll depart from your hotel for an excursion to Joshua Tree National Park, which is characterized by the strangely shaped Joshua trees, rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. The ecosystems of the Mojave and the Colorado come together here with a variety of plants and animals that thrive in this surreal environment shaped by winds and occasional rainfall. Your knowledgeable Travel Director will bring the park’s history and geology to life. Later, enjoy some time at leisure this evening as you get to know this desert oasis on your own terms.
Day 4: Palm Springs and Scottsdale
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Scottsdale as you join Local Experts for a guided tour of the Heard Museum. Established to both preserve and advance Native American art, the museum has a mission to be the most preeminent of its kind.
Day 5: Flavour of Arizona Relaxed Start
Start the day with a guided tour of your famous hotel, Valley Ho. Meet a Local Expert who will take you on a guided walk of the property while telling you stories about its glitzy Hollywood history and architecture. Later, meet with the chef of this evening's experience for a walk through the stalls of the Old Town Farmers Market. Explore Scottsdale with an Insight Choice. Choose to take a small-group tour of Old Town Scottsdale on golf carts. Alternatively, visit the Museum of the West. In the evening, you’ll be introduced to the authentic flavours of the region as you head to a cooking demonstration and hands-on experience. You’ll learn to cook classic Southwestern and Mexican staples such as enchiladas, spicy meat dishes and Spanish rice. Once you’ve learnt from the expert, sit and indulge in your tasty masterpiece.
Day 6: Gastronomic Tucson
Wake for a hearty breakfast at your hotel before joining a guided tour of Taliesin West, the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards move on to Tucson, which is known for its farmers' markets, annual food festivals and fairs that specialise in Southern cuisine. Meet a Local Expert who will guide you through the city on a foodie tour, with a lunch stop along the way.
Day 7: Tucson and Saguaro National Park
In the morning you’ll make your way to historic Tombstone, where a guided tour with a Local Expert will introduce you to the once bustling boomtown of the Wild West. This very spot once offered much-needed entertainment to the many miners that spent hours underground. This afternoon you'll visit Saguaro National Park, home to the largest cacti in the United States. Later this evening, toast to your travels with new friends at your Celebration Dinner before your trip comes to an end tomorrow. Following your meal, join a local professional astronomer for an evening under the stars.
Day 8: Depart Tucson or Phoenix
It���s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. Take our organised transfer to Tucson International Airport at your leisure or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport arriving at 11:00. You will also have the option to extend your stay at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
