Zion With The Guys
Count Me In
Guys only · April 20–24, 2027

Zion.

Big adventure. Even better company. Three days exploring Zion. Four nights in an incredible house. A guys-only trip built around great hikes, spectacular views, and time together away from the usual routine.

Hosted by David Duford · Fly into Las Vegas

Zion Canyon seen from the Observation Point trail
Trade the everyday for something unforgettable

Get out of the routine. Get into the canyon.

There’s a big difference between talking about taking a trip and actually getting the guys together to do it. This is the trip: Zion by day, a resort-style house at night, and plenty of time to catch up in between.

Love the Grand Canyon? Put Zion on your list. Think a different kind of canyon experience: red-and-cream sandstone walls, a river winding through the landscape, and trails that take you from the canyon floor to sweeping overlooks. The scenery is the reason to go. The company is what makes it a guys’ trip.

The places on our list

Three very different kinds of wow.

These are our target experiences. We’ll shape the final outings around permits, spring conditions, access, and the group.

Angels Landing and its exposed ridge, Zion National Park
The iconic ridge · Permit-dependent

Angels Landing

Climb toward Scout Lookout for canyon views, with the famous Angels Landing chains as an optional finish for permit holders comfortable with serious exposure. Not doing the chains? Scout Lookout and the West Rim offer an alternative without that section.

Hikers in the Virgin River between the tall walls of the Narrows
The river adventure · Conditions-dependent

The Narrows

Here, the river is the route. Wading between immense canyon walls is a completely different way to experience Zion. We’ll consider a bottom-up outing only if the river is open and conditions are suitable; spring snowmelt can close this hike.

Zion Canyon seen from the Observation Point trail
The big overlook · Access-dependent

Observation Point

A forest approach leads toward a wide-open view of Zion Canyon. We’re targeting the East Mesa route, not the closed connection from Weeping Rock. Spring road conditions and suitable trailhead transportation will determine whether this outing works.

These are planned highlights, not guaranteed stops. Angels Landing needs a permit; the Narrows may close for spring runoff; East Mesa access depends on road conditions. We’ll rearrange days or choose open alternatives rather than force a route. All hikes remain subject to park conditions and guidance.
Our group house · Four nights, April 20–24 · Photo supplied by David

Yes, this is where we’re staying.

A big day outside deserves more than a cramped hotel room. Our resort-style house gives us a place to gather, relax, and enjoy the evening together before doing it all again the next morning.

Think poolside downtime, a few putts, mountain views, and conversations that don’t have to end when dinner does.

The group house at dusk, with pool, putting green, and desert mountain views
Photo supplied by David.
Tuesday to Saturday · April 20–24

A little logistics. A lot of Zion.

We’ll handle the group van plan and stay together at the house. You arrange your flights, bring your hiking legs, and join us for three full days of exploring.

TuesdayApr 20

Land in Vegas. Head for Utah.

Fly into Las Vegas, meet the group, and load up the rental vans. We’ll head to the house for evening check-in, get settled, and go over the next day’s plan. You’re welcome to arrive in Vegas earlier and meet us for the group departure.

WednesdayApr 21

Angels Landing & the West Rim.

Our first target is Scout Lookout via the West Rim Trail. With permits and suitable conditions, those comfortable with the exposure can continue onto Angels Landing. Additional West Rim miles are an option; the exposed chains are never required.

ThursdayApr 22

Observation Point & East Zion.

We’ll aim for Observation Point via East Mesa, with its forest approach and expansive canyon views. Depending on access, time, and the group, we may add Canyon Overlook or other East Zion scenery before heading back to the house.

FridayApr 23

The Narrows—or another great canyon day.

If the river is open and conditions are suitable, we’ll aim for a bottom-up Narrows hike. If spring runoff rules it out, we’ll switch to an open alternative such as Kolob Canyons. Either way, we’ll finish with one more evening together at the house.

SaturdayApr 24

Back to Vegas. Home—or stay awhile.

Check out, ride back to Las Vegas, return the vans, and catch flights toward the end of the day. Prefer to extend the trip? Stay for the weekend and meet up with your wife or spouse. Your extra Vegas plans are separate from the group trip.

Travel planning: Allow roughly 2½–3 hours between Las Vegas and Zion’s main visitor area, plus stops; the drive to our house depends on its location. Utah is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. Exact pickup and airport return windows will be coordinated before you book flights. Day order and activities can change. · Drive-time reference · Park transportation

Make Vegas your own.

Arrive before Tuesday for a little extra time in town, or stay after Saturday for a couples’ weekend. Just coordinate with David so your plans work with the shared van schedule. Additional lodging, transportation, and activities are your responsibility.

The shared trip budget

Great trip. Clear costs.

The current estimate is $1,500 per person for the shared trip expenses, spread across three $500 installments. Your food and flights are separate.

Estimated per person $1,500

Four nights at the house, group rental vans, fuel, park entry, and associated shared travel costs.

$500 · Dec 1, 2026 $500 · Feb 1, 2027 $500 · Apr 1, 2027

What the shared budget covers

✓Four nights at the group house
✓Rental vans for group transportation
✓Scheduled Vegas transfers & park travel
✓Gas, park entry & associated shared costs

What you cover separately

—Your round-trip flights and all food
—Personal purchases and any extra Vegas nights
—Specialty gear or personal rentals, if needed—confirm costs with David before committing
Pay David directly through Zelle or PayPal. Account details and the signup information will be sent after you express interest. At the conclusion of the trip, any money remaining after the shared expenses are paid will be divided evenly and returned to the participants. This is a shared-expense trip, not a promise of a specific refund amount.
Before you raise your hand

A few good questions.

Have something else on your mind? Catch David at jiu-jitsu or leave a question in the interest form.

Who is this trip for?

This is a guys-only trip for men who want to hike, spend time outdoors, and enjoy a few days together. The group trip runs Tuesday through Saturday. Spouses are welcome to meet you in Vegas afterward for your own separate weekend plans.

How physically demanding is the trip?

Plan for three active days and several hours on your feet, not just sightseeing from a van. Some outings are strenuous. Angels Landing includes serious drop-offs, and the Narrows involves moving water and slippery footing. Talk with David about your fitness and comfort level before committing; you do not have to do the chains to join the trip.

Are all three featured hikes guaranteed?

No. Angels Landing depends on permits and conditions. The Narrows can close during spring snowmelt. Observation Point via East Mesa depends on road and trail access. The itinerary may change, and open alternatives will replace unavailable routes.

Do I need to book my own flights?

Yes. Fly into and out of Las Vegas and pay for your own airfare. Coordinate your flight times with David before booking so they work with the group van departures. The plan is to arrive Tuesday, April 20, and return to Vegas on Saturday, April 24, for flights later in the day.

Does the interest form commit me to paying?

No. It simply lets David know you’re interested. He’ll follow up by text with the signup information, payment instructions, and next steps. Confirm participation, rooming arrangements, and cancellation terms before sending a deposit. Unused shared funds returned after the trip are separate from any cancellation arrangement.

You’ve seen the house. Now picture the trip.

Come for the canyon views. Stay for the time with the guys. Leave your name and mobile number, add any questions you have, and I’ll send the signup form, trip details, and Zelle or PayPal payment instructions. No payment is collected on this page.

Count Me Interested
Zion With The Guys · April 20–24, 2027 · Preliminary interest page
Angels Landing photo: NPS Photo, via nps.gov. The Narrows and Observation Point photos: NPS Photo, assets marked public domain via NPGallery. House photo supplied by David Duford. This page does not imply National Park Service endorsement.