- ZION NATIONAL PARK HIKING, CAMPING & GLAMPING HOLIDAY ADVENTUREZion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, Orderville, UT
“A Spectacular Hiking, Camping and Glamping Holiday Adventure, Discovering & Exploring Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah!”
Located in Southern Utah’s high plateau country, Zion National Park was established in 1919, and contains 232 square miles of deep narrow gorges, colossal buttresses and towering red sandstone canyon walls with sheer cliffs that drop 2000 feet straight down to the desert floor below. Carved out millions of years ago by the Virgin River, Zion National Park is comprised of pristine and remote canyons and some of the most dramatic and spectacular topography that extends into its remote backcountry. For hikers and outdoors adventurers, Zion National Park is a mecca with iconic hikes such as the Narrows, Angels Landing, the Subway, Emerald Pools and more. With its extensive network of trails, Zion National Park contains some of the best national park hikes for all levels offering spectacular canyon scenery whether looking up from deep within its narrow gorges or from the top of its tall cliffs. Zion National Park is a bucket list destination for a spectacular and epic hiking, camping or glamping adventure that will leave you with great memories for a lifetime!
You are cordially invited to come join us for this special event which will be an amazing holiday weekend of hiking, camping & glamping adventure, with gorgeous and spectacular scenery only found in Zion National Park, Utah!
For more information about the Zion National Park, go to Zion National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
ZION NATIONAL PARK HIKING, CAMPING & GLAMPING ADVENTURE:
For this adventure the plan is to carpool and drive to Zion National Park in Southern Utah for an extended holiday weekend of 4 days/3 nights camping and glamping at the Zion Ponderosa Resort. There are 2 campsites reserved with max 6 people each site. Glamping rooms are also available and can hold up to max 6 people each site.
For more information visit their website at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort | Zion National Park ResortTRAVEL PLAN & ITINERARY:
DAY ONE-AM-Drive/Carpool to Zion National Park and check in at Zion Ponderosa Resort: Address: Twin Knolls Road, Orderville, UT. 84758. Park entrance fee-$35.
DAY TWO-AM-Narrows Hike.
DAY THREE-AM-Open day to hike and explore Zion National Park. Those with permits will hike the Subway Hike.
DAY FOUR-AM- Hike to Canyon Overlook. PM-Drive back to Phoenix and return home by late afternoon-early evening.
SIGN UP & REGISTER:
To sign up and register for this adventure, please RSVP first, then contact Todd Muncy to reserve a camping spot, or to reserve your glamping site, contact Laura Halik at info@thegreatoutdoorsadventures.com or text at 602-689-9763. Please provide your full name, email, and a good contact number. For camping, the total cost for 3 nights is $100 PP, payable to Todd Muncy.
***IMPORTANT UPDATE***Glamping sites are now sold out***But there are still Cowboy Cabins available for $233 + tax per night/$782 w/tax for 3 nights, subject to availability. Payments can be made directly to Laura Halik by Zelle, Venmo or by Paypal.
It’s going to be an amazing holiday weekend of hiking, camping & glamping adventure, with gorgeous and spectacular scenery that is only found in Zion National Park, Utah! Come join us! :)
- DOMINICA DIVING, SNORKELING & HIKING ADVENTUREFort Young Hotel and Dive Resort, Roseau
“Discover Dominica, the Nature Island with Pristine & Remote Volcanic Mountains and Rainforest Beauty, Spectacular Waterfalls and Deep River Gorges Encircled by Turquoise Blue Waters with Dramatic Walls and Brilliant Coral Reefs Rich in Marine Life for Spectacular Diving, Snorkeling, Hiking and Exploring the Caribbean’s Off-The-Beaten Path Best Kept Secret!”
“Located in the Lesser Antilles of the British West Indies of the Southern Caribbean, and situated between the islands of Guadalope and Martinique, the island of Dominica 28 miles wide, aka “The Nature Island” due to 2/3 of its terrain consisting of dense tropical rainforest and national parks with tall, rugged volcanic mountains and deep valleys and gorges, soothing mineral hot springs and refreshing deep pools, and gushing waterfalls and 365 flowing rivers. In addition, to being a beautiful pristine and remote rainforest paradise, made famous by the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, with episodes 1 & 3 having been filmed there. Dominica is also surrounded by crystal clear and warm turquoise waters and is rated as one of the top 5 destinations in the Caribbean for scuba diving and snorkeling offering steep walls with dramatic drop offs and rugged underwater topography, and two marine reserves containing vibrant and healthy coral reefs rich in marine life, large and small all of which can be found off its coast line including sea turtles, dolphins, and 22 out the 33 different whale species and one of the only places in the world where giant Sperm Whales which can get up to 70 feet long, can be sighted in Dominica nearly all year long!
But the island of Dominica is not only a paradise for ocean adventure, it’s also the number one destination in the Caribbean for land adventure too with its numerous rivers, hot springs and over 300 miles of trails for all hiking activity levels from easy to moderate to strenuous and difficult such as Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge and Boiling Lake and also the 115-mile Waitukubuli Trail, the Caribbean’s first long distance national trail are just a few of the many amazing adventures in nature and the outdoors that await travelers to discover and explore the untouched and off-the-beaten path tropical paradise of Dominica, “The Nature Island” and a top destination for epic adventure travel in the Southern Caribbean!
You are invited to come travel with us for this very special event where we’ll discover “The Nature Island of Dominica”, including amazing scuba diving and snorkeling in the clear turquoise blue water surrounded by spectacular coral reefs, abundant in marine life, and also journey inland to discover and explore tropical rainforest, volcanoes, hot springs and rivers with pristine and remote wilderness beauty, lush waterfalls and deep valleys and gorges making for an epic adventure of a lifetime for outdoors enthusiasts and nature lovers!
DIVE & STAY PACKAGE SPECIAL:
This all-inclusive dive & stay package special includes the following:
-7 nights ocean front double room accommodations at Fort Young Dive Resort
-Round trip airport transfers
-5 days of two tank boat diving
-One night dive
-Tanks, weights, and belts
-Free Nitrox, for Nitrox Certified Divers
-Full breakfast served daily
-$50 resort credit per room
-Unlimited shore diving & snorkeling at their house reef
-Trafalgar Falls & Titou Gorge Afternoon Hiking Tours & ExcursionsThis diving & snorkeling adventure does NOT include the following:
-Roundtrip Airfare
-Rental gear: BCD, Regulator, Dive Computer, Wetsuits, Mask, Fins & Snorkel
-Other optional tours, excursions, and activities
-Lunches, dinners, and alcoholic beverages
-Groceries, Shopping
-GratuitiesThe total cost for this all-inclusive Dive & Stay package special at the Fort Young Dive Resort is $1518 per diver, and $1019 per non-diver, double occupancy. A refundable deposit of $200 ($100 per person) is required up front to confirm a room reservation. Deposits are refundable up to 90 days prior to departure. Final payment in full is due 60 days prior to departure.
To sign up and register for this adventure, first RSVP, then contact Laura Halik, group organizer at 602-689-9763 or email info@greatoutdoorsadventures.net to provide your email address and cell phone number and if you are bringing someone, also provide their full name, email address and cell phone number.
Space is limited for this adventure, so please be sure to RSVP, and contact Laura Halik to send your deposit ASAP to confirm your spot!
It is going to be a truly epic experience and spectacular week of hiking, diving and snorkeling fun and adventure in discovering and exploring Dominica, the “Nature Island” in the Southern Caribbean! 😊
Cheers,
Laura Halik - JULY 4TH HOLIDAY POTLUCK PARTYNeeds location
JULY 4TH HOLIDAY POTLUCK PARTY!
You are cordially invited to the Great Outdoors Adventures Travel Group’s July 4th Holiday Potluck Party which will include great food and delicious appetizers and desserts, fun games and a raffle with gifts and prizes!
It’s a great opportunity to spend a little time together “off the trails” with our friends and fellow group members old and new, to celebrate the July 4th holiday! So be sure to save the date and come join us for a wonderful afternoon of great food and fun celebrating the holiday together with friends coming up Thursday, July 4th, at 2 PM!
FOOD: Choose your favorite appetizer, main dish or a dessert then contact Laura Halik to let her know what you are planning to bring.
DRINKS: This event is BYOB so if you have a favorite alcoholic beverage you’d like to bring, please bring it. Water and soda will be available.
SEATING: If you have a camping chair (or two), or a folding table, please bring it for outside patio seating.
LOCATION: Location is TBD. We are looking for a member volunteer to host this event. Address will be forwarded to you after you RSVP.
WHO’S INVITED: Members of the Great Outdoors Group are invited. Group members are welcome to bring a “plus” or guest. Contact Laura Halik in advance to let her know if you are bringing a guest.
QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact Laura Halik, organizer at info@thegreatoutdoorsadventures.com or call/text at 602-689-9763.
Come join us for a wonderful 4th of July holiday celebration and enjoy an afternoon of great food, fun, friendship, and camaraderie in the Great Outdoors Adventures Travel Group!Cheers,
Laura Halik - WET BEAVER CREEK WATER HIKE ADVENTUREMcDonald's, Phoenix, AZ
A Spectacular Red Rock Water Hike Adventure to ‘The Crack’, a Cliff Jumper’s Oasis, at Wet Beaver Creek, in the Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness, Sedona, Arizona!
Wet Beaver Creek, with its perennial waters surrounded by red sandstone walls, is a riparian area located in the Wet Beaver Wilderness, consisting of 6,155 acres in the Coconino National Forest near Sedona. Following the Bell Trail # 13, offers day hikers a gorgeous Sedona canyon journey for 3 1/2 miles until arriving at what’s locally known as ‘The Crack’. With its deep pools of cool water surrounded by tall red rock walls, ‘The Crack’ at Wet Beaver Creek, is top rated on the “best water hikes” lists as being a superb Arizona swimming hole and for those of us adventurer’s….a spectacular cliff jumping oasis!
If you’re up for a classic water hike with gorgeous Sedona canyon scenery…. leading to up to an excellent swimming hole and a spectacular red rock, cliff jumping oasis….then come out and join us for a great day of cliff jumping fun and cooling off from the heat….at ‘The Crack’, at Wet Beaver Creek in the Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness, Sedona, Arizona!
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Total Estimated Hiking Distance: 7 miles
Total Hiking Time: Max. 4-5 hours
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 520 feet
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
****PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS SUBJECT TO RESCHEDULING AND/OR POSTPONEMENT SHOULD ADVERSE MONSOON WEATHER OR WATER CONDITIONS DEEM THIS ADVENTURE IN-ADVISABLE****
The trailhead has a large parking area and toilet facilities available.
Car-pooling with group and club members can be arranged at the meet up location on the morning of.
***PLEASE NOTE: All carpool riders are expected to bring cash for gas money (min. $10-15) for their carpool drivers. No exceptions.
Bring a towel, and a pair of good all terrain water hiking shoes or sandals (toe-covered preferably).The water temps down in the creek will feel refreshing but they are also cool. Hypothermia is a real hazard. Synthetic/quick dry clothing and neoprene socks recommended.
Day time air temps will be heat up quickly. Highly recommend protective clothing, sunscreen, and hats.
Please come prepared and pack plenty of water. Protein, carbs, energy snacks and electrolytes are highly recommended.
Pictures are always highly encouraged. Waterproof cases for cell phones, sport cameras and Go Pros recommended.
We will break for snacks, pictures and enjoy some swimming and maybe a little cliff jumping too while down at the Crack at Wet Beaver Creek.
After the hike, and on the way home, we will plan to have lunch and toast and celebrate at the Verde Brewing Company in Camp Verde then return to Phoenix by mid-late afternoon.
For more information, about the Verde Brewing Company including address & location, please go to http://www.verdebrewing.com/
SINGLE DAY-HIKING GROUP POLICIES:
-Please be sure to read the event description and if you have any questions about the difficulty and experience level advised for a particular hike, please contact the organizer. You are responsible for yourself so please ask questions regarding any concerns you might have, prior to attending the hike.
-Group Pace: On the hiking adventures, we do not trail run. So, if you average 3+ mph, you may be ahead of the group. If you hike 2 mph or slower, you may be behind the group. Hike at the pace which is most comfortable for you but please note you are responsible for yourself should you lose the group and are not familiar with the route. Highly advise you to research the hike before you come by reviewing the websites and logistics information that’s provided and please come prepared.
-If you are RSVP’d for a single day trip or event, we are looking forward to your coming. If you are running late to the meet up location, just let us know and we will wait for you. However, if you cannot make it, please let us know by updating your status to NOT GOING. “No Shows” will be flagged and may be removed from future day hikes and events.
For more information about the Wet Beaver Creek Water Hike, you can check out these recommended websites:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/bell-trail
http://www.azswimmingholes.com/the_crack.html
https://www.theoutbound.com/arizona/hiking/hike-to-the-crack-at-wet-beaver-creek
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=7
Looking forward to a great day and an amazing water hike adventure and a whole lot of fun, friendship, and camaraderie with all of you! 😊 Cheers, Laura - KAYAKING ADVENTURE ON THE VERDE RIVERMcDonald's, Phoenix, AZ
A Rocking & Rolling Kayaking Adventure on Arizona’s Own “Wild and Scenic” Verde River!
Discover Arizona’s “Wild and Scenic” Verde River, on a pristine and remote kayaking journey rich in wildlife and riparian nature with stunning natural beauty extending for miles through bedrock canyons, thick forests, and rolling meadows with rugged desert mountain views off in the distance as the river winds and meanders along the way offering paddlers a spectacular journey with class I and II rapids too for a ton of river running fun and adventure!
Join us for a great day of kayaking fun and adventure paddling down the Verde River with Class I to Class II rapids on a spectacular journey, through beautiful and amazing scenery that is Arizona’s own “Wild & Scenic” Verde River!
For this kayaking adventure we will be working with the folks at Verde Adventures by Sedona Adventure Tours. For more information you can check out their website at Verde Adventures | Wine Tasting, Tubing & Kayaking in (sedonaadventuretours.com)
Our plan is to meet Verde Adventures for a 10 am launch. Accompanied by Verde Adventures, we’ll drive our vehicles to the take-out location and drop them off. Our shuttle will then drive us back to the put-in location where we’ll get our kayaks, paddling gear and receive a safety orientation. Our day’s unguided kayaking journey will begin from here and take us down the Verde River with class I & II rapids for the next five miles.
At roughly about midway, we’ll pull over at a sandbar and take a snack break, then when we’re ready, we’ll get back in our boats again and continue our journey at our own leisurely pace until we come to our takeout point where our cars will be parked and waiting.
VERDE RIVER KAYAKING ADVENTURE:
This unguided, kayaking adventure includes the following:
-Individual inflatable kayak
-Personal flotation device (PFD)
-Paddle & Helmet
-ShuttleThe total cost with the Great Outdoors Adventures Group is $83.21 per person
This group reservation does NOT include the following:
-Transportation to/from Phoenix to Camp Verde
-Gratuity for shuttle driver (10-15%)
-Dry bag
-Sun protection, energy snacks, electrolytesSIGN UP & REGISTER:
To sign up and register for this special event, 1) RSVP, then 2) confirm your reservation and make your payment by contacting Laura Halik group organizer. Payments can be made by Zelle, Venmo or Paypal (friends/family).***Payment in full is due by AUGUST 1ST ***
This is a special event for the Great Outdoors Adventures Group and 3H club members only. All attendees must be RSVP’d and plan to be part of the group. Reservations must be made through the group organizer in order to participate in this event. No exceptions.
***PLEASE NOTE: This event is subject to cancellation and/or postponement should adverse water conditions and/or monsoon storms deem this adventure in-advisable***
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
-Please plan to meet the group at the meet up location to participate in this event.
-Car-pooling is highly recommended and can be arranged at the meetup the morning of.
-Carpool riders are expected to bring extra cash for gas money for their carpool drivers. No exceptions.
-Air temps may be cooler in the early am, advisable to dress in layers.
-You will be getting wet and muddy on this trip: Synthetic/quick dry clothing and river shoes/sandals with neoprene socks are highly recommended. Neoprene gloves to protect your hands are also recommended.
- Be sure to pack/bring plenty of water, energy snacks and electrolytes, plus hats and sunscreen for protection.
-Pack anything you need to bring with you on the river in a water-resistant dry bag/sack, ie your car keys, phones, and any other electronic equipment. Also to secure your pack within the kayak, it is advisable to bring a carabineer.
-Bring a change of dry clothing as there will be a private changing area available for you at the take-out location.For this kayaking adventure, we can expect to be finished and off the river by between 1-2 pm.
Afterwards, we’ll plan on having lunch to toast and celebrate at La Casita, a great little Mexican restaurant in downtown Camp Verde, then return back to Phoenix by late afternoon.
If you have any further questions regarding this special event, please let the event organizer know.
I hope you will come and join us for a great day of kayaking fun and adventure and a gorgeous journey down Arizona’s own “Wild & Scenic” Verde River and through the pristine and remote Verde River Valley! 😊
Cheers,
Laura Halik - SOCORRO ISLANDS WHALE SHARK & MANTA RAY CITIZEN SCIENCE DIVING EXPEDITIONNeeds location
“An Extraordinary Bucket List Adventure of a Lifetime….Discover & Explore the Magnificent Marine Life Wonders of the Socorro Islands, aka “The Galapagos of Mexico”, with the Ocean’s Largest Pelagic Animals….Plus, Participate in a Citizen Science Expedition and Help Research and Study Whale Sharks and Manta Rays Aboard the Quino El Guardian Liveaboard, Baja California, Mexico!”
“The Revillagigedo Islands, more familiarly called the Socorro Islands are also known as “Mexico’s Galapagos”. Located out in the Pacific approximately 250 miles from Cabo San Lucas and the Baja California peninsula, the Socorro Islands are a group of four small volcanic islands: Roca Partida, Socorro/Santo Tomas, San Benedicto, and Santa Rosa and are an Unesco World Heritage site with its own unique and diverse ecosystem and endemic species not found anywhere else. For scuba divers, the Socorro Islands are a magnet for attracting many of the ocean’s largest pelagic animals including many species of sharks, such as Hammerheads, Tigers, White Tips, Galapagos, also giant Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, plus schools of Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Tuna, Barracuda, Jacks, and many more, truly offering divers a spectacular once in a lifetime bucket list adventure that’s only accessible by liveaboard! So if you’re a scuba diver with some experience in deep water diving, this journey aboard the Quino El Guardian Liveaboard to the Socorro Islands also a Citizen Science Expedition to help research and study the Whale Sharks and Manta Rays in partnership with Whale Shark Mexico…..will be an epic adventure and an extraordinary experience you’ll sure not want to miss discovering and exploring the rugged and pristine natural wonders and spectacular marine life of the Socorro Islands, aka “Mexico’s Galapagos!”
You are cordially invited to join us for this special event which is sure to be an epic and unforgettable week of ocean fun and scuba diving adventure aboard the Quino El Guardian Liveaboard on a Citizen Science Expedition to help research and study Whale Sharks and Manta Rays ….in the pristine and remote, Socorro Islands, aka “Mexico’s Galapagos”, 250 miles off Baja Mexico!
Check out this amazing video of the Quino El Guardian at the Socorro Islands! https://youtu.be/EooJvGRRgGw?si=ZY3WVl8u1fR6ITaj
On this adventure we have the exciting and special opportunity to be aboard a Citizen Science Expedition to research and study Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, and participate in marine conservation with activities such as animal/fish counts, tagging, photo identification, helping to collect data in order to learn more about these amazing creatures along with daily presentations on Whale Shark and Manta Ray conservation with marine biologist and Executive Director from Whale Shark Mexico, Beto Garcia!
CITIZEN SCIENCE EXPEDITION LIVEABOARD ADVENTURE:
This all-inclusive Citizen Science Liveaboard expedition adventure includes the following:
-10 days and 9 nights aboard the Quino El Guardian Liveaboard (quad occupancy)
-Three full course meals served daily
-Beverages, Alcohol (beer & wine)
-Taxes, port fees
-Tanks, and weights
-6 days of diving up to 3-4 dives daily
-Dive master on every dive
-Plus….Whale Shark & Manta Ray Citizen Science Conservation Study & Research!
This liveaboard adventure does NOT include the following:
-Transportation costs to/from Phoenix to San Jose Del Cabo
-Transfers to/from the boat
-National Marine Park Fee
-Rental Gear-BC & Regulator, Wet Suits, Gloves, Hoods, or Booties
-Mask, Fins, Snorkels
-Crew Gratuities (10%-15% of the fare)PAYMENTS & DEPOSITS:
The total cost for this all-inclusive liveaboard Citizen Science expedition is $3800, quad occupancy. A $200 deposit required to confirm your reservation. ***SPACE IS LIMITED ONLY 8 SPOTS AVAILABLE***SIGN UP & REGISTER:
To sign up and register for this adventure, first RSVP, then contact Laura Halik, event organizer and group leader at 602-689-9763 or email info@greatoutdoorsadventures.net to provide your email address and cell phone number and if you are bringing someone, also provide their full name, email address and cell phone number.If you have any further questions regarding this adventure, please let me know. I am so excited! It is going to be an extraordinary adventure and a spectacular week aboard the Quino El Guardian Liveaboard, at the Socorro Islands, off Baja Mexico! 😊
Cheers,
Laura Halik