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Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon Family Multisport

Overview
Lodging
Reviews
Route Rating
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Trip Highlights
  • Astonishing rock formations, river-carved canyons and sheer sandstone cliffs
  • Kids make like early pioneers, exploring the Grand Canyon's rim by mule
  • Pedal among crimson rocks and desert wildflowers
  • Starry night skies far from city lights
  • Splash your way through the Narrows in Zion

Biking & Walking A National Park "Triple Crown"

"Awesome!" As a parent, you may try to avoid the word. But in this case, as you gaze out over the Grand Canyon, marveling at the play of light and shadow across the endless expanse, it's perfect. And the words keep coming. Whether you're exploring a wonderland of hoodoos and pinnacles in Bryce Canyon ("sweet!"). Traipsing amid the soaring walls and hanging gardens of a slot canyon in Zion ("epic!"). Or laughing at fireside stories under a star-speckled sky ("those leaders are so fly!"). You'll try to contain yourself. But you can't. Because the whole experience is truly... awesome.

Days 1-2 In Bryce, hike through an impressive slot canyon whose walls are only ten feet apart in places  Discover a labyrinth of hoodoos and vivid rock formations sprouting from the floor of Queen's Garden  Grown-ups spin to Red Canyon, where youngsters join them for a breezy ride What was that? Desert critters, like lizards and chipmunks, scamper across your path Journey through an arid landscape with the spectacular Kaibab Plateau rising ahead.

Day 3 Kids make like early pioneers, exploring the Grand Canyon's rim by mule Adults enjoy an up-close look at the beauty of the Grand Canyon during a hike Swap stories about the day's adventures around the campfire.

Day 4 Splash your way through the Narrows in Zion  Admire expansive high-desert views of the Grand Staircase en route to Zion, a hiker's paradise  It's an exhilarating river hike through the Narrows, one of the most renowned slot canyons in the world, with small waterfalls and hanging gardens cascading down the rock faces.

Days 5-6 Night skies exploding with stars - we're far from city lights here Experienced canyoneering instructors show kids the ropes Adults opt for an easygoing walk past Emerald Pools or a thrilling climb to Angels Landing  A traffic-free bike ride amid towering walls of sheer Navajo sandstone.

Guests Reviews About This Trip

Awesome and awe-inspiring. I knew the locations were going to be eye-openers. What I didn't realize was how Backroads would carefully construct and perfectly assemble this family camping trip. They made the most of every location for both parents and children. From the campsite logistics of arranging 3 sumptuous meals a day for 26 individuals (many with unique needs), to the setting up, arranging and taking down our tents at each site. On top of this, they provided informative breaks and activities on our long driving days. This was my first family camping trip, after 18 inn trips, and you all outdid yourselves! I'm convinced that another camping trip is in my near future. I've come to know that with Backroads, the trip logistics and planning will be top-notch. The thought and tiny details (playing in a water park for the kids to cool off, dessert at the rim of Grand Canyon, ice cream sundaes and smores for dessert) raise the bar for standards Backroads has set. I'm sold!
Elizabeth Weisser - New York, NY
Every member of our family loved the trip. The scenery was incredible, our leaders were amazing, and we thoroughly enjoyed our fellow campers. I could not have imagined the uniqueness of hoodoos in Bryce, the awesome expanse of the Grand Canyon or the rugged beauty of Zion. Backroads provided the perfect way to see them.
Bob Shearman - Fort Myers, FL
Our trip was simply fantastic! The accommodations were great and I had NEVER tent-camped before this trip. The food was out of this world. I never would have guessed that we'd eat that well on a camping trip. Our leaders were second to none! I can't say enough about it, we really had the time of our lives. I was awed by the beauty of the Southwest.
Linda Omdahl - Jefferson, MD

Deluxe Camping

Sunset Campground
Sunset Campground

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (1 night) Set in a pine forest, just a short hike from the rim of Bryce Canyon.

North Rim Campground

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (2 nights) Our home, near the edge of the canyon in a meadow ringed with aspen, offers breathtaking views. 

Watchman Campground

Zion National Park, Utah (2 nights) Nestled along the Virgin River with soaring cliffs all around.

More Trips

California: Yosemite Multisport New!

Nature's Glorious Spectacle in the Sierra Nevada

Utah & Arizona: Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon Multisport

Biking & Hiking in Utah & Arizona's National Parks

Wyoming: Yellowstone & Tetons Multisport

Biking, Walking & Kayaking in the Wyoming Wilderness

This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3

Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options
Day Activity EASYGOING ACTIVE AVID
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain miles feet gain
1 Walking 3.6 600
2 Biking 9* 100 26 1000
Biking 16 100
Walking 1.5 100
3 Walking 2.0 500 7.4 1500 8.4 500
Walking 5.0 100
Other Point Imperial scenic drive (2.5 hours)
Kids Mule ride (1 hour)
4 Walking 2.0 0 5.0 200
5 Walking 2.8 400 4.0 1000 5.0 1500 8.2 2200
Walking 4.2 1000
Kids Canyoneering (6 hours)
6 Biking 17 500
 
note:

On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with no significant gain or loss in elevation. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.

* Includes a shuttle

For 34 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Utah & Arizona tour experts. See our award-winning USA multisport tours, USA biking tours and USA walking and hiking tours.