Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon Multisport
- 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
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Family Trip: 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 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 put together this family camping trip from considering how to make the most of every location for both parents and children, to the campsite logistics of arranging 3 sumptuous meals a day for 26 individuals (many with unique needs), to the putting up, arranging and taking down of our tents at each site, to providing informative breaks and activities on our long driving days. This was my first family camping trip (after 18 inn trips). You all outdid yourselves. I'm convinced that another camping trip is in my near future. I've come to know that with Backroads that 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 and standards that Backroads set. I'm sold on family camping for the future.- 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.- Fort Myers, FL
Our trip was simply fantastic. The accommodations were great (and I had NEVER tent-camped before!), the food was out of this world (I never would have guessed that we would eat that well on a camping trip!), and our leaders were second to none. I can't say enough about it; we had the time of our lives! I was awed by the beauty of the Southwest as well as the top-notch service we received from Backroads.- Jefferson, MD
Deluxe Camping
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.
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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.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3.6 miles
- 600 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 9, 16, 26 miles
- 100 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking 1.5 miles
- 50 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking (Adults) 2 - 7.4 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Hiking 5 - 8.4 miles
- 100 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Mule Ride (Kids) 1 hour
Day 4
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2 - 5 miles
- 20 - 150 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 5 Route Options Available
- Hiking (Adults) 2.8, 4, 4.2, 5, 8.2 miles
- 400 - 2200 feet elevation gain
- Canyoneering (Kids) 6 hours
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 17 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
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For 33 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.
