Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon Multisport
- Astonishing rock formations, river-carved canyons and sheer sandstone cliffs
- Pedal among crimson rocks and desert wildflowers to Red Canyon
- An impressive slot canyon in Bryce, whose walls are only ten feet apart in places
- Kids make like early pioneers, exploring the Grand Canyon's rim by mule
- Splash your way through the Narrows in Zion
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Family Biking & Hiking in Utah & Arizona's National Parks
Hovering hoodoos. Walter's Wiggles. Spindly spires. Kids in giggles. Seems right out of Dr. Seuss. But this fantastical world exists. Right here. In the Southwest. You'll rub your eyes. Once. Maybe twice. To believe the whimsical rock formations. The spectacular views. The red and orange and yellow hues. And in this wonderland of slot canyons, pinnacles and bristlecone pine, your family gets to hike, bike, mule ride and rock climb. Watching the sun set at the surreal gorge's rim, you might just hear Dr. Seuss say: "Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."
Days 1-2 Bryce Canyon's maze of spires, windows and pinnacles 
Hike through a 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 Youngsters delight in a special dinner with the Kid Coordinator while adults sit down to a satisfying meal at the Grand Canyon Lodge.
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 The thrilling hike to Angels Landing, bringing you nearly 2,000 feet above the valley for a 360-degree panorama of soaring sandstone Opt for an easygoing walk past Emerald Pools if heights aren't your thing Experienced canyoneering instructors show kids the ropes Pedal a traffic-free route amid towering walls of sheer Navajo sandstone.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
This was the best trip ever - it combined the right amount of adult time with family time, exercise and leisure. Given the five-year difference in our kids' ages, combined with our younger son's endless energy, we wanted to find the family vacation that satisfied all our needs and goals, and Backroads fulfilled this in every way. Additionally, our leaders' willingness to be flexible with regard to our itinerary made the trip even more tailored to us. A perfect blend of activity, downtime, family, new friends. We are new fans!- Menlo Park, CA
What an amazing family experience!! We could never have accomplished near this amount of activities, left to our own devices. Nor have challenged ourselves as much. We enjoyed the entire experience, and hold its memory dear!- Saint Augustine, FL
Backroads is the way to travel - it was great having all the logistics taken care of. We could just relax and enjoy the trip. The sights were incredible and the activities fun. My children, ages 6-17, all had a wonderful vacation. I cannot say enough nice things about our leaders - they were awesome. I would recommend this trip to anyone who likes to be active and appreciates nature.- Wauwatosa WI
Casual Inns
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (1 night) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this simple park lodge is mere steps from the canyon’s edge.
Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (2 nights) This 1920s rustic stone-and-wood lodge is perched above the grandeur of the remote North Rim.
Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens
Zion National Park, Utah (2 nights) A riverside oasis with a beach and lush gardens. (pool)
California: Death Valley Multisport
Unexpected Wonders in California's Mojave Desert
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California: Yosemite Multisport
Nature's Glorious Spectacle in the Sierra Nevada
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Utah & Arizona: Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon Multisport New!
Family Trip: Biking & Walking A National Park "Triple Crown"
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Wyoming: Yellowstone & Tetons Multisport New!
Family Biking, Walking & Kayaking in the Wyoming Wilderness
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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 3.4 miles
- 500 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 4 Several Route Options Available
- Hiking (Adults) 1.5 - 10.2 miles
- 100 - 1500 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 19 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.
