Zion & Bryce Hiking
Utah's Phenomenal National Parks
In Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, the forces of erosion and geology have wrought a high-desert spectacle of extravagant rock formations and river-carved canyons that defy description as much as gravity. Zion, laced with an extensive network of trails, offers vast valley overlooks and stunning sheer sandstone cliffs. Just to the east, bizarre outcrops and vermilion limestone amphitheaters have earned Bryce Canyon a reputation as "the most colorful of national parks." On this Backroads adventure, hike to sweeping vistas and along spectacular plateaus, wander among sparse forests of juniper and pine, and at day’s end enjoy resplendent sunsets and rest in comfortable Southwest lodges.
Trip Planning Links
- Astonishing rock formations, river-carved canyons and Navajo sandstone cliffs
- Hike amid Bryce's hoodoos and spires
- Splash your way through the Narrows in Zion
- Angels Landing, with views of soaring rock faces and a yawning canyon abyss
- Gain insight into the region's geology and human history
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-3 zion
Meet in St. George 
Travel to Zion for a warm-up hike that introduces us to the national park’s grandeur Meet a local expert who reveals the geologic evolution of Zion Wind your way through cool Refrigerator Canyon, then continue to Angels Landing for a panorama of Zion’s endless stretches of soaring rock faces and plummeting abysses A stroll to Emerald Pools is less challenging but equally rewarding Follow a steep path to Observation Point, where sublime vistas await Beat the heat on a spectacular river trek through the Narrows, following the water down a slot canyon draped with hanging gardens.
Days 4-6 bryce canyon
Spend two full days exploring the otherworldly wonderland of Bryce Canyon National Park, a striking spectacle of monoliths, crooked stone spires and an array of limestone amphitheaters Discover the unearthly hoodoos of Queen’s Garden Grab your camera and a seat on the canyon rim to watch the sun set or rise over Bryce - the dance of light and color over the mystical spires is a performance you’ll remember forever.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
New Mexico Walking Candian Rockies Walking Yosemite WalkingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This trip was AWESOME!!! The group was delightful and our leaders stupendous! Our guides were first rate, professional, and amazingly organized. They made this trip amazing. I can't thank them enough! I would reccommend this trip to anyone that truly wants appreciate Bryce and Zion at their best. One of my best vacations yet!- Sacramento, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Zion & Bryce Hiking
COMFORTABLE LODGES: Casual Inns
Desert Pearl Inn
Zion (3 nights) Guest rooms at this welcoming riverside lodge have balconies overlooking the stunning cliffs of Zion.
Bryce Canyon Lodge
Bryce Canyon (2 nights) This simple park lodge, a National Historic Landmark, is just a stone’s throw from the canyon rim.
Zion & Bryce Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2.8 miles
- 450 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 2.2, 4.2, 8.2 miles
- 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2, 4, 5 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.2, 3.1, 6 miles
- 0 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 3.4, 4.4, 7.2 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 1.5 - 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain