Zion & Bryce Hiking
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.
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.
COMFORTABLE LODGES: Casual Inns
Desert Pearl Inn (3 nights): Guest rooms at this welcoming riverside lodge have balconies overlooking the stunning cliffs of Zion.
Bryce Canyon Lodge (2 nights): This simple park lodge, a National Historic Landmark, is just a stone’s throw from the canyon rim.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/25-30Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $570 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/1-6Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $570 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/7-12Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $570 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/21-26Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $570 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/5-10Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $570 for sgl. occ.)
Guest Trip Reviews
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
This trip far exceeded my expectations. Up front, I knew I was going to be able to relax and not worry about details, but it's an entirely different thing to experience this level of care. I immediately fell into the routine, experiencing things moment by moment, and loved that all I had to worry about was deciding whether I was going to take the long or short option hike that day. I feel rejuvenated and can't wait to go on my next trip. It is difficult to adjust back to the real world after getting immersed in a Backroads trip.- Campbell, CA
This was my third trip with Backroads and I have come to expect outstanding service and am never disappointed!! The trip surpassed my expectations and I am already trying to decide what my next destination with Backroads will be!!- New York, NY
Great part of the world. The trip and the leaders made it a terrific experience. This was our third Backroads trip, first in North America, and they've all been splendid. We've used others and Backroads is far and away the best in the business. Love your people. Wished we'd found you earlier in our hiking travel but now it's just a matter of where and when.- Ontario, Canada