Zion & Bryce Hiking
In Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, erosion has wrought extravagant rock formations and river-carved canyons, creating high-desert spectacles 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 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 Cool off with a spectacular river hike 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 is on the National Historic Register and 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
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 2.2, 4.2, 8.2 miles
- 1000 - 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
- 2.9, 3.2, 7.1 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 1.5 to 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| 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 |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/17-22Price: $2098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/2-7Price: $2098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/21-26Price: $2098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/28-10/3Price: $2098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
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
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