Bryce & Capitol Reef National Parks Walking & Hiking Tour
Journey across Utah's Grand Staircase
Couples, Friends & Solos
5 days 4 nights
Activity Level: 1-3
Casual Hotels
From: $2,899 - $3,099 pp dbl occ
($600 for sgl occ) plus 6.75% tax
Travel into the rugged wilderness and isolated landscapes at the heart of the American Southwest. Dramatic scenery and serenity await in the deep canyons of Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold. And in the winding labyrinths of Bryce's surreal gardens of stone. This hiker's paradise is one colorful vivid playscape that will leave you hungry for more.
Utah
Start/End St. George
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Experience the rugged landscape of southern Utah, an expanse of natural wonders and unusual geologic formations that await your discovery
- Hike into the extraordinary Waterpocket Fold, a massive warping of the earth's surface and the defining geologic feature of remote Capitol Reef National Park
- Savor sophisticated farm-to-table cuisine served in a unique restaurant located on the edge of the wilderness in a once inaccessible mountain town
- Admire the otherworldly landscape of Bryce National Park, where the forces of nature have crafted fantastic rock formations beyond your wildest imagination
Itinerary
5 Days Casual Hotels
Traverse the northern edge of Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument for a hike past prehistoric pictographs to a dramatic box canyon | Feel the cool mist on your face as you encounter Lower Calf Creek Falls plunging over a sandstone cliff | Journey along the Hogsback, an unforgettable stretch of scenic byway that winds along a narrow ridge | Relish the solitude and pristine natural beauty of Capitol Reef National Park, a secluded wonderland and the least visited of Utah's Grand Circle parks | Encounter natural arches, water-carved canyons and towering domes during a hike through the colossal Waterpocket Fold | Notice the greener side of the desert as we pass through the pioneer settlement of Fruita, where 19th-century orchards are still thriving | Revel in the sophisticated menu at Hell's Backbone Grill, inspired by Buddhist and Native American cultures and cuisine.
An oasis of tranquility and comfort overlooking an 11-acre bird sanctuary at the foot of Boulder Mountain in the rugged landscape of southwestern Utah.
Enter Bryce Canyon, home to the world's largest collection of fanciful geologic formations called hoodoos | Circumnavigate Boat Mesa as you hike along the Fairyland Loop, one of the most spectacular routes in the park | Hike through the Queen's Garden, a natural labyrinth of pinnacles, spires and windows | Venture into Wall Street, a narrow passage between towering rock fins | Attend an evening performance you'll never forget—a gentle dance of shifting light and color with ever-changing hues of red, orange and yellow across an immense natural amphitheater | Pass through Dixie National Forest and the incredible Red Canyon on our way back to St. George.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this simple park lodge is mere steps from the canyon's edge.
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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Activity Level:
1-3
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
Some of the walking and hiking routes on this trip include a few steep ascents and descents with significant elevation gain and loss. Also, while the terrain is generally well established, it can range from fully developed trails to pebbles in a creek bed in Capitol Reef National Park. Sturdy footwear is an absolute must in Canyon Country. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible extreme variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities in the canyons. Our routes take place between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
Some of the walking and hiking routes on this trip include a few steep ascents and descents with significant elevation gain and loss. Also, while the terrain is generally well established, it can range from fully developed trails to pebbles in a creek bed in Capitol Reef National Park. Sturdy footwear is an absolute must in Canyon Country. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible extreme variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities in the canyons. Our routes take place between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Accommodations & Service Standards
While the accommodations on this trip reflect the natural surroundings of the national parks and surrounding areas and provide unparalleled access to the best hiking in the region, they are simpler than is typical of Backroads lodging. Boulder Mountain Lodge has comfortable rooms and inviting outdoor common areas. The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is a fairly rustic national park lodge that reflects its natural surroundings. Please note that the guest rooms are basic and are not equipped with televisions or air-conditioning (nights are usually cool due to the high elevation). Generally speaking, service in the national parks can seem laid-back when compared with the high standards of service found on other Backroads trips.
Interpretive Guides
The National Park Service has many regulations on hiking. Capitol Reef National Park limits the size of all groups so you will hike in small groups with your Backroads leaders. In Bryce Canyon National Park, your leaders can hike with you but can't act as "interpretive guides." Throughout the trip, your leaders will give an orientation to the area's flora, fauna and terrain before your hikes. Thank you for helping us cooperate with the park's regulations.
Meals in National Parks
The National Park lodges we use on this trip are chosen for their character and ideal location—they are not known for their food. Meals at park lodges and the surrounding local restaurants can be simple and menu options tend to lack variety. Please be aware that options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and low-carb meals will be especially limited and substitutions are rarely available.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The National Park Service has many regulations on hiking. Capitol Reef National Park limits the size of all groups so you will hike in small groups with your Backroads leaders. In Bryce Canyon National Park, your leaders can hike with you but can't act as "interpretive guides." Throughout the trip, your leaders will give an orientation to the area's flora, fauna and terrain before your hikes. Thank you for helping us cooperate with the park's regulations.
The National Park lodges we use on this trip are chosen for their character and ideal location—they are not known for their food. Meals at park lodges and the surrounding local restaurants can be simple and menu options tend to lack variety. Please be aware that options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and low-carb meals will be especially limited and substitutions are rarely available.
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