While the accommodations on this trip reflect the natural surroundings of the national parks and provide unparalleled access to the best activities in the area, the Lodge at Bryce Canyon is simpler than is typical of Backroads lodging. The lodge's basic guest rooms are not equipped with televisions or air-conditioning (nights are usually cool due to the high elevation). Overall, the service standards can seem slow and casual when compared with the hospitality found on other Backroads trips. Please note that internet and cell phone service are extremely limited throughout the parks.

The National Park Service has many hiking regulations. In Zion National Park they limit where you can hike when accompanied by your trip leaders, so our itinerary has been designed to adhere to these regulations. 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 national park regulations.

Please note: A permit is needed to hike Angels Landing. Backroads has entered the lottery for permits but it is not guaranteed to receive them. If we do not have Angels Landing permits for the date of your trip, you will be able to hike to Scout Lookout, but not continue on to Angels Landing. To learn more about the lottery, visit: www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm.

We ordinarily staff our trips with three leaders: two leaders out on the trail offering support—allowing everyone to have the experience they want, whether it’s an easygoing interpretative walk or a rigorous hike—while the third leader moves the van from trailhead to trail end. This trip is a little different in that our routes are a combination of loop hikes and out-and-back trails that begin and end in the same location. This means that you’ll still have the same two leaders providing excellent trail support without the need for a third leader to move the van on most days.

The properties we use on this trip are chosen for their character and ideal location—they are not known for their food. Meals 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.