Hike and Bike Utah’s Top Two National Parks on This 6-Day Adventure Vacation
Embark on an adventure from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon, Utah’s most famous national parks! They are only 90 minutes apart, but strikingly different and yet there is so much more! Southwestern Utah’s Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks are two of the most geologically fascinating and stunningly beautiful places on earth.
Explore rim country with a hike to Angel’s Landing, 1,200 feet above the valley floor. Hike the most magnificent slot canyon around: Zion National Park’s Virgin River Narrows, ranked fifth out of America’s best 100 adventures by National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Browse galleries in the artist conclave of Springdale and unwind each night while marveling at the brilliance of Utah’s star-lit sky.
Nature’s playground beckons both seasoned and beginner adventurers alike to explore the desert canyons and sandcastles of Southern Utah on this six-day, custom Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park tour. Hiking in Bryce Canyon & Zion is unlike anywhere else in the world. From the fairy tale labyrinths of Bryce’s hoodoos and arches to the jaw-dropping monoliths of Zion, prepare to be inspired, energized and rejuvenated by two of America’s greatest national treasures.
Hike past waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens in Zion’s Virgin River Narrows, ranked one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by cinder cones, natural rock bridges and basalt ridges in Valley of Fire State Park
Explore sculpted rock gardens of brilliantly colored spires, cliffs and natural amphitheaters and take in eye-popping views from Rainbow Point
Hike the magical hoodoo rock formations of Bryce’s Peek-a-Boo and Queens Garden trails
Pause for fresh-churned ice cream on Angel’s Landing, 1,200-feet above the valley floor
This morning your guides will pick you up at your hotel in Las Vegas and drive 2.5 hours to Snow Canyon State Park where you’ll begin the Lava Flows hike. Indulge in a fantastic meal before beginning this afternoon’s adventure. Listen to a short bike talk by your informative guides before you pedal through Snow Canyon with its towering red sandstone cliffs and black lava rock. Tonight, enjoy some exceptional cuisine at the unique and contemporary Painted Pony restaurant in St. George. The Seven Wives Inn will be our home for the night.
About the Seven Wives Inn
The Seven Wives Inn Bed and Breakfast located in downtown Saint George, Utah, is a historic treasure in the painted southwest desert. Two grand Victorian homes on a well-groomed, green acre offer a selection of thirteen casually elegant rooms all with their own private bath.
Impeccable and friendly service is the standard, your innkeepers will make every effort to make your stay comfortable and memorable. Open since 1981 the Seven Wives Inn takes pride in accommodating her repeat guests as well as opening her doors to all new ones.
Zion National Park / Cedar Breaks / Bryce Canyon National Park
A freshly prepared breakfast will await you this morning before departing to Zion National Park. Take a break from your shuttle for a short hike up Timber Creek Trail. The overlook at the end of the trail offers an amazing 360° panorama of Kolob Canyon. Another short shuttle will take us out of Zion and to the trailhead of another breathtaking hike. Spectra Point Trail at Cedar Breaks will introduce you to even more stunning geology such as hoodoos, arches, and windows as you wind around the outer edge of the gorge. After enjoying a wonderful lunch prepared by your guides, jump on your bike for a scenic ride to the city of Panguitch. Relax and enjoy the scenery as we finish our shuttle and enter Bryce Canyon National Park. Check into your home for the next two nights and relax before dinner.
About the The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
Located in Bryce Canyon National Park you will experience the rustic elegance at one of the grand western lodges designed for national parks in the 1920’s. A National Historic Landmark, The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is the only lodge of that era to remain largely intact. This historic lodge also offers unrivaled access to breathtaking views, world-class hiking trails, and a tranquil wilderness. As the only lodging within the national park, all of the facilities are just steps from the stunning ancient rock formations of the Bryce Amphitheater.
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a hike through the magical hoodoo rock formations of Bryce’s Peek-A-Boo and Queens Garden trail. Trek through natural sculpted rock gardens of brilliantly colored spires, cliffs, and natural amphitheaters and take in the jaw dropping views from Rainbow Point. Share your favorite parts of Bryce Canyon with the group as you dine with everyone at the lodge. If you are a night owl, be sure to take advantage of one of the clearest night skies around and try your hand at finding some of the constellations.
Depart Bryce Canyon National Park on your bike this morning as you take a relaxed, beautiful ride through Red Canyon. Shuttle into Zion through an entrance that will leave you in awe as you wind through the magnificent canyon walls and towering cliffs that make up this majestic park. This afternoon, hike to Angel’s Landing, one of the top-rated hikes in the world, before checking into your lodging for the next two nights, Zion Lodge. Take the evening to enjoy dinner on your own and explore the artsy town of Springdale.
About the Zion Lodge
The only “In-Park” lodging at Zion National Park, Zion Lodge is the perfect base for discovering the majesty of Zion. Set amidst the towering red rock cliffs of Zion National Park and surrounded by spectacular 2,000-feet canyon walls, there is a view from everywhere at Zion Lodge. At Zion Lodge you will receive an exceptional experience of warmth and personalized service. With a wide variety of services and outdoor activities to further add value to guest experiences, Zion Lodge is sure to provide a memorable and comfortable stay in the heart of Zion National Park.
Explore more of the wonders that Zion has to offer today. Spend a full day walking and wading along the Virgin River, into the sheer walled canyon of the Narrows**. Soak up the captivating scenery as you pass waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens. The Narrows hike is recognized as one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic and is one that you will not soon forget. Take time to relax and reflect at the Inn before our farewell dinner at Bit & Spur.
Today you will have time for one last hike through an oasis in the middle of the desert. Take in the beauty of this place one last time as we shuttle back to Las Vegas for our departures home.
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
** During the spring, an alternate hike to Observation Point may be arranged if the Virgin River is running too high or too cold.
Meals Included
B, L
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Start Date
End Date
Status
May 31, 2020
June 5, 2020
Space Available
August 30, 2020
September 4, 2020
Space Available
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 7:00 am or 7:20 am, depending on which Las Vegas hotel you are staying at. Your trip ends with a drop-off at the Las Vegas airport (2:00 pm) or your hotel (2:30 pm).
* Please note, there is a one hour time difference between Las Vegas, NV (PST) and St. George, UT (MST).
Activities
Hiking: 2 to 8 miles per hike, easy to moderately strenuous terrain
Biking: 10 to 30 miles per ride, easy to moderately strenuous terrain
Discovery: Hear tales of the region’s history from Butch Cassidy to Mormon settlers. Learn about Canyon Country geology, including hoodoos, arches, alcoves and fins. Known for its slot canyons, soaring towers and monoliths, and scenic sandstone, Zion National Park is full of unique formations begging to be explored. Delve into the 150 million year old history of Zion canyon’s geologic formations. Bryce Canyon National Park, named after Ebenezer Bryce, a Mormon homesteader in the 1870’s, will satisfy your adventurous spirit with its options for magnificent bike rides and awe- inspiring hikes. Discover your inner thrill seeker as you ascend the narrow switchbacks to Angel’s Landing. Absorb the magnificence of one of the most legendary canyons in all of Zion National Park, the Zion Narrows, as you walk and wade along the North Fork of the Virgin River in the midst of towering canyon walls. Come visit “The Most Colorful Park in America” (Bryce) and “The Land of Rainbow Canyons” (Zion) to witness for yourself what all the hype is about!
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, Austin Adventures guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions – except one dinner on your own – are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners – except one dinner on own your own – refreshments and receptions .
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets and other necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner on your own.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
National Parks Expert
Kasey Austin
As Vice President of Operations at Austin Adventures, Kasey Austin can tell you the logistical ins and outs of every single trip. More than that, though, Kasey has lived and breathed most of the company’s featured destinations and will eagerly share her contagious passion for the transformational power of active travel. Kasey grew up in the adventure travel business; she knows the positive, lifelong impact of family travel, a quality that earned her the distinction of being named top family travel guide by Outside Magazine in 2014.
