Bryce and Zion National Park Vacation – 6 Days / 5 Nights
Embark on an adventure from Cedar Breaks, to Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park! Vacation to some of Utah’s best places to visit! 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 starlit 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 vacation. 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.
Bryce and Zion National Park Vacation Package Highlights
Hike past waterfalls, natural springs, and hanging gardens in Zion’s Virgin River Narrows ranked one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic
Ride your bike through the breathtaking red canyon walls of Snow Canyon 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
Experience one of the top-rated hikes in the world by climbing 1,200-feet above the valley floor to Angel’s Landing
Marvel at monolithic hoodoos, arches, and windows as you wind around the outer edge of the gorge in Cedar Breaks National Monument
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 your first hike of the trip amid lava flows and sandstone. The lava rock we’ll see along this trail is a result of cinder cones that erupted anywhere between 1.4 million and 27,000 years ago! Indulge in a meal at a nearby restaurant before beginning this afternoon’s adventure. Listen to a short bike talk by your informative guides before you bike under towering red sandstone cliffs and black lava rock, eventually ending up at our first night’s accommodation. Tonight, enjoy some exceptional cuisine at the unique and contemporary Painted Pony restaurant in St. George.
About Best Western Plus Abbey Inn
For a comfortable stay in a unique southwestern-style accommodation, Best Western Abbey Inn serves it all in a convenient location in St. George. Lavishly decorated with intricate brickwork and palm tree-studded landscaping, this hotel is an oasis for relaxation and a premium space to unwind at the end of a long day of adventuring. Soak in the outdoor pool or hot tub or get your sweat on in the fitness center before crawling into bed.
Cedar Breaks National Monument / Bryce Canyon National Park
A freshly prepared breakfast will await you this morning. A short shuttle brings us to Red Cliffs Desert Reserve where we’ll take a neat hike. Red Cliffs is a 62,000-acre scenic wildlife reserve set aside to protect the Mojave Desert tortoise and other rare plants and animals. After a picnic lunch, we head to Cedar Breaks National Monument. 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. Enjoy the desert scenery as we finish our shuttle towards Bryce Canyon National Park. Check into your home for the next two nights and relax before dinner.
About Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Located in southwest Utah just north of Bryce Canyon National Park, the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel is surrounded by fantastic scenery, most notably rock spires of every shape and size, known locally as “hoodoos.” Experience for yourself Bryce Canyon’s newest and most luxurious accommodations and amenities with the best in western hospitality. The Bryce Canyon Grand offers an enclosed courtyard offering guest privacy for the pool, whirlpool, and patio areas. You’re invited to experience Bryce Canyon City’s newest lodging facilities while visiting the breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park.
About 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 1920s. 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 trails. 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, Springhill Suites. Take the evening to enjoy dinner on your own and explore the artsy town of Springdale.
About the SpringHill Suites
The award-winning SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park offers a comfortable, elegant setting for adventurers. Located only 1 mile from Zion’s gate, the Springhill Suites is centrally located to explore everything southern Utah has to offer. After an exciting day of hiking, treat yourself to the luxuries the SpringHill Suites has to offer. Enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub with amazing canyon views, splash pad, balconies, patios, and fireplaces, or stroll along the Virgin River to take advantage of the desert dark night sky.
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 hotel before our farewell dinner at Bit & Spur.
For a final adventure, bike through Zion for the last time. Ride from the lodge to the Temple of Sinewava and then back to the visitor center to grab a delicious sack lunch for the road. Take in the beauty of this place one last time as we shuttle back to Las Vegas for our departure 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.
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 (1:30 pm) or your hotel (2:00 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: 8 to 15 miles per ride, easy to moderately strenuous terrain
Cultural Discoveries
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 the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Included in Your Bryce and Zion National Park Vacation
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 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.
