Ultimate Utah National Parks Hiking Adventure
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
8 Days, 7 Nights 49+MI / 79+KM
Trip Highlights
This tour features the must-see highlights and off-the-beaten path gems of the “Mighty Five” national parks of Utah: Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. Utah’s five world famous national parks are characterized by a diversity of dramatic features: soaring sandstone towers and cliffs; arches, natural bridges, and hoodoos; deep canyons with spring-fed oases; buttes, mesas and snow-capped mountains; rivers, creeks and lakes; and vast open spaces. Each day we emark on memorable day hikes to explore the wonders of the region, and each evening we return to cozy, charming lodges that reflect the character of Utah’s Canyon Country. The fascinating natural and cultural history of Utah’s Canyon Country shared by your guide will help these parks come to life in vibrant and unexpected ways. While driving, hiking and dining, we will regale you with tales of geological phenomena, cultural history, wildlife and much, much more.
-
Five National Parks
-
Charming Lodging
-
Iconic Views
-
Arches, Towers, Narrows
-
Spring-fed Creeks
-
Fascinating Natural & Cultural History
Book This Trip
View Dates
Trip Details
-
Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
8 Days, 7 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 10 miles -
Group Size
2-6 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
"*" indicates required fields
Is This Trip Right For me?
This tour features hikes with mostly mild to moderate elevation changes and terrain ruggedness. Increasing the difficulty are moderate heights exposure and moderate-strenuous hiking distances on several of the days. Also, because this tour features hiking for 8 days in a row, we rate it Level 3 difficulty.
Difficulty Level
Learn More
Solitude Level
Learn More
Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to trailhead: 1.5-hour drive from St. George, Utah
Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2100 feet
This tour starts in St. George, Utah where we’ll drive to Zion National Park for our first day’s hike. Beginning near the Park Visitors Center, we’ll enjoy the start of the morning in relative solitude with a lesser-traveled hike through the lower canyon.
After a quick break, we’ll board the Zion shuttle bus and travel up-canyon to our next trailhead. Here, we’ll hike up to Scout Lookout where we’ll relish dramatic views of the surrounding canyon system. From our vantage point above the canyon floor, we’ll traverse along the canyon walls on well maintained trails to the Emerald Pools complex where we’ll marvel at the majestic desert oasis pools before descending to the lawn of the historic Zion Lodge for a late picnic lunch.
Following lunch, we’ll make our way down-canyon to pick up hiking gear for tomorrow’s adventure in the Virgin River Narrows before departing for our hotel for the evening.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 60 feet
Our second day’s hike is arguably the most iconographic in Zion — the Virgin River Narrows. Stopping at Zion Outfitter, to rent gear appropriate for the conditions (can include canyoneering shoes with neoprene socks, dry suit pants, dry bibs, or full dry suit, as well as a wooden walking staff.)
Our hike starts with a stroll down the paved River Trail. Buttressed by water on our left and a 3,000-foot cliff face on the right, the River Trail gives us an up-close appreciation for the powerful hydrological forces that carved this incredible canyon.
After a mile of walking along hanging gardens and under the dappled shade of majestic cottonwoods, the sidewalk ends. Wearing seasonally appropriate water gear, we’ll enter the river. Hiking in moving water can be a new and exciting experience for many. We’ll take time to get our “stream legs” before walking another 1.5 miles upriver to our turnaround point at Orderville Canyon.
Before descending back downstream, we’ll be certain to get a few more photos of the Narrows’ majestic beauty and, of course, stop-off for a relaxing shoreline lunch before returning to the trailhead.
After our hike we’ll have some time to relax before enjoying a great dinner, a possible evening walk and a good night’s sleep.
Please note: in the event of high water, the Virgin River Narrows hike will be rerouted to a different trail in Zion. The Park is full of unforgettable hiking and scenery, so it’s easy to find an excellent substitute. To learn how seasonal river flows can affect your hike of the Virgin River Narrows, please review this article.
Day 3
Shuttle to Bryce NP: 2-hour drive from Zion
Hiking Mileage: 5-8 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 900-1500 feet
On Day 3 we’ll make our way to Bryce Canyon National Park. We’ll hike one of the lesser-traveled trails in Bryce today, but one that offers some of the most impressive scenery in the Park. We’ll be in the northern part of Bryce, where we’ll enjoy superb vistas of Boat Mesa, the Sinking Ship formation, Tower Bridge, China Wall, Fairyland Canyon and other amazing rock structures.
After our hike we’ll make our way to our lodging near Bryce to clean up and rendezvous for a delicious dinner.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 615 feet
Shuttle Time: 3.5 hours
Today we’ll enjoy a classic hike through Bryce’s famous hoodoos and spectacular vistas. Our hike takes us down from the rim, through the stunning corridors of Wall Street and past the Silent City, before bringing us back to the rim of the Bryce Amphitheater. We’ll enjoy lunch on the rim, gazing into the maze of Wall Street and contemplating our incredible week. After lunch we’ll load up and head to the edge of Capitol Reef National Park.
Day 5
Shuttle to Trailhead: 25 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 8-10 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 600-700 feet
Prepare for a day of wonder in Capitol Reef National Park. After breakfast, our first destination is Grand Wash, a slot canyon that will immerse you in its narrow, winding passages. Next, we’ll venture to Cassidy Arch, named after the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy, where a hike rewards us with panoramic vistas of the park’s other-worldly terrain. We’ll enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amid the stunning red rock scenery before continuing our exploration of the park in the afternoon. After a gratifying day, we will return to our lodge for a well-earned night of fine food and relaxation.
Day 6
Shuttle to trailhead: 3 hours
Hiking Mileage: 7-9 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 470 feet
This morning, we check out of our hotel and head to Devil’s Garden trailhead in Arches National Park, giving us our first glimpses of the fantastical formations of Entrada sandstone that Arches is famous for. We embark on the Devil’s Garden loop observing giant fins of rock and several arches, including the largest arch on Earth. Short traverses up slickrock accentuate this scenic hike. After our hike, we will check in to our accommodations and then rendezvous for dinner.
Day 7
Shuttle to Trailhead: 1.5-2 hours
Hiking Mileage: 5.4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 530 feet
Today, our hike will take us to the remote Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Our hike takes us through classic red rock landscapes to an overlook of Chesler Park, a famously gorgeous grassy meadow surrounded by the sandstone spires that are the namesake of this part of Canyonlands. After our hike, we will make the beautiful drive back to our accommodations in Moab for a final dinner together before our final day of the tour.
Day 8
Shuttle to Trailhead: 40-60 minutes
Hiking Mileage: 2-4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200-300 feet
Shuttle to St. George: 5 hours
On our final day we will visit two must-see attractions of the Moab region. Our first stop is a viewpoint of a breathtaking canyon country landscape (bring your phones/cameras!): far below us the Colorado River winds through the canyons and valleys beneath Dead Horse Point. Our second stop is another viewpoint, the sweeping vistas at Island in the Sky. These vantage points – and several short hikes we’ll enjoy – provide the surreal experience of looking down on the remote and wild landscapes that characterize this part of the world.
We’ll depart Canyonlands and make our way back to St. George with the speed and efficiency of Utah’s interstate highways. We’ll punctuate our return shuttle with a stop at Fremont Indian State Park to enjoy the amazing artifacts and stories of the Fremont people showcased in its museum. Once we’re back in St. George we will drop you off at your hotel and say our very fond farewells – what an adventure it’s been!
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
Scroll horizontally to view all dates
What's Included
-
Top-of-the-line day pack and trekking poles
-
All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
-
7 nights of double occupancy lodging at hand-picked Canyon Country inns and lodges (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
-
Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
-
Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in St. George, Utah
-
Gear rentals for the Virgin River Narrows, which can include canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, dry suit pants, dry bibs or a full dry suit.
-
National park entrance fees
-
Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
-
Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to the parks we enjoy on this trip
What's Not Included
-
Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
-
Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
-
Alcoholic beverages
-
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
Zion Mountain Ranch
0-2 NIGHTS
At the edge of Zion National Park sits this authentic western ranch and deluxe cabins that feature not only premier lodging, but a romaing herd of buffalo! The ranch boasts wonderful views of Zion Country, sunsets, and tranquil lodging experience.
Cliffrose Lodge
0-2 NIGHTS
Cliffrose Lodge is a premier resort hotel in a stunning spot along the border of Zion National Park and on the shores of the Virgin River. Honoring nature in its design but with all the modern amenities, this wonderful lodge is perfect for our hiking adventure.
Bryce Canyon Lodge
0-1 NIGHT
This charming national park lodge is a classic, historic hotel inside Bryce Canyon National Park, putting us right in the action. We’re within easy walking distance of Bryce Amphitheater’s hoodoo trails and viewpoints, where we can catch amazing sunsets.
(views, solitude)
Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
field_5e465ccdf7a27
Capitol Reef Resort
2 Nights
Capitol Reef Resort has consistently been ranked as one of the Top 10 Resorts in Utah in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. It is a wonderful hotel very close to the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park. Enjoy the swimming pool, hikes around the property, or just relaxing in your room between activities on this tour. (pool, spa, views)
Moab Springs Ranch Resort
0-2 Nights
Tucked beneath Moab’s red cliffs and perfectly located near Arches Nat’l Park, the Colorado River and downtown Moab, this resort lodge offers a refreshingly cool oasis of peaceful cottonwood trees, desert views and stylish, modern townhouse or bungalow accommodations. (kitchens, heated swimming pool, hot tub, wifi)
Red Cliffs Lodge
0-2 NIGHTS
Nestled on the shores of the mighty Colorado River and framed by iconic Moab cliffs, buttes and mesas, this premier lodge offers the perfect balance of nature and modernity!
(pool, spa)
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
You will rendezvous with the guide and group in St. George, Utah for an orientation meeting at 5:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip starts to specify the orientation location. The guide will then pick you up at your hotel the next morning for transport to the trailhead. For Private Utah Tours your guide can meet you at your hotel in St. George or Cedar City, Utah at an agreed upon time.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to St. George, Utah
This Utah trip originates in St. George, Utah where you’ll meet your guide and group. St. George has a small airport served by Delta Connection and United Express. From the St. George Airport one can take a taxi into town or some hotels offer a complimentary airport shuttle. The more popular method of travel though is to fly into Las Vegas, NV and take a shuttle (www.stgshuttle.com or https://saltlakeexpress.com/destination/las-vegas-airport-nv/) to St. George. This is often your cheapest option. It is a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas to St. George on good roads.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in St. George, Utah as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time at the orientation meeting. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day no later than 7 PM.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
- SORT BY:
- Most recent
- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
Aubrey M.
1 year agoFirst Time to Utah
This was my first time with Wildlands and I loved the experience! I had never been to Utah, so the ultimate Utah package seemed a perfect fit for me, as I was able to see many highlights in one trip. I was very happy with the hotels and meals they provided. What really made it for me though was the guides and the beautiful scenery I got to experience. Our guides thought of every detail and went above and beyond to make the trip special. And Utah is a varied and spectacular state with views around every corner. Thank you! I'm already pondering about where my next trip will be!
You Might Also Like...
"*" indicates required fields
Leave a Reply