Best of Utah Basecamp

Best of Utah Basecamp

Camping Hiking Tours

6 Days, 5 Nights 30+MI / 48+KM

Trip Highlights

Experience Utah’s spring-fed creeks, deep canyons, diversity of colors, and its array of sandstone sculptures – spires, arches, and towers. In the evenings you can relax, enjoy our fantastic outdoor cuisine, and have access to showers in beautiful, comfortable basecamps!

This trip begins with hikes in Zion and Bryce, and is capped off with our hikes in the amazing Grand Staircase-Escalante. Our first stop is at Zion National Park, where you’ll experience two days of desert rivers, box canyons, ominous towers, and 8 layers of sandstone carved away by millions of years of intense weather. Then it’s on to Bryce Canyon National Park, where we’ll spend a day exploring its famous “hoodoos” (rock spires) and incredible diversity. And finally we end up in Escalante, where for 2 days we’ll explore hidden canyons, oases, arches, and waterfalls in one of Utah’s – and even America’s – best kept secrets.

  • Check Mark Hike Zion & Bryce
  • Check Mark Explore Grand Staircase
  • Check Mark Waterfalls & Slot Canyons
  • Check Mark Stunning Views
  • Check Mark Comfortable Camping
  • Check Mark Canyon Country Solitude
  • Check Mark Arches, Spires, Oases & Natural Bridges

Book This Trip

View Dates

Trip Details

  • Trip Type

    Trip Type

    Camping Hiking Tours
  • Trip Length

    Trip Length

    6 Days, 5 Nights
  • Hiking Distance

    Daily Hiking Distance

    2-10 mi
  • Group Size

    Group Size

    2-10 Guests
  • Trip Begins

    St. George, Utah
  • Trip Ends

    St. George, Utah
  • Permit Info

    No permit required

Is This Trip Right For me?

This trip follows a mix of well-maintained trails and more rugged terrain. It includes mostly moderate hiking distances and elevation gains/losses. The most rugged parts of the tour are hiking on slippery river rocks in the Zion Narrows and the slot canyons of Escalante. There is occasional heights exposure where drop-offs are 2-3 feet from the trail. Finally, the slot canyons can require scrambling and negotiating narrow spaces.

Difficulty Level
2 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Solitude Level
2 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Hiking Distances
3 of 5

2-10 mi

Backpack Weight
1 of 5

10-15 pounds

Terrain
3 of 5

Moderately Rugged

Max Daily Elevation
3 of 5

1200-1700 ft

Height & Exposure
4 of 5

Significant

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 hour drive from St. George, Utah

Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 2100 feet

This Utah hiking 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 camp 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 Riverside Walk. 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: Based on the weather forecast days 1 and 2 may be swapped by your guide to optimize our chances of hiking the Narrows. In the event of dangerously 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 break camp and make our way to the Escalante country, visiting Bryce Canyon National Park en route. We’ll enjoy one of the lesser-hiked trails in Bryce, 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 continue to our Escalante Camp for a tasty dinner and night of rest and recuperation.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 6 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 860 feet

Our first hike in the Escalante country will take us to the spectacular Calf Creek Falls. This is a beautiful hike along a flat, sandy canyon bottom. We’ll pass indian ruins and pictographs, and have a good chance of seeing some wildlife. At the end of the trail we can take a swim (if you’re hearty – this water is surprisingly cold) below the 128-foot falls. We’ll eat lunch at the falls, and then have the opportunity to visit the town of Boulder, UT where we can make an optional visit to Anasazi State Park. This site was home to one of the largest Anasazi communities west of the Colorado River. Once done at Anasazi State Park, we’ll drive back to our basecamp and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Day 5

Hiking Mileage: 4-7 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 400-800 feet

This day takes us down the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road to the Devil’s Garden National Recreation Area. This is a great spot for young and old alike as it’s a fairyland of small knobs, arches, and other eroded landforms. After lunch we’ll explore some local slot canyons in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Some canyons are dark and narrow, some are filled with water, while others contain surprises at every turn, like interconnected potholes, arches, and grottos!

Day 6

Hiking Mileage: 3 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 615 feet

Shuttle Time: 3.5 hours

On our last morning we’ll eat breakfast, breakdown camp, and head west toward the starting point of our trip, St. George, Utah. But the trip isn’t over yet! We’ll stop at Bryce Canyon National Park for a second time to enjoy another classic hike through its 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 back to St. George, where we’ll say our goodbyes and start scheming about our next adventure!

Snow Canyon Add-On Hike

Extend your adventure with a day hike in the amazing “Miniature Zion Canyon” – Snow Canyon State Park! Click here to learn more.

Trip Dates

What's Included

  • Trip Included
    Top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and day pack
  • Trip Included
    Use of trekking poles
  • Trip Included
    All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
  • Trip Included
    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.
  • Trip Included
    Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in St. George, Utah
  • Trip Included
    Gear rentals for the Virgin River Narrows, which can include canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, dry suit pants, dry bibs or a full dry suit.
  • Trip Included
    National park entrance fees
  • Trip Included
    Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
  • Trip Included
    Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to the parks we enjoy on this trip

What's Not Included

  • Trip Not Included
    Clothes, raingear, and footwear
  • Trip Not Included
    Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
  • Trip Not Included
    Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
  • Trip Not Included
    Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)

Accommodations

Premier Campgrounds

5 NIGHTS

On our basecamp tours we hand pick wonderful campgrounds that put us right in the action for exceptional hiking and camping vacations. They may be national park, state park, or private vehicle-accessible campgrounds. They may vary by trip date depending on availability and seasonality.

Fantastic Meals

17 MEALS

Basecamp trips include meals for the duration of the tours beginning with breakfast the first day through lunch the final day. Meals are prepared by your guide(s) using fresh ingredients, exclusive Wildland recipes, and we adhere to all department of health outdoor cooking codes.

Comfortable Camping

CAMPING AMENITIES

What amenities do basecamp tours include? Cold and hot drinks, campfires (where/when allowed), camp chairs, access to showers, fresh food, roomy tents, comfortable sleeping pads, comfy sleeping bags, camp pillows and more! Camp comfortably, eat like royalty, and hike til your heart’s content!

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

5.0 (121 reviews)
add a review
Janet B
5.0
4 months ago

Incredible

Wally Brandt and Michelle Beebe were incredible guides. There was not a moment of the trip that they were not spot on. At all times they read “the temperature” of the group and adjusted accordingly. Without fail they kept us informed and encouraged us at every turn. Their depth of knowledge of the parks, the geology of the region and of the plants and animals enhanced every moment of our exploration.

Carol N
5.0
4 months ago

Such great everything!

In the Best of Utah brochure should be a note about the 'Best of Guides'. I can't think of one thing that our guides could of done to make the trip even better. Wildland Trekking is my first choice for adventure, camaraderie and a life enriching experience.

Charlotte M
5.0
4 months ago

Out of this world!

Such a great trip! Wally and Michelle were absolutely amazing guides. The food was delicious, the hikes were gorgeous, and the slot canyons were out of this world. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!

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