Shuttle to trailhead: 1.5-hour drive from St. George, Utah

Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 2100 feet

This Inn-based hiking tour of Zion, Bryce, and Grand Staircase-Escalante 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.

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.

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 the Escalante country, visiting Bryce Canyon National Park en route. We’ll hike one of the lesser-traveled 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 enjoy a restaurant dinner near Bryce and then make our way to the stunning destination for our final 3 days – Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.