Bryce and Escalante Inn Based
Saint George, UT
5.0 (24 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Spires & Natural Bridges
- Slot Canyons & Waterfalls
- Boutique Canyon Lodging
- Delicious Lodge & Picnic Meals
- 5 Days Exploring Utah's Secrets
- BIG views, slot canyons and waterfalls
- Cozy, modern accommodations
- Amazing natural & cultural history
- Guides Choice Trip
Description
Are you ready for a phenomenal week? This iconic Utah hiking vacation is an exciting and diverse journey through many of the classic landscapes of the American Southwest. Each day is completely different as we set out on increasingly exciting hikes and adventures into breathtaking Canyon Country. Utah’s Grand Staircase – Escalante area is rich with beauty, history, and opportunities for adventure. Your week will feature five hand-picked journeys into waterfalls, across slickrock, through deep canyons, and under natural arches and bridges – all with endless views and incredible natural and cultural history that combine to make this week one of the most enchanting you’ll spend on the planet. At night you’ll return to the Slot Canyons Inn B&B, a cozy, modern, inviting lodge at the edge of the wilderness. You’ll also enjoy an array of fantastic meals prepared by your guide, as well as dinners at local, charming restaurants!
$600 Single Supplement
The single supplement guarantees your own room. If you would like to forego the single supplement, you can request to be paired with a roommate of the same gender. If we are unsuccessful in pairing you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
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 in Escalante. The slot canyons can require scrambling and negotiating narrow spaces.
Hiking Distances:
4-10 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
860 ft
Heights Exposure:
Significant
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- Hiking with occasional, significant heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Utah trip a Level 3 on solitude. You can expect to see a handful of other groups per day. At certain times of year, such as Spring Break, you can expect to see more people.
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
UTAH SALES TAX
Utah is the only state we are based in that charges sales tax to outfitters and guides. The sales tax is based on the St. George, UT municipality rates, which are adjusted occasionally but are in the 6-7% range. For all of our hiking and backpacking tours that originate from our St. George, Utah base (Utah, Joshua Tree and Death Valley trips), the sales tax will be applied automatically to your payments. Feel free to call us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) with any questions!
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4 People: Rate x 1.5
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Shuttle to Bryce: 2-hour drive from St George
- Shuttle to Escalante: 1-hour drive from Bryce
- Hiking Mileage: 5-8 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 900-1,500 feet
This Utah hiking tour starts by making 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 next 3 days – Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Day 2
- Hiking Mileage: 4 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 291 feet
Today’s trek consists of pleasant hiking along the floor of a deep and imposing canyon. There will be lots of hiking across the creek so you’ll need your wading shoes for this one. The highlight of the day is the spectacular Escalante Natural Bridge, located 1.5 miles in. Following the hike return to our cozy, modern lodge at the edge of the Utah wilderness.
Day 3
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 860 feet
Today’s hike will take us to the spectacular Calf Creek Falls. This is a beautiful hike along calf creek, a lush stream that is home to a substantial trout population. We’ll hike past 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 waterfall. 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 lodge and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 4
- 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 5
- Hiking Mileage: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 615 feet
- Shuttle to St. George: 3.5-hour drive
On our last morning we’ll eat breakfast, check out of our lodge, 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 to enjoy a 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.
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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
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
- 4 nights of double occupancy lodging at the Slot Canyons Inn Bed and Breakfast (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
- National park entrance fees
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
- 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 (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What To Expect
We provide all your meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day. Your guide will prepare breakfasts and lunches with a variety of hot and cold meals that are appropriate for the day’s activities. Feel free to tell us about your food preferences, as we’re more than happy to tailor the menu to your needs/desires. Some specialty diets may require an additional fee.
For dinners, we’ve hand-picked local restaurants you’re sure to enjoy! We made our decisions based on the quality of their food, their charm, and how much local color and character they have. One very noteable restaurant we visit is the Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder, Utah – a highly acclaimed, award-winning grill!
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Leki trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
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) 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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
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
Weather in the Southern Utah
Weather in Southern Utah
Southern Utah is a high desert. The weather is very moderate: occasional dustings of snow in the winter that melt rapidly, and summer temperatures in the low 90s (°F) that often cool down with thunderstorms. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). The ideal time to be in the Canyon Country is Spring and Fall. Read below for average high and low temperatures in Utah’s Canyon Country:
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Dec-Feb | 43° | 18° |
| March | 55° | 27° |
| April | 64° | 33° |
| May | 73° | 40° |
| Jun-Aug | 88° | 55° |
| September | 79° | 45° |
| October | 67° | 35° |
| November | 53° | 25° |
Accommodations
Boulder Mountain Lodge
0-4 nights
This is an amazing, unique lodge that perfectly embodies the character and charm of Utah’s canyon country. This family-owned boutique inn is an oasis of calm, comfort, and luxury in the middle of Utah’s scenic red rock country and mountain forests. It puts is right in the action for exploring the best of Utah!
Slot Canyons Inn
0-4 nights
The backup lodging for this tour is this amazing boutique lodge that characterizes Canyon Country beautifully through its architecture, sandstone cliff surroundings, and wonderful hosts. With a variety of rustic but modern cabins and rooms, it is a perfect staging point to explore the amazing Grand Staircase!
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Deborah R
Excellent Experience
Excellent all around experience with very capable guides. Do not hesitate to book your next adventure!
Rose M
Truly memorable adventure
Our guide, Samantha Cooke made this an epic adventure for our hiking group of friends (we call ourselves, Spirit Animals). She went above and beyond to maximize every glorious moment exploring Utah. She shared her skills and knowledge and made us all better hikers. She kept us safe while challenging each of us to do more than we ever dreamed we could do. The lodging, food, and itinerary, to include the surprises, were first class. This is my fourth Wildland Trekking trip and the Spirit Animals are already planning our next. Thanks to Samantha Cooke and the Adventure Consultants Ann Storey and Kriston Wang for making this trip happen for our group and all your considerations.
Art K
Excellent
Carmelina was a superstar. The morning we were ready to go her associate guide tested positive for Covid. This could have been a deal breaker. Carmelina was sensitive to us who were more concerned and took precautions. Yet, it amazingly didn’t affect the trip. She pushed the group that ranged in ages from mid 50’s through 60’s past what we thought we could do. She was knowledgeable, fun and an enthusiastic and highly competent leader. My 3rd trip with Wildland and all are excellent.
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