Ultimate Utah National Parks Hiking Adventure
St. George,Utah
5.0 (1 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Five National Parks
- Charming Lodging
- Iconic Views
- Arches, Towers, Narrows
- Spring-fed Creeks
- Fascinating Natural & Cultural History
Description
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.
Join us for an adventure you’ll never forget! Contact us to learn more or book your spot today.
$1180 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 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
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.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 10 miles
Backpack Weight:
10-15 pounds
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 2000 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Utah hiking tour a Level 2 for solitude. We’ll be around other hikers much of the time with as much as an hour of solitude occasionally.
Utah is the only state we are based in that charges sales tax to outfitters and guides. The sales tax is based on the Moab, 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 Moab, Utah base, the sales tax will be applied automatically to your payments. Feel free to call us at 877-965-4917 with any questions!
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.
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 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!
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
- 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 (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. Two very noteable restaurants we visit are the Buffalo Grill near Zion and the Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder, Utah – both highly acclaimed, award-winning grills!
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)
- Gear rentals for the Virgin River Narrows, which can include canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, dry suit pants, dry bibs or a full dry suit.
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 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.
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 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 sample average high and low temperatures in Utah’s Canyon Country. Zion represents the lower elevations (4000 feet) and Bryce represents the higher elevations (7700 feet):
| Month | Zion | Bryce | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hi | low | hi | low | |
| January | 54° | 30° | 37° | 15° |
| February | 59° | 34° | 38° | 17° |
| March | 66° | 39° | 45° | 23° |
| April | 75° | 45° | 54° | 29° |
| May | 86° | 54° | 64° | 37° |
| June | 95° | 63° | 75° | 45° |
| July | 100° | 70° | 80° | 53° |
| August | 99° | 68° | 77° | 50° |
| September | 91° | 61° | 70° | 42° |
| October | 79° | 48° | 58° | 32° |
| November | 64° | 37° | 45° | 23° |
| December | 54° | 30° | 36° | 15° |
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
0-1 Night
The Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel is a cozy, modern hotel that puts us right in the action to make the most of our time in and around Bryce Canyon National Park. With a hot tub, swimming pool, wifi and more, this hotel never disappoints. (pool, spa)
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)
Red Cliffs Lodge
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)
*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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Aubrey M.
First 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!
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