Zion Bryce Grand Canyon Tour
Saint George, UT
5.0 (35 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Unforgettable Hikes
- Amazing Diversity of Scenery
- Canyon Country Cabins & Lodges
- Views, Slot Canyons, Wildlife & Spires
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
- North Rim of the Grand Canyon
- Spring-fed Creeks, Oases & Narrows
- Delicious Lodge & Picnic Meals
Description
Enjoy the best of Zion, Bryce and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon on this 6-day inn-based hiking tour! Our daily hikes will take you to the must-see highlights of these remarkable national parks, where you’ll experience the Colorado Plateau’s spring-fed creeks, world-famous canyons, diversity of colors, and its array of sandstone sculptures – spires, arches, and towers. In the evenings you can relax in luxury at exceptional, rustic (but modern) lodges and enjoy restaurants chosen for their excellent food, charm, and local color.
Our first stop is Zion National Park, where we’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. Next we head to Bryce Canyon National Park where we’ll spend two days exploring the Park’s famous “hoodoos” (rock spires) and amazing diversity of flora, fauna and geology. Our final destination is the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, where for two days we’ll hike into the Canyon and along the rim, enjoying the phenomenal views, wildlife, fossils, and relative solitude at the most famous canyon in the world!
$760 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 well maintained trails that can be a little rugged in places, mostly due to logs that lead to large steps up or down. We tackle significant elevation gains and losses over moderate distances.
Hiking Distances:
4-7 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 2.5k ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Hiking in 95+ degree fahrenheit temperatures (May-Sept)
- Hiking with moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this trip a Level 2 for solitude. We’ll be around other hikers much of the time with as much as an hour of solitude occasionally.
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.
TAXES AND FEES
Utah 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.
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 Zion: 1-hour drive from St. George
- Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2100 feet
This Southwest 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 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
Today we depart our Zion accommodations and transition to Bryce Canyon National Park. Our first hike is, intentionally, on a lesser-traveled trail in Bryce, but one that offers some of the most impressive scenery in the Park. We’ll enjoy superb vistas of Boat Mesa, the Shrinking Ship formation, Tower Bridge, China Wall, Fairyland Canyon and other remarkable rock formations.
After our hike we will enjoy a gourmet dinner at a hand-picked local restaurant, then make our way to our charming historic lodge accommodations.
Day 4
- Shuttle to the North Rim: 3-hour drive from Bryce
- Hiking Mileage: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 615 feet
After a hearty breakfast, we will pack up our belongings and enjoy another 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 famous amphitheater. We’ll enjoy lunch on the rim while gazing into the maze of Wall Street and the other-worldly splendor of Bryce.
After lunch we will begin our drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon where we will check into our accommodations (a short walk from the edge of the Canyon), clean up and head to dinner. Our dinner tonight is at Grand Canyon Lodge, which is perched literally on the edge of the North Rim, in a restaurant with towering picture windows looking out into the depths of the Grand Canyon. Some visitors travel for days just to sit in one of these rooms, gaze into the Canyon, and contemplate life.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 7+ miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal
Today is a special day and in many ways the high point of our time at the Grand Canyon. We’ll enjoy another relaxing breakfast before heading out to a remote, lightly traveled trail. Our hike takes us along the rim through pine forests to a phenomenally breathtaking spot. Our destination is a peninsula of rock that sticks out over the edge of the Canyon allowing stunning views in all directions. What’s better is this spot is hardly known and we’ll like have the day mostly, or even completely, to ourselves. If the group is feeling ambitious we can continue on for another mile or two into the Canyon.
Once our hike is complete, we’ll remain near the rim and enjoy an outdoor, sunset dinner prepared by your guide(s) at an awe-inspiring viewpoint. This sunset dinner, and indeed the entire day, is a guest favorite and an experience you’ll not likely forget anytime soon
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 2.5-4 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 469-600 feet
- Shuttle to St. George: 3.5 hours
After meeting for a hot breakfast we will enjoy a short hike to Bright Angel Point, one of the most impressive views on the North Rim. We’ll have a relaxing, light lunch, then hike down the famous North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook, another one of the most impressive overlooks in the Canyon with potential to travel farther along the trail if the group is up for it. The North Rim gets less than 10% of the visitation of the South Rim and allows us to enjoy this world-famous national park with a surprising amount of solitude. The North Rim also sits at an altitude of 8,000 feet which makes for a beautifully cool climate in the pine and spruce forests of the higher elevations of Arizona and Utah. After enjoying our last picnic lunch and hike together, we will head back to St. George to say our farewells until the 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
- 5 nights of double occupancy lodging at premier private and national park lodges and hotels (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.
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 the Southern Utah
Weather in Southern Utah
Southern Utah is a high desert where the weather can vary significantly based on elevation and season. 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
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 roaming herd of buffalo! The ranch boasts wonderful views of Zion Country, sunsets, and a tranquil lodging experience.
Bryce Canyon Lodge
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.
Grand Canyon Lodge
2 nights
Famous and historic Grand Canyon Lodge sits literally at the edge of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, with spectacular picture windows and incredible access to the Canyon.
* 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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Ellen M
Fantastic
Beau made a good trip great. His naturalist knowledge of the area was fantastic and gave the adventure more depth. Beau kept his eye on us without hovering to keep us safe. Plus, the lunches Beau prepared were the best. :)
Kent M
It was clear that Wildland Trekking knows what they are doing.
This trip was outstanding in every way. It was clear that Wildland Trekking knows what they are doing. Our guide Beau was amazing. He knew the area, history, trails, wildlife, plants, etc. He had every detail planned out and was very attentive to our needs and hiking abilities. My wife and I felt very safe on the trails, which was critical for us since this was our first hike in this area. While on the trail, Beau even stopped to assist a fellow hiker who was in need as a result of the heat. A wonderful trip with a wonderful guide.
Juliet L
Spectacular
I really enjoyed this trip. The parks were spectacular and the cabins we stayed in were wonderful. The meals were fabulous. Our guide was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. She helped ensure the group was cohesive and enjoyed every destination. I thoroughly recommend Wildland Trekking.
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