Utah Zion and Bryce Winter Hiking Adventure - Lodge Based Tour
Snow-Dusted Red Rock & Frosted Hoodoos
Join your guides and fellow travelers as we explore a winter wilderness wonderland. Immerse yourself in the most iconic trails and sights of Zion and Bryce Canyons. You'll gaze out at the sandstone cathedrals of Zion National Park—without having to fight the summer crowds or heat. Snowshoe along Bryce Canyon's Fairyland Loop among hoodoos dusted with powdered-sugar snow. Explore Red Canyon, a little-known sanctuary with hoodoos, red cliffs and bright green conifers. This trip includes Zion's Angels Landing (dependent on conditions), Emerald Pools and Observation Point, along with Bryce's Fairyland, Wall Street, Bryce Point and Peek-a-Boo Loop. Let the quiet magic of desert canyons in winter inspire you.
Join your guides and fellow travelers as we explore a winter wilderness wonderland. Immerse yourself in the most iconic trails and sights of Zion and Bryce Canyons. You'll gaze out at the sandstone cathedrals of Zion National Park—without having to fight the summer crowds or heat. Snowshoe along Bryce Canyon's Fairyland Loop among hoodoos dusted with powdered-sugar snow. Explore Red Canyon, a little-known sanctuary with hoodoos, red cliffs and bright green conifers. This trip includes Zion's Angels Landing (dependent on conditions), Emerald Pools and Observation Point, along with Bryce's Fairyland, Wall Street, Bryce Point and Peek-a-Boo Loop. Let the quiet magic of desert canyons in winter inspire you.
Travel to Zion National Park; hike the Watchman Trail
Day 1
Meet your guides and fellow travelers early this morning in Las Vegas, Nevada, then depart for a four-hour journey to one of North America's most outstanding national parks. Our first hike in Zion takes us to the Watchman Trail. The trail initially skirts the Virgin River, passing by towering canyon walls, while bright green vegetation provide stark contrast to the arid desert landscape beyond the park boundaries. As our first day on-trail winds to a close we enjoy a dinner at our lodgings. Dinner included.
Accommodation: Zion Park Lodge-Zion National Park, Utah
Activity: 3.5 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 4 hours private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Hike from the heart of Zion Canyon along the Virgin River to a loop trail perched atop a massive ancient landslide
Day 2
Following the river down the canyon, our trail will have spectacular views of several named sandstone features that tower over 2,000' above us, including Court of the Patriarchs, the Sentinel, Mountain of the Sun, and the Bee Hive. We will enjoy lunch and take in the iconic view of the Watchman, whose picturesque summit guards the entrance to Zion Canyon. As we complete the Sand Bench Loop, our trail winds through large sandstone boulders, with expansive views above the Virgin River. Returning to our hotel, there will be time to relax before we regroup for dinner. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Accommodation: Zion Park Lodge-Zion National Park, Utah
Activity: 7 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb the West Rim Trail to spectacular views of Zion Canyon and beyond
Day 3
Our hike today starts near the iconic Zion Lodge. Reaching the West Rim trail, we enjoy views of towering sandstone walls. Next, we ascend the 21 serpentine switchbacks of Walter's Wiggles. At the top of the ridge, we pause to catch our breath and enjoy a picnic lunch with a beautiful view of Angels Landing. All meals included.
nImportant Day 3 Note: Our goal today is a viewpoint overlooking Angels Landing. Accessing the viewpoint is dependent on snow, ice, trail conditions, park discretion, and other factors beyond our control. Your guides will provide specific details on this hike prior to setting out for the day.
Accommodation: Zion Park Lodge-Zion National Park, Utah
Activity: 7 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike along the Virgin River in Zion Canyon
Day 4
After breakfast, we take one last journey through Zion Canyon, exploring the twists and turns of the Virgin River along the Riverside Walk and the Pa'rus Trail. We round out our inspiring sojourn in Zion with a breathtaking drive through the East side of the National Park. After exiting the park, our journey continues toward Bryce Canyon National Park, where we settle into our new accommodations before dinner. All meals included.
Accommodation: Ruby’s Inn
Activity: 3 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2.5 hours private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Snowshoe the Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 5
With the crowds of summer gone, we bask in solitude and enjoy the day on Fairyland Loop Trail. The trail provides a variety of terrain, meandering from high 360° panoramic viewpoints to winding along the base of towering hoodoos. At Sunset Point we are rewarded with views of the northeast section of the park, which is dominated by the imposing Boat Mesa and appropriately-named Sinking Ship. All meals included.
Accommodation: Ruby’s Inn
Activity: 6 miles snowshoeing with 300' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wander amongst the colorful hoodoos of the Queens Garden trail
Day 6
We begin hiking at Sunset Point, where some of the most remarkable views within the park are found. Shades of orange, pink, peach and white are set against a clear blue desert sky. A photographer's delight, scenes found along the Queens Garden trail stoke the fires of wanderlust for shutterbugs. The namesake Queen, Wall of Windows and Thor's Hammer dominate the landscape along our route and will leave us in awe of all the remarkable treasures the southwest has to offer. Our trip concludes with a transfer back to our host hotel in Las Vegas, where we say our goodbyes. We plan to arrive early this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Activity: 3 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
MT Sobek has been exploring US National Parks for more than 50 years, placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that protect the natural environment.
On this captivating six-day journey, you'll explore the enchanting winter landscapes of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
Accompanied by our expert local guides, experience the magic of Utah on invigorating hikes, then unwind in comfortable lodge accommodations.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Local Tour Guide .
We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local guides on our trips. You will be in excellent hands with a fully licensed and accredited local guide who will share their expertise in everything from history and architecture, to culture and traditions, the best local cuisine, activities and crafts, or even shopping. Local guides live, breathe, and love their trips because as locals they are an integral part of their communities. Their connections run deep and pride in their piece of the world is contagious.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Trip members should be capable of hiking and snowshoeing up to 8 miles while carrying a daypack that weighs 10-15 pounds over terrain that includes elevation gains/losses up to 2,200'. Some hikes are off-trail on moderately inclined sandstone. Activities take place between 3,000'-9,000' in elevation. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
3.5 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain and loss
Day 2
7 miles hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
7 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
3 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
6 miles snowshoeing with 300' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
3 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Modern and relaxed three-star properties in five-star settings.
Zion Lodge is a fantastic base for exploring Zion National Park — the only in-park lodge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers rooms, suites and historic cabins, originally designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in the 1920s. Each unit features a private porch or balcony, as well as A/C and Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant serves three meals daily.
Ruby's Inn, located just outside the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, is the perfect base for exploring the stunning red rock formations and hoodoos of this iconic destination. Offering a range of accommodations from comfortable hotel rooms to cozy cabins, Ruby's Inn features convenient amenities including restaurants, a general store, and an indoor pool.
Weather
At nearly 8,000 feet, Bryce Canyon is cooler than Zion with variable weather. Expect 35-40°F during the day and 10-25°F in the evening, but be prepared for a range of conditions.
Jan
Feb
Dec
Bryce Canyon National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Bryce Canyon National Park
35
11
37
13
36
12
Zion National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Zion National Park
49
24
49
24
48
24
FAQs
How should I train for my Utah National Park adventure?
The best training is hiking and snowshoeing. Work up to hiking similar distances with your daypack loaded with the same weight and items you will be carrying on our day hikes.
Is there wildlife in the high desert and canyons?
Yes! Park boundaries mean little to the Rocky Mountain elk, Prairie dogs, and pronghorn which can be found throughout the forested plateaus of Bryce Canyon National Park. Mule deer abound in Zion National Park.