Utah Zion & Bryce Winter Custom Adventure Tour
Snowshoe Trails & Hidden Paths in Snow-Dusted Parks
- Available: January, February, December
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
Highlights
- Savor the crowd-free solitude of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in winter
- Snowshoe and hike between hoodoos and rock spires to heavenly canyon overlooks blanketed in white
- Marvel at iconic the Bryce Amphitheater and perhaps peer out over Angel's Landing
Itinerary
Hike the Watchman Trail in Zion National Park
Day 1
Meet your guides and fellow travelers early this morning in Las Vegas, Nevada, then depart on a four-hour journey to one of North America's most outstanding national parks. Your first hike in Zion takes you to the Watchman Trail for a crisp winter welcome. The trail initially skirts the Virgin River, passing by towering canyon walls, dusted with snow. It climbs to offer breathtaking views of the Watchman and lower Zion Canyon, the red rock contrasting with winter white. As your first day on-trail winds to a close, transfer to your lodgings for a hearty dinner.
Accommodation: Zion Park Lodge-Zion National Park, Utah
Accommodation: Red Cliffs Lodge
Accommodation: Cliffrose Lodge
Accommodation: Driftwood Lodge
Accommodation: Desert Pearl Inn
Accommodation: Under Canvas Bryce CanyonActivity: 3.5 miles/3 hours hiking with 400' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Sand Bench Trail Through Zion Canyon
Day 2
Following the Virgin River down the canyon, this trail has spectacular winter views of several named sandstone features that tower over 2,000' above you, including Court of the Patriarchs, the Sentinel, Mountain of the Sun, and the Bee Hive. Pause for lunch and take in the iconic view of the Watchman, whose picturesque summit guards the entrance to Zion Canyon. As you complete the Sand Bench Loop, the trail winds through large sandstone boulders, with expansive views above the Virgin River. After returning to your hotel, you'll have some time to relax before meeting up again for dinner.
Accommodation: Zion Park Lodge-Zion National Park, Utah
Accommodation: Red Cliffs Lodge
Accommodation: Cliffrose Lodge
Accommodation: Driftwood Lodge
Accommodation: Desert Pearl Inn
Accommodation: Under Canvas Bryce CanyonActivity: 7 miles/5-6 hours hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout
Day 3
Starting near Zion Lodge, step onto the West Rim Trail for an exhilarating winter climb. Ascend along the canyon wall to the 21 serpentine switchbacks known as Walter's Wiggles. Reaching Scout Lookout at the top of the ridge, you are treated to sweeping views over the snowcapped Zion Canyon. Pause to catch your breath and enjoy a picnic lunch with a beautiful view of Angels Landing. Once you have soaked in the winter splendor, it's time to head back to the canyon floor and a hot meal back at your lodging.
Important Day 3 Note: The goal today is a viewpoint overlooking Angels Landing. Accessing the viewpoint is dependent on snow, ice, trail conditions, park discretion, and other uncontrollable factors. Your guides will provide specific details on this hike prior to setting out for the day.Accommodation: Zion Park Lodge-Zion National Park, Utah
Accommodation: Red Cliffs Lodge
Accommodation: Cliffrose Lodge
Accommodation: Driftwood Lodge
Accommodation: Desert Pearl Inn
Accommodation: Under Canvas Bryce CanyonActivity: 4 miles/4 hours hiking with 1,122' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk Beside the Virgin River & Journey to Bryce Canyon
Day 4
After breakfast, 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, savoring the hush of the season. Round out your inspiring sojourn in Zion with a breathtaking drive through the East side of the national park. After exiting the park, your journey continues toward Bryce Canyon National Park, where you'll settle into your new accommodations before a cozy dinner.
Accommodation: Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel Bryce Canyon
Accommodation: Stone Canyon Inn
Accommodation: Clear Sky Resort Bryce Canyon
Accommodation: SpringHill Suites by Marriott BryceActivity: 3 miles/3 hours hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2-hour 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, bask in solitude and enjoy the day on Fairyland Loop Trail. With snowshoes in place, you’ll find that the trail provides a variety of terrain, meandering to high 360-degree, panoramic viewpoints and winding along the base of towering hoodoos. Enjoy the winter wonderland as you make your way to Sunset Point, where you’re rewarded with views of the northeast section of the park, dominated by the imposing Boat Mesa and appropriately named Sinking Ship.
Accommodation: Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel Bryce Canyon
Accommodation: Stone Canyon Inn
Accommodation: Clear Sky Resort Bryce Canyon
Accommodation: SpringHill Suites by Marriott BryceActivity: 6 miles/5hours snowshoeing with 300' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 20-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow Queens Garden Trail to Hoodoos & Hammers
Day 6
Begin hiking at Sunset Point, home to some of the park's most remarkable views. Along the Queens Garden Trail, shades of orange, pink, peach, and white, sparkling with ice and snow are a photographer's delight. The namesake Queen, Wall of Windows, and Thor's Hammer dominate the landscape along your route. Say farewell to the red rocks and trails before transferring back to Las Vegas for your departure or an extra night in the city.
Activity: 3 miles/2 hours hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 4.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Why Travel With Us?
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 on foot.
Accompanied by your expert local guides, experience the magic of Utah on invigorating hikes, then unwind in comfortable lodge accommodations.
Know Before You Book
Itinerary: Please review your personalized itinerary carefully, as activities, accommodations, and included meals may vary from the sample itinerary shown online. Depending on your program, some experiences may be self-drive, with expert guides available along the way, while others are fully escorted and have the same driver/guide throughout.
Custom journeys are thoughtfully designed for a personalized experience, and adjustments may occur due to availability, logistics, seasonal considerations, or other factors. If you have any questions at any point, please don't hesitate to reach out—we're always happy to help.
Dates & Prices
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Your Guides
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.
Greg B.
Based in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, a setting where outdoor adventure comes with the territory, Javier loves nothing more than sharing the thrill and beauty of nature with others. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder and enjoys leading backcountry snowboarding guiding clinics and spending his free time splitboarding in winters. Summers mean managing a camp retreat, exploring other corners of the world, and guiding guests to new experiences.
Matt K.
Matt is an adventure enthusiast who enjoys engaging in nature and the great unknown as an experienced rock climber, mountain guide, and professional outdoor photographer. Based in Las Vegas, he enjoys having Red Rock Canyon in his backyard, where you can also find him cycling, trail running, and bird watching. Matt is a certified Wilderness First Responder.
Asli K.
A well-rounded guide and certified Wilderness First Responder, Asli (“Oz”) spends her free time hiking, biking, running, and skiing the mountains of the west with her 3 beloved dogs (Max, Woody and Chia). When not on an adventure, you can find her managing Down to Earth, a residential composting company based in Reno, Nevada. Her love of animals, the outdoors, and sustainability are all passions she brings to the trail.
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/3 hours hiking with 400' elevation gain and loss
Day 2
7 miles/5-6 hours hiking with 500' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
4 miles/4 hours hiking with 1,122' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
3 miles/3 hours hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
6 miles/5hours snowshoeing with 300' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
3 miles/2 hours 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
Rest well in modern three-star properties located in five-star settings.
Weather
At nearly 8,000 feet, Bryce Canyon is cooler than Zion with variable weather. Expect 35-40F during the day and 10-25F at night. Prepare for a range of conditions.
FAQs
This Sample Itinerary is a self-drive itinerary. You'll pick up rental car at your arrival airport. Detailed arrival and driving instructions are provided prior to departure. Alternatively, ask us about having a private driver for your entire adventure.
MT Sobek offers a wide range of trips to Utah throughout the year, from visiting the Mighty Five or a Custom Utah Adventure, we have trips for everyone.
There is no overall minimum age, though specific activities may have age requirements. Your Custom Travel Consultant will walk through all the appropriate options.






