Set out with a small, guided group on the desert adventure of a lifetime. Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks lure travelers with haunting geologic beauty. Get the best of both with an itinerary designed for variety and delight. By day, hike bucket-list-worthy trails, enjoy plentiful food, and soak up jaw-dropping scenery. By night, rest at local lodges or inns. Rinse off the trail dust, kick back with a cold drink, sleep in a real bed. You'll finally experience places you've heard so much about—and hidden gems you haven't. Behold Zion while tackling the ascent up the West Rim Trail. Wade the Narrows, flanked by sheer 2,000-foot walls. Hike Bryce Canyon's Fairyland, Wall Street and Sunset Point trails. Marvel at the Mars-like hoodoo landscape. Your guides bring the parks to life. Did you know Zion's sandstone walls were once the dunes of a vast Jurassic desert? This trip is for curious, active people who crave challenge and exhilaration.
Set out with a small, guided group on the desert adventure of a lifetime. Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks lure travelers with haunting geologic beauty. Get the best of both with an itinerary designed for variety and delight. By day, hike bucket-list-worthy trails, enjoy plentiful food, and soak up jaw-dropping scenery. By night, rest at local lodges or inns. Rinse off the trail dust, kick back with a cold drink, sleep in a real bed. You'll finally experience places you've heard so much about—and hidden gems you haven't. Behold Zion while tackling the ascent up the West Rim Trail. Wade the Narrows, flanked by sheer 2,000-foot walls. Hike Bryce Canyon's Fairyland, Wall Street and Sunset Point trails. Marvel at the Mars-like hoodoo landscape. Your guides bring the parks to life. Did you know Zion's sandstone walls were once the dunes of a vast Jurassic desert? This trip is for curious, active people who crave challenge and exhilaration.
Travel to Zion National Park and hike the Watchman Trail
Day 1
Meet your guides and fellow travelers this morning in Las Vegas, Nevada. We transfer four hours to Zion, one of North America's most outstanding national parks. Our first hike takes us to the scenic Watchman trail, giving us a birds eye view of the canyon. Bright green vegetation provides stark contrast to the arid desert landscape beyond the park boundaries. As our first day on-trail winds to a close we enjoy a picnic dinner with stunning views. We spend the next three nights in the quaint town of Springdale at our hotel just 10 minutes from the Zion Canyon. Lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation: Cliffrose Lodge Accommodation: Hotel De Novo
Activity: 3 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 4 hours private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Climb the West Rim Trail to spectacular views of Zion Canyon and beyond
Day 2
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. NOTE: An optional hike to Angels Landing may be added to our hike if permits can be acquired. These highly competitive permits cannot be guaranteed, but we will attempt to secure them if possible. Depending on which day we can secure an Angels Landing permit for, the exact days of our itinerary might potentially change.
Accommodation: Cliffrose Lodge Accommodation: Hotel De Novo
Activity: 7 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the iconic Zion Narrows and Emerald Pools
Day 3
Celebrated as one of the most picturesque slot canyons in the southwest, The Narrows provides an outdoor adventure like no other. With towering 2,000' cliffs tapering the canyon as they creep closer and closer together, the picturesque River Walk eventually gives way to the Virgin River where we begin our trek through a path of water. Walking in ankle- to knee-deep water is the only way to explore the heart of this geologic masterpiece. Depending on timing, we may also explore the emerald pools trail, a route that skirts the Virgin River beside towering canyon walls. Dinner is on your own this evening, pick from great options in Springdale. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Accommodation: Cliffrose Lodge Accommodation: Hotel De Novo
Activity: 5-8 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive through the East side of Zion, picnic at Red Canyon on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 4
We round out our inspiring sojourn in Zion with a breathtaking morning drive through the East side of the National Park. After exiting the park, our journey continues toward Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the way, we will stop for a picnic in Red Canyon and take a scenic hike through colorful hoodoos. After the hike, we settle in to our new accommodations. All meals included.
Accommodation: Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel Bryce Canyon Accommodation: Ruby’s Inn
Activity: 4 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2.5 hours private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the enchanting Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 5
Bryce Canyon National Park offers a unique and stunning landscape of its own. Today's hike on the Fairyland Loop Trail perfectly showcases the park's grandeur. We begin our hike at the rim of the canyon where spectacular views of the natural amphitheater provide a glimpse of what is in store. The trail provides a variety of terrain, meandering from high 360° panoramic viewpoints to winding along the base of towering hoodoos. As we ascend to Sunrise Point, we are rewarded with a glimpse of the northeast section of the park, which is dominated by the imposing Boat Mesa and appropriately named Sinking Ship. We continue along the rim to Sunset Point, where our van is waiting to return us to our hotel. All meals included.
Accommodation: Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel Bryce Canyon Accommodation: Ruby’s Inn
Activity: 6 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the hoodoos of Navajo Loop; transfer to Las Vegas
Day 6
Our journey starts at Bryce Point to take in some of the most remarkable views within the park. Shades of orange, pink, peach, and white are set against a vibrant blue desert sky. A photographer's delight, scenes found along the Navajo Loop and Wall Street trails stoke the fires of wanderlust for shutterbugs world-wide. The Three Wise Men, 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. In the afternoon we depart for Las Vegas; we anticipate arriving at our host hotel late this afternoon. Note: Timing may vary depending on trail conditions, weather and other elements beyond our control. Breakfast and lunch included.
Activity: 3 miles hiking with 1,200' 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 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 up to 8 miles 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. Hikes take place between 3,000' - 9,000' in elevation. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 1
3 miles hiking with 600' elevation gain and loss
Day 2
7 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
5-8 miles hiking with 400' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
4 miles hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
6 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
3 miles hiking with 1,200' 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.
Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel Bryce Canyon
The Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel offers the newest upscale accommodations for visitors to Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park. The hotel features two four-story towers featuring 164 luxurious guest rooms, exercise facilities, and a full-service restaurant. The enclosed courtyard offers guest privacy for the pool, whirlpool, and patio areas.
Located in Springdale, Cliffrose Lodge sits on five acres along the Virgin River, just steps from Zion National Park. The manicured grounds feature an outdoor heated pool, riverside hot tubs, and comfortable accommodations. The central location is perfect for exploring the nearby shops, galleries, and restaurants.
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.
Offering stunning views outside Zion National Park, Hotel De Novo, is surrounded by majestic red cliffs and across the street from hiking and bike trails along the Virgin River. The heated outdoor infinity pool offers a scenic place to unwind after a busy day on the trails!
Weather
At nearly 8,000 feet, Bryce Canyon is cooler than Zion with variable weather. Expect warm, sunny days (64-85°F) and cool evenings (40-55°F), but be prepared for a range of conditions.
Apr
May
Jun
Sep
Oct
Bryce National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Bryce National Park
52
24
62
32
74
40
69
37
57
27
Zion National Park
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Zion National Park
59
36
69
42
82
49
78
48
66
39
FAQs
How should I train for my Utah National Park adventure?
The best training is hiking. 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 migratory hummingbirds, peregrine falcon, Rocky Mountain elk, Prairie dogs, horned lizards, and pronghorn which can be found throughout the forested plateaus of Bryce Canyon National Park. Mule deer abound in Zion National Park, plus if you look closely you often find Canyon tree frogs clinging to the rocks and spring-fed ferns.
What should I expect on the hike in the Narrows?
After the guides teach techniques and safety, we work as a team to navigate up the canyon, with the goal of reaching Orderville Canyon (a tributary). The hiking is about 65+% on land and 40-% in water. The first mile is 100% dry, though there is one long wading section immediately following the first mile. Guests should bring old tennis shoes or sturdy walking sandals like Chacos or Teva. Sneakers you can get wet often work best, those wearing sandals should wear socks under them to prevent rub marks due to sand getting under the straps. Neoprene socks are a bonus, but not required. Guides will advise if a change of shorts will be a good idea based on current water levels and temperatures.