Zion Bryce Escalante | 5-Day Lodging Trip

Explore the Unique Landscape of Bryce Canyon

This morning we’ll meet the group at our designated hotel in downtown Salt Lake City for a quick introduction before we hit the road! Hop in our 15 passenger, air conditioned van and head to Bryce Canyon–making plenty of rest stops along the way. After a scenic lunch we will hike a trail that encompasses the full beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park and it’s famous spires, known as “hoodoos”. Many proclaim this introductory trail as “The world’s best 3 mile hike”.  It is rated as moderate and is a wonderful way to view a variety of geology, flora, & fauna.

After completing the hike we head to our conveniently located lodge just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park. Your guides will take you out for your first dinner as a group!

Trek to a Gorgeous Waterfall in Grand Staircase Escalante

Today we explore one of the most underrated regions of Utah, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. We’ll cruise along an incredibly scenic road (Highway 12 Scenic Byway) towards our trailhead at Lower Calf Creek Falls. The National Monument is almost 2 million square acres and is home to abundant wildlife, human history and vast geology.

We’ll trek a 3.5 mile out and back (7 miles total) moderately rated, highly enjoyable hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful trails in southern Utah.  Here you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning 124 foot waterfall and a chance to soak your feet and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Your guides will offer additional local activities before heading back to the lodge. After dinner you’ll have some time to enjoy the amenities at the lodge such as swimming pool, jacuzzi, and gift shop.

Driving Time: 3.5 Hours
Trail: Lower Calf Creek Falls | Distance: 7 miles
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park

Witness Bryce Canyon at Sunrise and Hike the Peek-A-Boo Trail

This morning we start our day with an unforgettable sunrise at Bryce Canyon! After having breakfast, we’ll check-out of the hotel and head to our final trailhead at Bryce Canyon. The Peek-A Boo trail is one of the best ways to view Bryce Canyon and avoid much of the crowds. This peaceful hike will reward you with incredible views of unique geological formations and is a stunning way to bid goodbye to this National Park. Next we’ll drive 2 hours to the conveniently located lodge just outside of Zion National Park in a town called Springdale. The drive cuts right through ancient sand dunes on the East side of Zion and is a spectacular first glimpse of what is to come the next two days. We then check-in, relax and head to one of our favorite restaurants in Springdale.

Driving Time: 2 hours
Trail: Peek-A-Boo | Distance: 5.5 miles
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn just outside of Zion National Park or similar

Hike the Iconic Narrows in Zion

After breakfast we enter Zion National Park! You will witness the towering sandstone cliffs and experience the green and blue waters of the Virgin River cutting through the heart of the canyon, providing life for those who call Zion home. Weather permitting, we’ll adventure down the world-famous Narrows where you’ll hike knee-deep in cool, rushing water while towering cliffs rise on both sides.  This feature is arguably Zion’s most famous and will be a great way to cool off after a busy week of hiking! After several hours of optional hiking and exploring, we head back to our lodge giving you the chance to enjoy Springdale’s shops and amenities. This evening we arrange our final group dinner with one of our trusted local partners in the area.

Due to natural variables in the outdoors (such as potential flash flooding), we pay close attention to what Mother Nature provides for us when finalizing plans for the day. Our guides will ensure your safety by offering other amazing hiking options such as Upper Emerald Pools if need be.

Driving Time: Local
Trail: Riverside Walk + The Narrows | Distance: 4 miles
Accommodation: La Quinta Inn just outside of Zion National Park or similar

Take in a Panoramic View of Zion Canyon from Above + Return to Salt Lake City

Today we’ll eat a healthy ready to-go breakfast and head into the park early to maximize time in Zion before departing to Salt Lake City. Once in Zion, we take a shuttle bus to the famous West Rim trail. The trail is known for its incredible views of Zion Canyon from above and its steep drop-offs! The first two miles ascend a paved path nearly 1,000 feet up including the famous twenty-one switchbacks called “Walter’s Wiggles”.  Just beyond this, you’ll reach the saddle called Scout Lookout, which provides an incredible panoramic view of Zion Canyon. After summiting Scout Lookout, taking celebratory photos and eating snacks, we depart Zion National Park, eat lunch at a nearby cafe and then begin our return 4-hour drive to Salt Lake City. You’ll have the opportunity to rest, share photos and memories on the drive back.

Please note that Angels Landing is no longer available. Due to high demand, the National Park Service has created a permit system for those who want to hike this section. Individual permits are not authorized to be used on MountainBased trips.

Driving Time: 4.5 hours | Return to Salt Lake City
Trail: Scout Lookout | Distance: 3-5 miles