Zion + Bryce Explored | 5-Day Camping Trip
DURATION:
5 Days/4 Nights
AVAILABILITY:
May-Sept
GROUP SIZE:
Max 12
STARTS IN:
Salt Lake City
ENDS IN:
Salt Lake City
TRIP STYLE:
Camping
Overview
This trip was formerly called the “Southern Utah Hiker”. Witness amazing desert geology firsthand, where ancient rock is shaped by the powerful and ever-changing flow of water. This trip has been carefully curated to hit our favorite spots in Southern Utah, with the perfect mix of classic hikes as well as trails that are off the beaten path. This basecamp style trip offers the luxury of freshly cooked meals and a hot shower after a day of moderate to strenuous hiking. Explore world-renowned hikes at impressive Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, as well as hidden gems such as Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Come along and find yourself surrounded by canyons, waterfalls and rivers!
Trip Highlights
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- The perfect trip for those who love canyons, waterfalls and rivers found in one of the driest places on earth!
- Basecamp style trip (We camp in two different places only to maximize our time in the parks)
- Expert guides who will provide in depth knowledge about Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase Escalante history, flora, fauna, geology, etc.
- Plenty of time to explore trails off the beaten path (Lower Calf Creek Falls, Fairyland Loop)
- Plenty of time to explore famous trails (Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, Navajo/Queens Garden Loop)
- Sleep under the stars with all camping equipment provided
- Enjoy healthy cooked meals at camp
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Salt Lake City and Hike at Bryce Canyon National Park
This afternoon we will enter Bryce Canyon National Park, which is known for its collection of sandstone spires called “hoodoos” that truly bring this landscape to life. Here we will explore several viewpoints before we descend into the Bryce Amphitheatre on “The world’s best 3-mile hike”. This trail is rated as moderate and is a wonderful way to view a variety of geology, flora, & fauna.
This hike is a good introductory trail to gauge how everyone feels with shoes, physical abilities, and pace. We will do our best to make each of the hikes as enjoyable as possible according to your personal comfort.
Tonight we will camp under Ponderosa pines just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park. Your guides will cook up a hearty home-made meal as you relax by the campfire and gaze up at the amazing stars of southern Utah.
Driving time: 4.5 Hours
Hiking: Navajo/Queen’s Garden Loop – 3 miles
Accommodation: Ruby’s Campground just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 2: Explore Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
Today we will explore an incredible National Monument called Grand Staircase Escalante. This breathtaking park is home to impressive geology, vast amounts of human history, and abundant wildlife (Including Desert Bighorn Sheep). On the agenda for today is 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 by a stunning 124-foot waterfall and a chance to soak your feet and enjoy a picnic lunch.
After completing the hike, your guides will provide additional local options that meet the group’s needs before heading back to camp for a hot shower, freshly prepared dinner, and restful night under Utah stars.
Driving time: 3.5 Hours
Hiking: Lower Calf Creek Falls – 7 miles total (3.5 out and back)
Accommodation: Ruby’s Campground just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park
Day 3: Hike at Bryce Canyon & Drive to Zion National Park
This morning we will return to Bryce Canyon National Park for an opportunity to view sunrise before setting out on an amazing trail to view more features of Bryce Canyon National Park. The Fairyland 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.
After completing the hike, we will return to camp to pack up our gear before driving 2 hours to our new campsite just outside of Zion National Park.
This afternoon you’ll have a chance to relax and enjoy some of the amenities of our campsite, including a swimming pool and recreation barn. We’ll regroup in the evening for another home-cooked meal provided by your guides.
Driving time: 2 Hours
Hiking: Fairyland Trail Loop – 7 miles
Accommodation: Zion Ponderosa just outside of Zion National Park
Day 4: Enter Zion National Park + Conquer Angels Landing
This morning we will enter beautiful Zion National Park where you will begin to see stunning rock formations, rushing water of the Virgin River, lush vegetation, and even possibly some local wildlife like Desert Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer.
Upon our arrival, will take a shuttle to the trailhead of the famous Angel’s Landing Trail known for its amazing views and steep drop-offs. The first two miles ascend a paved path nearly 1,000 feet including the famous twenty-one switchbacks called “Walter’s Wiggles”. Just beyond this, you’ll reach the saddle called Scout’s Lookout, which provides some of the best views of Angel’s Landing and the canyon. Note: For people who struggle with heights, Scout’s Lookout may make for an accomplished end point before turning back.
For those who wish to push forward, this is where a new challenge begins. The next half-mile will include nearly 500 additional feet of elevation gain and include chain hand-rails to assist hikers on the areas with big exposure. Taking the trail one step at a time is all you need to do as you ascend to the top and are rewarded with inspiring views of Zion Canyon below. After some celebratory photos and snacks, we will descend back down the trail.
We will return to camp this evening for our final dinner and last night of camping!
Driving time: Local
Hiking: Angels Landing – 5.4 miles
Accommodation: Zion Ponderosa just outside of Zion National Park
Day 5: Zion National Park & Return to Salt Lake City
Today we’ll marvel at the giant red cliffs that rise over 2,000 feet above the blue-green waters of the Virgin River.
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 depart from Zion National Park and begin our return 4.5-hour drive to Salt Lake City.
Note: Due to many natural variables in the outdoors, we take what Mother Nature provides for us when deciding on which hike we will do. Other amazing options may include an adventure to the Upper Emerald Pools or similar.
Driving time: 4.5 Hours
Hiking: Riverside Walk + The Narrows – 4 miles
What to Bring
Check out a more in-depth list of what to bring here.
Our Reviews
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I took my very first solo trip from NJ to Utah with Mountainbased in April and I still think about it everyday, looking at my photos and wish I could... read more 
X_tinacc123
5/18/2019 We chose the MountainBased Mighty 5 trip (with lodging) to celebrate my fathers 80th birthday and it was awesome. The trip was well organized and the guides were attentive, knowledgeable,... read more 
DTStet
4/30/2019BCHUCK400 The Yellowstone/Grand Teton trip was my second experience with Mountain Based in 2 years. I'm looking forward to a third. My wife and I had different guides (Eric and Steve)... read more
8/08/2019 - ArturoSan1 This was an absolutely fantastic experience made better by Nick and James. It was a perfect combination of day hiking, some challenging hike-climbs (Angels landing) and down time at stunning... read more
6/25/2019 Our trip with MountainBased was an excellent way to visit the 5 National Parks in southern Utah and a few state parks that most people don't get to visit. Justin... read more 
David D
5/07/2019Rosannego MountainBased has expanded to these two great parks. I went on the Utah 5 with them two years ago and couldn’t wait to join them again! So much fun! Justin... read more
7/29/2019 - We had a wonderful time on this trip. Typically we don't go on group tours, but this was a perfect option for us. The fabulous guides did all the driving,... read more
susansugarmank
4/13/2019 Let me start by saying I haven't camped since I was in Girl Scouts. My sister has wanted to visit Utah's National Parks for some time and finally convinced us... read more 
kellybenesh
11/08/2018Krishoutx I booked this trip with a friend but ended up a single. This proved to be inconsequential. The Mountainbased team accepted me just as they did the other 10 on... read more
8/20/2019
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DepartureMain Lobby at the Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown - 285 West Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
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Departure TimePlease arrive by 7:15AM (07:15)
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Return TimeApproximately 6:00PM (18:00)
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IncludedRound-trip transportation in a brand new 15 passenger vanA highly experienced, professional guide (Certified Wilderness First Responder)Spacious top-quality tents, comfortable sleeping pads, and a warm sleeping bagAll National Park and camping feesEmergency equipment and first-aid kitFreshly made meals prepared throughout each day and nightWe cover the majority of meals (Except 3 meals)
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Not IncludedGuide gratuity (Recommended 15-20% of trip cost)Breakfast Day 1 + Lunch Day 4 + Dinner Day 5
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