Zion Bryce Escalante | 5-Day Camping Trip

Explore the Unique Landscape of Bryce Canyon

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 Amphitheater 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 provide you with all the camping gear necessary, a detailed tutorial on how to set up tents, and then let you get settled in as they cook up a hot meal. Relax by the fire and enjoy the dark southern Utah night sky.

Trek to a Gorgeous Waterfall in Grand Staircase Escalante

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: Campground just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park

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

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 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.

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: Peek-A-Boo | 5.5 miles
Accommodation: Campground just outside of Zion National Park

Take in a Panoramic View of Zion Canyon from Above

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 West Rim 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 Lookout, which provides some of the best views of the majestic canyon. 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!

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: Local
Hiking: Scout Lookout | 3.6 miles
Accommodation: Campground just outside of Zion National Park

Hike the Iconic Narrows in Zion + 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.

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