DURATION:
5 Days/4 Nights
AVAILABILITY:
Jun-Sep
GROUP SIZE:
Max 6-12
STARTS/ENDS:
Salt Lake City
TRIP STYLE:
Camping
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of canyons, waterfalls, and rivers, as you witness the ancient rocks of Southern Utah sculpted by the dynamic force of water. Embark on a journey to explore the wonders of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, uncovering hidden gems like Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This basecamp-style adventure offers a perfect blend of classic and off-the-beaten-path hikes, complemented by cozy campgrounds where you can indulge in gourmet camp meals and rejuvenate with a refreshing shower after each day of trekking. Click here to learn more about booking this journey for your private group.
Interested in lodging instead? Click here to view the lodging tour
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.
Driving Time: 4.5 hours
Hiking: Navajo/Queens Garden Loop | 3-4 miles | 600+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Campground just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
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 mile out and back (6-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 Hours
Hiking: Lower Calf Creek Falls | 6 miles | 500 feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Campground just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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 Peekaboo 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: Peekaboo Loop Trail | 5-7 miles | 1200-1500+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Campground just outside of Zion National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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: West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout | 4-5 miles | 1000+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Campground just outside of Zion National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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: Depending on weather conditions and water levels, we may adjust our plans. If water levels are too high for the Narrows, we’ll explore other iconic trails like the Scout Lookout Trail or the Emerald Pools Trail, offering breathtaking views and unique geological formations. Historically, the Narrows opens in mid May.
Driving Time: 4.5 hours
Hiking: The Narrows | 3-5 miles | Minimal elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
NIGHTS 1-2
Nestled in high desert country, this forested site is adorned with towering ponderosa pines. Even in mid-summer, it offers cooler temperatures ideal for relaxing after a day on the trail. Although quiet and tucked away, the campground is walking distance to a grocery store, shower facilities, and more. The campground is located just minutes away from the entrance of Bryce Canyon.
NIGHTS 3-4
Our campground just outside the East Entrance of Zion is shaded by Juniper and Pinyon pines and is a favorite among groups. Enjoy stunning canyon scenery without the crowds. The property features a shower house, internet, and many other amenities, all while providing a remote setting for your camping experience.
Click here for a detailed packing list for your tour.
Address: Main Lobby at the Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown | 285 West Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Departure Time: Please arrive by 7:15AM (07:15)
Address: Main Lobby at the Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown | 285 West Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Return Time: Approximately 6:00PM (18:00)