Combine cycling, breathtaking mountainous scenery, and a laid-back Southwestern lifestyle, and you get some of the best of Southern Utah. Ride winding roads through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, past red rock canyons, sandstone cliffs, and expansive woodlands, or escape the crowds and enjoy the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Snow Canyon State Park's never-ending vistas. Cycling in this area is second to none, thanks to the fantastic weather and landscape. Off the bike, discover some of the best hiking in the country, as well as fascinating history, friendly inhabitants, and genuine cuisine – this cycling tour encompasses it all at a pace that's enjoyable for everyone.
Highlights
Discover the pinnacles of Bryce Canyon National Park
Cycle through Snow Canyon State Park viewing lava flows and sand dunes.
Enjoy the best of Southwestern culture, cuisine and history in the same lands Butch Cassidy once called home.
Hike in the canyons and peaks of Zion National Park, with a chance to hike one of the iconic hiking trails.
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Welcome to Saint George, the gateway to some of Utah’s finest parks and cycling trails. Arrive early and try one of the local hiking trails like the Red Reef Trail or just enjoy a relaxing morning exploring the local area. Your trip begins with a 3 pm welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers. Afterward, enjoy a warm-up ride around Saint George, taking in iconic sites such as the beautiful architecture of the 1877 St. George Temple in town before venturing into the stunning Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and back. At only 23kms (14 miles) it’s a short ride but one that will give you a good taste of the amazing scenery that Utah has to offer. After the ride, you’re free to freshen up and head out to the vibrant downtown to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Optional Activities:
Brigham Young Winter Home Tour - Free
St George Mormon Temple - Free
Red Reef Trail Hike - Free
Biking Distance: Approximately 23 km/14 miles, uphill for the first 4 miles then, mostly downhill, with 250 m/820 ft of overall elevation gain.
After breakfast, transfer by vehicle (approx.1.5hrs) to Cedar Breaks National Monument. Learn about the stunning half-mile-deep amphitheater of red rock, sitting at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, before getting onto the bikes for a long but enjoyable day in the saddle. Start by enjoying a relaxed 30-mile descent through the conifer and aspen trees of the sprawling Dixie National Forest. After lunch, the road flattens out as you make your way east. Get a taste of what is to come as you ride the Canyon bike path, climbing through the Ponderosa pines and red sandstone hoodoos of Red Canyon. Once a hideout of the notorious Butch Cassidy – before dropping down into the small town of Tropic, gateway to the stunning Bryce Canyon National Park. You have two nights here so, feel free to unpack and relax.
Included Activities:
Dixie National Forest
Cedar Breaks National Monument
Biking Distance: Approximately 100kms/65 miles, downhill for the first 30 miles then a long but gentle uphill to Bryce, with 610 m/2000 ft of overall elevation gain
Day 3: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Today is a long ride, but a classic, as you spend the entire day riding Scenic Byway 12, also known as ‘A Journey Through Time. The day starts with a gentle downhill to the edge of the multi-hued Kodachrome Basin State Park. Then a long climb up towards Powell Point Vista and the towering Canaan Peak – the views certainly make the climb worthwhile and, the support vehicle is always on hand if you need it. After a well-earned rest, begin the freewheeling 20-mile descent to the town of Escalante before one last climb up to the Head of the Rocks Overlook for expansive views of the colorful slick rocks. From here, it’s all downhill back into Escalante, where you’ll board the vehicle and transfer (approx. 45 minutes) back to Tropic. Enjoy a hearty meal and drink in town tonight – you’ve earned it!
Included Activities:
Head of the Rocks Overlook
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Biking Distance: Approximately 95kms/59 miles, downhill for the first 10kms/6 miles then a long 23km/14-mile uphill section immediately followed by a 30km/19 mile downhill, with 870m/2850 ft of overall elevation gain.
Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park | Zion National Park
Today you ride through the two iconic US National Parks. After a quick vehicle shuttle, begin your first ride, slowly climbing up through the surreal canyons and needle-like orange hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Parks to the end of the road at the famous Rainbow Point. Here you can enjoy the expansive panoramic vista of pink cliffs contrasted with the green bristlecone pines - the oldest living individual organisms on Earth. After taking in the view (and numerous photos) board the vehicle and shuttle (approx. 1.5 hrs) to Mt Carmel Junction for lunch. After lunch, jump back on the bikes and follow the road, as it shadows Pine Creek into the iconic Zion Canyon National Park. See the famous towering monoliths like The East Temple and Bridge Mountain looming above, touches of greenery contrasting the red sandstone and the fast-flowing Virgin River tumbling downwards all the way downhill to the end of the ride at Springdale. From here, pack up the bikes and jump into the vehicle for the short transfer (approx. 25 mins) to your lodging in the hot spring town of La Verkin.
Included Activities:
Bryce Canyon National Park Cycling
Zion National Park Cycling
Morning Biking Distance: Approximately 33kms/20 miles, mostly gently uphill with 675m/2200 ft of overall elevation gain.
Afternoon Biking Distance: Approximately 39kms/24 miles, with one climb/descent, with 400m/1310 ft of overall elevation gain.
This morning you’ll drive back to Springdale then enjoy an epic ride up the virtually car-free Floor of the Valley Road beneath the towering red rock cliffs of Zion Canyon. This Utah’s canyon lands are at their finest as you cycle up steep-sided cliffs and past the megaliths such as the Mountain of the Sun, Mount Majestic, and The Great White Throne. Be sure to stop off at the scenic Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint along the way – for a good rest and even better view. Once you reach the end of the paved road, it’s time to park the bike, swap your riding shoes for hiking boots and enjoy one of many hikes the park offers. Hiking in Zion is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and, the vistas here are some of the best in this vast park. Later, descend the same road then shuttle (approx. 45 minutes) back to St George.
Included Activities:
Zion National Park - Walks
Zion National Park Cycling
Biking Distance: Approximately 30kms/19 miles, with one uphill/descent, with 400m/1310ft of overall elevation gain.
Day 6: Saint George, Utah | Snow Canyon State Park | Return Home
1 Breakfast
Your last ride follows a familiar start as you start by retracing your tire tracks from Day 1 then, turn north, climbing upwards on an early morning cycle through the lesser-visited Snow Canyon State Park. The terrain here is a vast contrast to the last few days, yet equally compelling, as vertiginous cliffs give way to petrified dunes, ancient lava flows, and red Navajo sandstone. Savor the final long descent back down into Saint George with ample time to freshen up before it is time to say goodbye to your riding companions as the trip comes to an end.
Included Activities:
Snow Canyon State Park Cycling
Biking Distance: Approximately 39kms/24 miles, with one uphill/descent, with 630m/2070ft of overall elevation gain. The trip finishes at 11 am today.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,680
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Initial deposit is $400 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
5 Breakfasts
5 Nights Accommodations
6 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
For those traveling internationally with Intrepid: emergency evacuation and medical insurance are mandatory, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See here for more details
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
