Bryce & Zion National Parks Bike Tour

Meet us in St. George, Utah (public shuttle is available from the Las Vegas airport.) Begin riding just north of there, in Dixie National Forest’s Cedar Breaks National Monument — a huge amphitheater of amazing red and orange sandstone sculptures carved by the wind and rain. Pedal down a long, gradual hillside, descending through the aspens and pines of Dixie National Forest to the flat farmland around the town of Panguitch. Cycle past the vivid sandstone formations of Red Canyon on a paved bike path leading to Bryce Canyon National Park, where you’ll spend the next two nights at Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel or the Main Lodge at Ruby’s Inn.

Start off with a sunrise walk to our favorite Bryce Canyon overlook. Statue-like hoodoos appear to glow from within as the sun’s rays creep down the canyon walls. After breakfast, bicycle through ranch lands along the Sevier and Virgin Rivers into Zion National Park. Bicycling magazine calls Zion “one of the world’s most beautiful places to ride.” Desert sheep greet you at the entrance and red cliffs tower above the road as you descend the east side of the canyon into Springdale, Spend the next three nights at Springhill Suites.

Today we head to a panoramic vista point above the canyon walls. Wind your way up “Walter’s Wiggles” to “Scouts Lookout.” People with an extreme fear of heights may prefer a more leisurely stroll to a beautiful waterfall.

Prefer to ride? Choose between scenic and challenging cycling options inside Zion National Park and on its border (no van support). Since the Park Service runs frequent free shuttle buses from our inn, through town, to the visitor center, and through Zion’s valley floor, you can customize your experience. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.

Conditions permitting, we offer a river walk into the Virgin River’s Narrows – a stunningly gorgeous slot canyon with walls towering more than 1,000 feet high. The river covers the narrow canyon’s base wall-to-wall in places, so you’ll be wading in and out of ankle-to-waist-deep water as you navigate a rock-walled passageway. We supply walking sticks and waders.

Ride the virtually traffic-free Scenic Drive through Zion Canyon – no cars are allowed here! The cruise up and back to the end of the road along the valley floor can take much longer than the mileage may indicate as you stop to take photos, gaze up at the massive, multicolored cliffs, and contemplate the sparkling river. The tour ends after lunch back in Springdale with a one-hour shuttle back to St. George.

*Bicycle Adventures operates under special use permits while on Federal Lands managed by the National Forest Service (USDA), National Parks and Bureau of Land Management. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.