Bryce–Zion

Awe-inspiring Landscape

This trip goes through an area that an editor for Bicycling magazine described as "the most awe-inspiring and unique landscape I've ever pedaled through."  We'll ride and hike in Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park.  Great cycling roads slice through a panorama of sparkling sunny skies, red-rock sculptures, immense canyons, and aspen forests.  Travel Holiday magazine describes our trip through this area as the “best-buy tour” of three companies reviewed.

Two Rainbow Colored Canyons and Three National Parks

Our adventure starts in St. George, Utah, on a Sunday morning (public shuttle is available from the Las Vegas airport).  We travel north to Cedar Breaks National Monument — a huge amphitheater of amazing red and orange sandstone sculptures carved by the wind and rain.  We pedal down a long, gradual hillside as we descend through the colorful aspens and pines of Dixie National Forest to the flat farmland around the town of Panguitch.   We cycle past the vivid sandstone formations of Red Canyon on a newly built bike path, which leads us to Bryce Canyon National Park, where we spend the next two nights.

Glowing Hoodoos, Jaw-Dropping Views

Monday is a layover day.  We start the day with an optional sunrise hike to our favorite spot overlooking Bryce Canyon.  As the sun’s rays steal down the canyon walls to the statue-like hoodoos, the hoodoos seem to glow from within.  After breakfast we cycle the 17-mile road in the park along the edge of the canyon, with plenty of places to stop and gaze at nature’s spectacle.  In the afternoon we take those who wish on a great hike into the canyon on aptly named “Fairyland Trail.”  Cone-shaped hoodoos resembling wizards and gnomes watch over the path, and behind every curve lies another jaw-dropping view. 

“One of the World’s Most Beautiful Rides”

On Tuesday we cycle through ranchland along the Sevier and Virgin rivers into Zion National Park.  Zion, with its color-streaked canyon walls and sandstone sculptures, is described in Bicycling as one of the world’s most beautiful places to ride.   The descent down the east wall of Zion is awesome, with red cliffs rising right beside you.  At the bottom, the six-mile ride along the flat and narrow valley floor can take all afternoon as you stop and gaze up at the massive, multi-colored cliffs.  Zion doesn’t allow cars in this section of the park anymore, so it’s an incredible bicycle ride.  We spend the next three nights at Zion Park Inn, a handsome lodge in the town of Springdale, just outside the park.  You’ll enjoy the inn’s outdoor hot tub and pool as much as its gorgeous setting.

Zion National Park: A Bounty of Alluring Hikes

On Wednesday and Thursday we offer some superb hikes in Zion.  Many guests choose the West Rim Trail, a hike up to panoramic vista points and Angels Landing.  Other hikes include a more leisurely walk to a beautiful waterfall, or a river walk (weather permitting) partway up the Narrows.  The Virgin River has cut a slot canyon — with walls towering more than 1,000 feet high — as it emerges from the mountains into the Zion Valley.  The river fills this narrow canyon wall-to-wall in places, so you’ll be wading in water as you work your way through a rock-walled passageway less than 50 feet wide.   We supply walking sticks and wading boots for this unusual and fun experience. 

We also offer scenic cycling options in the park and some challenging cycling options on its border.  The park service runs frequent free shuttle buses from our inn, through town, to the visitor center, and to the valley floor of Zion itself.  We make extensive use of this transportation system so guests can customize their Zion experiences.

Lunch Alongside Virgin River, a Long-Remembered Journey

On Friday we cycle west along the Virgin River out into open rangeland and cattle country to a lakeside park for lunch.  Afterward, we conclude the trip with a 10-mile shuttle back to St. George.

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