Bryce–Zion
Classic Plus Tour

All The Spectacular Riding You Want

From the towering limestone fortresses and whimsical hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park to the high plateaus and mazes of Zion, from majestic Brian Head to stunning Kodachrome Basin, this tour offers all the high desert cycling you could dream up. We'll explore all of these legendary canyons - and more - on bike and on foot, and stay in lodgings that put you right at the doorstep of the dramatic scenery.

Little-Known Kolob Canyons Ideal Starting Point

The trip starts from the former cotton settlement of St. George, Utah (public shuttle is available from Las Vegas). We'll pick you up there on Sunday morning, heading directly to the Kolob Canyons in the northern section of Zion National Park to begin riding. Quiet and peaceful, these radiant red-walled canyons are missed by most car travelers and make the perfect place to start our week. We'll ride through the canyons, then into Cedar Breaks, once called the "Circle of Painted Cliffs" by the indigenous peoples, and finally to the resort town of Brian Head and our home for the night at Cedar Breaks Lodge.

Bike and Hike in the Land of Dixie

Day Two finds us biking through the orange sandstone canyons and dense pine forests of Brian Head into Red Canyon, a glowing oasis of rock tucked into the heart of Dixie National Forest. That afternoon, we'll guide a loop hike down into Bryce Canyon, exploring the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden - a wonderland of sculpted spires and pinnacles painted in brilliant desert hues. Our lodging for the next two nights is the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, a brand-new lodge perched at the entrance to the canyon.

Endless Views and Painted Chimneys

On Tuesday, we'll ride from our lodge out to Rainbow Point, where we're greeted by expansive views stretching all the way to Navajo Mountain and the Kaibab Plateau 90 miles away in Arizona. On the clearest days, the view extends even into New Mexico! We'll continue cycling on to Kodachrome Basin, a wonder of massive sandstone chimneys shaded in hues of gray, white or red depending on Mother Nature's mood.

85 Miles to Zion, 'One of the World's Best Places to Ride'

Wednesday we're up before the sun - literally - in order to catch an unforgettable sight: the sunrise illuminating Bryce's hoodoos and bringing them to glowing life. Today's ride, should you choose to do all of it, is an 85-miler from Bryce Canyon into Zion National Park. (For those who want to put in 100 miles and make it a century ride, you can top it off with a gorgeous out-and-back pedal to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.)

Hailed by Bicycling Magazine as "one of the world’s most beautiful places to ride," Zion is a visual feast of stunning vistas, soaring red walls and high mesas. The park service does not allow cars into all sections of Zion National Park, though cyclists are welcome. There are frequent (free) shuttle buses for both guest and bicycle from our inn, through town, to the visitor center, and to the valley floor of Zion itself, making it easy to customize your Zion experience to suit your personal desires. We'll spend two nights here at Zion Park Inn, a handsome lodge just outside the park entrance in Springdale. You'll enjoy exploring the town, cycling and hiking in the park, and at the end of the day, marvelous views from the inn’s outdoor hot tub and pool.

Treat Yourself to Options Galore

Thursday brings a bevy of options: conditions permitting, we can lead a river hike (walking sticks and wading boots provided) up the Virgin River and into the famed Narrows slot canyon with its 1000-foot walls and hanging gardens; alternatively, you may wish to hike up the West Rim Trail to Angels Landing, a rigorous jaunt that rewards visitors with stunning panoramas. If you prefer to ride, you can further explore the rainbow-painted Kolob Canyons with us, on roads we weren't able to take in on Day 1. In the afternoon we're happy to help you schedule a well-earned massage.

Canyons, Dunes, and the Home of Seven Wives

On Friday we'll take a roundabout route out of Zion National Park, cycling west into the tranquil burgh of Hurricane with its tall trees and small-town feel, to the sparkling waters and red dunes of Sand Hollow State Park, and then into St. George. We'll spend tonight at the historic Seven Wives Inn, original home of one Benjamin F. Johnson, whose seven wives each had their own rooms on the property. Our final dinner of the week is at the Painted Pony, rated Excellent by Zagat's and hailed by the reviewer as 'a jewel in the desert.'

The Finishing Touch: Unique Snow Canyon

Saturday, our last, we'll take a loop ride from our inn out to Snow Canyon - a distinctive canyon whose entrance is guarded by two volcanoes; jet-black lava coats the red Navajo sandstone, making it a photographer's feast. After a final celebratory lunch, we'll skirt the edge of Dixie National Forest via the glittering waters of Gunlock State Park Reservoir, then head back to St. George for your journey home.

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