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Cycle Utah: Bryce & Zion National Parks

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Cycle Utah: Bryce & Zion National Parks

Was From $ 3,860 AUD
Now From $ 3,281 AUD
Sale!

Description

Combine cycling, stunning rugged landscapes and laidback Southwestern life and you get some of the best that Southern Utah has to offer. Ride winding roads through iconic Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, past red rock canyons, sandstone cliffs and through sprawling forests, or escape the crowds and enjoy the endless vistas of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Snow Canyon State Park. With great weather and scenery, the cycling here is second to none. Off the bike you’ll find some of the country’s most fascinating history, friendly locals and authentic cuisine – this cycling adventure takes in the best of it all at a pace everyone can enjoy.

Trip Name
Cycle Utah: Bryce & Zion National Parks
Last Updated
2023-01-29
Days
6
Capacity
13
Highlights
  • Discover the needle-like hoodoo pinnacles of Bryce Canyon National Park and the sheer red sandstone canyons of Zion National Park.
  • Cycle through Snow Canyon State Park viewing ancient lava flows and petrified sand dunes.
  • Challenge yourself to inspiring climbs and freewheeling descents past millions of years of geologic history in the multihued rock layers of the Colorado Plateau.
  • Enjoy the best of Southwestern culture, cuisine and history in the same lands Butch Cassidy once called home.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Saint George Cycling
Welcome to Saint George, the gateway to some of Utah’s finest parks and cycling trails. If you arrive early you might like to 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 3pm welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. Afterwards, 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.
Day 2 - Cycle Cedar Breaks to Tropic
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, gently 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.
Day 3 - Cycle Tropic to Escalante
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 multihued 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 all the way to the town of Escalante, before one last climb up to the Head of the Rocks Overlook for expansive views of the colourful slickrocks. 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!
Day 4 - Bryce Canyon & Zion National Park
Today you ride through not one, but 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 all the way 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 all the way 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. 30 mins) to your lodging in Hurricane.
Day 5 - Cycle and Hike in Zion National Park
Early 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 is Utah’s canyonlands 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 enjoy a freewheeling descent of the same road back down before enjoying a short hike out past sparkling waterfalls to the green-tinged Emerald Pools. From here it's a short shuttle (approx. 45 minutes) back to St George.
Day 6 - St George & Snow Canyon State Park
Your last ride follows a familiar start as you start by retracing your tyre 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 sand dunes, ancient lava flows and red Navajo sandstone. Savour 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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-09-202322-09-2023AUD $ 3,281-
01-10-202306-10-2023AUD $ 3,281-
15-10-202320-10-2023AUD $ 3,281-
05-11-202310-11-2023AUD $ 3,281-
24-03-202429-03-2024AUD $ 3,510-
14-04-202419-04-2024AUD $ 3,510-
05-05-202410-05-2024AUD $ 3,510-
01-09-202406-09-2024AUD $ 3,510-
15-09-202420-09-2024AUD $ 3,510-
29-09-202404-10-2024AUD $ 3,510-
13-10-202418-10-2024AUD $ 3,510-
03-11-202408-11-2024AUD $ 3,510-

Accommodation

Simple Hotel/Motel (5 nights)

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available,subject to availability),Support vehicle

Map