Skip to main content

Guide Stories: The Best Photo of North America

One of our guides, Jonathan Hershberger who captured the winning photo in North America in 2022, shared a brief story about the creation of this enchanting image, which may serve as inspiration for your photography!

The fall season of our Bryce to Zion trips had just begun. With record-high temperature’s in the forecast, my co-guide Sarah & I were thinking about how best to create experiences of a lifetime for our guests. Each day presented us with a different challenge. Our tour starts in Boulder, Utah, and begins with an amazing ride on the Burr Trail. Imagine sheer red rock cliffs, petrified sand dunes, views that go on for days, and more cyclists than cars.

Our home for the first night of the trip is the Boulder Mountain Lodge, a cute & quaint hotel. What sets this hotel apart is the restaurant, Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm. Hell’s Backbone Grill & Farm has won numerous awards & recognitions ranging from receiving Zagat’s highest rating in Utah to multiple semifinalists & finalists for the James Beard Award. In 2022 they were a semifinalist in the “Oustanding Restaurant” category.

A lone cyclist rides through a red rock valley in Utah

On day 2 of the trip we depart Boulder for our second stop of the trip Bryce, Utah. With temperatures slated to rise well over 100* F, my co-guide & I decided to stock up on extra ice & depart early. Today’s ride is fantastic as we weave along a stunning section of road called, Hogsback Ridge. The ridge features stunning views in every direction & is a highlight for our guests.

We reached our first stop in Escalante as the temps were climbing. It was here we decided to modify our route. Instead of stopping for lunch & finishing the ride in the heat of the day, we gave the guests the option to cycle Hogsback Ridge in reverse & then have lunch. The guests all enthusiastically went for option B. After topping up on water & snacks, we returned the way they came.

This was the first time I had done Hogsback Ridge in the opposite direction. The views did not disappoint. The guests loved being able to get the miles in before the temperatures became too extreme. It was here that I was able to snap the photo that won best North American Picture 2022 for Trek Travel.

Our mission is to “Create experiences of a lifetime, provide exceptional hospitality, have fun, and inspire a passion for cycling and travel.” If you are thinking of traveling with us in 2023, know that we are constantly looking to create those experiences of a lifetime for you on every trip. Oh, and the temperatures finally dropped the next day in Bryce. We had a fabulous remainder of the trip. Who knows, maybe the opportunity for the guides to modify your day to give you the best experience may also help to win a photo award too.

Here’s to traveling in 2023. So where will you travel with us?

Hershy,
Trek Travel Guide Since 2005

Thank you Hershy for sharing this story! Find your next adventure in North America this year.


Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer:

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined:

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself