Southwest
Active
St. George, Utah
Boulder to Burr Trail Return
Approximately 34 miles with 2,750 feet of climbing
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Best Western Abbey Inn at 8:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Once everyone has arrived, you will be introduced to the beauty of Utah on a scenic 4 1/2 hour shuttle to the Boulder Mountain Lodge. Following a delicious lunch, your Trek Travel guides will lead you in a short round of introductions and will talk bike safety for riding in Utah and its national parks. They’ll introduce you to your Trek bike for the week and will make sure you have a comfortable fit before you head out to explore the mystical landscape. Natural beauty abounds as you ride the Burr Trail and through the red Wingate sandstone walls of Long Canyon to a heart-stopping view across the canyonlands sprawling to the eastern horizon. Tonight you and your new travel companions will meet at Hell’s Backbone Grill for a social hour and dinner. This one-of-a-kind restaurant is the creation of chef-owners Jen Castle and Blake Spalding. Located in one of the most remote towns in the US (population 180) and supplied by Jen and Blake’s own no-harm organic farm, Hell’s Backbone Grill is a bright spot on the culinary map. These James Beard Award nominees and winners of numerous awards including Best Restaurant in Utah (Salt Lake Magazine, 2017) are sure to serve up one of the most memorable meals of your trip.
Boulder to Powell Point with shuttle
Approximately 46 miles with 4,100 feet of climbing
Escalante Overlook to Powell Point with shuttle
Approximately 28 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing
Boulder to Bryce Canyon
Approximately 79 miles with 5,900 feet of climbing
Today you’ll ride among the ridges, mesas, and valleys of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, along one of the most scenic byways in the United States. Views stretch in every direction as you cruise across the Hogsback Ridge and drop down to the green, shady Calf Creek drainage. From here, you’ll ride into Escalante, the gateway to the National Monument. Stop for a quick stretch break or continue riding to today's lunch spot, Powell Point overlook. Sweeping views of red rock formations extend as far as the eye can see, and you are welcome to enjoy lunch as you take it all in. After lunch there is plenty of riding on tap or you can shuttle to the hotel for an afternoon nap or a stroll along the rim of the Bryce Canyon amphitheater. Either way, you’ll be welcomed by expansive views of the Aquarius Plateau and the red, pink and white sandstone chimneys of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. This evening you will enjoy dinner on your own at the historic Lodge at Bryce Canyon. Take this opportunity to grab an early or late meal and catch sunset over the hoodoos before or after.
Bryce to Rainbow Point Return
Approximately 32 miles with 2,450 feet of climbing
Bryce to Rainbow Point with shuttle
Approximately 16 miles with 1,800 feet of climbing
Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park
Navajo Trail or Queens Garden Loop Trail
It’s your day to uncover the treasures of Bryce Canyon National Park. In the morning, you’ll enjoy an out-and-back ride through the park along the rim of Bryce Canyon. Pause to take pictures at the many scenic overlooks with spectacular views of the hoodoos and natural arches. You’ll be spoiled at lunchtime by a gourmet picnic, set up by your Trek Travel guides. Afterward, your guides will help you plan a free afternoon of exploring the canyon by foot. This is a great chance to get up close to the geologic wonders of Bryce Canyon and, of course, there’s always the option to read that book tucked away in your bag or play games in the Lodge. Whatever you choose, your Trek Travel guides are a great resource to make it happen. After the explorations of the afternoon, you will shuttle for a delicious upscale dinner at the Stone Hearth Grille, a small locally-owned restaurant housed in a former bed and breakfast just outside the town of Tropic.
Bryce to Zion with shuttle from Red Canyon to Orderville
Approximately 51 miles with 2,550 feet of climbing
Bryce to Zion with shuttle from Red Canyon to Zion Mountain Ranch
Approximately 36 miles with 1,350 feet of climbing
Bryce to Zion with Zion Canyon Drive Return with shuttle from Red Canyon to Orderville
Approximately 63 miles with 3,400 feet of climbing
Today’s route leaves behind the pink cliffs and spires of Bryce Canyon National Park and takes you to the sheer rock faces of Zion National Park. You’ll ride through the stunning landscape of Red Canyon on a bicycle path, so keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. Along the way you'll stop for lunch in Orderville before climbing to the Zion Mountain Ranch and descending into Zion National Park. Have your camera ready to catch your first view of Zion’s stunning sandstone summits and rugged peaks. You’ll follow the ribbon of road past the Checkerboard Mesa to the Zion Tunnel and descend switchbacks along the canyon wall to the Virgin River and on to the town of Springdale. If you are feeling up for more miles at the end of the day you may ride into Zion Canyon before making your way to Springdale. Tonight you’ll stay at Flanigan's Inn, a quiet retreat near the gates of Zion. Scout local dining establishments on your own, such as Oscar's or the Spotted Dog Café, or feel free to branch out and find a new spot.
Hike in Zion National Park
Virgin River Narrows, Angels Landing or Observation Point Trail
Springdale to Zion Tunnel Return
Approximately 12 miles with 1,250 feet of climbing
Hiking offers an intimate way to enjoy Zion's diverse and expansive trail system, and today is your opportunity to discover the fabled Virgin River Narrows (water level permitting). If you elect to hike the Narrows, Trek Travel will provide a rental package that includes specially-designed water shoes and information for your adventure. If you are undaunted by heights, tackle the awesome Angels Landing or the challenging Observation Point Trail, or select a shorter walk to Weeping Rock or the Emerald Pools. Whatever you decide, your guides will be on-hand to help you plan and provide lunch on the trail. If you prefer to get another ride in today, we have the perfect spin up to the Zion Tunnel for you. You’ll spend your final evening together reminiscing over the week’s adventures at the Bit and Spur restaurant. Challenge your guides to a game of pool over margaritas before a great Mexican dinner at this Springdale mainstay and local's favorite.
Springdale to Temple of Sinawava Return
Approximately 17 miles with 1,200 feet of climbing
On your last morning, you’ll cycle past Zion’s most notable monuments—The Watchman, Court of the Patriarchs, Angels Landing and Weeping Rock—arriving at the Temple of Sinawava, where the canyon road gives way to the Virgin River. Enjoy the cool and quiet of the morning deep inside the canyon, while the sun is still high on the cliff walls. Or, take the morning to sleep in and indulge with much-deserved rest. Everyone will savor a final breakfast before check-out.
Breakfast
We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price and date are guaranteed.
What is 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.
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories. Learn more
Due to national park requirements, electronic-assist bikes are not available on this trip.
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7.5-10% of your trip price for the guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Bryce & Zion is best suited for our Type 3 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 2 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is varied, from sustained climbing in often windy conditions, to more level riding in cool canyons. The scenery and splendid views make the climbs and the windy conditions worthwhile, but this is a trip best suited to strong riders. The first three days of the trip are spent between about 6,700 and 9,000 feet elevation, which can make the riding more challenging if you spend most of your time at or near sea level. There are also sections of road that, while offering amazing views, can seem exposed to riders with a fear of heights.
Bryce & Zion enjoy a desert climate, meaning generally warm to hot during the day (60-100F) but it can get downright cold at night (30-50F), depending upon the month. Light layers and a wind/waterproof shell are good for the day. Warm layers are recommended for the cold nights, especially mid-week when we stay at 8,000 feet elevation. Bring along some cool weather cycling gear just in case.
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
If you’re going we’re going on almost all our trips. Trips with 1 guest booked are guaranteed to run. Select trips like Cross Country, Race and Special Edition trips require a minimum number of guests to run and are not guaranteed until that number is reached. Contact your Trip Consultant for more details.
In the event that a departure has low enrollment, we will notify guests at 60-90 days before departure to give the option to select a different date with more guests booked. Please do not reserve airfare before confirming your Trek Travel trip.
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and provide you with daily route guides and a detailed map allowing you to ride with complete confidence and independence.
Please review our packing list page for more details.
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our cancellation policy.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into St. George, Utah (SGU). You can contact the St. George Shuttle (800 933 8320, www.StGShuttle.com) to schedule a taxi ride from the airport to downtown St. George for approximately $40, one way. Or you can call for a taxi upon arrival at the airport and should expect to pay a similar amount. However, taxis are not necessarily waiting at this small airport so we encourage you to arrange transportation ahead of time for the transfer between the airport and your accommodations.
Alternatively, you may fly into Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) and shuttle approximately 2 hours to St. George. The St. George Shuttle (800 933 8320, www.StGShuttle.com, $39 per person each way or $49 per person for the Executive Shuttle) will drop you off at their office in downtown St. George, and you can take a taxi to your pre-trip accommodations. When making travel plans from Las Vegas, please note that St. George, Utah is on Mountain Standard Time.
Best Western Abbey Inn | St. George, Utah
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Best Western Abbey Inn (1129 S Bluff Street, St. George, UT 84770) at 8:00 AM on the first day of the trip. If you choose to stay at the Abbey Inn the night before your trip, special rates may be available for Trek Travel guests, depending upon your travel dates. Simply mention Trek Travel when you call the hotel to book. For guests driving to the trip start, please note that you may not leave your vehicle at the Abbey Inn during your trip. Instead, you may contact Temple View RV (800-776-6410, please mention that you are with Trek Travel) to reserve a storage space for your vehicle for the duration of your trip. It's $10/day or $50 for 5+ days (up to a month). Temple View RV is a 0.4 mile walk from the Abbey Inn. Once the luggage has been loaded, you will shuttle 4 1/2 hours to Boulder Mountain Lodge. While on the shuttle, your guides will give you a preview of the day’s ride and commentary on the area. Please have your first day's cycling clothes easily accessible, separate from your luggage. After enjoying a fresh, delicious lunch, you will change into your biking clothes and begin the ride along the scenic Burr Trail.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Boulder Mountain Lodge (435 335 7460), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. It is highly recommended that you do everything within your power to make the scheduled pick-up, as it is very difficult to get to the Lodge on your own. If you are in need of transportation, try Southern Utah Scenic Tours (888 404 8687, www.UtahScenicTours.com) or a local car rental company to arrange transportation at your own expense.
St. George Airport (SGU) | St. George, Utah
You will say farewell to your guides at 11:00 AM at Flanigan's Inn. You'll then shuttle 1 hour and 15 minutes to the St. George Airport (SGU), arriving at approximately 12:15 PM. Please allow adequate connection time for any ongoing travel to accommodate possible traffic delays. If needed, you can alternatively be dropped off at the Abbey Inn or Temple View RV in downtown St. George after the airport drop-offs have been made.
While in St. George, take advantage of the spa treatments at the Green Valley Spa or enjoy a round of golf at one of the local courses. There are also a range of beautiful hiking options in the region close to St. George that are well worth exploring, and we’d recommend a visit to Snow Canyon, a state park located 11 miles northwest of town, in addition to Zion National Park which you’ll visit on your trip. St. George is not a very walkable town, so if you plan to spend time here we recommend that you rent a car to get around. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:
Green Valley is a jewel in the desert and boasts some of the only four-diamond accommodations in southern Utah. This all-suite resort was founded in 1985 and has become an icon of spa luxury and innovation, earning distinctions such as “Best mid-sized spa in America” by Spa Finder and “Among the best spas in North America” by Condé Nast Traveler.
1871 W. Canyon View Drive St. | 435 216 7711 | www.GreenValleySpa.com | ~$200
The Inn at Entrada is located about 15 minutes from downtown St. George, on the way to Snow Canyon State Park. This small luxury resort is inside a gated golf community and offers luxury casitas, a fitness center, spa, golf and on-site restaurants. An outdoor theater and outdoor pool are among the many amenities at this beautiful property.
2588 West Sinagua Trail| 435 634 7100 | www.innatentrada.com | ~$250
Conveniently located near downtown St. George, the Inn features a full breakfast, outdoor heated pool, exercise room and high speed internet. It is also the pick up point on the first day of your Utah cycling vacation. When booking, mention that you are traveling with Trek Travel to receive a special rate the night before your trip begins (please note this discount may not be available on certain dates).
1129 S Bluff Street| 435 652 1234 | www.BWAbbeyInn.com | ~$135
For another kind of vacation fun, we recommend spending some extra time in Las Vegas at the beginning or end of your trip to enjoy this iconic city of American decadence. It is approximately a 2 hour drive from our trip start and finish in St. George, Utah to Las Vegas. There are numerous lodging options in Las Vegas from five-star resorts to small casinos. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:
The guest rooms at this impeccable hotel are located on floors 35 though 39, giving you a bird’s-eye view of all the glitz and action that is the Las Vegas Strip through floor to ceiling windows. Guests also enjoy direct access to the adjacent Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino as well as a fitness facility, pool, on-site spa, and recently renovated art deco-inspired rooms.
3960 Las Vegas Boulevard South | 702 632 5000 | www.FourSeasons.com | ~$375
These non-smoking and non-gaming suites are a secluded retreat from the Vegas casinos. Upscale linens, pillow-top beds, swimming pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and 24-hour concierge denote the level of luxury and service.
145 East Harmon Avenue | 877 727 0007 | www.SignatureMGMGrand. com | ~$225
The Vdara Hotel in Las Vegas captures the sophistication and cosmo qualities that has made this resort city famous, but with a touch of class that's more than what you might expect. As an Aria hotel, it's smack-dab in the heat of the action, and there will be plenty of options for entertainment, dining, nightlife and gaming. But as Nevada's "Best Spa Hotel" (World Spa Awards, 2016), you'll also have all the options you need for downtime, pampering and rejuvenation.
2600 W Harmon Ave | 702 590 2767 | www.vdara.com | ~$250
