Tour
Total tour distance: 115 miles
Daily tour distance: 30 miles
Difficulty: 50 / 100
Description
Cycling and hiking in Bryce Canyon and then on to Zion National Park to experience the pink pinnacle-filled amphitheater of Bryce Canyon, the undiscovered gorges of Grand Staircase-Escalante, slot canyons, and scenes from the movies filmed here will mark you memory banks for the rest of your days. This cycling tour combines hiking routes when necessary to go where we can to see and experience the best of these unique places:
From the sweeping vistas of Zion National Park and the pink pinnacle-filled amphitheater of Bryce Canyon, to the undiscovered gorges of Grand Staircase-Escalante, nothing will top your cycling adventure with Pure Adventures. Join us for this epic lodge-based journey and see how much multi-sport exhilaration can be packed into just six days. Often featured in film and photo, these National Parks and Monuments create a fairytale of wonder in their rocks. Each magnificent experience leads to the next as hoodoos make way for slot canyons and canyons make way for hanging plateaus.
Day 1 – Las Vegas to Red Canyon
Our trip begins bright and early (for Las Vegas) at 8:00am. We will pick you up at the Hyatt Place Hotel in Las Vegas (for extra nights in Las Vegas, please inquire). We transfer to Red Canyon Utah where Butch Cassidy hid out from a Panguitch Posse (allegedly he had kissed local girl). We begin on a paved path through Red Canyon gently climbing passed a myriad of the hoodoos (eroded rock pinnacles) which make this area world-famous. Soon we top out on the Paunsagunt Plateau spinning passed Pronghorn Antelope as we make our way across high elevation meadows to the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Biking: 13.0 mi +1032 ft / -344 ft
Day 2 – The Famous Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
Today we explore all that Bryce canyon National Park has to offer. The first half of our day is spent pedaling up to Rainbow Point. The ride boasts perfectly spaced rest stops, each with a new and interesting view of this geologic wonder (and often restroom facilities!). After lunch we sail back down to the Bryce Amphitheater where we descend by foot into a maze of Hoodoos as we hike the Queen’s Garden and Wall Street trails.
Biking: 35.3 mi +3150 ft / -2828 ft; Hiking: 3.5 mi -900 / +900
Day 3 – Kodachrome Basin and Grand Staircase-Escalante
Today we drop off the east side of the plateau, roll through pastoral farmlands and over the Paria River into the otherworldly Kodachrome Basin. Named by a 1948 National Geographic Society expedition, the basin’s multicolored cliffs reminded them of the vibrant colors of Kodak’s film. After a picnic and a short hike past Spring Pipes and other geologic oddities we will remount our bikes for the return ride to Tropic, Utah.
Biking: 31.2 mi +1148 ft / -2925 ft; Hiking: 2.5 mi +300 / -300
Day 4 – Zion Canyon
After transferring to nearby Zion National Park we set off on a blissful ride along the canyon floor, much of the route is closed to vehicles. Whether you want to tackle the optional tunnel climb or simply spin along taking in the classic views, this ride will be one to remember. It has been called “Yosemite dressed in red” and this park is truly one of the gems of our National Park system. A rushing river, abundant wildlife, verdant fern covered springs, all framed within 2,000-ft + sheer faces make this place a world of its own. To top it all off we sleep tonight beneath the tower cliffs at the Zion Lodge.
Biking: 22.7 mi +2641 ft / -2641 ft; Hiking: 2.5 mi +300 / -300
Day 5 – Zion to Las Vegas
This morning choose to discover the enchanting Emerald Pools or Angel’s Landing by foot or go for a final red rock ride before breakfast; best at sunrise! After a late breakfast and a leisurely morning we begin our transfer back to Las Vegas in time to catch late afternoon flights.
Biking and Hiking optional today.
What's Included
INCLUSIONS:
- (2) Professional, knowledgeable, and safety certified guide(s) for the duration of your trip
- 15-passenger Van ground Transportation (12-participants per van)
- Luggage trailers for groups of 7 or more
- Zion National Park & Bryce Canyon National Park entry and permits
- (1) nights lodging at Zion Lodge in Zion National Park (double occupancy)
- (3) nights lodging Bryce Country Cabins in Tropic, UT near Bryce Canyon National Park (double occupancy)
- All meals (Start lunch day 1 / ending breakfast)
- Snacks, water and drinks
- Gratuities for all vendors (excluding AOA)
- Trek FX 7.2 hybrid bicycle or Giant Defy road bike or equivalent
- Park Permits and Entry Fees
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airport Transfers
- Pure Guide gratuities
- Alcohol
- Helmet
OPTIONAL BIKE UPGRADES:
- Specialized Roubaix ($195)
- Trek Madone ($225)
Lodging
Accommodations: charming hotels in each location with intimate settings and incredible views. All lodgings include private bath and a variety of other amenities. Hotels include:
- Ruby's Inn ***
- Zion Lodge ****