Cycle Utah: Bryce & Zion National Parks
6 Days Starting and ending in Saint George
Visiting: Saint George Cycling, Cycle Cedar Breaks to Tropic, Cycle Tropic to Escalante, Bryce Canyon & Zion National Park, Cycle and Hike in Zion National Park, St George & Snow Canyon State Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSXU
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 13
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Saint George Cycling
Location: 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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Cycle Cedar Breaks To Tropic
Location: Cycle Cedar Breaks to Tropic
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Cycle Tropic To Escalante
Location: Cycle Tropic to Escalante
Meals Included: breaksfast
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!
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Bryce Canyon & Zion National Park
Location: Bryce Canyon & Zion National Park
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Cycle And Hike In Zion National Park
Location: Cycle and Hike in Zion National Park
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: St George & Snow Canyon State Park
Location: St George & Snow Canyon State Park
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Dixie National Forest
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Cedar Breaks National Monument
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Bryce Canyon National Park Cycling
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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
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Head of the Rocks Overlook
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Zion National Park Cycling
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Zion National Park - Walks
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Snow Canyon State Park Cycling
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Meals
5 breakfasts
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Accommodation
Hotel/Motel (5 nights)
Accommodation
- The accommodation we use on this itinerary is a mixture of simple 2 star hotels and motels, chosen for their comfort, position, service, and facilities.
- Due to extremely high demand we are no longer able to offer additional accommodation prior to, or after your trip. Should you wish to purchase additional accommodation before or after your trip please contact the hotel directly. See Joining Point and Finishing Point sections for more details on the hotel.
Transport
- While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others.
- Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle
- An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
- BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE
- While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you.
- SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE
- Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a 'mountain' or 'hybrid' style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike.
- OUR BIKES
- We use Cannondale Quick 6 ‘hybrid’ bikes on this trip. These bikes are a hybrid/fitness bike-style with an alloy frame, flat bars, rim brakes, a fixed front fork and 21 gears. For more specific information please see https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/active/fitness/quick/quick-6
- We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike.
- BEFORE THE TRIP
- We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy.
- DURING THE TRIP
- Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together).
- In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees.
- While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts).
- TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION
- Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes.
- A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities.
- Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle.
- Due to the large distances involved on this trip - and to best ensure your comfort - we use our support vehicle often to transport us between cycling legs. There are also some long climbs on this trip - you are always free to use the support vehicle, especially in very hot or cold conditions, if you feel uncomfortable.
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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