Bryce to Zion

MEETING TIME AND PLACE

This tour will begin at 7:30am MST at The Lexington, 850 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah 84770, 435-628-4235. After loading the van we will drive the 2 1/2 hours to Red Canyon, the beginning of the ride. You will need to spend the night in St. George because none of the shuttle services from Las Vegas run early enough.

ENDING TIME AND PLACE

We will return to St. George between 3:00-4:00 pm on the last day. You will have time to catch a shuttle back to Las Vegas, but not to Salt Lake.

ITINERARY
TRIP DAY 1

From our meeting point near Zion National Park, we'll shuttle 100 miles to scenic Red Canyon on the outskirts of Bryce Canyon National Park. After a brief orientation and bike check, we'll begin this outstanding cycling adventure with a fun doubletrack road that takes us into the spectacular and colorful Casto Canyon. Here we pick up a moderately technical ATV track that will take us through this deeply cut canyon. Brilliant red rock formations surround us on either side as we gradually climb up to the plateau country north of Bryce. From here we will ride beneath the rock formations of Casto Bluff and the Flake Swale. Our camp tonight will be nestled in the Ponderosas just above the park. TOTAL MILEAGE- 16 miles

TRIP DAY 2

After breakfast we will make our way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce is known for its colorful and strangely eroded cliffs. The unique layers of Bryce were formed from the 43 million year old Claron Formation; an iron rich layer of limy sediment. After a stop at the visitor center, we will shuttle over to Sunset Point for a hike down into the canyon. Here we will find ourselves surrounded by an array of fantastic shapes called Hoodoos. After lunch we will ride out of the park on a series of dirt roads and ATV trails into the backcountry to our camp just above the Sevier River Valley on the Paunsaugunt Plateau. TOTAL MILEAGE - 25 miles of riding, 2-3 miles hiking

TRIP DAY 3

Today, we'll begin with a 1,200 foot climb to the top of the Sunset Cliffs. From the summit, far reaching views can be enjoyed in all directions. To the north, the Paunsaugunt Plateau and the Table Cliffs Plateau loom upwards some 2,000 feet. To the east lie the canyons of Bryce. To the south are the Pink Cliffs and to the west lies the main fork of the Sevier River and the Markagunt Plateau. After a short rest stop in this breathtaking setting, we'll begin a fun filled 2,000 foot doubletrack descent that takes us through the small town of Hatch on the Sevier River. We'll load up into the van and shuttle the rest of the way across the plateau to our camp in the aspen trees. From our camp we'll ride to Strawberry Point for a spectacular afternoon view. TOTAL MILEAGE- 15 miles AM, 6-8 miles PM (optional)

TRIP DAY 4

Today we will ride on the spectacular Virgin River Rim Trail. The trail contours through the trees along the edge of the plateau. The Pink Cliffs drop below us, stepping down to the Grey Cliffs of Zion in the distance. The trail is fairly wide with challenging climbs and swooping descents, and the route that it follows along the edge of the rim is brilliant. We will stop for a short hike to Cascade Falls, the underground outlet of Navajo Lake and the source of the Virgin River. This is the river that created the dramatic canyons of Zion. A strenuous climb along the rim returns us to the ridge line for more great riding, ending in an amazing three mile descent to camp at the end of Navajo Lake. An optional loop ride from camp rolls along the banks of Navajo Lake which is great for an afternoon swim. The far side of the singletrack passes through a lava field, evidence of the forces that formed the plateau. TOTAL MILEAGE - 16 miles, 10 miles optional

TRIP DAY 5

Today our cumulative descent will take us 5,200 feet down into Zion itself. We begin gliding through the aspen trees descending and descending and descending. At last we will cross the North Fork of the Virgin River and begin a rolling ascent through Orderville Gulch. We pop out on the road, and after another mile or two we reach the red pavement of Zion, heralding the entrance of the park. Once inside the park prepare for one of the most beautiful sections of road riding you will ever do. As Scott Martin, an editor for Bicycling Magazine says, "How can people bear to do this in car?" After a quick van ride through the tunnel, we will ride to our lodge in Springdale.  Tonight, dinner will be at one of our favorite restaurants, the Bit 'n Spur. TOTAL MILEAGE - 48 miles

TRIP DAY 6

On our last day we will do one of Zion's classic hikes, either Angels Landing or the Zion Narrows. We will begin on our bikes, riding north through the park under the Great White Throne, the East Temple, and the Mountain of the Sun. If we choose Angels Landing we will hike up into the cliff tops with views in all directions. If weather permits, we can attempt the Zion Narrows, one of the Colorado Plateau's most spectacular canyons. In June and September this hike may not be possible due to high water levels. Yet in the hot summer months when the water flow is lower, we can hike right through it. We'll have lunch on the trail today, and after our ride back down the canyon, we'll load up for the shuttle back to St. George. TOTAL MILEAGE - 18 miles of riding, 3-6 miles hiking

TERRAIN

Riding Surface: Dirt roads, double tracks, some singletrack and some pavement.
Technical Difficulty: Moderate. Some obstacles and rocky washes.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Some climbing and one or two long days.
Altitude: 4,000 - 9,000 feet.

Please Note: We will be without vehicle support during many sections of the ride. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

GETTING THERE

Driving
St. George is located 120 miles north of Las Vegas on Interstate 15.
There is parking available at the hotel.

Flying into St. George
Airport Code: SGU

Flying into Las Vegas, NV
Airport Code: LAS
There are two options for getting from Las Vegas to St. George.
1. Take a shuttle with St. George Shuttle, shuttle time is about 2 hours. The cost is $25 each way or $50 round trip. If you are traveling with your bike, it must be in a bike box and there is a $5 surcharge each way. Shuttles depart from the Las Vegas Airport and St. George nine times daily, keep in mind that St. George is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. Call 800-933-8320 for times and to make a reservation.
2. Rent a car in Las Vegas and park it at the hotel.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT
Airport Code: SLC
There are two options for getting from Salt Lake City to St. George.
1. Take a shuttle with St. George Shuttle, shuttle time is about 5 hours. Call 800-933-8320 for times and to make a reservation.
2. Rent a car in Salt Lake, it is a 5 hour drive.

St. George Taxis
Quality Cab 435-656-5222
Taxi USA 435-656-1500

LODGING

It is a good idea to book your rooms ahead. Below are a few recommendations. Rates are approximate.

The Lexington
$69 - 89
435-628-4235
This is where the trip meets and ends. They are very friendly! Mention Western Spirit when you make your reservations to get the discounted rate.

Hampton Inn
$90-120
800-426-7866
They have a van service that will take you to the meeting place in the morning.

Comfort Suites
$70-100
800-428-0754

Ramada Inn
$80-120
888-704-8476

Best Western Abbey Inn
$80-120
888-222-3946

Budget Inn & Suites
$50 - 70
800-929-0790

WEATHER

There are really just two kinds of weather: weather you like and weather you do not like. Come prepared for both and you won't care what the weather does.

If you have questions about temperatures for your specific trip please feel free to give us a call 800-845-2453 or email us at biking@westernspirit.com. We will be happy to give you packing suggestions and help you with ideas for things to do before and after your bike trip.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

Temperatures average from lows in the 30's and 40's to highs in the 70's and 80's. You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Come prepared. Weather can be unpredictable. No matter what time of year it is, you should bring warm clothing, rain gear, and a tent. Please pack all of your gear in a medium to large duffel bag. It will ride in the trailer. If you have any questions about anything on the list, please call us.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE

You are welcome to ship your bike to us in advance of your trip. For a $160 fee we will unpack it, build it, and ship it back home to you afterwards. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Domestic shipping only. If you decide you want to go this route, you must call us in advance of your trip so we can inform the shop that your bike is on its way.

To ship your bike UPS, send it to Red Rock Bicycles, 100 S. Bluff St , St. George, UT, 84770; 435-674-3185. It is critical that you include your name, "Western Spirit Cycling" and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. Your guides will pick up your bike and bring it to the hotel the morning of the trip.

If you have any other questions about trip logistics, please feel free to send us an email or, better yet, to call us at 800-845-2453. We will be happy to try to help you answer any other questions you might have about our bike trips.

THINGS TO DO

RESTAURANTS
The Painted Pony, located in Downtown St. George, offers casual fine dining. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. We love this place!

ACTIVITIES
If you are considering planning a special event in Zion National Park, in addition to your Western Spirit trip, and would like advice on activities there, contact Zion Events. Park activities include rock climbing, hiking, canyoneering, and road cycling.