Bryce to Zion Bike Trip

RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | June – September

Our Bryce to Zion guided mountain bike tour has it all: two national parks, both single and doubletrack riding, and beautiful camping. We ride in, out and between each national park using backcountry mountain bike routes, which include the spectacular singletrack of the Virgin River Rim Trail. From the first day's hike through the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon to the final hike in the Zion Narrows, the unusual geology will continue to amaze you. The riding varies from winding singletrack to a long mileage day on rolling dirt roads where we'll arrive under Zion's 2,000 foot sandstone walls. This is a terrific guided mountain bike trip that takes you up and over several large plateaus that form Southwest Utah's most distinct geological features. You can control the challenge, as the support van is never far away.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

After loading up 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 are formed in the 43 million year old Claron Formation; an iron rich layer of limy sediment. We will ride into the park and 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: 16 miles riding, 2-3 miles hiking

DAY 2

Today we’ll begin with a 1,200 foot climb to the top of the Sunset Cliffs. Far reaching views can be enjoyed in all directions from the summit. To the north, the Paunsaugunt Plateau and the Table Cliffs Plateau loom upwards some 2,000 feet and to the east lie the canyons of Bryce. The southern view shows 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 double-track descent that takes us to the small town of Hatch on the Sevier River. We’ll load up here 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, 10 miles optional

DAY 3

We will ride on the spectacular Virgin River Rim Trail today. 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. After our hike and lunch we will ride singletrack to camp. This afternoon's singletrack starts off by pedaling through a lava field and continues rolling along the banks of Navajo Lake - a great spot for an afternoon swim!
TOTAL MILEAGE: 16 miles, 10 miles optional

DAY 4

Todays ride will trend downhill as we work our way towards Zion. 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 an ascent through Orderville Gulch. After lunch we continue our descent connecting the last few miles to camp via pavement.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 35 miles (our support vehicle is always available)

DAY 5

From camp, we will continue on the road till reaching 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. After a quick van ride through the tunnel, we will continue pedaling north through the park under the Great White Throne, the West Temple, and the Mountain of the Sun. to begin our hike. The **Zion Narrows is one of the Colorado Plateau’s most spectacular canyons. The Virgin River has cut down through the sandstone for almost a million years, creating an amazingly narrow canyon. In places, the river completely fills the canyon, 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. Either way, we have many incredible options. 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: 24 miles riding, 2-4 miles hiking.

**The Zion Narrows is a river hike where you will be hiking in the river. Tennis shoes, water shoes or sandals with a heel strap are recommended.

TRIP NOTES

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Dirt roads, double tracks, some singletrack and some pavement.
Overall Rating: Intermediate
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

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

St. George, UT
This tour will begin at 7:30 AM MST at LOGE Camps Hotel, 1450 S Hilton Dr, St. George, UT 84770 (435) 688-7477. You will need to spend the night before in St. George because none of the shuttle services from Las Vegas or Salt Lake run early enough. See more details in “Lodging Before Your Trip”.

ENDING TIME

We will return back to the Holiday Inn in 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.

GETTING TO ST. GEORGE, UT

Driving
St. George is located 120 miles north of Las Vegas on Interstate 15. If you need to leave a car behind while you are on your trip, there is parking available
at the hotel where we will be meeting.

Flying into St. George
Airport Code: SGU
The airport is far from town. Be sure to book your taxi ahead of time.

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 Salt Lake Express. When you reserve, it is very important that you tell them the following things:

1. Select the Door to Door option with the 84790 zip code and provide them with the hotel address where you will be staying.
2. If you are flying with your bike, you will need to reserve a spot on the shuttle for your bike, which will need to be boxed up. There is a surcharge each way.

Shuttles depart from the Las Vegas Airport and St. George eight times daily. Keep in mind that St. George is one hour ahead of Las Vegas. Call 208-656-8824 or visit www.saltlakeexpress.com 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 Salt Lake Express; shuttle time is about 5 hours. When you reserve, it is very important that you tell them the following things:

Call 208-656-8824 or visit www.saltlakeexpress.com for times and to make a reservation.

2) Rent a car in Salt Lake; it is a 5 hour drive.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

LOGE Camps Hotel

Western Spirit is proud to partner with LOGE Camps hotels (pronounced lodge) to provide our cyclists convenient lodging accommodations for the start and end of your trip. LOGE is an adventure-base hotel brand with 10 locations throughout the west coast, Montana and now their newest location - St. George, Utah. LOGE is the place to stay for all hardcore cyclists, casual hiker, rock climbers and any adventure types in between. With hammocks, bike racks, and gear storage available in every room, you'll get no side-eye looks when strolling your dusty bike through the lobby.

Bonus: you can leave your car at LOGE Camps while you’re on the trip. We encourage you to book your accommodations well in advance of you trip. Book your stay using this special booking link to enjoy a Western Spirit cyclists discounted rate.

TAXI SERVICE

Quality Cab: 435-656-5222
Taxi USA: 435-656-1500

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

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Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732

Bryce to Zion Bike Trip

PRICE | $1,695 pp

Private Departures Available
Call 435-259-8732

Gallery

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

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Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

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Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

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BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”

~ Robin

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

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Start | End: St. George, UT, USA