RIDING TYPE | ◆︎ Advanced

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | June – September

Embark on an Unforgettable Utah Road Cycling Journey

Prepare for an unparalleled Utah road cycling experience on our Escalante Road Tour. Western Spirit Cycling invites you to discover the breathtaking beauty of Southern Utah on a 5-day, advanced-level road bike tour designed for cyclists who crave challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and world-class scenic byways. This meticulously crafted itinerary unlocks iconic landscapes, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park, all from the unique vantage point of your bike.

Since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling has been North America's premier outfitter for adventure cycling tours, specializing in expertly guided, fully supported expeditions. We understand the desires of experienced road cyclists: you seek hassle-free adventures where all logistics are expertly handled, from gourmet meals to comfortable lodge accommodations. Our decades of proven experience and unwavering reliability mean you can focus solely on conquering Utah's legendary roads with confidence.

Why Choose Western Spirit for Your Escalante Road Tour?

This guided Utah road cycling tour is tailored for advanced riders who demand a unique blend of extreme challenge, iconic access, and unparalleled support:

  • Scenic Byway Supremacy: Conquer America's most celebrated cycling roads, including the iconic Scenic Byway 12 (All-American Road), the legendary Burr Trail, and the high-alpine climb of Boulder Mountain Highway (up to 9,500 feet).
  • National Park Grandeur: Cycle through or alongside three iconic parks (Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef), transitioning from red rock hoodoos and slickrock to remote high-alpine forests.
  • Advanced Challenge, Lodge Comfort: Designed for high-mileage (up to 68 miles/day) and significant elevation gain, this tour provides the necessary recovery with comfortable and unique lodge accommodations each night.
  • Fully Supported & Expertly Guided: Our experienced, certified guides provide sag wagon support, gourmet meals, and handle all logistics, freeing you to immerse yourself in the ride and the vast scenery.

Planning Your Escalante Road Tour: Essential Details

This Escalante Road Tour is rated Advanced. It involves challenging road biking with significant climbs and descents through varying altitudes. Participants should possess road cycling experience and physical fitness. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or safety.

Trip Overview: What to Expect from This Advanced Tour

  • Riding Difficulty: Challenging road biking. Requires strong physical fitness and road cycling experience for sustained climbs and descents.
  • Road Surface: Mostly paved roads, with some potential for smooth, well-maintained gravel sections on certain routes.
  • Overall Rating: Advanced
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced (due to significant elevation changes and longer days).
  • Altitude Range: 5,000 - 9,500 feet.
  • Support: Fully supported with sag wagon and expert guides.
  • Mileage: 45-68 miles per day

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

St. George, UT
This tour will begin at 7:30 AM MST at The Holiday Inn St. George Convention Center. 1808 Crosby way, St. George, Ut 84790. You will need to spend the night in St. George because none of the shuttle services from Las Vegas or Salt Lake run early enough. See more details below in “Lodging Before Your Trip”. Book your room at the Holiday Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a discounted rate.

ENDING TIME

We will return to St. George between 4:00-5:00 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 St. George Express. When you reserve, it is very important that you tell them the following things:

1. You’re a Western Spirit guest staying at the Holiday Inn, where you will need to be dropped off and picked up,
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 435-652-1100 or visit stgeorgeexpress1@gmail.com for times and to make a reservation.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Holiday Inn St. George Convention Center
435-628-8007
Book your room at the Holiday Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a discounted rate.
Tru by Hilton St. George
435-634-7768
Fairfield Inn St. George
435-673-6066
Hilton Garden Inn St. George
435-634-4100

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING YOUR TRIP

Prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, we will pair you with another guest. If you prefer your own room, ask about the single
supplement and we will accommodate if available.

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: When you arrive for your tour, you will be given a dry bag in which to pack your gear for the trip. Smaller bags may fit, but very large duffels will not.

To pack efficiently in a dry bag, we highly recommend you compartmentalize your clothing and gear into separate bags. Stuff sacks, reusable grocery bags,
etc. in different colors work great for this (example: cycling gear in blue stuff sack, camp clothes in red stuff sack, etc.).

Your dry bag will ride on the Western Spirit support vehicle 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 daypack 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
✓ 2 large cycling water bottles
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o road bike:

  •  if you’re bringing your own bike, make sure to bring a pump, tire levers, spare tubes, and optional CO2 cartridges.
  •  if you’re renting, we will provide all the above items. Rental bikes have 2 water bottle cages on them. Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own shoe-pedal combination if you prefer.

o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)

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 ear band
o booties
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

CASUAL CLOTHING

o casual shorts
o casual long pants
o shirts (long and short sleeve)
o one nice dinner outfit
o socks
o jammies
o pile or fleece jacket
o warm gloves and hat
o hat or visor
o swim suit
o comfortable walking shoes
o sandals

PERSONAL

o sunscreen & lip balm
o medication (epi pen, inhaler)
o personal items and toiletries
o toothbrush/paste
o brush/comb
o cash for souvenirs
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 5-10% 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.

GEAR

o sunglasses
o hat or visor
o 2 large water bottles (provided by WSC)
o riding hydration pack
o day pack (see HOW TO PACK, above)

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

Escalante Road Tour

PRICE | Contact our Office for Dates and Pricing

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

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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.

>>> Read More

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.

>>> Read More

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.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

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
“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

~ Christl

“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

“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

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

~ David

“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

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

“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

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

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