Multi Activity in Grand Canyon

An Epic Inn-to-Inn, Inn & Camping, or Camping Hiking, Canyoneering & Mountain Biking Adventure

Experience the Southwest's Triple Crown! Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion National Parks, a land that has awed adventurers through the ages... a land stood still by time. Journey into these majestic regions on mountain bike and foot, through water and by rope as we explore the vast depths of the Grand Canyon, the richly-tinted amphitheatre of Bryce, and Zion's vertical world of sandstone cliffs and temples. Each evening we relax in the comforts of a fine inn or cosy campground.

This trip is one of our best getaways for accommodating varying ability levels. It is ideal for the beginning biker and hiker, but also offers options for those that want longer or more challenging adventures.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Hiking in Bryce Canyon, Bryce Canyon Lodge
Our group assembles in St. George at 8:00 a.m. Following introductions and a brief orientation we shuttle to Bryce Canyon National Park, where an array of fantastically shaped "hoodoos" have been carved into the side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce's stunning amphitheater and colorful spires and buttes beckon immediately upon arrival. Winding below the rim on the Fairyland Trail, explore an intricate maze of contorted and colorful hoodoos and rock formations. The scenery along this trail rivals any in the park, with the Sinking Ship, Aquarius Plateau and distant Navajo Mountain forming the backdrop. Marvel at the geologic layering featuring many shades of red, purple, white, and yellow. For those wanting some more and equally spectacular hiking before dinner, the Navajo Loop trail descends to Two Bridges and Thor's Hammer, passing through Wall Street where Douglas firs tower between the glowing red walls.
• Fairyland Loop Hike [4.9 miles; 900 feet of elevation loss/gain]
• Navajo Loop Hike [1.4 miles; 521 feet of elevation loss/gain]

Day 2. Mountain Biking in Red Canyon, Grand Canyon Lodge Cabins
En route to the north rim of the Grand Canyon we stop in Red Canyon, a little-known gem of southern Utah filled with wind-sculpted bluffs and red rock formations. Here, we bike deep in the heart of Butch Cassidy country, in a narrow canyon with radiant red rock walls and pinnacle hoodoos towering overhead. The Red Canyon area is as magnificent as any national park, yet we are almost assured a solitary experience. After lunch, we depart for our exploration of the Grand Canyon, one of the world's seven natural wonders. Carved over eons, the Grand Canyon is a remarkable testimony to the forces of nature. Only one in ten guests to the Grand Canyon visit the tranquil sanctuary of the North Rim, making it an ideal spot to explore one of Mother Nature's finest masterpieces free from the crowds. Before dinner, enjoy a walk to Bright Angel Point for your first glimpse of this awesome canyon and an incredible Arizona sunset!
• Mountain Biking Red Canyon [8 to 15 miles; up to 500 feet of elevation change, with numerous short ascents and descents]

Day 3. Hiking North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Lodge Cabins
Rise and shine for a day of exploration! Today you have two options. For the hardy looking to experience the canyon from below the rim, we descend into the Grand Canyon on the North Kaibab Trail. From the trailhead on the Kaibab Plateau, switchbacks through breaks in the sheer cliffs of Coconino sandstone lead us into the void of Roaring Springs Canyon. Blasted in the 1930s, the Supai Tunnel then takes us down through the Esplanade to the top of the Redwall limestone formation, where a bridge spans the rocky gorge. The Redwall traverse is spectacular, descending to a rocky notch just below the spire of the "Needle". Then the "fun" begins as we reverse direction and climb back out of the canyon.
For those seeking a more leisurely hike, the Widforss Trail winds along the rim through forests of quaking aspen, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir and through meadows of lupine. The trail leads to a seldom-visited canyon overlook.
Tonight, we again take in the views from our dinner table in the expansive Grand Canyon Lodge.
• North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel [3.6 miles round trip; 1200' elevation loss/gain]; or further on the North Kaibab Trail to Redwall Bridge [total of 5.4 miles round trip; 2200' elevation loss/gain]
• Widforss Point Hike [ up to 10 miles round trip; 400' elevation gain/ loss]

Day 4. Hiking in Zion, Flanigan's Inn
Early risers today are treated to what may be one of their most memorable sunrises as the morning's first light on the canyon walls creates a kaleidoscope of ever changing color and texture. After an early breakfast we shuttle to Zion National Park. From sheer canyon walls and massive stone monoliths to vividly colored cliffs with hanging gardens, Zion National Park has it all. For the next couple of days you are free to explore Zion's numerous hiking trails and appreciate its intimacy. A highlight for many is the water tramping experience in the Narrows of the Virgin River--the trail is simply the river itself. Here the river has carved a chasm 2,000 feet deep into the Markagunt Plateau. On a hot day, there are few things more enjoyable than this river hike in the Narrows. The river meanders through a sculptured gorge of grottoes with lush riparian vegetation beneath the soaring fluted walls. This evening we relax at Flanigan's Inn, a lovely hand-crafted complex of rustic beams, natural wood and rock walls. Enjoy the lush green lawns, desert willows, Arizona ash and cascading flowers. Choose to round out the day with a soothing dip in the outdoor swimming pool scenically set beneath the towering red rock canyon walls.
• Narrows of the Virgin River Hike [up to 6 miles round trip with distance up to each individual; no detectable change in elevation]

Days 5. Hiking in Zion & Biking Gooseberry Mesa, Flanigan's Inn
A great start to your day is the fabulous hiking trail to Angels Landing—a true construction wonder. Cut into solid rock in 1926, the trail passes through Refrigerator Canyon (you'll love the cool breeze), ascends the 21 short switchbacks of "Walter's Wiggles" and culminates with spectacular views over sheer drops into Zion Canyon. From Scout Lookout to Angels Landing, the route travels along a narrow ridge with support chains anchored into the rock. The 360 degree view at the end is worth every heart-pounding and breathtaking step! This trail is truly a classic. Back to pedal power, this afternoon we experience an incredible mountain bike ride on the Gooseberry Mesa trail, one of the few trails in the region that combines both slickrock and singletrack. These newly created trails near Zion feature some of the most diverse technical riding we have ever found, rivaling some of the best that Moab has to offer. Suitable for adventurous beginners, intermediate and advanced riders, these trails will provide an afternoon of biking that you'll never forget!
• Angels Landing Hike [5 miles round trip; 1,488' elevation gain/loss]
• Gooseberry Mesa Bike Ride [7-14 miles; rolling terrain at an altitude of 5,200 feet]

Day 6. Canyoneering in Water Canyon, St. George
Ready for a grand finale? Canyoneering is a transforming experience. It reaches in and brings out the child in all of us as it combines many levels of exploration: hiking, splashing through streams, scrambling over boulders, and rappelling through waterfalls into cool pools. Today we enjoy this spectacular up-and-coming sport together in a special place called Water Canyon, located in the Canaan Wilderness area and including an amazing zip line rappel. Or you can choose to continue exploring the trails of Zion or the surrounding area on your own before we head back to St. George for our trip's conclusion.
• Canyoneering [3/4 day, 3 miles hiking, 800 feet elevation gain/loss, 2-4 rappels]
• Hiking options—consult with your guides for more trail ideas

Trip Rating: Moderate with Challenging options
Activities: hike (3 days), bike (2 days), canyoneering (1 day)

Campground Highlights for all Camping Departures:
• Bryce Canyon: set within a short walk of Bryce Canyon's rim (September 28) with showers available a short distance from camp or at Ruby's Inn Campground (June 15), a facility run by the Syrett family since the pioneering days long before Bryce was recognized as a national park; showers available [Day 1]

• Grand Canyon National Park: set within a short walk from the rim of the Grand Canyon with showers close by [Days 2&3]
• Zion National Park: we stay at the mouth of the cliff-lined Zion Canyon, a stone's throw away from the Virgin River; no showers but solar showers (and the stream) are available for cleaning up [Days 4 & 5]

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Day 1. Bryce Canyon Lodge
Day 2. Grand Canyon Lodge Cabins
Day 3. Grand Canyon Lodge Cabins
Day 4. Flanigan´s Inn
Days 5. Flanigan´s Inn

Campground Highlights for all Camping Departures:
• Bryce Canyon: set within a short walk of Bryce Canyon's rim (September 28) with showers available a short distance from camp or at Ruby's Inn Campground (June 15), a facility run by the Syrett family since the pioneering days long before Bryce was recognized as a national park; showers available [Day 1]

• Grand Canyon National Park: set within a short walk from the rim of the Grand Canyon with showers close by [Days 2&3]
• Zion National Park: we stay at the mouth of the cliff-lined Zion Canyon, a stone´s throw away from the Virgin River; no showers but solar showers (and the stream) are available for cleaning up [Days 4 & 5]