Zion and Bryce Canyon Cycling

Zion & Bryce Canyon Cycling Itinerary:

• Day 1 Arrive in Henderson, NV. Meet the guides for an orientation to a week of spectacular riding among the red rocks of the Southwest!

  Our trip begins at 3:30 p.m. today at the Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa in Henderson, NV (Las Vegas). After our rendezvous in the lobby, we walk over to the REI Henderson Store for a trip orientation, including a detailed review of the trip itinerary, cycling tips and techniques, and a discussion of gear and packing considerations. This is a good opportunity to pick up any last minute items you may need before we return to Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa. We'll enjoy dinner and drinks while getting to know each other in anticipation of our red rock cycling adventure. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Ride into Zion National Park from Kolob Reservoir, a taste of the magnificent beauty that awaits us!

  After a hearty breakfast, we transfer together about four hours by van to majestic Zion National Park. Along the way, your expert guides share stories and answer questions about the geology and history of this unique corner of the American west as we prepare to for our first unforgettable Zion encounter. Driving along the Virgin River, we're on the lookout for mule deer seeking water and shade under the hanging valleys and willow trees. After reaching the Kolob Reservoir, we stop for lunch and maybe a refreshing swim that should give us the energy needed to ride the mostly downhill 25 miles delivering us from 8,000 to 3,600 feet to complete our first ride of the trip. Then, hop in the van or stay on the bike for the remaining 18 miles leading to the rustic Zion National Park Lodge - our home for the next two nights. Tonight we dine under the setting sun on trout amandine or the festive "Pasta Zion" at the Red Rock Grill as we reflect on the day's ride and relish what's to come. All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 25 miles mostly downhill with some rolling hills on paved roads with an elevation loss of 4,000 feet . Optional ride (time-permitting) features a flat to gradual uphill gaining 750 feet over 18 miles for a total of 43 riding miles.

• Day 3 Hike the renowned Emerald Pools and Angel’s Landing then ride the canyon bottom beneath towering cliffs or tackle the “tunnel climb.”

  After breakfast, we give our bikes a break and hike the renowned Emerald Pools route, then continue on to Angel's Landing, one of the armrests of the Great White Throne. Along the way, search the crags above to spot one of the Bighorn Sheep who hide away in the nooks and crannies. We'll enjoy an outstanding picnic lunch prepared by our guides back at the lodge, then return to the bikes for an afternoon filled with great riding options. Cruise the flat canyon bottom beneath towering cliffs, peruse the galleries and shops of Springdale, or tackle the steep "tunnel climb" for a more challenging ride. Tonight, you have the opportunity to check out some of the culinary surprises of Zion as the guides will provide a shuttle to the nearby town of Springdale. Get "the burger to die for" at Oscar's or, if you're brave, go for the Spicy Habanero Peanut Butter Crème Brulee at the Whiptail Grill. Whatever you decide, the shuttle will return you to the lodge full and happy for another restful night. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner on your own.
  
  Cycling: 15-25 miles on paved roads over mostly flat terrain with some small gradual hills. "Tunnel Climb" option includes a steep climb. Hiking: 5-7 vigorous miles over steep terrain with an optional portion that includes significant exposure (Angel's Landing). Optional 2 mile walk along riverside trail near The Narrows.

• Day 4 Pedal through lovely Red Canyon as it climbs through pines, near red rock pinnacles, and across the open plateau outside Bryce Canyon.

  This morning, we drive through Zion Tunnel to the trailhead of Red Canyon. Unlike Butch Cassidy, who dodged a deadly beating from a posse he'd upset in Panguitch (purportedly for kissing a girl), we're not here to hide, we're here to ride. Today's 20 miles of idyllic pedaling follows a paved path through lovely Red Canyon as it climbs through the pines, near red rock pinnacles and across the open plateau outside Bryce Canyon before ending on a high note with a long downhill past Mossy Cave. The road puts us right at the doorstep of our next home-away-from-home, the Stone Canyon Inn. All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 20 miles on a paved bike path with 800 feet of climbing in 5 miles followed by a mostly flat to gradual downhill plateau, finishing with a 1,500 foot descent over 5-6 miles on a 2-lane highway with a narrow shoulder.

• Day 5 Bike and hike among the dramatic sedimentary hills and formations of Kodachrome Basin in Bryce Canyon National Park.

  Awaken to the smells of sage and pine mingling with the aroma of steaming coffee and fresh cinnamon rolls. After the most important meal of the day, we hop on our bikes and head for Kodachrome Basin. This area might boast the name of a popular Paul Simon song, but the real story behind the naming of Kodachrome has more to do with a 1948 National Geographic Society expedition, whose members related the area to the color film because of the multi-hued sandstone layers on display here. After biking and hiking among the dramatic sedimentary hills and formations, we head back to Stone Canyon Inn to relax a bit before dinner, then muse over the day's adventures at the historic Clarke's Family Restaurant. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: Optional 4-mile out-and-back morning hike, uphill to viewpoint destination Optional 2-mile afternoon hike, mostly flat. Cycling: 15 miles of gradual downhill and rolling terrain losing 650 feet in the first 10 miles, and ending in a 1 mile, 150 foot climb with some short, fairly steep sections. For an additional challenge, return to the Stone Canyon Inn via the same route for a total of 30 miles. Or, ride 30-50 miles on Highway 12 out and back through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

• Day 6 Ride one of many options to explore the maze of canyons and towering sandstone spires comprising legendary Bryce Canyon National Park.

  Today is full of options to explore the maze of canyons and towering sandstone spires comprising legendary Bryce Canyon National Park. We begin at the Visitor Center and set out first on a hilly ride to Rainbow Point where we gaze down thousands of feet and hundreds of miles across the aptly named Grand Staircase. Options to fit your personal interests and fitness abound: Cycle the 1,200 foot climb to Rainbow Point, hike the spectacular Queen's Garden and Wall Street trails, spend the afternoon pedaling back to the Stone Canyon Inn with some very scenic overlooks, or enjoy the views for the relatively flat amphitheater rim trail. Tonight, enjoy the grandeur of the night sky while your guides captain the grill at our farewell cookout celebration. All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 17 miles on paved roads from 7,900 ft at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center to 9,100 ft at Rainbow Point. Terrain ranges from flat to rolling hills to some steep uphill sections. Add up to 37 additional miles for more challenging riding today. Hiking: Optional 1-5 miles with up to 900 feet elevation change.

• Day 7 Take a sunrise hike to Peek-a-boo for the unforgettable light and color show over Bryce Canyon before returning to Henderson.

  Our final morning begins with a spectacular morning sunrise hike from the Inn to Peek-a-Boo, the best seat in the house for the unforgettable light and color show that is sunrise over Bryce Canyon . Revel in the stunning beauty of the dawn light as it falls on the chiseled canvas of this unique and marvelous landscape. After breakfast, we take a shuttle back to Henderson (Las Vegas), arriving at the Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa at 1:30 p.m. for flights home. Those opting to stay on in Las Vegas tonight will need to book lodging on their own. Breakfast included, lunch and dinner on your own.
  
  Hiking; 5 mile optional sunrise hike.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

The bike provided on this tour and included in the trip price is the Trek FX 7.2 Hybrid. Outfitted for comfort with "Ride Longer" features like a fitness-specific Bontrager Nebula saddle and Bontrager Ergo grips, the 7.2 FX is the perfect blend of a fast ride with a familiar, upright riding geometry.

Our provided bikes are well-suited to this tour, but bike upgrades are available for an additional cost. Our three available upgrade options are as follows:

Giant Defy 2 - $150.00 additional charge

A great road bike for Southern Utah. Features butted ALUXX alloy smooth welded frameset brilliantly engineered with a new 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" headtube perfectly balancing weight and front end rigidity.

Specialized Roubaix Elite (Triple) - $210.00 additional charge

For road cyclists looking for something with a bit more get-up-and-go. Featuring Specialized FACT 7r carbon frame and Shimano 105 shifting, this bike is seriously smooth and seriously fast.

Trek Madone 5.1 (Triple) - $290.00 additional charge

Unbeatable Performance - The ultimate frame technology, this bike offers a hand-built, U.S.-made OCLV carbon frameset, silky smooth Shimano Ultegra shifting, and fast and durable Bontrager Race wheels. It's the ideal ride for the discerning cyclist.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on this itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Six nights in hotel/lodge/inn (double occupancy); Professional instruction and guiding leadership; support van; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; snacks and water; Trek FX 7.2 Hybrid bicycle ; park entrance fees, permits and local taxes.

Flights to/from Las Vegas, NV; dinner on Day 3; travel insurance; airport transfers; alcoholic beverages; guides gratuities.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Biking 15-40 miles most days with some long descents. Climbs are 900 feet or less some days with options up to 1,400. Most roads have little vehicle traffic, however some sections have moderate vehicle traffic. Hiking up to 5 miles some days with options up to 7 miles (including some steep, exposed sections).

During most months this high desert region receives very little precipitation. However, please be prepared for the possibility of rain. The temperature difference between Zion and Bryce is commonly 20 degrees. Generally, summer daytime highs average in the 90's in Zion and in the 70's in Bryce. Spring and fall temperatures will be about 10-20 degrees cooler on average and please keep in mind that the dry air and ample shade created by the canyon walls will make the temperatures feel slightly cooler. You should be particularly mindful of this fact in your preparation for cool shady mornings in and around Bryce Canyon with temperatures as low as 40 degrees in summer and in the 30's during the spring and fall.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

This gear list has been created to help you choose the best equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff. The weather and other conditions at the time of your arrival will dictate what clothing and equipment you will be required to use each day and what (if anything) can be left behind. It may be a necessary precaution that you bring certain items on the list, even if it is uncertain whether or not they will be needed.

Weather

The temperature difference between Zion and Bryce is usually 20º F. Summer temperatures average in the low 90s in Zion and in the 70s in Bryce. Spring and fall temperatures will be about 10 degrees cooler. Plan for cool and shady mornings and evenings with temperatures as low as 40ºF in summer and in the 30s during the spring and fall.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Always pack essential items such as your REI Adventures trip final bulletin, money, eyewear, medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• We recommend bright-colored bicycle clothing for visibility and safety.
• If you are not bringing a shoe and pedal system (optional), you will need a shoe designed for cycling or cross training to be used with the provided flat pedals. Consider these features: lightweight, closed toe, designed with stiffer soles to provide more efficient energy transfer as you pedal. Stiff soles protect your feet while riding and support the full length of your foot to reduce cramping and fatigue.
• If you bring your own saddle, please bring only the seat and not the seat post. Seat posts are not universal and may not fit the bike you'll be riding. You are welcome to bring a gel seat cover for use on the provided saddle.
• Comfortable, casual clothes are appropriate for dinners. We suggest bringing pants, skirts/dresses or mid-thigh or longer shorts in fabrics that are easy to wash and wear.