Zion & Bryce Hiking & Camping

Trip Length 5 Days
Group Size 4–12
Activity level
Starting from
$3,099 for REI Members
$3,409 for non-members
Departures Jun 2023-Sep 2024

Designed to be an ideal hiking and camping adventure, this 5–day journey takes us through some of Southwestern Utah’s most stunning landscapes.

Be immersed in the stunning views of Zion canyon from Scout Lookout on one hike and then be awed by the view looking up out of the canyon through the walls of the Narrows on the next. Along the way, look forward to sharing memories with fellow travelers while camping underneath the starry night sky at our Zion REI Signature Camp. Experienced hikers and novices alike will find the journey challenging yet comfortable.

No visit to Bryce Canyon would be complete without visiting the famed hoodoos, a labyrinth of spiraling rock towers striped in radiant red, orange, and white. Spend a day at nearby Escalante National Monument, where a stunning waterfall awaits us at the end of an amazing desert canyon. Begin each new day with the smell of pinyon pine and juniper mingled with fresh coffee and a steaming hot breakfast. Hike the classic Wall Street Trail and descend into enchanting Fairyland. We'll arrive feeling alive and accomplished at our Bryce Canyon REI Signature Camp.

This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Family Zion & Bryce Hiking – REI Signature Camping trip.

Ascending the trail towards Scout Lookout.

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks
  • Hike classic trails like the Narrows and Wall Street
  • Visit Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
  • Experience REI Signature Camping. Spacious tents, amazing meals and more!

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should have previous hiking experience and be in good physical condition. Upon arrival, you should be able to hike up to 6 miles with a 5–10 pound daypack, over terrain with elevation gain and loss up to 1,500', for consecutive days in a row without major discomfort. There are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike. The altitude at the rim of Bryce Canyon is between 8–9,000'. This may cause hikes to feel harder and use more energy than at lower levels. In the summer, temperatures can soar to 90°F+ in both Zion and Grand Staircase Escalante canyons and may also make hikes feel more strenuous. Please keep these conditions in mind when training for this adventure.

  • Hiking
  • Camping

What's Included

Four nights camping in our exclusive Zion and Bryce Canyon REI Signature Camps; guide leadership; round trip van transportation from Las Vegas; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; beverages including coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate; extra-thick sleeping pads; all group camping equipment; park fees and local taxes.

Accommodations

REI Signature Camping at Zion, 2 nights; REI Signature Camping at Bryce Canyon, 2 nights.

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Zion & Bryce Hiking & Camping
Day 1

Arrive at Zion National Park and hike the spectacular Narrows

Our trip begins this morning in Las Vegas (Henderson), Nevada. We meet our guides at our host hotel and, following introductions and a brief orientation, begin the three-hour drive over the Utah border to Zion National Park. Arriving midday, Zion’s extraordinary beauty immediately reveals itself as we set out on a hike into the Virgin River Narrows. On this amphibious exploration, our trail is the Virgin River as it winds its way between the thousand-foot-high walls of the enormous slot canyon (a significant portion of the Narrows hike requires wading through ankle to thigh-deep river water). Hiking through the Narrows can feel like a dream as the ever-changing light reflects off the cliff walls, continually altering the color of rock and water. At the hike’s end, we transfer to our campsite and enjoy our first guide-prepared dinner together under a star-filled Southwestern sky. We spend the next two nights at our private REI Signature Camp. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: up to 5 miles (with a significant amount of river wading); Elevation gain/loss: 200’; Van transfer: 4 hours. Transportation within Zion NP is via the national park shuttle

Day 2

Hike to Scout Lookout and Emerald Pools

Wake to the song of canyon wrens and the smell of freshly brewed coffee as we enjoy breakfast in camp before embarking upon a beautiful hike to Scout Lookout and Emerald Pools. The trail up to Scout Lookout is cut into sandstone walls and follows Walter's Wiggles, a series of 21 switchbacks, leading up to a lofty viewpoint overlooking the soaring cliffs of Zion Canyon. After descending from the lookout, we continue our hike to Emerald Pools, a verdant oasis located in a side canyon and consisting of a series of streams and tiered natural pools. Back at camp, we enjoy another relaxing evening filled with great food with new friends. All meals included.

Hiking: 6.5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,500’

NOTE: Due to new park regulations, Angels Landing permits cannot be guaranteed. If we can secure permits, we’ll hike to Scout Lookout and Angels Landing on this day. Total Hiking: 5 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,500’

Day 3

Depart Zion for our Bryce Signature Camp and hike a few classic routes

Our Zion camp host bids farewell this morning with a delicious breakfast spread while our gear is loaded and we prepare to depart Zion for Bryce Canyon National Park to begin the next chapter of our adventure. Our van transfer today takes less than two hours, and the scenic drive traverses Red Canyon, providing just a glimpse of the grandeur that awaits us at Bryce. After a bountiful picnic lunch to fuel our bodies, we'll arrive at Fairyland Point to our first dramatic views of Bryce Canyon National Park. This chain of natural amphitheaters, formed by erosion, is packed with thousands of brightly colored spires or "hoodoos" banded in red, orange and white, some standing more than 200' tall, all steeped in the mythology of the ancient Paiute people. After donning our hiking boots and daypacks, we hike down into the canyon to walk among the hoodoos. We'll explore the incredible Fairyland Loop Trail, taking in the well-known landmarks of Sinking Ship, Tower Bridge, and the Chinese Wall. After our hike, we transfer by van to our exclusive Bryce Canyon Signature Camp where our host will welcome us in style as we arrive to find everything in its place for another night of camping perfection. All meals included.

Hiking: 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 1,600'

Day 4

Visit Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

The smell of pinion pine and juniper mingled with fresh coffee and steaming hot breakfast begins a new day. Within an hour drive from our camp, Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the gems of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, a lesser-known but equally spectacular wilderness area in southern Utah. We hike three miles along a river, passing Native American pictographs and granaries as we explore deeper into the canyon. Enjoy a relaxing lunch and swim at the base of the incredible 126’ waterfall. After refueling and refreshing we'll hike back through canyon country to the trailhead. Tonight, we'll enjoy a final relaxing evening in our Signature Camp, complete with a farewell dinner and celebration. All meals included.

Hiking: 6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 866’

Day 5

Hike through Bryce Canyon's famed hoodoos before returning to Las Vegas

This morning we transfer to the rim of Bryce Canyon where we enjoy a spectacular sunrise before starting on our final classic hike. We descend through the famed skyscraper hoodoos of Wall Street and past the walls of Bristlecone Ridge as we admire the changing light illuminating the canyon. We emerge from the park at Tropic Trailhead, where our camp host will meet us. A short drive takes us back to camp, where we have time to pack up and eat a tasty brunch before departure. Loading the van, we start the 4.5 hour drive to Las Vegas. En route, we make stops to stretch our legs, enjoy a short hike and savor our last picnic lunch together. We expect to arrive back in Las Vegas by early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 4.5 miles; Elevation gain: minimal, Elevation loss: 1,342'; Van transfer: 4.5 hours

Itinerary map for Zion & Bryce Hiking & Camping

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation. This gear list is provided to help you in choosing your equipment and clothing for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

What to pack

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.