Bryce Canyon Easy-Active Hiking and Camping

Trip Length3 Days
Group Size4-12
Activity level
Starting from
$2,099 for REI Members
$2,309 for non-members
DeparturesMay 2024-Sep 2024

Escape and unplug on our 3-day getaway to Bryce Canyon National Park where we hike in one of America’s most intimate and unique landscapes.

By day, we set an unhurried pace hiking on well-maintained trails through a wonderland of some of the most stunning geological scenery you can imagine. In Bryce Canyon, the seemingly endless large sandstone spires (hoodoos) striped in red, orange, and white, create an otherworldly landscape as they reach toward the sky. In Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, we explore one of the many slot canyons etched into the earth for a truly unique, fun, and easy-going backcountry adventure.

By night, we gaze at the Milky Way (literally!) while learning about this designated International Dark Sky wilderness. With an experienced astronomer by our side, we look through high-powered telescopes on a tour of our galaxy. Our REI Signature Camp is private and cozy, filled with all the creature comforts: spacious tents, amazing meals, warm showers, flush toilets and more. If you are new to camping or long for an elevated camping experience, REI Signature Camp is the way to go. All the cooking and cleaning are taken care of so your only job is to relax and explore the beauty of it all with your fellow travelers and expert guides.

Inspiration Point just might be the best view in the park.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the mesmerizing landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
  • Hike past towering hoodoos, through intertwining canyons, and along trails with endless views
  • Peer at the night sky through a telescope in this International Dark Sky wilderness
  • Stay at REI Coop's private Bryce Canyon Signature Camp, filled with cozy camping amenities

Activities

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Trip members should have some previous hiking experience, be in good physical condition, and be capable of hiking up to 6 miles, including hikes with a maximum elevation gain/loss of 1,300'. There are some steep sections and exposed overlooks on the various trails we hike. Our guides will brief trip members on the details of each hike prior to setting out. Our comfortable Signature Camp and expert guides make this a perfect adventure for novices and experienced campers alike.

  • Hiking
  • Camping

What's Included

Two nights camping in our private Bryce Canyon REI Signature Camp; guide leadership; round trip van transportation from Las Vegas; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; all group camping equipment; park fees and local taxes.

Accommodations

REI Signature Camp at Bryce Canyon, 2 nights.

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Bryce Canyon Easy-Active Hiking and Camping
Day 1

Meet in Las Vegas then travel to Bryce Canyon for a stunning rim hike

Eager to get started? Meet your guides and fellow travelers in Henderson, NV before beginning the journey to Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the way, we stop at Cedar Breaks National Monument for a picnic lunch and a short walk to take in its majestic amphitheater of hoodoos, canyons, and spires—a prelude to Bryce Canyon. Arriving at Bryce Canyon, our hike begins at Inspiration Point (one of the best views in the park) which looks out onto the main amphitheater with its vibrant-colored hoodoos stretched out before us. It's a mostly flat and mellow hike along the canyon rim to Sunset Point, where we descend into this magical amphitheater via the Navajo Loop trail, hiking past iconic landmarks like Thor's Hammer and Two Bridges. To exit the canyon, we stroll up the Queen's Garden path, with its bizarre and colorful formations. A short drive takes us to our private Signature Camp where we are welcomed in style for our first night of camping. After the sun goes down, prepare to be transported to the ultimate stargazing experience, viewing our universe through telescopes for close-ups of planets and deep space objects as we try to grasp the immensity of our galaxy. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +844’ / -1,020'; Van transfer: 5.5 hours

Day 2

Explore a slot canyon in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a vast and unspoiled wilderness playground filled with soaring cliffs, prehistoric ruin sites, and labyrinthine slot canyons. Today’s out-and-back hike takes us on a fun and unique backcountry adventure into one of these spectacular slot canyons. The canyon follows a mostly flat riverbed wash, never getting too narrow, making it accessible to hikers of all levels. From the trailhead, it's only a short distance before the trail dips into the canyon and we start crisscrossing Willis Creek. The canyon walls—striped vanilla, tan and black—steadily get taller making us feel tiny in comparison. There are countless photo-ops to capture the beauty of the diverse rock textures in this geological masterpiece. Returning to camp, there’s time to relax prior to feasting on another delicious dinner. All meals included.

Hiking: 3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: minimal

Day 3

Sunrise hike in Bryce Canyon before returning to Las Vegas

The magic of sunrise! Today’s hike gives us another opportunity to take in the natural beauty of this magnificent national park. Starting at the rim of this captivating world, Bryce Point offers spectacular views of the hoodoo-filled Bryce Amphitheater. We descend quickly into the splendor of the amphitheater on a well-maintained trail before connecting with the Peek-a-boo loop trail and hiking past iconic rock formations like The Alligator and Fairy Castle. A gradual descent on the Tropic Trail offers the best of Bryce Canyon’s one-of-a-kind rock formations with mesmerizing color combinations and stretches of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. We return to camp for a hearty late breakfast then pack up and begin the drive back to Las Vegas, arriving late this afternoon. Departing flights should be scheduled after 8pm tonight. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: -1,300’; Van transfer: 5 hours

Itinerary map for Bryce Canyon Easy-Active Hiking and Camping

Gear List

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.

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

Provided by REI

  • All Group Cooking Gear
  • Camp Furniture
  • Cots and Sleeping Pads
  • Group First Aid Kit
  • Tent(s)

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.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.