Bryce to Zion - 5 Day Mountain Bike Trip

DAY 1

After loading up we will make our way to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce is known for its colorful and strangely eroded cliffs. We will ride into the park and over to Sunset Point for a hike down into the canyon. Here we will find ourselves surrounded by an array of fantastic shapes called hoodoos. After lunch we will ride out of the park on a series of dirt roads and ATV trails into the backcountry to our camp just above the Sevier River Valley on the Paunsaugunt Plateau.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 16 miles riding, 2-3 miles hiking

DAY 2

Today we’ll begin with a 1,200 foot climb to the top of the Sunset Cliffs. Far reaching views can be enjoyed in all directions from the summit. After a short rest stop in this breathtaking setting, we’ll begin a fun-filled 2,000 foot double-track descent that takes us to the small town of Hatch on the Sevier River. We’ll load up here into the van and shuttle the rest of the way across the plateau to our camp in the aspen trees. From our camp we’ll ride to Strawberry Point for a spectacular afternoon view.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 15 miles, 10 miles optional

DAY 3

We will ride on the spectacular Virgin River Rim Trail today. The trail contours through the trees along the edge of the plateau. The Pink Cliffs drop below us, stepping down to the Grey Cliffs of Zion in the distance. The trail is fairly wide with challenging climbs and swooping descents, and the route that it follows along the edge of the rim is brilliant. We will stop for a short hike to Cascade Falls, the underground outlet of Navajo Lake and the source of the Virgin River. This is the river that created the dramatic canyons of Zion. After our hike and lunch we will ride singletrack to camp. This afternoon's singletrack starts off by pedaling through a lava field and continues rolling along the banks of Navajo Lake - a great spot for an afternoon swim!

TOTAL MILEAGE: 16 miles, 10 miles optional

DAY 4

The trend downhill on today's ride will take us 5,200 feet down into Zion itself. We begin gliding through the aspen trees descending and descending and descending. At last we will cross the North Fork of the Virgin River and begin an ascent through Orderville Gulch. We pop out on the road, and after another mile or two we reach the red pavement of Zion, heralding the entrance of the park. Once inside the park, prepare for one of the most beautiful sections of road riding you will ever do. After a quick van ride through the tunnel, we will ride into Springdale and our well-deserved lodging. Lodge stays are double occupancy, select single occupancy at checkout if desired. Dinner tonight will be at one of our favorite restaurants, the Bit and Spur.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 48 miles (our support vehicle is always available)

DAY 5

On our last day we will do one of Zion’s classic hikes, the Zion Narrows. We will begin on our bikes, riding north through the park under the Great White Throne, the West Temple, and the Mountain of the Sun. The Zion Narrows is one of the Colorado Plateau’s most spectacular canyons. The Virgin River has cut down through the sandstone for almost a million years, creating an amazingly narrow canyon. In places, the river completely fills the canyon and in June and September this hike may not be possible due to high water levels, yet in the hot summer months when the water flow is lower, we can hike right through it. Either way, we have many incredible options. We’ll have lunch on the trail today and after our ride back down the canyon we’ll load up for the shuttle back to St. George.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 16 miles riding, 4-8 miles hiking

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: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) 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 day-pack 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 ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

• bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
• helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
• tent
• sleeping bag
• sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

• cycling shoes
• 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
• 3 - 5 cycling shirts
• long sleeve cycling shirt
• long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
• cycling socks
• windbreaker
• tights or leg warmers
• 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
• rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
• sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

• camp shorts
• shirts
• warm socks
• long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
• 2 pairs warm long pants
• long-sleeved fleece or sweater
• Pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
• warm gloves and hat
• brimmed hat or visor
• bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
• hiking shoes
• sandals
• rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

• toiletries
• medication (daily and emergency)
• towel
• biodegradable soap
• wet-wipes
• flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• sunglasses
• optional day bag
• stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
• cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% 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.

OPTIONAL

• camera, extra batteries
• binoculars
• alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
• books or maps
• 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.

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 Salt Lake Express. When you reserve, it is very important that you tell them the following things:
2. Select the Door to Door option with the 84790 zip code and provide them with the hotel address where you will be staying.
3. 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 208-656-8824 or visit www.saltlakeexpress.com for times and to make a reservation.

1. Rent a car in Las Vegas and park it at the hotel.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT Airport Code: SLC There are two options for getting from Salt Lake City to St. George:

1. Take a shuttle with Salt Lake Express; shuttle time is about 5 hours. When you reserve, it is very important that you tell them the following things:
2. Select the Door to Door option with the 84790 zip code and provide them with the hotel address where you will be staying.
3. 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.

Call 208-656-8824 or visit www.saltlakeexpress.com for times and to make a reservation.

1. Rent a car in Salt Lake; it is a 5 hour drive.

• 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