Sprawled across thousands of acres of windswept desert are three of the Southwest's most stunning national parks - Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon. Graceful spires, towering hoodoos and hulking monoliths create a surreal landscape that begs for exploration. On this Backroads multisport adventure, discover soaring pine forests, petrified sand dunes, gaping canyons and river-chiseled gorges at your own pace. Hike a rugged trail as it snakes along Zion's towering cliffs, pedal past red-rock pinnacles in Bryce and take in the humbling vastness of the Grand Canyon. With plenty of heart-pumping biking and hiking routes through awe-inspiring scenery, this journey is sure to take your breath away!

Days 1-2 zion

Meet in St. George  Shuttle to remarkable Zion National Park for a picnic lunch, then venture into the refreshing waters of the Virgin River beneath soaring rock walls on Zion's famous trek, the Narrows  Take your pick of picturesque routes in this hiker’s paradise, from easy walks past emerald pools to the dizzying climb to Angels Landing, which looms 2,000 feet above the valley floor.

Days 3-4 grand canyon

Pedal along Zion's crimson-colored roads, admiring towering cliffs of Navajo sandstone  Head to the Grand Canyon and revel in its vastness as you hike to our historic lodge, perched right on the North Rim  A full day of exhilarating hiking and biking options are yours for the choosing: bike to Point Imperial, the North Rim's highest point, walk the secluded Widforss Trail for wide-open vistas across the canyon, or take the scenic drive to Cape Royal, where you can see superb views of the Colorado River as it slices through the Earth.

Days 5-6 Bryce Canyon

Shuttle down the Kaibab Plateau, taking in the sweeping vista of the Grand Staircase  Soak up views of Bryce Canyon’s maze of spires, hoodoos, windows, walls and pinnacles On a hike to Queen’s Garden, discover pink hoodoos and vivid rock formations sprouting from the canyon floor  Amble through Wall Street, an impressive slot canyon with overhanging walls that are only ten feet apart in some places  Spin downhill through Red Canyon and cruise along a quiet bike path surrounded by red-rock cliffs and hoodoos  Return to St. George.

SOUTHWESTERN STYLE: Casual Inns

Grand Canyon Lodge-North Rim (2 nights): This 1920s rustic stone-and-wood lodge is perched above grandeur of the remote North Rim.

Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens (2 nights): A riverside oasis in the Southwest, featuring lush gardens, an inviting pool, hot tub and a beach on the river.

Bryce Canyon Lodge (1 night): Listed on the National Register, this simple park lodge is mere steps from the canyon's edge.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1

• Level 1  1 Route Option Available
• Hiking 5 miles
• 250 feet elevation gain

Day 2

• Levels 1 to 3  5 Route Options Available
• Hiking 2, 2.2, 4, 5, 8.2 miles
• 500 - 2200 feet elevation gain

Day 3

• Level 1  2 Route Options Available
• Biking 18 miles
• 500 feet elevation gain
• Hiking 1.5 miles
• 50 feet elevation gain

Day 4

• Levels 1 to 4  5 Route Options Available
• Biking 22, 44, 50 miles
• 1800 - 3300 feet elevation gain  
• Hiking 2 - 10.4 miles
• 100 - 1500 feet elevation gain

Day 5

• Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
• Hiking 3.4, 7 miles
• 500 - 800 feet elevation gain

Day 6

• Levels 1 to 4  2 Route Options Available
• Biking 19, 49 miles
• 500 - 900 feet elevation gain

Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

2010 DATES

CLASSIC TRIPS

• 5/30-6/4Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)
• 6/13-18Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)
• 6/27-7/2Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)
• 7/11-16Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)
• 7/25-30Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)
• 8/8-13Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)
• 8/22-27Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)
• 9/5-10Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)
• 9/19-24Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)
• 9/26-10/1Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $500 for sgl. occ.)

Guest Trip Reviews

This trip was a celebration of my 60th birthday and I will remember it always; the natural beauty of Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion, the camaraderie of the group, and the fantastic trip leaders who did everything in their power to personalize the trip and provide me with a great time that I will remember forever.

Fantastic, awesome, can't wait to do it again!!! More than met my expectations!! You guys are off the charts. Won't go any other way. Worth every penny!!!

This trip fulfilled all my hopes, and confirmed NONE of my fears for the trip. My hope was to experience new activities, to discover new abilities in myself, and to push myself physically. I got chances to do all of that. My fear was that the trip leaders would be too demanding in terms of requiring everyone to do tons of activities and to "enjoy" tough things like biking in the rain. I was also afraid everyone on the trip would be more active than me, and more gung ho about hiking or biking in the cold or rain. None of this happened. I absolutely loved the trip.

We had a great time again with Backroads! The spectacular beauty of the Canyons speak for themselves and you help make it a fantastic experience. The leaders you provide are so well suited to their roles - making it a certainty that everyone in the family has a great time full of memories. I'd love to know your secrets for hiring great people to use in my business!

My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves; great overall experience. Our leaders were absolutely fantastic: upbeat (even at 7 am), always with a smile on their faces and always willing to accommodate any guest's requests. The vacation was all we could have asked for; we will certainly travel with you again.

This was my first Backroads trip and it exceeded all my expectations. I met some great people, challenged myself to some adventures I didn't think I could accomplish, saw amazing things, overall had a fantastic time. The leaders were absolutely critical to that. They really cared and were very accommodating and flexible and could adapt to any situation. I am extremely pleased and look forward to the next trip!