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Hiking in Zion & Bryce Canyon | Utah

Grand Staircase: 8-Day Women’s Hiking Tour in Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Northern Arizona

8 days | Moderate to Challenging | 5.00
From $4,695 ()
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The Grand Staircase is a series of giant rock layers stepping down from Bryce Canyon toward the Grand Canyon, and hiking across it feels like walking back through hundreds of millions of years of Earth’s history. We’re bringing together a small group of women who love to hike, and lots of it, to wade upriver through the Zion Narrows, wind among Bryce’s hoodoos, and explore the slot canyons of southern Utah and northern Arizona. Days are long and full, with four to eight hours on the trail, and nights end under some of the darkest, most spectacular skies you’ll ever see.

Carrie
Carrie

Adventure Highlights

  • Wade the Zion Narrows: Hike upriver through a slot canyon up to 610 m (2,000 ft) deep, with all the wading gear you need included
  • Hoodoos and dark skies at Bryce: Pick your loop through Bryce Canyon's maze of hoodoos, then stay out for sunset and some of the darkest night skies in the country
  • Geology you can read: Unpack hundreds of millions of years of Earth's history in the rock layers, from Snow Canyon's lava flows to the slot canyons of Vermilion Cliffs and Antelope Canyon
Duration
8 days
Season
October
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Lodges & inns
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging: Great fitness required, hiking up to 8 mi (13 km) per day, with up to 1,827 ft (557 m) of elevation gain
What's included
Guides, lodging, all meals, transportation, park entry fees, Narrows gear rental, and more

The adventure, day by day

This eight-day, women-only hiking trip crosses the Grand Staircase, from the lava flows of Snow Canyon to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the slot canyons and overlooks of northern Arizona. Starting and ending in St. George, we wade the Zion Narrows, hike to Scout Lookout with an optional climb to Angels Landing, loop through Bryce's hoodoos, and finish with Horseshoe Bend, a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, and a visit to an animal sanctuary near Kanab. Expect four to eight hours on the trail on most days. Seven nights in national park lodges and hotels are included, along with all meals from the first dinner through the final lunch. The daily plan may shift with weather and trail conditions.

Day 1: Arrive in St. George
Welcome to the desert — Hiking in Zion, Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef | Utah

Fly into St. George Regional Airport (SGU), a small, busy gateway surrounded by the red rock country of southwestern Utah. Plan to land by 3:30 pm so you can meet the group at 4 pm for the shuttle to the hotel. St. George regularly turns up on lists of the best places to live in the U.S., and it makes a friendly first impression on the region. In the evening we’ll get together for a trip orientation and our first group dinner, a good chance to meet everyone and walk through what’s coming. Expect an early night; there’s a lot of hiking ahead.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Abbey Inn (or similar)

Day 2: Explore Snow Canyon and travel to Zion
Explore Snow Canyon and travel to Zion — Hiking in Zion & Bryce Canyon | Utah

After an early breakfast we drive to Snow Canyon State Park, 7,400 acres of ancient lava flows, sandstone cliffs, and surprisingly delicate desert life. Our first hike of the trip is a 4.8 mi (7.7 km) loop with 639 ft (195 m) of gain, linking the Butterfly, Lava Flow, West Canyon, Red Sands, Whiptail, and Petrified Dunes trails for a proper introduction to the park’s geology and ecology. Red rock and sagebrush all around, we stop for a picnic lunch before carrying on to Zion. Dinner is in the lodge’s open-air dining area, where we can watch the sun drop and the stars come out.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 6.4-8 km (4-5 mi)
Elevation: +/-195 m (+/-639 ft)
Travel time: Driving (~1.5 hours)
Accommodation: Zion Lodge (or similar)

Day 3: Wade the iconic Zion Narrows
Wade the iconic Zion Narrows — Hiking in Zion & Bryce Canyon | Utah

We pick up our Narrows gear this morning, then head into Zion National Park to wade upriver through the slot canyon everyone comes here for. The Narrows runs 16 mi (26 km) and drops as much as 2,000 ft (610 m) between its walls, and walking in the water is the only way to see it. Our goal is Orderville Canyon, roughly two hours upriver and home to some of the best views around. It’s an out-and-back, so we can turn around sooner if the weather or the group’s energy says so. If water or weather conditions don’t cooperate, your guides have another excellent Zion hike up their sleeve.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 6.4-9.7 km (4-6 mi)
Elevation: Minimal
Travel time: Park shuttle (~20 minutes round-trip)
Accommodation: Zion Lodge (or similar)

Day 4: Hike to Scout's Lookout and head to Bryce Canyon National Park
Hikers at Angels Landing on the Zion and Bryce hiking tour

We start with the climb to Scout’s Lookout, a paved trail that switchbacks steadily for two miles with sweeping views over Zion Canyon. If you’re up for more and comfortable with exposure, the trail carries on another 0.5 mi (0.8 km) out and back along a narrow ridge to Angels Landing, chains and all (a permit is required and isn’t included). You can also stop at Scout’s Lookout, continue at an easier pace along the West Rim Trail, or keep it gentle with a riverside walk along the Virgin River. Once we regroup, we drive about two hours to Bryce Canyon through the Zion Tunnel and past Checkerboard Mesa. Our lodging sits minutes from the Rim, so there’s time for a first look before dinner at the park’s historic lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 3.5-5 mi (5.6-8 km)
Elevation: ~1,827 ft (557 m) +/-
Travel time: Driving (~2 hours)
Accommodation: Bryce Canyon Inn (or similar)

Day 5: Admire hoodoos on the Fairyland or Peekaboo Loop
Admire hoodoos on the Fairyland or Peekaboo Loop — Hiking in Zion & Bryce Canyon | Utah

Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000 ft (2,438 m) atop the Grand Staircase, and today we pick between two loops through its strange, beautiful geology. The 8 mi (13 km) Fairyland Loop is the quieter option, winding through a maze of hoodoos past the Chinese Wall, Sinking Ship Mesa, and a short spur to Tower Bridge. It starts gently, then drops into the heart of Fairyland Canyon, which technically isn’t a canyon at all but an amphitheater carved by erosion. The 6 mi (9.7 km) Peekaboo Loop links the Navajo, Peekaboo, and Queens Garden trails, with big switchbacks, sculpted spires, and natural windows in the rock. We finish with sunset over it all, then stargazing under Bryce’s famously dark skies.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: Fairyland: ~8 mi (13 km) or Peekaboo: ~6 mi (9.7 km)
Elevation: Fairyland: ~1,555 ft (474 m) +/- or Peekaboo: ~1,528 ft (466 m) +/-
Accommodation: Bryce Canyon Inn (or similar)

Day 6: Explore slot canyons within Vermilion Cliffs and Grand Staircase-Escalante
Road Grand Staircase Escalante

After breakfast we leave Bryce Canyon and head south into some of the most dramatic desert country in the Southwest. Depending on weather and trail conditions, the day may take us through the world’s longest slot canyons or out among the surreal rock formations of the Vermilion Cliffs and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, both known for their tangled geology and stark beauty. If conditions don’t suit slot canyon travel, we’ll swap in another scenic hike in Bryce Canyon instead before carrying on. Either way, the driving is long but the views keep coming, and we finish the day settling into our lodging in Kanab.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 3.5-5 mi (5.6-8 km)
Elevation: ~250 ft (76 m) +/-
Travel time: Driving (3-4 hours)
Accommodation: Parry Lodge (or similar)

Day 7: Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon, and Antelope Canyon
Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon, and Antelope Canyon — Hiking in Zion & Bryce Canyon | Utah

Today belongs to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and its greatest hits. We start at the overlook at Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River swings in a huge arc below the sandstone cliffs, then walk riverside trails and get a sense of the sheer scale of the Glen Canyon Dam. The afternoon takes us on a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, where the walls curve like frozen waves and the light shifts as it filters down from above. Back in Kanab, we gather for a farewell dinner and look back on a week spent walking through the Grand Staircase.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: Horseshoe Bend 2.4 km (1.5 mi), Glen Canyon 4.2 km (2.6 mi) or 6.3 km (3.9 mi), Antelope Canyon 1.6 km (1 mi)
Elevation: Horseshoe Bend +/-42 m (+/-137 ft), Glen Canyon +/-33 m (+/-108 ft) or +/-503 m (+/-1,650 ft)
Driving: About 2 hours
Accommodation: Parry Lodge (or similar)

Day 8: Visit an animal sanctuary and Coral Pink Sand Dunes
coral pink sand dunes in utah

We spend our last morning at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a well-known refuge for rescued animals tucked into the red rock canyons near Kanab. The tour shows how the team rehabilitates and rehomes animals, and it’s a lovely, warm way to wrap up the week. If time allows, we fit in one more outing: an easy walk and a picnic lunch among the rolling, rose-colored dunes of Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, a soft contrast to all the cliffs and hoodoos behind us. From there we drive to St. George Regional Airport (SGU), arriving by 3:30 pm for flights after 5 pm.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Driving: About 2 hours

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Carrie
5.00
Carrie
Carrie has lived in Saranac Lake, NY in the Adirondack Mountains for 34 years. Her first guiding experience was when she was 20, a job that entailed taking US students to the USSR and Siberia. Her love of the outdoors comes from her parents. They taught her many outdoors skills and showed her how to hike, ski, row, sail and fish from an early age; in fact, the first peak she climbed was Camels Hump in Vermont at the age of 6! These days she is an avid downhill, cross-country and backcountry skier and is a licensed guide for whitewater rafting, hiking, camping and paddling.
Tori
5.00
Tori
Tori is a Professional Concert Dancer turned multi-certified, full-time Registered Maine Guide. With a passion for healing facilitation, she has worked to become a recognized Community Herbalist, Yoga Instructor, and Integrative Health and Wellness Coach. She blends her love for movement and holistic health with her knowledge of the outdoors to create well-rounded educational outdoor experiences. Her goal is to help you gain access to natural connection and to leave trips knowing more about yourself, the environment, and the bond between the two.
Heather
5.00
Heather
Heather has decades of experience helping women and girls explore the Pacific Northwest. She's passionate about kayaking, sailing, hiking, and paddleboarding. When not guiding, she volunteers in K9 search and rescue, helping recover outdoor adventurers near her home in Seattle.  
Lainie
5.00
Lainie
Lainie has spent most of her adult life overseas, living and working across the UK, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, Kenya, Turkey, and Mexico, which makes her a seasoned international traveler and adventurer. An avid hiker, she's tackled iconic routes like Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp, and recently summited two 19,000 ft (5,791 m) peaks in Peru with her 18-year-old son. She loves meeting new people and learning about their experiences, and has been guiding for close to 20 years.
Brenda
5.00
Brenda
Brenda is a seasoned world traveler and guide, with trips from Everest to Machu Picchu under her belt. After working with women’s groups in Honduras and serving in the Peace Corps, she became a passionate backpacker, yoga instructor, and watercolor artist. She enjoys catching moments to sketch on trips and encouraging others to do the same.        
Haley
5.00
Haley
Haley grew up exploring Minnesota's North Shore and has spent years traveling the world ever since, chasing new adventures like rock climbing, scuba diving, and whitewater rafting, though hiking and kayaking remain her favorites. She's biked across Southeast Asia, hiked the Himalayas, and spent a week in the Amazon. A certified yoga instructor and budding photographer, she's thrilled to share her love of travel and the outdoors as a guide.
Alicia
5.00
Alicia
Alicia resides in Colorado, where she relishes the opportunity to ride her bike every day! She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, trail running, and snowshoeing, often accompanied by her family and dog (who famously proved that she is truly part border collie when she spontaneously herded 100+ head of cattle in Boulder open space!). Alicia has a well-rounded adventure background and a great appreciation for the friendships that can be forged among adventurous women, across different backgrounds and different generations. When not guiding, Alicia works in academia as a SAS programmer and data analyst.
Connie
5.00
Connie
Connie thrives on the thrill of new experiences and the beauty of the natural world. After a decade of teaching music, she made the jump to snowy Alaska, then sunny Mexico, and finally bustling Barcelona. Connie loves sharing the joy of outdoor adventures, helping others connect deeply with nature and discover a sense of personal empowerment. When not guiding trips, you can find her trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, slacklining, and dreaming up her next big adventure.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (11 reviews)
K
Kathleen W.

The mix of challenging and somewhat easier hikes. Guides were so helpful, knowledgeable and fun! Great group of women, different kinds of personalities but all compatible. The only thing I wish was planned differently was the long day on the last day. I would have preferred to be able to fly home to Michigan that day. If the visit to Best Friends would have to be canceled in order to do that, I would support that decision.

A
Andrea B.

Pretty much everything about his trip was special. The sublime beauty of the area takes your breath away. The hikes were difficult for me but as I finished each one I felt more and more confident in my abilities. We had a wonderful group of women, two of whom I had traveled with before. And our guides were excellent. Mel and Laura shared their abundant knowledge of the area, gave us encouragement and support on the trail, and easily pivoted when the weather did not cooperate. It was, indeed, a fantastic trip for me.

R
Rubina S.

The guides made the trip special. I appreciated them requesting ever to be kind, respectful and sensitive about each other’s backgrounds. The guides were caring, hard working and cheerful. Of course, each hiking location was special and the trip was very well organized. Thumbs up!

5.00(11 reviews)
K
Kathleen W.

The mix of challenging and somewhat easier hikes. Guides were so helpful, knowledgeable and fun! Great group of women, different kinds of personalities but all compatible. The only thing I wish was planned differently was the long day on the last day. I would have preferred to be able to fly home to Michigan that day. If the visit to Best Friends would have to be canceled in order to do that, I would support that decision.

A
Andrea B.

Pretty much everything about his trip was special. The sublime beauty of the area takes your breath away. The hikes were difficult for me but as I finished each one I felt more and more confident in my abilities. We had a wonderful group of women, two of whom I had traveled with before. And our guides were excellent. Mel and Laura shared their abundant knowledge of the area, gave us encouragement and support on the trail, and easily pivoted when the weather did not cooperate. It was, indeed, a fantastic trip for me.

R
Rubina S.

The guides made the trip special. I appreciated them requesting ever to be kind, respectful and sensitive about each other’s backgrounds. The guides were caring, hard working and cheerful. Of course, each hiking location was special and the trip was very well organized. Thumbs up!

N
Nancy R.

The guides and meeting new friends

A
Andrea N.

The wonderful guides and the beauty and uniqueness of the hikes.

D
Donna L.

The dynamic of this group of women this trip was very positive and fun. The guides, Mel and Julie, were excellent and knowledgeable and worked smoothly together to keep our trip problem free.

J
Janet B.

I did things I wouldn’t have done on my own – walking the Narrows for one. Great organization by our guides. Accommodations were comfortable and everything was coordinated well.

B
Beth K.

1.) Hiking to three “bucket list” national parks with great leadership and guidance, 2.) staying in the parks, especially those sweet Bryce cabins with fireplaces, 3.) not cooking, 4.) Night skies, 5.) the pivot to fantastic Showdowns restaurant in Tropic, Utah, 5.) hiking all the way down to bridge at North Rim. Even if the exit was much less elegant. Puff Puff Puff. Pause. Puff Puff Puff, Pause. 6.) And completing the entire trip despite the Covid challenges. Thank you Linda.

B
Betsy W.

Wonderful guides and participants! Variety of hikes was amazing – something for everyone.

J
Joyce W.

I loved the overview of the entire Grand Staircase. I had not heard that term before (even i n my 70 years and love of national parks!) so was delighted with that approach, Zion Bryce and GC all linked in this way. Going to the overview on the last day – that might have been lovely the first day to set up the concept. But anyway – a completely new way to think about those geological wonders was great!

M
Mary R.

The beautiful scenery in each of the National Parks was stupendous, especially with the fall colors in full display.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 1 to 2 experienced, local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area, based on group size
      • 8-day hiking trip in Zion, Bryce Canyon, and northern Arizona (7 days of hiking)
      • Accommodation for 7 nights in lodges and hotels, based on double occupancy, in rooms with en suite bathrooms and a private bed guaranteed for each guest
      • All meals from dinner on day 1 through lunch on day 8 (restaurant breakfasts and dinners, plus packed or picnic-style lunches)
      • All ground transportation during the trip, starting and ending at St. George Regional Airport
      • All national park and national monument entry fees
      • Gear rental for hiking the Zion Narrows
      • Guided Antelope Canyon tour, including admission and gratuities

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

      • Single occupancy room

    Not included:

      • Transportation to and from St. George, Utah
      • Alcoholic beverages and snacks
      • Angels Landing permit (required for the optional hike, available through the Zion National Park lottery)
      • Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • In order to join this Grand Staircase hiking tour, great fitness is required, as well as some previous hiking experience. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 12.9 km (8 mi), with up to 557 m (1,827 ft) of elevation gain.

    Apart from the first and last days, expect four to eight hours on the trail each day, with substantial elevation gain and loss. In the weeks before the trip, aim for 40 to 50 minutes of aerobic exercise four to five times a week, plus a weekly two-hour hike or some strength training. The Narrows involve wading through the river, and the optional Angels Landing hike follows a narrow, exposed ridge. If you have a significant fear of heights, contact us before booking.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Utah hiking adventures and women’s trips here!

  • Gear:

      • Day pack (25-40L)
      • Water bottles or hydration bladder (2L)
      • Hiking poles (optional, but handy on the long Bryce descents)
      • Headlamp with fresh batteries, useful for stargazing nights
      • Camera (optional but recommended)

    Clothing & footwear:

      • Broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes with good tread
      • Quick-drying hiking pants or shorts, plus a set you don’t mind getting wet for the Narrows
      • Moisture-wicking base layers and hiking socks
      • Warm mid-layer, such as a fleece or light puffy, for cool mornings and evenings at 8,000 ft (2,438 m) in Bryce
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat and sunglasses
      • Casual clothes and comfortable shoes for the lodges and dinners

    Other:

      • Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, hand sanitizer, and personal toiletries
      • Any personal medications and a small personal first aid kit
      • Snacks you like for the trail, since these aren’t included
      • Reusable bag or dry bag for wet clothes after the Narrows

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

  • Group sizes and pricing:

      • For this Grand Staircase hiking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1, with two guides for full groups.
      • The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
      • All participants are guaranteed their own bed, and a limited number of single occupancy rooms may be available.
      • Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
      • Grand Staircase hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Grand Staircase hiking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
      • If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
  • The starting point of this Grand Staircase hiking tour is St. George, Utah. To get there, most people fly into St. George Regional Airport (SGU), arriving by 3:30 pm. If you arrive later than the group shuttle, you can take a taxi or rideshare to the hotel.

    You will meet your guides by 4 pm at St. George Regional Airport.

    At the end of the trip, the group arrives back at SGU by 3:30 pm, so plan flights departing after 5 pm.

  • Every participant is guaranteed her own bed. This price for this Grand Staircase hiking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

    Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

  • Yes. Angels Landing permits are not included in this trip. If you’d like to hike the chained section beyond Scout Lookout, you’ll need to get your own permit through Zion National Park’s lottery system, subject to availability. Without a permit, you can stop at Scout Lookout, continue along the West Rim Trail, or take a gentle walk along the Virgin River, so it’s a great day out either way.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
    • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.
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