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Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef: 8-Day Women’s Hiking Tour in Utah

8 days | Moderate to Challenging | 5.00
From $4,295 ()
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Southern Utah’s parks each tell a different story in stone, and the best way to read them is on foot. We’re bringing together a small group of women for eight days on the trail, starting beneath Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs, weaving among the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and finishing in the quieter folds and canyons of Capitol Reef. Most days we’re out hiking for three to six hours, with shorter options when legs need a break, and our guides handle all the driving in between. Evenings bring park lodges, good dinners, and some of the best night skies in the country.

Brenda
Brenda

Adventure Highlights

  • Three parks, one week: Zion's cliffs, Bryce's hoodoos, and Capitol Reef's wild folds, all explored on the trail rather than from a car window
  • Hikes that suit you: Many days offer a longer and a shorter option, including the chance to test your nerve on Angels Landing if you've got a permit
  • Small group of women: Up to 10 of you, with guides who know this desert and plenty of easy company at dinner
Duration
8 days
Season
April through May
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Hotels, national park lodges, and a resort
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging: Great fitness required, hiking up to 12.9 km (8 mi) per day, with up to 640 m (2,100 ft) of elevation gain, with shorter alternatives available on some days
What's included
Guides, lodging, all meals, transportation, national park entry fees

The adventure, day by day

This eight-day, women-only hiking trip covers three of southern Utah's national parks, along with a slot canyon and the red rock country in between. Starting and ending in St. George, we hike Zion's classic trails, spend two nights near the rim of Bryce Canyon, and cross Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on our way to Capitol Reef. Expect three to six hours on the trail each day, with longer and shorter options on several days, including an optional hike to Angels Landing. Seven nights in hotels, park lodges, and a resort are included, along with all meals from the first dinner through the final breakfast. The daily plan may shift with weather and group interests.

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

Arrive at St. George Regional Airport by 3:30 pm so you’re ready for the 4 pm pickup, when the trip officially begins. St. George sits in a wide sweep of red rock scenery and has become a favourite base for outdoor lovers, with plenty of art and culture too. The evening is for getting to know each other, running through a trip orientation, and sharing a first dinner together. Bedtime is likely to be early tonight, because the trail is waiting.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation:
Best Western Abbey Inn (or similar), St. George

Day 2: Travel and hike in Zion
Travel and hike in Zion — Hiking in Zion, Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef | Utah

After an early breakfast we load up and drive to our first national park. From the Zion Visitor’s Center we hike the Watchman Trail, about 2 mi (3.2 km) round trip with 500 ft (150 m) of gain through desert country, passing the Beehives, Towers of the Virgin, West Temple, and the Altar of Sacrifice. The viewpoint looks over the lower canyon and the Watchman, a red spire topping out at 6,545 ft (1,995 m). Afterwards we visit the Zion Human History Museum or join a ranger walk. Anyone keen for more can hike the 3 mi (4.8 km) Emerald Pools route to the Upper Pool. Tonight we sleep right in the bottom of Zion Canyon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: ~5 mi (8 km), ~4 hours
Elevation: ~1,000 ft (305 m) +/-
Accommodation: Zion National Park Lodge (or similar)

Day 3: Scout's Landing, optional Angels Landing, drive to Bryce
Start of the steep Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park

Today’s hiking starts on the paved trail to Scout’s Landing, switchbacking up a wide path for about 2 mi (3.2 km). From there, anyone with no fear of heights and an appetite for a mental challenge can continue onto Angels Landing, one of Zion’s classics, following a narrow ridge to a superb overlook above the canyon. That section is roughly 0.5 mi (0.8 km) out and back, and it requires a permit, which isn’t included. Plenty of us will happily stop at Scout’s Landing, wait with the view, or head back down to walk the Virgin River trail. In late afternoon we drive the dramatic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway to Bryce, arriving in time for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: ~5 mi (8 km), ~4 hours
Elevation: ~1,200 ft (366 m) +/-
Accommodation: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (or similar)

Day 4: Peekaboo Loop and starry night skies
Peekaboo Loop and starry night skies — Hiking in Zion, Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef | Utah

Bryce gets its day today, and it starts with a drop from Bryce Point down into the canyon to pick up the Peekaboo Loop. This roughly 6 mi (9.7 km) route rolls up and down among towering hoodoos, and the views keep changing as we move through them from below. From there we connect over to Queen’s Garden and finish with a steady, gradual climb out to Sunrise Point, a well-paced way to see some of the park’s best terrain. In the evening we watch the sun set over geology that’s hard to believe is real. Bryce has some of the darkest night skies in the country, so if stargazing is your thing, this is the place.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 6-8 mi (9.7-12.9 km), 4-5 hours
Elevation: ~2,100 ft (640 m) +/-
Accommodation: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (or similar)

Day 5: Escalante to Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol reef house

We load up the vans for a three-hour drive to Capitol Reef, with a pit stop in Escalante for good coffee and a short hike to stretch our legs. The petrified wood scattered around here is the fossilized remains of trees turned to stone over millions of years, and the slot canyons tell their own story. The drive onward is one of the most scenic of the whole trip, crossing Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and vast stretches of slickrock before climbing over the Boulder Mountains. Capitol Reef sits on the Waterpocket Fold, a 100 mi wrinkle in the earth’s crust. After a picnic lunch and the visitor center, we hike the Navajo Knobs trail, about 4 mi out and back, passing Hickman’s Bridge and ancient petroglyphs.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 3-6 mi (4.8-9.7 km), 3-4 hours
Elevation: ~1,000 ft (305 m) +/-
Accommodation: Capitol Reef Resort (or similar), Torrey, UT

Day 6: Frying Pan trail and Cassidy Arch
Frying Pan trail and Cassidy Arch — Hiking in Zion, Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef | Utah

Today we walk the Frying Pan trail, a 7 mi (11.3 km) primitive route through Cohab Canyon to Cassidy Arch and out Grand Wash. This is the quietest, most wild hike of the week, crossing country that’s typical of the whole park. Cassidy Arch is the highlight, a natural rock span set against red canyon walls. Along the way we spot native plants and talk about the Indigenous cultures that have long called this fertile valley home. The trail undulates, with roughly 1,100 ft (335 m) of gain spread across the day. Afterward we head back to the hotel to relax, maybe hop in the hot tub, before a well-earned dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 3-6 mi (4.8-9.7 km), 4-5.5 hours
Elevation: ~1,600 ft (490 m) +/-
Accommodation: Capitol Reef Resort (or similar), Torrey, UT

Day 7: Kanarra Falls and celebration dinner in St. George
kanarra falls utah

After breakfast at the hotel, we pack up and say goodbye to Capitol Reef, then settle in for a three-hour drive to Kanarraville. A picnic lunch sets us up for the final hike of the trip, and it’s a fun one. Kanarra Falls takes us through a narrow slot canyon with creek walking, cool water crossings, ladders, and waterfalls tucked between tall canyon walls. The trail runs about 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip with roughly 700 ft (213 m) of climbing, and it’s a favorite among hikers who don’t mind wet boots. Back in St. George, we raise a glass to a week of red rock at a local restaurant for our farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: ~4 mi (6.4 km)
Elevation: ~700 ft (213 m) +/-
Accommodation: Best Western Abbey Inn (or similar), St. George

Day 8: Farewell Utah and fly out of St. George
road driving through utah

Share one last breakfast together, swap photos and contact details, then pack up and say your goodbyes to Utah. You can fly out of St. George Regional Airport (SGU) any time today, and your guides provide one airport shuttle in the morning.

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
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.        
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (14 reviews)
B
Bethann J.

Great choices were made in the selection of hikes, and then our guides were attuned to the wishes and capabilities of the group, and tailored events accordingly.

D
Debra S.

I got to see/visit an area I have never been to. I loved that each of the parks were a little different.

D
Delores C.

Going back to Zion and Bryce was a long-time coming.

5.00(14 reviews)
B
Bethann J.

Great choices were made in the selection of hikes, and then our guides were attuned to the wishes and capabilities of the group, and tailored events accordingly.

D
Debra S.

I got to see/visit an area I have never been to. I loved that each of the parks were a little different.

D
Delores C.

Going back to Zion and Bryce was a long-time coming.

L
Laura M.

What made this trip special for me were the locations, the guides, and the other ladies on the trip.

A
Ann H.

The parks we visited were beautiful and the hikes were great. The group of women on the trip were wonderful.

S
Sharon C.

I loved staying in the national parks at the lodges. The schedule was well organized & communicated.

D
Deborah C.

Wonderful variety of hiking trails. Flexibility of leaders to change hiking options when the group asked for alternatives. Splitting the group when people asked for multiple choices.

J
Jane B.

great guides who went above and beyond to ensure the trip went smoothly and adjusted itinerary to the groups needs and preferences. The group were all experienced hikers or very experienced / active with regular cardio workouts. We were all very similar in pace and objectives of the trip. This made the trip very enjoyable. The guides, Tali and Ellie were amazing. Informative, encouraging, flexible, organized, enjoyable, fun to be with.

D
Denise B.

All the hikes were beautiful. Got to hike Angle’s Landing with a guide which made everything seem easier. The guides did the driving so we just got to sit back and enjoy the beauty that surrounded us. I had never been to Bryce and it was amazing.

T
Terry T.

The magnificent scenery, the hikes, the other women, the food and of course the excellent guides.

M
Mary C.

I had never hiked in Utah before and loved hiking in the parks. It was great to have everything planned for me and I enjoyed spending time the other women in the group and our two guides.

D
Dotty B.

Ellie helping me & my 4 hiking buddies make it to the top & back down from of Angel’s Landing safely! I knew it would be challenging, but Ellie was calm & encouraging, showing us where to place our feet & even physically helping those with shorter legs to reach the next foothold. I thought of Tali as our Mama Bear. She was always re-evaluating what we could fit into our schedule, adjusting our hikes to fit our abilities & give us a variety of hikes. The 1st day doing the Canyon Overlook, even though pressed for time for dinner reservations, was an awesome hike & prepared us for Angel’s Landing the next day. I liked that some of the longer hikes were dropped from the original itinerary & shorter varied hikes were done instead. Everything was great & I was so happy that I could hike every day, even 3.5 months post hip replacement surgery! 🙂

E
Elizabeth L.

Spending most of each day outside in amazing places with really nice women. Lots of hiking. Accommodations mostly away from cities.

M
Mary M.

The scenery and hikes were incredible. It was wonderful to share the adventure with special women with similar interests. The guides were perfect.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Experienced local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area (1 to 2 guides, depending on group size)
      • 8-day hiking tour in Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef (6 days of hiking)
      • Accommodation for 7 nights in hotels, national park lodges, and a resort, based on double occupancy, with a private bed guaranteed for each guest
      • All meals from dinner on day 1 through breakfast on day 8 (restaurant breakfasts and dinners, plus guide-packed lunches)
      • All ground transportation during the trip, including airport pickup on day 1 and one airport shuttle on day 8
      • All national park entry fees

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout)

      • Single occupancy room

    Not included:

      • Transportation to Utah
      • Angels Landing permit (required for the optional hike)
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • In order to join this Utah national parks 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 640 m (2,100 ft) of elevation gain (shorter alternatives are available on some days).

    Expect three to six hours on the trail each day, some of it challenging, in a desert environment. In the weeks before the trip, aim for 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise like hill walking, jogging, or stair climbing, three to four times a week. If you’re planning on the longer hikes, build up to 40 to 50 minutes, four to five times a week, and add a weekly two-hour hike or some strength training. The optional Angels Landing hike follows a narrow, exposed ridge, so it’s best suited to those comfortable with heights.

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

  • Yes. Several days offer a longer and a shorter hike, so you can match each day to how your legs are feeling. In Zion, you can stop at Scout Lookout instead of continuing to Angels Landing, or walk the flatter Virgin River trail instead. The afternoon hike to the Emerald Pools is optional too. Your guides adjust the plan to the group’s energy and interests, and the week is built so that everyone gets plenty of time on the trail.

  • Gear:

      • Day pack (25-40L)
      • Water bottles or hydration bladder (at least 2L, desert hiking means drinking more than you think)
      • Hiking poles (optional, handy on the long descents and climbs out of Bryce)
      • Headlamp with fresh batteries
      • Camera (optional, but you’ll want one)

    Clothing & footwear:

      • Broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip
      • Shoes you don’t mind soaking for the creek walking at Kanarra Falls, plus quick-dry socks
      • Moisture-wicking hiking layers, including a warm mid-layer for cool mornings and evenings at Bryce
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Sunhat and sunglasses
      • Comfortable clothes for dinners and travel days

    Other:

      • Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, hand sanitizer, and bug spray
      • Personal toiletries and any personal medication
      • Small first-aid kit with blister care
      • Swimsuit for the hot tub at the Capitol Reef hotel

    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 Utah national parks 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.
      • Utah national parks hiking tour 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 Utah national parks 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 Utah national parks 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 earlier, you can take a taxi or rideshare to the hotel, as there’s no hotel shuttle.

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

    At the end of the trip, you can fly out of SGU any time on day 8—your guides provide one airport shuttle in the morning.

  • Every participant is guaranteed her own bed. This price for this Utah national parks 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’s Landing, you’ll need to obtain your own permit through Zion National Park’s lottery system, subject to availability. The rest of the group hikes to Scout’s Landing or walks the Virgin River trail, so there’s a great day out either way.

  • While this is a hiking-focused trip, some scenic driving connects the parks. The longest stretches are on Day 5, a roughly three-hour drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef, and Day 7, about three hours from Capitol Reef to Kanarra Falls. Both are broken up with stops and hikes along the way. Your guides do all the driving, so you can sit back and watch the scenery.

  • 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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