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Epic National Parks of the Southwest

Bryce & Zion National Parks Cultural Walking Tour

7 DaysStarting at $5,795
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Overview

Discover nature on a cinematic scale in Utah’s legendary national parks, where sheer red cliffs rise over sunlit valleys and stone spires crown hidden amphitheaters. From vibrant slot canyons near St. George to the labyrinthine hoodoos of Bryce and the rushing waters of Zion’s Narrows, each day invites wonder. Walk trails once traversed by native peoples and pioneers, with expert local guides whose insights unlock the geologic and human stories woven into every landscape. Well-sited hotels and lodges, including a private ranch with expansive meadows and bison herds, offer comfort and an immersive sense of place. Classic Journeys blends exploration with thoughtful timing, ensuring uncommon access. Rather than racing past the sights, you linger in quiet corners, meet artisans and storytellers, and experience the true spirit of the parks—each step reconnecting you to the raw beauty and rich heritage of America’s canyon country.

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

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  • Stroll the riverside paths and galleries of red rock–framed St. George​
  • Experience an “only with Classic Journeys” walk in a hidden slot canyon​
  • Explore Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos on eye-level trails like Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop​
  • Watch Bryce’s amphitheater glow at sunrise and stargaze under vast desert skies​
  • Walk blush-toned dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes and savor panoramic views​
  • Visit Maynard Dixon’s historic home and studio, steeped in Southwest art and culture​
  • Wake on a private ranch at Zion’s edge and walk among roaming bison herds​
  • Journey into Zion Narrows with expert guides for a properly equipped, small-group experience
Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    St. George – Hyatt Place St. George

  • Ending Point:

    St. George – 3:30 pm – Downtown City Center
Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-7 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a variety of well-maintained countryside, riverside, and canyon trails of compressed dirt and stone. The footpaths offer a selection of level, rolling and hilly terrain with elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Hotels

Zion Mountain Ranch

Perched on the edge of Zion National Park, this mountain lodge captures the spirit of the Old West. Cozy cabins provide breathtaking views of rolling meadows where bison roam freely, and you can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine and easy access to the park.

Bryce Canyon Lodge

Located inside the National Park near the canyon’s rim, the Bryce Canyon Lodge is on the National Historic Register. Its grand lobby has been restored to its original rustic 1920s elegance. Relax by the fireplace after a full day of exploration.

Hyatt Place St. George

Hyatt Place in St. George offers spacious rooms with modern style and breathtaking mountain views of the dramatic red rock landscape. During your stay, enjoy the outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to Southern Utah’s iconic adventures.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
  • Equipment: Premium gear and expert guides for kayaking, rafting, glacial hiking, and snorkeling as outlined in the daily itinerary on select tours.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Why Bryce & Zion with Classic Journeys is a Must-Experience Adventure Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, “Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.” Here’s what that access means for you in Utah’s red rock country.​ 
  • The Best Guides: Storytellers of Canyon Country  Classic Journeys guides in Bryce and Zion are true Southwest insiders—naturalists, historians, and storytellers whose deep roots in the region bring every canyon wall and hoodoo to life. They interpret the geology, native cultures, pioneer routes, and current conservation efforts so each walk becomes a living story, not just a pretty view.​ 
  • The Smallest Groups = The Most Iconic Trails, Done Right  With an average of fewer than 10 guests per departure, our small groups can explore signature trails at the best times of day, from Bryce’s Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop to Zion’s Narrows, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This intimate scale enables “only with Classic Journeys” access—like walking a hidden slot canyon with almost no one else in sight or wading the Narrows in a properly permitted, small group that many larger operators simply cannot offer.​
  • Locals-Only Paths to Bryce & Zion’s Hidden Corners Guided by local experts, you go far beyond parking-lot viewpoints. Walk at eye level among Bryce’s whimsical hoodoos, roam a private ranch meadow alongside a roaming bison herd, and explore Springdale’s galleries where artists interpret Zion’s changing light. Thoughtful timing means you soak up sunrise and late-afternoon glow on the trails when the colors and shadows are at their most dramatic.​
  • Inspiration, Not Intimidation on the Trail This journey is designed so you can experience the best of Bryce and Zion on foot—slot canyons, river narrows, rim walks, and dunes—without needing technical skills or extreme fitness. Your guides offer route options and smart pacing, and we provide proper gear for experiences like the Zion Narrows, so you can focus on awe and discovery, not logistics or safety worries.​
  • Our Well-Sited Lodges & Private Ranch Are Ideal Retreats Stay in distinctive, well-sited properties that keep you close to the landscapes you came to see—from canyon-rimside Bryce lodging to a private ranch on Zion’s edge surrounded by open meadows and a large resident bison herd. Evenings bring big-sky stargazing, chef-inspired dinners, and the quiet needed to absorb the day’s experiences.​
  • Eat Like (and With) the Southwest Locals Food on this itinerary connects you directly to Utah’s sense of place. Gourmet picnics, garden-sourced dinners at the ranch, and meals in carefully chosen local restaurants introduce you to regional flavors and ingredients. Your guides and hosts share the stories behind the dishes, from pioneer influences to contemporary Southwestern cuisine.​
  • Regenerative Travel: Sustaining the Communities of Canyon Country Our person-to-person approach keeps your travel dollars with the people who live and work in these landscapes—ranch owners, artists in Springdale, guides, and small local businesses. That support helps sustain local ways of life and ensures that the trails, stories, and communities of Bryce and Zion remain vibrant for future travelers and residents alike. 

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FAQs

Why is Classic Journeys the best tour company for Bryce and Zion tours?

If you want North America’s Southwest in cinematic color and with insider access at every turn, then Classic Journeys is your answer. You’ll walk along scenic trails through Bryce hoodoos, splash along Zion’s epic Narrows, and picnic on panoramas that big tours pass by. It’s all curated by expert local guides, connecting you to the region’s stories, history, landscapes and hidden gems that only Classic Journeys delivers.

What does the Classic Journeys itinerary cover?

The Classic Journeys Bryce and Zion walking tour itinerary covers the best of both National parks. You’ll set out on sunrise hikes at Bryce Amphitheater, slot canyon strolls and narrows wading in Zion, and at night you get to enjoy stargazing with a cowboy. Every stop blends iconic views with “only with Classic Journeys” trails, memorable moments, and local encounters along the way.

When is the best time to visit Bryce Canyon and Zion?

Visiting these National Parks is best in May through September when trails are open, the weather is warm, and the region’s colors are at their best, making for ideal daily walks.

How active is this cultural walking tour?

Classic Journeys keeps the walking pace friendly and flexible, and you can expect 2 to 7 miles a day on well-maintained trails, with easy options for rolling and hilly terrain. Walks range from Bryce rim strolls to epic viewpoints and riverside paths in Zion. Guides tailor the experience for all abilities; families and travelers of every age feel right at home while exploring these beautiful parks.

How many guests are in each small group on the Bryce and Zion tour?

Our small groups stay intimate—typically 10 to 12 guests—making each walk, wildlife spotting, and storytelling night among the stars personal and memorable. And with your expert local guides leading the way, you’ll make friends and memories together during your trip.

How does Classic Journeys’ Southwest national parks tour compare on guide quality?

Classic Journeys stands apart for quality: small groups, expert guides who feel like well-connected friends, curated access beyond the big crowds, and walks on trails most tours never reach. You experience the Southwest’s spirit—its colors, stories, and genuine camaraderie—at a value other tours can’t match.