Days Off Travel - Adventure: Bicycling

Bryce, Zion & Brian Head 6 Day

The word is out! For years we've known that the forested plateaus and red rock canyons of Bryce, Zion and Brianhead were home to epic mountain biking. Such secrets, though, are hard to keep. Bicycling Magazine has proclaimed this region 'a mountain biking paradise' and 'the most awe-inspiring and unique landscape.' We've uncovered the secrets and now offer an epic adventure on these magnificently diverse and endless singletrack trails. Each day we'll explore new and exciting trails through flower-filled alpine meadows, richly colored amphitheaters, sculpted spires and pinnacles, and surreal slickrock expanses.

Includes:

accommodations
three meals a day (except one lunch)
drinks and snacks from support van
maps and written route directions
support vans and trailers
all gratuities to waiters (except for items that you pay for) and baggage handlers
two guides
all maintenance on rental bicycles
all park entrance fees
sea kayaking, rafting, canoe rentals, wildlife cruises, boat rides, snorkeling, and tourist attractions where noted in the itinerary

Difficulty: All levels: average 35 miles daily (20-50 range (longer or shorter routes available)

Terrain: Level - 50%; Rollings Hills - 40%; Hills 10%

2003 Trip Dates: May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, September 7, September 14, September 21, September 28, and October 5

Priced from: $1876

Bike Rental: $126

DAYS ITINERARY

Day 1 ST GEORGE Our adventure starts in St. George, Utah, on a Sunday morning (public shuttle available from Las Vegas airport). We cycle on rural roads through a large state park and adjoining ranch country with classic southwestern scenery of cacti-studded sand dunes, pinion pines and red cliffs -- an area often used in western films. We spend the night in St. George at the Seven Wives Inn, a historic bed and breakfast, where a gourmet chef comes and prepares our sumptuous dinner.

Day 2 CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT On Monday we travel north to Cedar Breaks National Monument -- a huge amphitheater of amazing red and orange sandstone sculptures carved by the wind and rain. We then pedal down a long, gradual hillside as we descend through the colorful aspens and pines of Dixie National Forest to the flat farmland around the town of Panguitch. We cycle past the vivid sandstone formations of Red Canyon on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park, where we spend the next two nights.

Day 3 BRYCE CANYON Tuesday is a layover day. We start the day with an optional sunrise hike to our favorite spot overlooking Bryce Canyon. As the sun’s rays steal down the canyon walls to the statue-like sandstone columns called hoodoos, the hoodoos seem to glow from within. After breakfast we cycle the 17-mile road in the park along the edge of the canyon, with plenty of places to stop and gaze at nature’s spectacle. In the afternoon we take those who wish on a great hike into the canyon on aptly named “Fairyland Trail.” Cone-shaped hoodoos resembling wizards and gnomes watch over the path, and behind every curve lies another jaw-dropping view.

Day 4 ZION NATIONAL PARK On Wednesday we cycle through ranchland along the Sevier and Virgin rivers into Zion National Park. Zion, with its color-streaked canyon walls and sandstone sculptures, is described in Bicycling as one of the world’s most beautiful rides. The descent down the east wall of Zion is awesome, with red cliffs rising right beside you. At the bottom, the six-mile ride along the flat and narrow valley floor can take all afternoon as you stop and gaze up at the massive, multi-colored cliffs. We spend the next two nights at Zion Park Inn, a handsome lodge in the town of Springdale, just outside the park. You’ll enjoy the inn’s outdoor hot tub and pool as much as its gorgeous setting.

Day 5 ZION NATIONAL PARK Thursday is a layover day, and we offer some superb hikes in Zion. We shuttle to a trailhead offering several hiking options. Many guests choose the West Rim Trail, a hike up to panoramic vista points and Angels Landing. Other hikes include a more leisurely walk to a beautiful waterfall and a hike partway up The Narrows, a slot canyon where the Virgin River emerges into the Zion Valley.

Day 6 ST GEORGE On Friday we cycle west along the Virgin River through rangeland and cattle country to a park for lunch. Afterward, we shuttle back to St. George, where you can catch the public shuttle to Las Vegas.

Want more information or would like to book your trip? Please call Days Off Travel toll free 1-877-580-0861 or email: bikebryce@daysofftravel.com

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DAYS	ITINERARY

Day 1	ST GEORGE Our adventure starts in St. George, Utah, on a Sunday morning (public shuttle available from Las Vegas airport). We cycle on rural roads through a large state park and adjoining ranch country with classic southwestern scenery of cacti-studded sand dunes, pinion pines and red cliffs -- an area often used in western films. We spend the night in St. George at the Seven Wives Inn, a historic bed and breakfast, where a gourmet chef comes and prepares our sumptuous dinner.

Day 2	CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT On Monday we travel north to Cedar Breaks National Monument -- a huge amphitheater of amazing red and orange sandstone sculptures carved by the wind and rain. We then pedal down a long, gradual hillside as we descend through the colorful aspens and pines of Dixie National Forest to the flat farmland around the town of Panguitch. We cycle past the vivid sandstone formations of Red Canyon on the way to Bryce Canyon National Park, where we spend the next two nights.

Day 3	BRYCE CANYON Tuesday is a layover day. We start the day with an optional sunrise hike to our favorite spot overlooking Bryce Canyon. As the sun’s rays steal down the canyon walls to the statue-like sandstone columns called hoodoos, the hoodoos seem to glow from within. After breakfast we cycle the 17-mile road in the park along the edge of the canyon, with plenty of places to stop and gaze at nature’s spectacle. In the afternoon we take those who wish on a great hike into the canyon on aptly named “Fairyland Trail.” Cone-shaped hoodoos resembling wizards and gnomes watch over the path, and behind every curve lies another jaw-dropping view.

Day 4	ZION NATIONAL PARK On Wednesday we cycle through ranchland along the Sevier and Virgin rivers into Zion National Park. Zion, with its color-streaked canyon walls and sandstone sculptures, is described in Bicycling as one of the world’s most beautiful rides. The descent down the east wall of Zion is awesome, with red cliffs rising right beside you. At the bottom, the six-mile ride along the flat and narrow valley floor can take all afternoon as you stop and gaze up at the massive, multi-colored cliffs. We spend the next two nights at Zion Park Inn, a handsome lodge in the town of Springdale, just outside the park. You’ll enjoy the inn’s outdoor hot tub and pool as much as its gorgeous setting.

Day 5	ZION NATIONAL PARK Thursday is a layover day, and we offer some superb hikes in Zion. We shuttle to a trailhead offering several hiking options. Many guests choose the West Rim Trail, a hike up to panoramic vista points and Angels Landing. Other hikes include a more leisurely walk to a beautiful waterfall and a hike partway up The Narrows, a slot canyon where the Virgin River emerges into the Zion Valley.

Day 6	ST GEORGE On Friday we cycle west along the Virgin River through rangeland and cattle country to a park for lunch. Afterward, we shuttle back to St. George, where you can catch the public shuttle to Las Vegas.