Zion & Bryce National Park
Saturday, May 2, 2026 -
Sunday, May 10, 2026 --
$1900
★, ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT
Join Fitpacking for a spectacular week-long adventure exploring two of Utah’s most
iconic national parks:
Zion National Park and
Bryce Canyon National Park
This immersive journey features some of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the
American Southwest, including towering red rock cliffs, sculpted slot canyons,
natural arches, and the world’s greatest concentration of hoodoos.
The trip is split into two distinct segments—three days in Zion followed by three
days in Bryce—with the option for participants to join either park’s half-week
itinerary as a standalone trip.
In Zion National Park, we’ll explore the dramatic depths of the Zion Narrows,
summit the iconic Angel’s landing*** via its famous chain-assisted trail, and
take in panoramic views from overlooks near The Patriarchs. Zion’s towering
sandstone cliffs and lush canyon floors offer a breathtaking contrast of desert
and oasis.
In Bryce Canyon National Park, we’ll descend into the park’s surreal labyrinth
of hoodoos, spires, and natural amphitheaters. Trails like Peekaboo Loop and
the Navajo/Queens Garden Loop will take us deep into Bryce’s dreamlike landscape,
where light and shadow shift dramatically with the rising and setting sun.
Both parks are recognized International Dark Sky Parks, so be prepared for
incredible stargazing and unforgettable sunsets each night.
May is the perfect time to explore Southern Utah. With warming spring temperatures, blooming desert flora, and fewer crowds than peak summer, conditions are ideal for hiking and photography. Whether you’re new to hiking or an experienced backpacker, this trip offers a balanced mix of challenging trails and relaxing scenic walks, all while staying in established frontcountry campgrounds for comfort and accessibility.
Don't miss this chance to explore two geological wonders in one unforgettable week.
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See Topo map
Here is the
Bryce proposed route.
Weather
Weather is always an important factor when planning a successful hiking trip, especially
in desert environments where temperature swings can be extreme. In early
May, you can expect significantly different weather
patterns between Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Zion, which sits at a lower elevation, is typically 10–15°F warmer than Bryce. During the day, temperatures in Zion can easily climb into the 80s or higher, making for hot and exposed hiking conditions—especially in areas like Angel’s Landing and the Narrows. In contrast, Bryce Canyon’s higher elevation means cooler daytime temperatures and nights that can dip close to or below freezing, even in spring.
This wide temperature range means you’ll need to pack layers for warmth, along with ample sun protection—including a hat, sunscreen, and light, breathable clothing for daytime hikes.
Both parks are located in arid, high desert environments, where staying hydrated is critical. You’ll need to carry water containers with a total capacity of at least 4 liters, as water sources may be limited on some trails.
Probable Trip Leaders
Bruce Cannon
Beau Devlin
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Cost
$1900
per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. With single room accommodations are available for purchase. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Las Vegas (LAS) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.
Covered expenses include 1 hotel night, 6 nights in front country campgrounds, storage fees, 6 days of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome guides.
Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to)
other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve.
Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make
up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important
part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the
trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally
account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the
greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted
to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing
exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well,
please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles
of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small
holes they've dug.
Important Notes about this trip
Daily mileage will be kept under 10 miles, and since we’ll be carrying only day packs, most days will be less strenuous than a traditional backpacking trip. This makes the experience accessible to a wide range of participants while still offering rewarding physical activity and scenic beauty.
That said, while many trails in Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are well-marked and enjoyable, hikers should be prepared for some challenging terrain. Portions of the trails may involve walking through deep sand, navigating slickrock sections with dramatic drop-offs, and occasional scrambling where you may need to use your hands—or even sit and slide—for stability. In Zion’s Narrows, we’ll be walking in ankle-deep water that is often quite cold, requiring proper footwear and good balance.
These conditions, while not extreme, add a sense of adventure and variety to the journey. With preparation and guidance, they are manageable for most hikers and are part of what makes this trip so memorable.
***While Fitpacking has a Commercial Use Authorization Permit for Zion National Park, we do not have permits for Angel's Landing for any specific day. Each morning, we will apply for permits for that day.
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