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Zion & Bryce National Park

Saturday, May 2, 2026 - Sunday, May 10, 2026 -- $1900 ★

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.


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Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
Map
 
 

Itinerary


Saturday, May 2, 2026

Drive or fly into Las Vegas Airport (LAS). The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM. However, if you can save a substantial amount on your flight by arriving a few hours earlier or later, then do so.

We will assemble at: TBD, To Be Determined

Equipment shakedown. We go through your packs to make sure you're prepared for the trip equipment-wise.

Make-your-own trail mix bar. You craft your personal trail mix from a cornucopia of nuts, fruits, sweets and occasional wildcard items that we provide.

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage. Try to keep this to a small amount of stuff.

At around 3PM, shuttle to campsite: Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, UT-9, Springdale, UT 84767, (877) 444-6777. Site(s) TBD Elevation: 3925'

Shuttling will take about 3 hours

Guides prepare dinner in camp. On some trips with longer shuttle times, we may opt to go out for an opening dinner at a local restaurant. (Cost of restaurant dinner not included in trip price)

Camp at Watchman Campground, Zion National Park, UT-9, Springdale, UT 84767, (877) 444-6777. Site(s) TBD Elevation: 3925'


Sunday, May 3, 2026

Take an early shuttle bus up-canyon to the Temple of Sinewawa, elevation 4370'

Hike 8.0 miles on the Riverside Walk down canyon to the Watchman Campground, elevation 3925'

Time permitting, Day-Hike 3.1 miles on the Watchman Trail completing a loop that tops out at elevation 4425'

We will have views of Zion Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon and the town of Springdale

Base camp at the Watchman Campground, sites TBD, elevation 3925'

Miles today: 11.1. Total miles: 11.1


Monday, May 4, 2026

Zion Narrows

Take an early shuttle bus up-canyon to the Temple of Sinewawa, elevation 4370'

Start Day-Hiking the Riverside Walk, elevation 4420'

Day-Hike 2.0 miles on the Riverside Walk to the trail register, elevation 4550'

Begin Day-Hike up the Narrow Trail for 0.5 miles until we reach Orderville Canyon, elevation 4825'

Day-Hike 2.5 miles back to the Temple of Sinewawa

Take a park shuttle bus back to camp

Base camp at the Watchman Campground, sites TBD, elevation 3925'

Miles today: 5.0. Total miles: 16.1


Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Today we will hike Angel's Landing, one of Zion's iconic destinations. It is a long, steady climb to get to the top so perseverance will be rewarded.

Board the park shuttle bus to the Grotto stop, elevation 4300'

Day-Hike 4.3 round-trip miles to Angel's Landing, elevation 5760'

Miles today: 4.3. Total miles: 20.4

Say goodbye to departing half-week participants

Base camp at the Watchman Campground, sites TBD, elevation 3925'


Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Pack up camp

Drive through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.

Hike 1.0 miles on the Canyon Overlook Trail

Miles today: 1.0. Total miles: 21.4

Shuttle 2 hours to Bryce Canyon National Park

Set up base camp, possibly at the North Campground but we won't know until April, sites TBD, elevation 8000'

We are joined by Bryce Canyon half-week participants


Thursday, May 7, 2026

Walk from North Campground to Sunrise Point, elevation 8000'

Day-Hike 1.6 miles on the Queens Garden Trail to the Navajo Loop Trail, elevation 7475'

Day-Hike 0.6 uphill miles on the Navajo Loop Trail that tops out at elevation 8000'

Day-Hike 0.5 miles on the Rim trail to Sunrise point, elevation 8000'.

Day-Hike 3.3 miles on the Rim trail to Bryce point, elevation 8300'.

Take park shuttle back to campground

Base camp possibly at the North Campground but we won't know until April, sites TBD, elevation 8000'

Miles today: 6.0. Total miles: 27.4


Friday, May 8, 2026

Get an extremely early start today to hike the Fairyland Loop

Walk from North Campground to the rim, elevation 8000'

Day-Hike 7.9 miles around the Fairlyland Loop, minimum elevation 7160'

Return to North Campground for lunch

Car shuttle to Rainbow Point, elevation 9110'

Day-Hike 1.0 relatively flat miles on the Bristlecone Loop Trail to see ancient Bristlecone Pines.

Car shuttle back to camp

Miles today: 8.9. Total miles: 36.3


Saturday, May 9, 2026

Take an early park shuttle bus to Bryce Point, elevation 8300'

Day-Hike 5.1 miles on the Peekaboo Loop, lowest elevation 7440'

Return to North Campground via shuttle bus for lunch

Miles today: 5.1. Total miles: 41.4

Shuttle 4 hours back to Las Vegas

Shuttle back to local hotel: TBD, To Be Determined

Gather your off-trail items from storage

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (Dinner cost not included in trip price)

Stay in our local hotel (included in trip cost)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Sunday, May 10, 2026

Free breakfast in hotel

Take free airport shuttle or we will pay for a shared cab/Uber


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