Utah: Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks

VBT Pre-Tour Extension Guests:
Enjoy a relaxed morning surrounded by the peaceful beauty of southern Utah. Begin your day with a quiet walk through the landscaped grounds of Black Desert Resort, or take time to enjoy its inviting amenities. You might prefer a swim, a stretch in the fitness center, or a leisurely coffee while admiring the desert scenery and distant cliffs.

If you wish to explore farther afield, the nearby town of St. George—just a short drive from Ivins—offers art galleries, boutiques, and cafés showcasing regional flavors and local crafts.

Lunch is on your own today. You may wish to dine at one of the resort’s restaurants, which feature fresh, locally inspired cuisine, or explore additional options in St. George before meeting your Trip Leaders this afternoon.

All Guests:
Meet your Trip Leaders at 12:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Pre-Tour and first hotel, Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah—located just 10 minutes northwest of downtown St. George—for a safety and bike-fitting session followed by a warm-up ride.

If you arrive early, you may be able to start your ride as early as 11:00 a.m.—look for your Trip Leaders near the VBT van in the parking lot. Please arrive dressed for cycling and bring your own filled water bottle. If you use your own pedals or saddle, bring them so they can be installed on your bike.

For guests arriving today, check-in is not available until 4:00 p.m., but restrooms will be available for changing, and luggage can be stored with reception.

Nestled in the Greater Zion region—where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert converge—St. George presents a stunning blend of natural beauty and cultural sophistication. Red-rock mesas rise above a vibrant city filled with shops, restaurants, art galleries, theaters, and museums. With the Pine Valley Mountains in the distance, this is the perfect gateway to Zion National Park and the surrounding wilderness. Your accommodations at Black Desert Resort offer the best of both serenity and style.

Your Bryce Canyon and Zion bike tour begins with a warm-up ride into Snow Canyon State Park. This stunning route follows the paved Whiptail Trail on a gentle ascent, passing red and white Navajo sandstone formations in an otherworldly landscape of lava flows and soaring cliffs. You’ll have time to explore on foot if you wish before reaching a scenic overlook near the park’s highest point, then return along the same route to the resort.

This evening, gather for a welcome reception hosted by your Trip Leaders, followed by a delicious dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Short Option: Warm-Up Ride – Snow Canyon Out-and-Back — 7 miles OR Long Option: Warm-Up Ride – Snow Canyon Out-and-Back — 10 miles

What to Expect:

Ride from the hotel to Snow Canyon State Park on the paved Whiptail Trail, enjoying spectacular views as you ascend into the park. You may choose to stop and explore the park on foot. After approximately seven or ten miles, return to the hotel by retracing your path along the Whiptail Trail.

Cumulative Distance Range: 7 – 10 miles

Included Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, shuttle to Cedar Breaks National Monument, where today’s ride begins with a gentle 34-mile descent to the historic frontier town of Panguitch, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy an included lunch here before continuing toward Bryce Canyon.

Your route showcases the dramatic contours of Utah’s wilderness—a breathtaking tableau reminiscent of the Old West. For more intrepid cyclists, an optional moderate ride from Panguitch Lake to Panguitch may be offered, weather permitting. The main route enters the Dixie National Forest, stopping at the Red Canyon Visitor Center. From there, pedal along the scenic Red Canyon Bicycle Trail, surrounded by low shrubland, vibrant red earth, towering cliffs, and majestic ponderosa pines. A highlight of the day is the Red Canyon Arch, a striking natural formation carved into the sandstone.

Your ride concludes in Bryce Canyon City—originally called Ruby’s Inn and renamed in 2007. Founded in 1916 by Reuben C. “Ruby” Syrett, this small settlement of just a few hundred residents serves as the welcoming gateway to Bryce Canyon National Park. Settle in for a two-night stay at the Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, an inviting property offering spacious, air-conditioned rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a relaxing hot-tub area. After your ride, unwind in the comfortable lounge or take a short stroll to nearby gift shops and the General Store at Ruby’s Inn for local crafts and Western keepsakes.

Dinner is on your own this evening.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Cedar Breaks to Panguitch — 34 miles | Panguitch to Bryce Canyon — 22 miles

What to Expect:

After lunch in Panguitch, you ride to Bryce Canyon City. The first portion of the ride follows Highway 89 and Highway 12, where you’ll cycle on the road’s shoulder alongside passing traffic. If you prefer to avoid highway cycling, you may shuttle with your trip leaders (approximately 10 miles) to the start of the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail. This scenic bike path ascends through striking buttes and hoodoos. After reaching the ride’s highest point near the Coyote Hollow Trailhead, enjoy a gentle descent to the hotel. Along the way, you’ll pass the iconic Red Canyon Arch. Please note: This afternoon’s optional ride is rated moderate due to a steep grade and narrow shoulder.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 – 56 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The natural spectacle of Bryce Canyon National Park is yours to explore today. Pack a lunch to enjoy along the bike route, stop at Bryce Canyon Lodge for a take-out meal to enjoy rim-side, or plan to return to the hotel for lunch.

After breakfast, set out early on the Bryce Canyon Shared-Use Path. Your first stop is the Visitor Center, where exhibits offer an overview of the park’s geology and wildlife. From here, your ride leads deeper into the park, passing dramatic rock formations and stands of ponderosa pine. The path provides leisurely access from Bryce Canyon City to Inspiration Point, your first major destination. Though Inspiration Point sits at 8,100 feet, the trail’s grade never exceeds 6 percent, making for an easy-to-moderate ride. Upon arrival, enjoy an unforgettable view of slender hoodoos rising in a vast natural amphitheater, backed by the striking Boat Mesa.

You may return to your hotel along the same path or opt for a longer route on the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, an 18-mile road stretching the full length of the park. Pause to admire landmarks such as Natural Bridge—an 85-foot arch sculpted by wind and water—and Agua Canyon, a favorite perch for the majestic California condor. The route culminates at Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point, at 9,100 feet, offering sweeping views across the entire park and the distant Grand Staircase.

This afternoon, your Trip Leaders are happy to suggest short hikes or scenic walks within the park. After a full and rewarding day, gather with your fellow travelers for an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Bryce Canyon National Park — 10 – 41 miles

What to Expect:

Today’s ride begins at the hotel and offers countless opportunities to pause and take in the magnificent vistas of Bryce Canyon National Park. You’ll start on the Bryce Canyon Shared-Use Path, with time to stop at the Visitor Center before continuing to Inspiration Point. From there, you may choose to return to the hotel or continue riding along Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. This portion of the ride shares the road with vehicles and features a steady ascent—never exceeding a 6% grade—to the highest point in the park at Rainbow and Yovimpa Points.

Cumulative Distance Range: 10 – 41 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, shuttle to Springdale, the gateway to Zion National Park and your home for the next two nights. Nestled along the Virgin River beneath towering sandstone cliffs, this vibrant small town offers easy access to the park as well as a relaxed mix of cafés, galleries, and outdoor outfitters.

After a pre-ordered lunch beside the river, enter the park by bike, following the Pa’rus Trail as it winds gently into the canyon. At the end of the trail, connect to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive—closed to private vehicles and open only to park service shuttles—offering a peaceful, breathtaking ride through towering sandstone monoliths. Along the way, enjoy ample opportunities to pause and take in the sheer beauty of the cliffs glowing in shades of red, pink, and gold.

Your destination is the awe-inspiring Temple of Sinawava, a natural amphitheater with vertical walls that soar nearly 3,000 feet. Take time to absorb its grandeur before beginning your return ride.

Settle in for two nights at Cable Mountain Lodge, ideally situated steps from the park entrance. This welcoming property features spacious, air-conditioned rooms, a relaxing outdoor pool and hot tub, and a shaded riverside terrace—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Later this afternoon, you may wish to stroll through Springdale, whose walkable main street is lined with art galleries, boutique shops, and inviting restaurants framed by Zion’s red-rock backdrop.

Tonight, dinner is on your own; your Trip Leaders will be happy to suggest excellent local options.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Zion Canyon Scenic Drive — 16 miles

What to Expect:

Ride from your hotel along the Pa’rus Trail to the Zion Scenic Drive. Continue along the Scenic Drive if you wish, taking in panoramic views of the towering canyon walls and dramatic rock formations along the way.

Cumulative Distance Range: 16 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leave the bikes behind today to explore Zion National Park on foot. Your Trip Leaders will help you select a trail suited to your interests and ability. Perhaps stroll the Emerald Pools Trail, a series of shaded paths following a sparkling stream to several picturesque pools. The Scout Lookout Trail rewards you with sweeping canyon vistas, while the West Rim Trail offers a dramatic zigzag ascent along towering rock walls. Whichever route you choose, Zion’s awe-inspiring scenery will stay with you long after the day ends.

Lunch is on your own today. If you prefer a more restful pace, unwind at Cable Mountain Lodge, where the inviting pool, riverside terrace, and on-site spa provide the perfect retreat beneath the towering cliffs. You may also wish to explore Springdale’s main street, dotted with art galleries, cafés, and shops featuring local crafts. Stop by the Zion National Park Visitor Center or the Zion Human History Museum to learn more about the region’s geology and cultural heritage.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a celebratory farewell dinner at a local restaurant—a chance to toast the week’s adventures amid Zion’s magnificent red-rock backdrop.

What to Expect:

Non-Biking Day: Take a break from the saddle to explore Zion on foot or unwind in Springdale. Enjoy the day at your own pace.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, choose between an early ride with your trip leaders or a self-guided hike—both options depart from the hotel. The ride is an out-and-back route that follows Route 9 southwest through the charming town of Springdale to the small village of Rockville. Here, you’ll cross the Virgin River on a historic bridge, passing orchards and farms before stopping for a creekside snack. If you prefer a final hike, the Watchman Trail ascends through a canyon to a plateau offering sweeping views of Zion National Park and Springdale. Return to your hotel in time for a quick shower before departure.

VBT provides two private shuttle options from the hotel to the St. George Regional Airport and the St. George Shuttle office. The first shuttle departs at 8:30 a.m., arriving at 10:30 a.m.; the second departs at 11:30 a.m., arriving at 1:30 p.m. Guests on the 11:30 a.m. shuttle will be dropped off at the St. George Shuttle office in time to connect with the 2:00 p.m. shuttle to Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) (at your own expense). Please note: If you take the early shuttle, you will not have time for the morning ride.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Springdale to Rockville — 13 miles

What to Expect:

Choose between an early ride with your trip leaders or a self-guided hike today.

Cumulative Distance Range: 13 miles

Included Meals: Breakfast