Explore the iconic desert canyons and windswept rock terrain of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks on this family-friendly adventure. The action-packed days and star-studded nights are sure to impress every member of the family.
Start - End: Saint George - Saint George
Total trip: 6 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
Gallery
From sunrise hikes to evenings under a canopy of stars, every moment in Utah’s canyon country promises discovery and delight for all ages. Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks are two of the most geologically fascinating and stunningly beautiful places on earth.
Explore colorful canyon walls and looming cliffs in Zion National Park when you trek the Queen Garden Trail. Hike Zion Canyon, a magnificent slot canyon showcasing dramatic panoramas of towering canyon walls, picturesque views of the Virgin River, and lushly-vegetated trails. Sit back and relax as all the details are handled and all you need to focus on is making memories and having a blast on this Utah family vacation!
Bryce Canyon Rim Trail
Step into a world of towering hoodoos and fiery-red rock as you hike through Bryce Canyon’s iconic amphitheater, where every turn feels like a walk through nature’s own sculpture garden.
Birdseye Trail
Enjoy a short, scenic walk along the Birdseye Trail, where sweeping desert views and fascinating rock formations make it the perfect family-friendly adventure.
Queens Garden Trail
Descend into the heart of Bryce Canyon on this beloved trail, winding past whimsical hoodoos and otherworldly spires that spark every imagination.
Snow Canyon State Park
Discover lava flows, sandstone cliffs, and hidden dunes in this red-rock playground — a place where kids can explore freely and every vista inspires awe.
Zion National Park
Marvel at sheer canyon walls and the rich palette of desert colors as you wander Zion’s iconic trails, a place where adventure and tranquility meet.
Quail Creek State Park
Paddle across the calm, emerald waters of Quail Creek Reservoir, surrounded by striking red cliffs and the peaceful rhythm of desert life.
Canyoneering Slot Canyon
Slip, scramble, and laugh your way through a narrow slot canyon on an unforgettable canyoneering adventure that blends excitement, teamwork, and awe-inspiring beauty.
Each day of your family vacation in Utah's most spectacular national parks is filled with wonder, fun, and adventure.
Click map to explore.
Gallery
This morning your guides will pick you up in St. George and drive to Snow Canyon State Park for your first hike of the trip amid lava flows and sandstone. The canyon is carved from the red and white Navajo sandstone in the Red Mountains and the lava rock along the trail is a result of cinder cones that erupted anywhere between 1.4 million and 27,000 years ago! In the afternoon, wander amongst the petrified sand dunes as we explore another side of the park.
The kids will love checking out the outdoor heated swimming pool and spa back at our luxurious accommodations, at the conveniently located Best Western Plus Abbey Inn in Saint George.
Accommodation: Best Western Abbey Inn, St.George
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 7 miles (11 kilometers)
Before setting off for your kayaking adventure, enjoy breakfast to fuel up for the fun. You'll spend about 2 hours exploring the waters of Quail Creek State Park, discovering the diverse geology and history of the region.
After lunch, you’ll swap your paddle for boots to hike in Bryce Canyon National Park. The Bryce Canyon Rim Trail Hike takes you along the rim of the Bryce Canyon to Fairyland trailhead. Watch as the landscape shifts with hundreds of orange, yellow, and white hoodoos rising from the canyon floor.
Check into your home for the next two nights and relax before dinner. Our accommodation for the next two nights, the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel, is surrounded by fantastic scenery, most notably the hoodoos that you’ll encounter in the coming days.
Accommodation: Bryce Canyon Grand, Bryce Canyon City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kayaking: 2 hours
Hiking: 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll hike through the magical hoodoo rock formations of Bryce’s Queens Garden Trail. The trail drops down into the canyon and we’ll wander through natural sculpted rock gardens of brilliantly colored spires, cliffs, and natural amphitheaters with the trail looping up with the Peek-a-boo Trail, creating a figure eight.
You'll pass by the Wall of Windows, the Hindu temples, and finish with a walk up the famous Wall Street with its switchbacks leading back to the rim. After a full of day of hiking enjoy a bit of rest before enjoying dinner at the hotel.n Bryce Canyon Grand
Accommodation: Bryce Canyon Grand, Bryce Canyon City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Up to 8 miles (13 kilometers)
We'll depart Bryce this morning and head out for a short hike on the Birdseye Trail for another chance to get up close to the unique hoodoo formations in this region. After our morning hike, we’ll drive to Zion National Park, winding through the magnificent canyon walls and towering cliffs that make up this majestic park.
We will then explore Zion Canyon on a hike showcasing dramatic panoramas of towering canyon walls, picturesque views of the Virgin River, and lushly-vegetated trails. Later we’ll check into our accommodation for the next two nights. The evening is yours to explore and enjoy on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel De Novo, Springdale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 5-7 miles (8-11 kilometers)
**If you are interested in hiking Angel’s Landing and would like more detail on the permit process, please refer to the park website.
This morning, challenge yourself on a thrilling canyoneering Slot Canyon adventure where you can truly experience the land around you. Rappel down water-carved rocks in a sandstone slot canyon with professionals who will guide you every step of the way. You'll be fully equipped and supported as you jump into this adrenaline-inducing activity, perfect for beginners. Or, if canyoneering is not appealing to you, choose your own adventure around town or the hotel.
Afterwards, we’ll head back to Springdale where you'll have free time to wander this charming town or take a shuttle into Zion to check out any last sites on your own. Later, we'll meet up for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel De Novo, Springdale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Canyoneering: 2 hours
**Based on weather conditions there may be an opportunity to hike the Narrows in the afternoon.
We'll spend our last morning hiking up Watchman's Trail to enjoy beautiful views of the valley below before transferring back to St. George where you'll bid your farewells and head home or onto your next adventure.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers)
Read more on what you need to know for your family vacation to Utah's red rock wonderland.
On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Best Western Plus Abbey Inn at 8am or from the Hilton Garden Inn at 8.15am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in St George, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.
Please bring your hiking boots or shoes and your day pack ready with the essentials you'll need for the first hike with your fellow adventurers.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the St George Airport at 12pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in St George around 12:30pm.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in St George (SGU) at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from St George (SGU) after 1:30pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
Many of our guests choose to arrive/depart Las Vegas Airport (LAS) before or after their trip, please note there are many shuttles that run both ways between St George and Las Vegas, daily for a fee. Prior reservations are recommended and can be made online via a local operator.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Utah. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.
While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be in Springdale on Days 4 or 5.
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
Gallery
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
