Utah National Parks Hiking Tour
Join our guided Utah hiking tour in Zion, Bryce, and Escalante for 5 days of camping and exploring Southern Utah’s National Parks. Perfect for groups of friends, active families, and single travelers, this guided adventure provides comfortable camping in Zion National Park, hiking in Bryce National Park, access to iconic and hard-to-reach wilderness areas while camping in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, high adventure, and all logistics. Gear, food, permits, and the complex details are taken care of so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.
I LOVED Utah and would most definitely do another trip with this company! Our guides were awesome, so down to earth and so factual about everything!
What's Included
Tour Price Includes
- 4 nights camping (2 in Kodachrome Basin State Park and 2 in Zion National Park)
- Round-trip ground transportation from Las Vegas
- Basecamp Group Gear (personal mess kit, kitchen equipment, hand washing station, dish washing station, camp chairs, etc.)
- Meals starting lunch Day 1 through lunch Day 5
- Water and snacks
- Professional Wilderness First Responder certified guide
Permit & Land Use Fees Include
- Zion National Park entry and commercial fees
- Escalante National Monument commercial fees
- Bryce Canyon National Park entry and commercial fees
Not Included
- Personal insurance and expenses
- Air transportation to and from Las Vegas
- Pre- or post-trip lodging
- Breakfast Day 1, dinner Day 5
- Tent (available to rent from AOA)
- Sleeping pad (available to rent from AOA)
- Sleeping bag (available to rent from AOA)
- Day hiking pack (available to rent from AOA)
- Gratuities to AOA Guides
Upgrades + Additions
Gear Rental
- 4-Person Basecamping Tent ($55 per tent)
- Inflatable sleeping pad ($35 per, sleeping pads add insulation and are required on AOA trips)
- Sleeping bag and linen set rental ($35 per bag/set)
- 30 to 40 liter daypack ($25 per pack)
- Trekking poles (complimentary upon request)
Optional Additions
- Purchase: 3-liter Camelbak reservoir/bladder ($35 per)
Rates
Rates
- TOUR PRICE $ 1425 pp 1425 pp
- +Permits & Land Fees $ 54 pp* 54 pp
*Subject to change and will be based on actual costs at time of departure
*Subject to change and will be based on actual costs at time of departure
Do you have five minutes to save $25? Learn about our 25for5 promotion on our Promos & Discounts page! (Seasonal discounts may apply)
Dates
Select Month
Itinerary

Your Trip
On this 5 day hiking and camping trip, you’ll visit two of Utah’s iconic national parks, hike in Bryce Canyon’s hoodoo-filled rock amphitheaters, and conquer the best challenging hikes in Zion National Park, where sheer red canyon walls and narrow slot canyons have earned the nickname “Yosemite dressed in red.”
In addition, you’ll get the chance to see Zion’s northern hidden gem, Kolob Canyons. We will camp among the red mushroom formations at Kodachrome Basin State Park, and venturing into the incredible slot canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a wonderland of hanging plateaus and slender gorges!
Nights are filled with laughter around the dinner table, reliving memories from the day’s hikes, and colorful sunsets that morph into black skies that magically become aglow with stars.
Check out Visit Utah’s short video for a glimpse of what night skies are like in Kodachrome Basin State Park – where we camp for two nights of this trip.
Trip Start: Meets in Las Vegas at 7 am on Day 1
Trip End: Drops off in Las Vegas between 3:00-6:00 pm on Day 5.

DAY 1: Depart Las Vegas – Kodachrome Basin State Park
After meeting our guides and fellow hikers, we drive north from Las Vegas to Cedar Breaks National Monument, for a high-elevation preview hike where we stretch our legs, dial in our hiking gear and day packs, and watch for marmots. Our visit to Cedar Breaks will give us a taste for the epic formations and canyon walls we will be camping among in a few days time.
Following lunch at a scenic overlook in Cedar Breaks, we drive past quaint mountain villages, lakes, and ancient volcanic formations on our way to our new home away from home.
This afternoon we arrive at Kodachrome Basin State Park. Our camp will be surrounded by a palette of warm shades of red, yellow, pink, white and brown which, against the deep blue sky and rare green vegetation, led the National Geographic Society to name the area Kodachrome Basin (with the consent of the Kodak Film Corporation). The park is known for it’s unique spires, or “chimneys”, of rock known as sand pipes. After dinner, prepared for you by your guides, relax in our comfortable camp while the setting sun turns our red rock home into a glowing amphitheater.
Hiking
2-4 miles
Meals
Breakfast on own, lunch and dinner included
Lodging
Established campground in Kodachrome State Park

After meeting our guides and fellow hikers, we drive north from Las Vegas to Cedar Breaks National Monument, for a high-elevation preview hike where we stretch our legs, dial in our hiking gear and day packs, and watch for marmots. Our visit to Cedar Breaks will give us a taste for the epic formations and canyon walls we will be camping among in a few days time.
Following lunch at a scenic overlook in Cedar Breaks, we drive past quaint mountain villages, lakes, and ancient volcanic formations on our way to our new home away from home.
This afternoon we arrive at Kodachrome Basin State Park. Our camp will be surrounded by a palette of warm shades of red, yellow, pink, white and brown which, against the deep blue sky and rare green vegetation, led the National Geographic Society to name the area Kodachrome Basin (with the consent of the Kodak Film Corporation). The park is known for it’s unique spires, or “chimneys”, of rock known as sand pipes. After dinner, prepared for you by your guides, relax in our comfortable camp while the setting sun turns our red rock home into a glowing amphitheater.
Hiking
2-4 miles
Meals
Breakfast on own, lunch and dinner included
Lodging
Established campground in Kodachrome State Park

DAY 2: Explore Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Today we head into the wild expanse of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Our action-packed Utah National Parks exploration continues as we hike along the Escalante River’s clear flowing waters and canyon walls or off to iconic Lower Calf Creek Falls. On these hikes your guide will share ancient petroglyphs and Ancestral Puebloan Ruins. These hikes are a favorite of adults and kids alike. If time permits and the weather is just right, there’s opportunity for us to visit one of Escalante’s iconic slot canyons before returning to our home away from home for a hearty guide prepared dinner.
Hiking
5-8 miles
Meals
All meals included
Lodging
Established campground in Kodachrome State Park

Today we head into the wild expanse of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Our action-packed Utah National Parks exploration continues as we hike along the Escalante River’s clear flowing waters and canyon walls or off to iconic Lower Calf Creek Falls. On these hikes your guide will share ancient petroglyphs and Ancestral Puebloan Ruins. These hikes are a favorite of adults and kids alike. If time permits and the weather is just right, there’s opportunity for us to visit one of Escalante’s iconic slot canyons before returning to our home away from home for a hearty guide prepared dinner.
Hiking
5-8 miles
Meals
All meals included
Lodging
Established campground in Kodachrome State Park

DAY 3: Explore Bryce Canyon National Park, Drive to Zion National Park
After a hearty breakfast in camp, we head to Bryce Canyon National Park. Words cannot describe the sweeping views before us as we start our easy walk along the rim. After viewing this wild land of rock from the rim, we’ll hike down into the canyon through a surreal maze of pink hoodoos and rock windows all the way to the mouth of the Bryce amphitheater. The erosive force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have sculpted the colorful limestone rock into bizarre formations including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called “hoodoos.” After our adventurous hike in Bryce, we hop in the van to give your hiking boots a rest as we make our way to Zion National Park.
In the Mormon religion, Zion means “the pure in heart” or in this case, a place where people with pure hearts live. Inspired by the beauty and purity of their red rock home, the early Mormon settlers named the area Zion. Once in Zion, you’ll have the chance to explore close to camp while guides prepare a delicious meal. Tonight, we’ll hang out around campground together playing fun fireside games and getting excited for tomorrow’s adventures.
Hiking
8 miles
Meals
All meals included
Lodging
Established campground in Zion National Park

After a hearty breakfast in camp, we head to Bryce Canyon National Park. Words cannot describe the sweeping views before us as we start our easy walk along the rim. After viewing this wild land of rock from the rim, we’ll hike down into the canyon through a surreal maze of pink hoodoos and rock windows all the way to the mouth of the Bryce amphitheater. The erosive force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have sculpted the colorful limestone rock into bizarre formations including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called “hoodoos.” After our adventurous hike in Bryce, we hop in the van to give your hiking boots a rest as we make our way to Zion National Park.
In the Mormon religion, Zion means “the pure in heart” or in this case, a place where people with pure hearts live. Inspired by the beauty and purity of their red rock home, the early Mormon settlers named the area Zion. Once in Zion, you’ll have the chance to explore close to camp while guides prepare a delicious meal. Tonight, we’ll hang out around campground together playing fun fireside games and getting excited for tomorrow’s adventures.
Hiking
8 miles
Meals
All meals included
Lodging
Established campground in Zion National Park

DAY 4: Zion National Park: Hike Observation Point and Zion Narrows
Observation Point is one of the best viewpoints offered by the list of Zion’s classic trails, with dizzying drop-offs and eye-popping scenery looking down into Zion Canyon. Though not the most family-friendly trail in Zion, this challenge is worth the effort. The maintained trail zigzags its way up the steep mountainside before venturing through Echo Canyon, a deep gorge filled with water-gnawed sandstone pockets. Beyond Echo Canyon the walls drop sharply, giving way to spectacular views. At trail’s end is an incredible view of the entirety of Zion Canyon. The West Rim Trail can be seen to the right as well as lofty Angels Landing and other famous landmarks. The challenge of hiking to Observation point may not be for everyone, if you have qualms about this hike they should be discussed with the AOA staff when planning your trip.
After lunch we will board the park shuttle to the upper reaches of Zion’s main canyon to explore the world famous Zion Narrows, a National Park classic. On this hike we will wade through the knee- to waist-deep water while 2,000 foot tall Navajo sandstone walls tower overhead – even the best waterproof hiking boots are no match for the Virgin River. Exploring the Narrows is a favorite of all of our travelers, but is often especially fun for kids. Tonight we celebrate our week of adventure and relaxation with a final dinner.
Hiking
8-10 miles
Meals
All meals included
Lodging
Established campground in Zion National Park

Observation Point is one of the best viewpoints offered by the list of Zion’s classic trails, with dizzying drop-offs and eye-popping scenery looking down into Zion Canyon. Though not the most family-friendly trail in Zion, this challenge is worth the effort. The maintained trail zigzags its way up the steep mountainside before venturing through Echo Canyon, a deep gorge filled with water-gnawed sandstone pockets. Beyond Echo Canyon the walls drop sharply, giving way to spectacular views. At trail’s end is an incredible view of the entirety of Zion Canyon. The West Rim Trail can be seen to the right as well as lofty Angels Landing and other famous landmarks. The challenge of hiking to Observation point may not be for everyone, if you have qualms about this hike they should be discussed with the AOA staff when planning your trip.
After lunch we will board the park shuttle to the upper reaches of Zion’s main canyon to explore the world famous Zion Narrows, a National Park classic. On this hike we will wade through the knee- to waist-deep water while 2,000 foot tall Navajo sandstone walls tower overhead – even the best waterproof hiking boots are no match for the Virgin River. Exploring the Narrows is a favorite of all of our travelers, but is often especially fun for kids. Tonight we celebrate our week of adventure and relaxation with a final dinner.
Hiking
8-10 miles
Meals
All meals included
Lodging
Established campground in Zion National Park

DAY 5: Spend the morning in Zion, Drive to Las Vegas
After breakfast, we head into Zion National Park for a finale hike to Angel’s Landing! We begin the day’s hike strolling beneath shady cottonwood and sycamore trees by the Virgin River’s edge. Soon we begin the ascent, our goal will be to reach the top before the desert sun peaks over the canyon wall. Angel’s Landing is not just a hike; it is the pre-eminent trail of our National Park System and the perfect grand adventure to cap off our fantastic week of exploring the gems of Southern Utah.
The trail ascends 1,488 feet in 2.5 miles to the 5,790-foot summit of a monolith perched partway between the river and the canyon rim. It is flanked on three sides by the erosive North Fork of the Virgin River below. The hike leads to sweeping north-south views of the Virgin River Gorge, Cathedral Mountain, Observation Point, Cable Mountain and the Great White Throne looming high above Angel’s Landing. After descending back to the canyon floor it is customary to take a cool plunge in the Virgin River and relax under a cottonwood tree for a picnic lunch, recounting the fun and adventure we enjoyed during the week of camping and exploring. Waving farewell to Zion, we arrive back to the bright lights of Las Vegas between 3:00 – 6:00pm.
Hiking
5 miles
Meals
Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own.
Lodging
On your own

After breakfast, we head into Zion National Park for a finale hike to Angel’s Landing! We begin the day’s hike strolling beneath shady cottonwood and sycamore trees by the Virgin River’s edge. Soon we begin the ascent, our goal will be to reach the top before the desert sun peaks over the canyon wall. Angel’s Landing is not just a hike; it is the pre-eminent trail of our National Park System and the perfect grand adventure to cap off our fantastic week of exploring the gems of Southern Utah.
The trail ascends 1,488 feet in 2.5 miles to the 5,790-foot summit of a monolith perched partway between the river and the canyon rim. It is flanked on three sides by the erosive North Fork of the Virgin River below. The hike leads to sweeping north-south views of the Virgin River Gorge, Cathedral Mountain, Observation Point, Cable Mountain and the Great White Throne looming high above Angel’s Landing. After descending back to the canyon floor it is customary to take a cool plunge in the Virgin River and relax under a cottonwood tree for a picnic lunch, recounting the fun and adventure we enjoyed during the week of camping and exploring. Waving farewell to Zion, we arrive back to the bright lights of Las Vegas between 3:00 – 6:00pm.
Hiking
5 miles
Meals
Breakfast and lunch included, dinner on your own.
Lodging
On your own

Nitty Gritty
AOA’s adventures might challenge you, but we don’t want them to surprise you, these Nitty Gritty details can help you decide if this the right trip for you.
Comforts of Home
Cell Service & Electricity: While camping at on this trip, cell phone service will be limited and you will only have electrical outlets in the public restrooms at the campground. Bring a portable phone charger so you’re not reliant on this power source.
Bathrooms: Our campsites will have standard bathrooms, but it’s possible while hiking in Southern Utah that “nature calls” while on the trail. In this case you may need to use a Wag Bag to pack out any waste and ensure we Leave No Trace.
Showers: There are hot showers available on this trip, at Zion it requires a walk of about 10 minutes to reach them.
Van Transports
The first day of this trip requires a long drive to reach our campground near Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Expect to be in the van for about 4.5-5 hours.
Zion Crowds
Zion is a beautiful destination, and you’re not the only one who thinks so. On weekends from spring to fall, the park can be very busy and we may have trouble finding parking for our van and experience wait times while waiting for the park shuttle. We always look for opportunities to get the trails to ourselves, but Zion has strict permitting regulations so we will need to stay together as a group when inside the park.
Hikes & Weather
The hikes on this trip may change at the last minute due to weather. Southern Utah experiences seasonal monsoon storms from July – September which can cause canyons to flood and become dangerous. We have many back-up options available to make sure that we have an incredible Utah experience no matter the weather.
Trip Ratings
Fitness 3 | Comfort 3 | Solitude 2 | Guest Participation 4