by The US national parks have many canyons that offer spectacular views and amazing hikes. They offer a wide range of ways to experience them. During 4-5 days we decided to explore some of the most famous canyons: The Grand Canyon (Arizona), Angels landing (Zion, Utah), Narrows (Zion, Utah) and Bryce Canyon (Utah). Below is the itinerary we followed from San Francisco.
Angels Landing, Zion, Utah
Day 1
- 6 am: SFO-LAS, pick up the rental car
- 8:30 am: Drive to Zion for about 3 hours
- Pick up Narrows Permit from the Visitor Center
- Begin your Day hike, more details on this page: Angel’s Landing
- 4:30-7:30am: Pick up the rental gear after the hike at Zion Adventure Co (36 Lion Blvd, Springdale UT)
Recommended gear list for the Narrows:
- Zion Park Newspaper
- Zion Narrows Map
- Dry pants packages reserved from Zion Adventure Co:
- Neoprene Socks
- Water boots/shoes
- Walking stick
- Dry pants
- Headlamp / Flashlight
- Clothing for for 0-5c weather (hat, gloves, etc)
- Clothing for 10-15c weather (not cotton)
- Swim suit
- Food: trail mix, water bottle, bars, etc
Day 2
- Drive to Zion Adventure Co by 6:20 am
- 6:30 am: Shuttle departure
- Get ready to get wet and hike the Narrows for several hours!
Narrows, Zion, Utah
Day 3
- Check Sunrise time at Zion
- Drive to Bryce Canyon (1.5 hours)
- Begin your day hike and check the sunset time at Bryce, select one of the two options Peekaboo or Fairyland loop
- Overnight at Bryce
Day 4
- Check Sunrise time in Bryce Canyon
- 11 am drive towards North Rim for about 3 hours
- Check Sunset time at Cape Royal
- 6 pm: Drive back
- 11:30pm: Once you are back at LAS, return your car
- Overnight at LAS
Day 5
- Return to SFO!
Bryce Canyon, Utah
It was among the best hiking experience I had in the US and I would recommend this to any outdoor enthusiast.