Escalante Road Tour
RIDING TYPE
Advanced
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
June - September
Escalante Road Tour: Conquer Utah's Iconic Scenic Byways
Embark on an Unforgettable Utah Road Cycling Journey
Prepare for an unparalleled Utah road cycling experience on our Escalante Road Tour. Western Spirit Cycling invites you to discover the breathtaking beauty of Southern Utah on a 5-day, advanced-level road bike tour designed for cyclists who crave challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and world-class scenic byways. This meticulously crafted itinerary unlocks iconic landscapes, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park, all from the unique vantage point of your bike.
Since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling has been North America’s premier outfitter for adventure cycling tours, specializing in expertly guided, fully supported expeditions. We understand the desires of experienced road cyclists: you seek hassle-free adventures where all logistics are expertly handled, from gourmet meals to comfortable lodge accommodations. Our decades of proven experience and unwavering reliability mean you can focus solely on conquering Utah’s legendary roads with confidence.
Why Choose Western Spirit for Your Escalante Road Tour?
This guided Utah road cycling tour is tailored for advanced riders who demand a unique blend of extreme challenge, iconic access, and unparalleled support:
Scenic Byway Supremacy: Conquer America’s most celebrated cycling roads, including the iconic Scenic Byway 12 (All-American Road), the legendary Burr Trail, and the high-alpine climb of Boulder Mountain Highway (up to 9,500 feet).
National Park Grandeur: Cycle through or alongside three iconic parks (Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef), transitioning from red rock hoodoos and slickrock to remote high-alpine forests.
Advanced Challenge, Lodge Comfort: Designed for high-mileage (up to 68 miles/day) and significant elevation gain, this tour provides the necessary recovery with comfortable and unique lodge accommodations each night.
Fully Supported & Expertly Guided: Our experienced, certified guides provide sag wagon support, gourmet meals, and handle all logistics, freeing you to immerse yourself in the ride and the vast scenery.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
The adventure begins with a shuttle from St. George, UT, to the scenic Red Canyon’s vibrant red rock hoodoos.
We cycle to the rim of Bryce Canyon National Park, enjoying unparalleled views before a fantastic downhill ride to our lodge accommodation.
Today, we conquer a spectacular section of the iconic Highway 12, an All-American Road, riding through the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Experience challenging climbs and thrilling descents as we drop into the stunning Escalante River canyons before arriving at our lodge.
Prepare for a highlight—riding the famous Burr Trail. This incredible road features steep switchbacks and panoramic views of the Waterpocket Fold.
We then tackle the high-alpine ascent of Boulder Mountain (Highway 12), reaching elevations over 9,000 feet, before descending to our lodge.
Today takes us toward the remote Henry Mountains, offering a sense of true isolation and vast Western landscapes.
We then cycle into Capitol Reef National Park, known for its unique geological features and the beautiful Fremont River area, concluding the day near Fishlake National Forest.
Our final ride takes us through the scenic Fishlake National Forest—a more relaxed pace through aspen groves and beautiful lakes.
After a final shared lunch, we shuttle back to St. George, celebrating the successful completion of your unforgettable Escalante Road Tour.
-TRIP NOTES
The fine print
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
Road Surface
Mostly paved roads, with some potential for smooth, well-maintained gravel sections on certain routes.
Overall Rating
Challenging road biking. Requires strong physical fitness and road cycling experience for sustained climbs and descents. Advanced
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Moderate to Advanced (due to significant elevation changes and longer days).
Altitude
5,000 - 9,500 feet.
Biking Mileage
45-68 miles per day
Hiking Mileage
45-68 miles per day
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
St. George, UT. Begins 7:30 AM MST at Holiday Inn St. George Convention Center, 1808 Crosby Way.
Getting There
120 mi north of Las Vegas on I-15. Flying into SGU or LAS (St. George Express shuttle).
Lodging Before Your Trip
Holiday Inn St. George Convention Center
Book your room at the Holiday Inn using this special booking link to enjoy a discounted rate.
Tru by Hilton St. George
Fairfield Inn St. George
Hilton Garden Inn St. George
PACKING
Road-tour packing list
- Meals provided (no camp gear – lodge based)
- Bring/rent road bike & helmet
- Cycling clothing, casual clothing (incl. dinner outfit), personal items, tipping cash (5-10%)
Bring or rent
Bringing or renting
- Road bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
- Helmet
Cycling clothing
- Cycling/hiking shoes
- 3-5 pair cycling shorts
- 3-5 jerseys
- Long sleeve jersey
- Cycling socks
- Windbreaker
- Knee warmers/warm tights
- Cycling gloves
- Ear band
- Booties
- Rain jacket & pants
Casual clothing
- Casual shorts/pants
- Shirts
- One nice dinner outfit
- Socks
- Jammies
- Fleece jacket
- Warm gloves/hat
- Swim suit
- Walking shoes
- Sandals
Personal
- Sunscreen & lip balm
- Medication
- Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Cash for souvenirs/tipping (5-10%)
Gear
- Sunglasses
- Hat/visor
- 2 large water bottles (provided)
- Riding hydration pack
- Day pack
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Beverages
- Books
- Maps
Need more information about our bike trips?
Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.
Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732
Gallery
-A DAY WITH-
Western Spirit
Three chapters to every day on the trail. We sweat the details so you can simply ride, eat well, and look up.
Wake to cowboy coffee on the rim, fresh fruit, pancakes and granola. Unforgettable sunrises over the canyon — every single morning.
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From the Rainbow Rim Trail to the White Rim Road in Canyonlands, our guides put you on the right line for breathtaking Grand Canyon views.
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We pick camps for a reason. Rivers, lakes, sunset vistas — and a chef-prepared meal under one of the darkest skies in the lower 48.
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n/a · Challenging road biking. Requires strong physical fitness and road cycling experience for sustained climbs and descents. Advanced
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