Suggested Itinerary

Start your National Park vacation here! Check-in around 3 pm and relax on the ranch after your travels – maybe take a short trip to the east side of Zion Park and walk the Overlook Hike (about a 30min hike) on the east side of Zion. Keep an eye out for the Big Horn Sheep! Come back and relax, enjoy dinning, and afterward sit out at the campfire and look at the stars.

Day 1: Zion National Park

Get an early start with a hot, homecooked breakfast here at Chez Bison and then head out to Zion National Park's Visitor's Center  to orient yourself to Zion Park, then catch the Shuttle up into Zion to the many hiking options: The Angles Landing Hike (strenuaous hike), The River Walk (easy hike), Weeping Rock Hike (paved & short but steep), and the Emerald Pools Hikes (Lower Pools are easy, the Middle Pools are moderate and the shorter trail to the Upper Pools is strenuous). There are lunch options at the Lodge in the park. We will welcome you back at the ranch for a relaxing evening and dinning experience.

Day 2: Bryce Canyon

Sunrise on the ranch. Another hardy breakfast at our Grill (remember you're doing a lot of hiking) and then getty-yup on a horseback ride along Meadow Creek Canyon with views of the White Cliffs of the Grand Staircase. When you get back you'll be ready for the trip up scenic 89 North to Bryce Canyon through ranch country and past Maynard Dixon's historic house and modern gallery. You will also drive through Red Canyon State Park along the way – a good short stop with small hikes. Don't forget the camera! Enjoy the amazing rock hoodoos of Bryce. Most guests stay at the ranch for dinner at the Buffalo Grill – rave about your day and prepare for the next.

Day 3: Grand Canyon North Rim

(Opens May 15th – Nov 31st depending on the weather) Get an another early start on your day with full breakfast at Chez Bison. You may want to stop at the Corral Pink Sand Dunes along the way. Do stop at the scenic view of the Grand Escalante on the way up and go out to the Cape Royal view point once you're there – you will not regret it! You can see the river through Angel's window. Take a picnic or head over to the North Rim Lodge – you will need reservations for the restaurant (928) 638-2611 and ask for restaurant reservations.

[If you want this package when the Grand Canyon North Rim is closed – there are plenty of other sites in the area: the Grand Escalante, Lake Powell, or take another day in your favorite park – or a day for yourself and write to your friends about your adventures!]

Suggested Itinerary

Check-in to your lodge on your day of arrival, orient yourself and relax on the ranch. Enjoy dinning at the Buffalo Grill and head out to the campfire to roast marsmallows under the stars. 

Day 1: Zion Park Day

This is your time to be inspired by Zion National Parks stone towers and scenic beauty. Start the day with a hearty homecooked breakfast at the Buffalo Grill, pick-up your sack lunch and head out to Zion Park for a day of hiking and enjoying one of the nations most scenic landscapes. On return to the ranch your ZMR Canyoneering guide will take everyone out for your Canyoneering trip. This is an amazing experience and you will truly see what Southwest Utah holds in secret. A great way to immerse yourself in the heart of it all. Your guide will consult options with you. The evening atmosphere at the Buffalo Grill provides for a relaxing cullinary dinning experience to end the day. Our organic ranch produce and high quality preparations are nutrituous and tasty.  What is Canyoneering? It is the exploration of canyons using a variety of techniques that may include hiking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, rappelling, and wading. Itenerary options will be decided with Guide.  

Day 2: Bryce Canyon Day

Enjoy freshly baked pastery basket delivered to your cabin to get an early start to Bryce Canyon. Many want to be there at sunrise. Hiking and photograping Bryce will fill the morning and afternoon. Return to the ranch in the early evening hours with ample time to enjoy the ranch atmosphere and see the backcountry on horseback for a few hours. The way the west was explored! Enjoy dinning and a twilight camp fire upon return to the ranch where you can relax roasting marsmallows or making smores. 

Day 3: Grand Canyon North Rim

After a hot breakfast head out to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Fill your day with the massiveness of this side of the Grand. The higher altitude and less crowds makes this the preferred side to visit. A must do! Return to ZMR to meet up with Travis for your 2 hour ATV trip down to Poverty Flats (the ATV ride is priced for Drivers & passengers – you can switch off). Back at the Ranch for Dinning and enjoying the ranch evening pitching horseshoes, throwing a rope, as the evening comes alive while you re-live the days of adventure!