Best Utah Cycling Tours & Holidays 2022/23

Gear up for a cycling adventure of a lifetime in Utah’s wild, wild west.

Where else can you cycle through immense canyons, explore kaleidoscopic sandstone labyrinths and marvel at the world's largest concentration of natural arches – all in one trip? Utah is as wild as US national parks get, and one of the best ways to experience it is on two wheels. Not only will you get to explore sections of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and other landscapes that are only accessible by bike, but you’ll also discover amazing hiking trails, fascinating history and the warmth of Southwestern hospitality along the way. Going at a steady pace with your local leader by your side, a Utah cycling tour will challenge you just enough to get your adrenaline fix while soaking up all the beauty the state has to offer.

Our Utah cycling tours

Cycle Utah: Moab Mountain Biking

6 Days From 3451

Jump on your bike and get off-road on a six-day mountain biking adventure in Utah’s...

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Cycle Utah: Bryce & Zion National Parks

6 Days From 2903

Explore Southern Utah on a 6-day cycling adventure with Intrepid Travel from Saint...

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Highlights of cycling in Utah

People scrambling on rocks in Bryce Canyon, Utah

Discover Bryce Canyon

As you zip along winding roads and slowly climb through otherworldly chasms, it's easy to lose yourself in the sheer beauty of Bryce Canyon. Littered with needle-like hoodoos rock spires, a collection of natural amphitheatres and vibrant red, orange and pink cliffs that pop against the green bristlecone pines – the oldest living individual organisms on Earth – Bryce Canyon is a desert-like playground waiting to be explored. If you thought the views couldn't get any better, just wait until you watch the kaleidoscope of colours shifting against the setting sun.

Explore Zion National Park

From the intricate labyrinths of slot canyons to the sweeping sandstone cliffs to the lush gardens along the Virgin River, Zion National Park boasts some of the best landscapes in the United States. Swapping the wheels for a pair of hiking boots allows you to explore at a slower pace. Whether you want to wade in shallow river passages through soaring canyon walls in the iconic Narrows or tackle Angel's Landing, the park's most thrilling hike with exposed ridges, steep drops and jaw-dropping views across the canyon, hiking in Zion has a little something for everyone.

Visit Temple Square

You can't travel to Salt Lake City and not visit Temple Square. Located in the downtown area and spanning a mighty 10 acres, this impressive landmark stands out in the best way with a commanding structure, elegant architecture and gorgeous surrounding gardens. The temple has played a key role in the city's history and acts as the headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A walk through this iconic spot will give you a greater understanding of Mormon religion and history, and some gorgeous views to boot.

Jacob Hamlin Arch in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Discover Grand Staircase Escalante

Where else can immerse yourself in 260 million years of geological history? Nestled between Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase is brimming with a series of rocky plateaus that look a bit like steps, lunar-like deserts, hidden waterfalls and smooth, wave-like slot canyons. Your eyes will be occupied for the whole journey as you freewheel the 20-mile descent down to Escalante before climbing up to the Head of the Rocks Overlook where you'll be treated to soul-stirring views of the colourful slick rocks.

Hike in Arches National Park

Jam-packed with wonderfully eroded sandstone cliffs and natural rock formations in all shapes and sizes, Arches National Park has the world's largest concentration of natural sandstone arches and your feet (and eyes) will be kept busy as you weave uphill beneath striking coloured rocks before hopping off to explore on foot. One of the most famous arches you don't want to miss is Delicate Arch, a 54-foot freestanding formation that’s as beautiful as it is impressive. For the ultimate view, head up to Delicate Arch for sunset to watch an explosion of colour dance across the sky as the sun dips below the horizon.

Travellers admiring the views at Dead Horse Point

Ride to Dead Horse Point

After zipping along the aptly named Intrepid Trail and the Great Pyramid Trail, you'll reach Dead Horse Point. If you're wondering about the name, cowboys in the early 19th century supposedly herded wild mustangs on the edge of this mesa and took the best ones with them, trapping the rest without food and water to perish. Legend has it you can still see and hear them roaming the area. Despite the eerie story, gazing out at Canyonlands' seemingly endless sculpted pinnacles, dramatic buttes and eye-popping curves of the Colorado River 2,000 feet below makes every drip of sweat worth it.

Utah cycling tour reviews

Utah FAQs

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a cycling trip in Utah?

Everyone travelling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travellers are required to produce:

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

How do I get to Utah?

It's relatively easy to get to Utah with a number of transportation options available. These include flying into one of their seven commercial airports such as Salt Lake City International Airport and Provo Municipal Airport, doing a road trip from one of the neighbouring states, or catching public transport in the form of a bus or a train with several routes taking you to various destinations within the state.

What is the weather like in Utah?

Utah's climate is similar to nearby states like Nevada in that it has a dry, semi-arid and desert climate. This means summers can get very hot, although it's a dry heat as there is little chance of humidity throughout the state. Despite the dry, desert-like climate, Utah still experiences four very distinct seasons with winter temperatures averaging between 32°F and 59°F.

What should I pack for a cycling trip in Utah?

Packing for a cycling tour isn’t too different from any other adventure, but if you want to be comfortable and warm, some of the bike-specific items to bring include a helmet, comfortable sports shoes, padded bike shorts, a sun hat or cap, sunscreen, quick-dry socks and a lightweight waterproof/windproof jacket. If you're travelling in early spring, late fall or winter, be sure to pack trousers, a sweater, a coat and a beanie to keep yourself warm.

When is the best time to visit Utah?

The best time to visit Utah largely depends on what you want to get out of your vacation and what kind of activities you want to participate in while you're there. When it comes to the weather, the best time to visit Utah is between April and mid-June (before temperatures get too high) or from September to mid-October as the state is filled with the beautiful fall colors of orange, red, and brown. If you're planning on trekking through some of the state's national parks, then traveling during summer is advised against (unless you undertake extra planning) as temperatures can exceed 100°F.

Is Utah accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid