3-Day Private Tour: Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef & Arches — Scenic Byway 12 Itinerary
Drive the All-American Road and three Utah icons in three days: sunrise at Bryce's hoodoos, the Hogsback on Scenic Byway 12, and Delicate Arch's cliff-hugging approach. This private tour pairs short hikes with panoramic drives and local insight.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate for exposed hikes
Carry at least 1 liter per hour when hiking in summer and refill at hotel or visitor centers; deserts dehydrate quickly.
Start hikes early
Delicate Arch and Navajo Loop are busiest midday; aim for sunrise or early morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Protect fragile soils
Stay on marked trails to preserve cryptobiotic soil and avoid long-term erosion damage.
Pack for long drives
Keep a small daypack with snacks, water, and layers in the vehicle—stretches between towns can be long.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Fruita Historic Orchard (Capitol Reef) — pick seasonal fruit and walk among pioneer stone buildings
- •Corona Arch (near Moab) — a dramatic arch outside the national park that's quieter than the park's busiest trails
Wildlife
- •Mule deer
- •Golden eagle
Conservation Note
Trails cross fragile soils and desert crusts; follow Leave No Trace, stick to routes, and use refill stations to reduce single-use plastics.
The corridor holds Fremont culture petroglyphs and pioneer-era orchards in Fruita; settlers later used the fertile pockets for fruit trees that persist today.
Photographer's Notes
- • Sunrise Point (Bryce Canyon)
- • Hogsback pullouts on Scenic Byway 12
- • Delicate Arch viewpoint and rim
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Support and traction for slickrock, switchbacks, and uneven trail surfaces.
Refillable water bottle or bladder (2–3L capacity)Essential
Sustains hydration during exposed hikes and long drives between services.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
UV exposure is high on open sandstone and at elevation.
Light insulated layer and wind shell
Mornings and evenings are cold even in summer; a shell blocks wind on ridgelines.
Common Questions
Do I need a park pass for each park?
Yes — each national park requires an entrance pass; the guide often manages park fees, but having an America the Beautiful pass covers all sites if you already own one.
How much driving is involved?
Expect multiple long drives across highway stretches; total driving covers several hundred miles over three days, including Scenic Byway 12's winding sections.
Are hikes suitable for children or seniors?
Many viewpoints are accessible and family-friendly; specific hikes like Delicate Arch are moderate and require steady footing — consider fitness and mobility when booking.
Will I see wildlife?
Yes — sightings of mule deer and raptors are common, especially at dawn and dusk; keep distance and don't feed animals.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour lists wheelchair-accessible transportation and some accessible viewpoints, but many trails are uneven — discuss mobility needs with the operator when booking.
What's the best time of year to go?
Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds; summer provides long days but hotter, busier conditions.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 days
Location
Moab, Utah
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate — able to complete short hikes with elevation gains up to 500 ft and handle multiple vehicle transfers.
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