Utah Hiking Adventure

An amazing and one of a kind, off the beaten path hiking trip, in Utah's famous national parks and hidden desert lands. A small group of hikers using a 4x4 vehicle will get us into the hidden back country to some treasured hikes and scenery. In addition, you will be able to explore the more traditional national park trails.

Day 1/  Arrival in Grand Junction.
Day 2/  Hike and explore Arches National Park with sunset at Delicate Arch
Day 3/  Explore and hike Canyonlands/Island in the Sky area, drive to remote Maze area and hike Great Gallery
Day 4/  Hike Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, drive Burr Trail into desert for sunset watching
Day 5/  Explore 2 famous slot canyons in off the Hole-in-the-Rock road, sunset at Bryce
Day 6/  Hike Bryce Canyon National Park, on to Zion National Park
Day 7/  Hike Angel's Landing, drive to Las Vegas.

An amazing and one of a kind, off the beaten path hiking trip, in Utah's famous national parks and hidden desert lands. A small group of hikers using a 4x4 vehicle will get us into the hidden back country to some treasured hikes and scenery. In addition, you will be able to explore the more traditional national park trails.

Day 1/  Arrival to Moab
Your guide will wait for you at the Grand Junction, Colorado airport. Please notify us of your arrival time.  We will make 1 -2 transfers during your day of arrival, the last transfer being at 3 pm.  Please make sure to arrive by 3 pm in Grand Junction.  We transfer to Moab along the scenic river road and will make our first photo stops at the famous Fisher Towers.  Easy walk in Negro Bill Canyon. We check into our lodge on the shore of the Colorado River, with view of amazing stone towers and buttes and the river.  Group dinner.  
4 H walk

Day 2/  Hiking in Arches National Park
We will spend all day in Arches National Park.  Our first hike takes us on the Primitive Trail to Landscape and Double O Arch.  We then continue to explore the Windows and Balanced Rock.  As a highlight we walk into the amphitheatre of Delicate Arch for an amazing sunset and a rustic picnic.  
7 H walk - Ascent 1,065 feet

 

Day 3/  Rock Art and Canyons of Canyonlands National Park
We drive to the top of the Island in the Sky district.  Here we marvel at the amazing scenery of the Colorado River, which flows in a deep gorge below us, comparable in size to the Grand Canyon.  We hike to remote Mesa Arch and a hidden view point.  We continue our journey westward via our 4x4 to the remote region of The Maze.  At the end of a long dirt road is the famous "Great Gallery" one of the most famous panels of rock art in the Western USA.  We hike half day to this amazing, seldom visited place.  Our hotel is in the small town of Boulder and we take Highway 12 over Boulder Mountain to the small farming community of Boulder.  En route we pass through Capitol Reef National Park, were we stop for sight seeing.  We overnight in the beautiful Boulder Mountain Lodge with views of the sandstone domes that make this spot so very scenic.  
5.5 H walk

 

Day 4/  Hike Calf Creek Waterfall and Sunset walk at the Capitol Reef
Over petrified sand dunes we reach Calf Creek waterfall, a true oasis in the desert.  Here river falls into a steep canyon creating a perfect swimming hole.  Beaver and trout are to be found in the creek.  There is time for a dip in the creek.  This afternoon we rest at the lodge before driving the famous Burr Trail into the desert of Capitol Reef NP, a remote section of this national park.  We park near the immense monocline and head out for an interesting walk at sunset.  We reach a view point overlooking the entire monocline with views towards Lake Powell and onto the Henry Mountains. We return to our lodge for dinner.
5  H  walk

Day 5/  Slot Canyons of Grand Staircase Escalante
The Hole-in-the-rock road was started when the Mormons where settling Utah.  It's a rough graded dirt road through desolate high desert.  Well in the wilderness we park to explore 2 amazing and intricate slot canyons.  We hike a loop and enjoy the twists of the very narrow slots.  Great photo opportunities!  In the afternoon we return to the pavement to head west to Bryce Canyon National Park.  Time permitting we should arrive in time for sunset, an unforgettable experience!  We overnight at a regular motel at the national park entrance to reduce drive time.
2 - 3 H walk

Day 6/  Bryce Canyon National Park - on to Zion National Park
We have all day explore this amazing national park.  Here various sediments of rock, in hues of red, orange, purple have formed a labyrinth of stone towers.  Pathways lead through the formations.  The colors of the rocks contrast with the blue of the sky and the green pines - unforgettable photo opportunities!  We hike the Fairyland Loop.  In the afternoon we transfer to nearby Zion NP.  Here the Virigin River has cut a deep gorge into the soft red sandstone and created a gorge up to 700m deep.  Weather permitting we hike the Narrows and wade in the shallow waters of the Virigin River into the Narrows.  Our hotel is in the historic community of Springdale, complete with gourmet restaurants and antique shops.
5 - 6 H walk

Day 7/  Angels Landing - Las Vegas
We get up early for a hike to the top of Angel's Landing, truly one of the most remarkable hikes in the USA.  Those not wanting to come to the very top can wait for us on the saddle of the trail.  From the saddle and the top we have amazing views into the canyon and the Virgin River below.  In autumn, the colors contrast splendidly with the red rock walls.  Around noon we head west to Las Vegas, where our journey comes to an end at around 3 pm at the Las Vegas airport.  If you so desire you can extend your journey with a weekend stay in Las Vegas.
4 H walk

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). Transport is ensured by the vehicle of assistance and the logistic team during the excursions.

1 driver - guide that conducts all the hikes.

Private 15 pax van with or without trailer depending on group size.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Breakfast and diners are at hotels, lodges, restaurants.
While hiking, lunches are self made picnics from group food. 

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

Flight in to Grand Junction/out of Las Vegas airport
All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
Personal medical & Travel Insurance
All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guides and drivers
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness (Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests should be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

Regular walking, preferably on uneven terrain for 2 month leading up to this journey
All walks are optional.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft duffel travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).