UTAH-Arches, Bluff & Capitol Reef National Parks Oct 9-15, 2008
WALKING THE WORLD®
Utah-Arches. Bluff & Capitol Reef National Parks
Dates: October 9-15, 2008
Land Cost: $2095 Double Occupancy
Lodging: Motels
Difficulty: Moderate. Hikes average 5-8 miles daily
Trip Begins: Grand Junction, CO
Trip Ends: Grand Junction, CO
Located in Southeastern Utah, the areas we will visit contain some of America's wildest and most remote canyons, arches, and natural bridges. Our explorations will take us into side canyons that were some of the last places to be explored in the U.S. And, we’ll revel in our full-day raft trip down the San Juan River, stopping at various points to explore the ancient artwork of the Anasazi Indians.
Our first days will find us in Dead Horse State Park and in Arches National Park, just north of Moab, Utah. During our time here we will enjoy a number of trails, including our beginning hike to Dead Horse Point and some of the most spectacular views in the area and a longer 5-mile trek along the desert "Primitive Trail” in Arches National Park. We’ll then explore the southern unit of Canyonland’s National Park, the rock art and Anasazi ruins in Butler Wash near Bluff, Utah, a full-day raft trip down the San Juan River, an exciting trip up and over Mulley Point, a visit to Natural Bridges National Monument, and two fabulous hikes in one of Utah’s jewels, Capitol Reef National Park.
ITINERARY: (May change at the discretion of the trip leader.)
B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included.
Pre-trip Our trip begins after breakfast at 9:00 a.m. on Day 1. We strongly suggest that you overnight in Grand Junction.
Day 1: Our first day's travel takes us from Colorado’s western edge to Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah. Our hike along the rim of a high canyon mesa provides views to the La Sal Mountains, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park and some of the most scenic landscapes in all of Utah. On our way to the Moab area, we’ll follow a narrow red rock canyon down which the mighty Colorado channels its course through time. This first day is an opportunity to become acquainted with other members of the group and to view the fascinating changes in landforms. (L,D) Overnight in Moab.
Day 2: We head south from Moab today to Canyonlands National Park. On the way we’ll enjoy a short hike to world famous Newspaper Rock, one of the longest panels of Anasazi petroglyphs and pictographs in the area before our hikes to Cave Spring and the Slickrock Trail. The Cave Spring trail offers an introduction to some of the many species of plants we’ll see during our trip and the Slickrock trail offers a moderate walk through buff colored slickrock formations with excellent views of the surrounding mountain ranges. 4.4 miles roundtrip. (B, L, D) Overnight in Moab.
Day 3: Today begins with a short hike to Landscape Arch, the world’s longest natural arch. We’ll also hike the park’s Primitive Trail, a 5-mile trek along arches, fins, and canyon rims that includes a lunch stop at the majestic Double O Arch (B,L.D) Overnight in Moab.
Day 4: Leaving Moab, we head south to Bluff, Utah and Butler Wash, known for its significant concentration of Anasazi artwork and ancient dwellings. One of the best ways to see this unique landscape is by raft, and we’ll spend the day exploring this labyrinth of color and geologic wonders floating the San Juan River. (B,L,D) Overnight in Bluff, Utah.
Day 5: On our way to Capitol Reef National Park, we’ll drive through the beautiful Valley of the Gods and up the panoramic and famous Mulley Point Road for a hike in Natural Bridges National Monument or Grand Gulch Primitive Area. After our hike, we’ll continue our journey past Glen Canyon and Lake Powell before arriving at our destination in Torrey, Utah. (B,L,D) Overnight in Torrey, Utah.
Day 6: After a visit to the park’s visitor’s center, our first introduction to this area will be a 2.5 mile hike through Grand Wash. Grand Wash is a short, sheer-walled canyon cut through Utah’s Waterpocket fold. Hickman Bridge and its ancient petroglyphs give us a glimpse into the park’s human history. Next, it’s on to the Frying Pan Trail. On this trail we'll be hiking on the high terraces of the Kayenta formation with excellent views overlooking the Park. The trail begins with a moderately steep climb of 900 feet to the canyon rim. Early in our hike we'll take a short spur to Cassidy Arch, named for the infamous Butch Cassidy. (B,L,D) Overnight in Torrey, Utah.
Day 7: Drive to Grand Junction, Colorado. Arrive by 2:00 p.m. (B,L)
WEATHER: Canyon country weather can be unpredictable, but in October daytime temperatures are usually in the mid to upper 60's and 70's. Nighttime temperatures are usually in the 40's, but can drop lower. Precipitation this time of year is usually less than 1inch.
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
2 Walking The World guides
6 nights lodging (double occupancy)
Meals as listed
Entrance Fees to all parks
All ground transportation while on tour
All admission fees to scheduled stops
Good fun, humor, and companionship
WALKING THE WORLD® PO BOX 1186, Ft. Collins, CO 80522. Ph: 970-498-0500, Fax: 970-797-1166 E-Mail: info@walkingtheworld.com Web Page: www.walkingtheworld.com
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