Hiking in Moab

Welcome to Utah! You’ll need to make sure you arrive into Salt Lake City bright and early (or perhaps the night before), so you can meet your leader at 8am to kick off your tour. Once we’ve all gathered, sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic drive of approximately 4 hours to Moab, home to some of the most striking red rock formations in the world. Once we arrive, you’ll have time to freshen up at the hotel before we head to Dead Horse Point State Park, located high above the Colorado River. You’ll enjoy a sunset picnic overlooking the majestic cliffs of Canyonlands National Park – what a way to start your Utah adventure! In the evening, you’re free to explore the local nightlife in the town of Moab. (D)

It’s an early morning with a dawn wake-up and a trip to Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, rock formations and giant, balancing rocks. Our rugged, half-day hike takes you through this famous US landmark, along a trail marked by cairns. Eventually, we’ll wind our way around a rock wall to view a magnificent natural arch just as the

sun is rising. After you return from our viewpoint, you’ll work your feet a bit more with additional hiking throughout this stunning area. The hike is a 2-mile loop which enables you to see different arches, including the largest rock arch on the planet, Landscape Arch. There are also shorter options if you prefer a slower pace. Back in Moab, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Take a swim in the pool, walk around this artsy town, or book an optional evening tour. (B)

You’ll enjoy a full day today exploring the wonders of Canyonlands National Park. Start with an easy trail to discover one of the finest panoramic overlooks anywhere in the Southwest USA. At the southern tip of this breathtaking plateau known as the Island in the Sky, you can see the

confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers, as well as vast areas of red rock cliffs and the incredible maize district. After lunch, we’ll head to our accommodation with enough time to enjoy the late afternoon weather and watch the sunset from our lodge on the shores of the Colorado

River. Perched on the river and framed by majestic, 2,000-foot red cliffs, the Ranch puts the unmatched natural beauty of Utah at your feet. (B)

Start your day with a hike along the Fisher Towers Trail and see the soaring fins, pinnacles, minarets, spires, and strange rock formations which make this such a popular destination for photographers. After your walk, enjoy a leisurely drive to a local winery that specialises in single-vineyard estate-bottled wines. The vineyard dates back to 1979 as a Utah State University agricultural project to determine what industries could replace the waning uranium mining industry. After a tour and tasting, head back to the Ranch for a free afternoon. Perhaps take a swim in the pool or book one of the optional activities the lodge has to offer. (B)

After breakfast, take a short drive to the trailhead of your final hike in Moab. Hidden Valley is exactly that, a wide, shallow valley that is hidden from view. Low cliffs hem it on the north while a towering escarpment of sandstone cliffs, capped by rounded domes composed of Navajo Sandstone, form the southern rim of the valley. The valley’s flat sandy floor is covered with grass and scattered juniper trees. Take your time on the uphill section and you’ll be rewarded with scenic views, solitude, and a fine rock art panel. After the hike, drive back to Salt Lake City where your adventure wraps up by 5 pm and you are free to depart any time after that. If you would like to stay on in Salt Lake City, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). (B)