Supreme Southwest!

Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, and Cataract Canyon

Trip Details

family canyoneering in the desert southwest

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

  • Find your park(s): Why settle for just one? On this thoughtfully-mapped-out exploration, you’ll explore four fantastic national parks and monuments, in addition to the incredible terrain between and around these national treasures!
  • Mix it up: Meandering through these desert landscapes gives you the opportunity to explore on foot, by peddle, by paddle, and 4x4. Every day is a new, unique adventure!
  • Keep it classy: Take on the wet and wild Cataract canyon, which features 14 miles of rapids rated up to Class V! Your expert river guides ensure your safety and maximum enjoyment in this classic descent; a bucket-lister for all whitewater enthusiasts.

Supreme Southwest!

Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel

Territory: North America

Region: Desert Southwest

Trip Price: $3,600

Duration: 9 days/8 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Salt Lake City, Utah / Grand Junction, Colorado

National Parklands: Arches NP;Canyonlands NP;Capitol Reef NP

Select Terms & Conditions

All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

Energy Index Spectrum

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Supreme Southwest!

Supreme Southwest! - Energy Index

The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process

How custom-made travel works at Off the Beaten Path

We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.

The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.

The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Capitol Reef National Park

Fly into Salt Lake City, then head south! Arrive at the Lodge at Red River Ranch, set along the Fremont River, with easy access to two national jewels, Capital Reef National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Tomorrow morning, meet up with a local naturalist for a privately guided day of hiking and exploring in Capitol Reef National Park. Returning to the lodge in late afternoon, relax on your private deck and take in the spacious views. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the small town of Torrey. 

Days 3-5: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

Head for Moab, one of the country’s true adventure capitals! Settle in to the fun Gonzo Inn, located just off of Moab’s Main Street within walking distance to restaurants. On one morning, rise early and arrive at Arches National Park before things start to heat up – importantly, because today you’ll hike with a private guide through Arches National Park’s Fiery Furnace! (Special permit required.) Day two takes you on a memorable 4x4 outing in the exceptional Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Slowly – very slowly – make your way over Elephant Hill, then take to the sandy washes and slickrock of Chesler Park. Day two takes you on a private, naturalist-guided outing to Arches National Park, to gawk at the crazy-cool arches, bridges, and formations, some with very fitting names! 

Days 6-7: Cataract Canyon Whitewater River Trip

Fun and adventure await, when you embark on a two-night, three-day river trip down the mighty Colorado River. Start with a breezy jetboat trip downstream to a point just above the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. This is camp for the first night. Your second day on the river is one of the most thrilling whitewater days in the American West! You'll run the Cataract under the expert guidance of your river guide team. By day's end, you will set your stakes in a wonderful riverside sandbar for a great celebratory evening of fun and stars - as far as the eye can see! 

Day 8: Moab

Spend one last day on the river, then fly back to Moab for one last night, returning to the Gonzo Inn. Walk to your restaurant of choice, clink your glasses, and toast to one supreme Southwest adventure! 

Day 9: Fly Home from Grand Junction, Colorado

Drive along the Colorado River through Castle Valley to Grand Junction, Colorado, for flights home.  

Start Planning My Trip

Lodging

You May Also Be Interested In...

Recent Posts

Family Vacation 2.0

Posted on 02/04/2022

When my forever-adventuring mother initially suggested the trip, I thought, “Palm Springs?” It seemed out of left field, as our family trips typically revolve around National and State Parks with lots of hiking. After visiting, I can see why she was so excited to travel to the Coachella Valley. Each day was a special treat […]

Read More

3 Incredible Itineraries for Visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

Posted on 11/05/2021

We love the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Not only is it in our backyard, it’s one of the wildest regions in the lower 48. A visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is the trip of a lifetime — but one trip is hardly enough.  That’s why we’ve put together three itineraries for trips through […]

Read More

Yellowstone’s Holiday Magic: How to Celebrate the Season in This Winter Wonderland

Posted on 10/29/2021

In the world’s first national park, winter is a season of extremes. Extreme beauty and extreme conditions make Yellowstone National Park a winter wonderland like you’ve never seen before.  Active days in the powdery snow give you a chance to see Yellowstone’s highlights: geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Spectacular days give way to cozy […]

Read More

Yosemite National Park: How to Stay Off the Beaten Path

Posted on 10/05/2021

Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada is a place where high peaks tower over neighboring valleys, and roaring mountain rivers cascade over granite ledges. From early inhabitants like the native Ahwahneechee, to conservation advocates like naturalist John Muir, Yosemite has always been an inspirational natural wonder. Yosemite played an early role in the idea […]

Read More
Proud Partner of National Parks Conservation Association