Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, and Cataract Canyon
Credit: Sheri Griffith Expeditions
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
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
Drive along the Colorado River through Castle Valley to Grand Junction, Colorado, for flights home.
This unique lodge is on the Red River, set in a beautiful cottonwood grove that used to shelter a stage stop. It’s a new lodge built in a traditional style and decorated with Native American textiles, Old West furnishings, and Western art. Each of the 15 rooms has a balcony or patio for soaking up the scenery.
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Perfectly located in the center of the town of Moab, the Gonzo Inn is a long-time client favorite. Nicely appointed rooms, a wonderful pool area, and continental breakfast each morning set this whimsical Southwestern-styled property apart from others in the area.
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