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.
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