Explore Utah’s Otherworldly Landscape.

The desert presents exceptional challenges, while also offering incredible opportunities for adventure and the ability to see landscapes that do not exist anywhere else on this planet. On this trip we explore the vast landscape of Canyonlands National Park, one of the most remote, undeveloped and uncrowded National Parks in the US. We’ll climb in and out of canyons, scramble along sandstone walls, squeeze through cracks in the rock, and explore new pocket caves.

Day 1

On day 1, we’ll meet at the visitor center in the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. Here everyone will receive their gear, learn about how to pack and load personal items, and be able to top up water. Leaving from the visitor center we’ll convoy to the trailhead, there is a small parking lot and bathroom. To start our hike we’ll leave the dirt and begin climbing the outskirts of the canyons, before ascending up and into these rugged stretches of red rock. Canyon hiking presents unique challenges like scrambling and occasional hands on climbing. It is also unlike traditional hiking routes in that we’ll climb up and out of canyons rather than up and down a peak. after 5 miles we’ll arrive at camp. Here we can set up and get comfortable. Tonight we’ll gather round for a hot meal and to relax, before having the opportunity to stargaze in a designated Dark Sky Site.

Day 2

On day 2 we’ll wake up in a pristine desert, if you’re up early enough for the sunrise it will seem to last for days! For those who want to sleep in, you’ll wake to a hot breakfast and coffee. After breakfast we will load up day packs and head for Druid arch, our first stop on a day of desert fun. Druid arch is one of the natural arches that this desert is famous for, and its much more remote and wild than the ones that most people will ever get to see. After Druid arch we’ll head into Chesler Park, an open meadow surrounded by red rock pinnacles called needles, the namesake of this district of the National Park. Next is the Joint Trail, which has us climbing down into a narrow slot canyon, a tiny opening in the rock that at some points forces you to shuffle through it! Towards the end of the slot canyon the trail veers hard right into a beautiful cave which is a great spot to stop and rest. Also around this area, a bit of exploration will show one of the most stunning viewpoints in the park. After a siesta in the cave we’ll continue scrambling and climbing around the loop, this will require a fair amount of hands on climbing so be prepared. Back at camp tonight we’ll have the opportunity to see another beautiful desert sunset as the sun’s last rays illuminate the red rock all around us. A hot meal of backcountry cuisine and then patiently waiting for the stars to arrive will cap off day 2!

Day 3

On day 3 you’ll once again wake up for breakfast and coffee, this time with much less miles to tackle so a lazy morning is definitely an option if you choose! After breakfast we will pack up our basecamp and load our packs, now lighter after all the food and most water is gone. Back to the trailhead and our cars there are a few different routes to choose with varying mileage and scenery, but all will involve climbing in and out of massive red rock canyons and none will disappoint in the adventure factor for our last day of the trip! This trip will typically end around early afternoon. After leaving you’ll have a new found appreciation for the desert and its many unique beauties and challenges!

March 10-12

Trip Full!

March 21-23

Trip Full!

April 4-6

Trip Full!

May 12-14

Trip Full!