Extended Utah
Adventure
Explore Utah at a more leisurely pace, while experiencing all the Southwest has to offer.
Trip Length
9 Days
Intensity
Moderate
Group Size
10 Persons
Trip Dates
Custom Departures Available Year-Round
Included
Medically-trained, naturalist guides
Round-trip transportation
Accommodations
Some meals
Park entry fees
Not Included
Gratuity for your guide
Trip Info
This sample itinerary hits the highlights of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Every itinerary can be completely customized for your group. We can help you book accommodations, or help you with a self-guided itinerary.
Weather
The best times of year to hike in the deserts of Utah are during early Spring from late February to April, and the fall months of September through to early November. The summer months can be oppresively hot and not ideal for hiking. Daytime temperatures in spring and fall are usually from 60° to 80°F (16°-27°C) and nights are cool. In the early fall you should be prepared for the odd afternoon thunderstorm.
Intensity – Moderate
Expect to spend up to 6 hours per day walking or hiking (up to 10 miles and 2500ft elevation change) while carrying day packs with water and snacks! Suitable for most fit people with a bit of hiking experience.
Accommodations
- Glamping, camping, or hotel options available!
Flights
We recommend flying into the Salt Lake City airport but can accommodate arrivals into Grand Junction.
Itinerary
Day 1
Your journey begins today! Plan to arrive in Moab by the early afternoon. After checking into your hotel, you’ll want to explore the town of Moab at your own pace.
Day 2
This morning, you’ll meet your Good Trip guide for a guided tour and hike in Arches National Park. You’ll explore the many fascinating geological formations that define the landscape.
Day 3
This morning, you’ll embark on a Jeep tour of one of the most famous trails in Moab. Hell’s Revenge is known for its seemingly impassable, impossibly steep climbs, heart-pounding descents, and beautiful views of the La Sal Mountains and Grandstaff Canyon. In the evening, you’ll take an astronomy and stargazing tour with
a Night Sky Expert.
Day 4
Canyonlands is Utah’s largest National Park. Today, you’ll spend the day exploring the vast open spaces and stunning diversity of the Needles area. You’ll join your guide for a drive through the park with plenty of time to explore the wide-open views, hike the trails, and learn about the unique desert flora.
Day 5
Today, you’ll experience whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. You’ll float a calm stretch down to an exclusive barbecue lunch buffet at a riverside ranch. After lunch, you’ll hit some rapids as the canyon narrows along one of the most scenic by-ways bordering Arches National Park. After the float, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon before heading to Dead Horse State Park for a guided hike and sunset viewing.
Day 6
This morning, you’ll meet your guide for an early start to view the sunset through Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. Then, you’ll spend a few hours exploring the trails of the Islands in the Sky. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Lake Powell.
Day 7
Rainbow Bridge National Monument is one of the largest known natural bridges in the world. Today you’ll take a boat tour to explore this fascinating feature.
Day 8
You will meet your guide in Page, Arizona ahead of your scheduled tour time. You’ll enter an amazing fantasy world of sandstone that has been carved by many years of wind and water. Your guide will explain the geology, culture, and history of the canyon.
After your tour, you’ll head to the stunning Horseshoe Bend. A 30-minute self-guided hike will take you to a fantastic overlook of the bend in the Colorado River.
Day 9
The final day is here! After lunch, you’ll bid farewell to the Southwest as you head home.
Pack List
- Daypack (20+ liters)
- Luggage (Can be left in the van. Limit of one small suitcase per person.)
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants (optional)
- Wool socks
- Breathable wicking layers
- Warm hat & sunhat
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Sandals or camp shoes
- Pack cover
- Sunglasses
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent)
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Travel pillow (optional)
Earplugs - Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, hand gel, sanitary wear, etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L capacity)