Arches and Canyonlands Camping
& Rafting Adventure
Spend four days exploring the marvels of Arches & Canyonlands National Park.
Trip Length
4 Days
Intensity
Moderate
Group Size
8 Persons
Trip Dates
September 6 – 9, 2023
Activities
Hiking & Interpretive Tours
Camping
Scenic Rafting – Level I-II Rapids
Dark Sky Stargazing
Included
All Transfers
Double occupancy tents
Sleeping Pad
Medically-trained naturalist guides
Park entry fees
Camping sites, fees & permits
Group camping equipment
All activities
All Meals
Not Included
Travel costs to and from Salt Lake City
Accommodations pre/post trip or private upgrades
Personal clothing, gear and equipment (packing list provided)
Personal Medical and Trip Cancellation Travel Insurance
Gratuity for guides, suggested $50 per person, per day
Sleeping Bags (available for rent for $50 per person)
$1575 per person
Trip Info
Spend your days adventuring and your evening toasting s’mores with Ashley, The Roaming RN.
This adventure hits the highlights of Arches National Park, two districts of Canyonlands National Park, and nearby Dead Horse Point. You’ll spend some time hiking the trails, camping beneath the stars, and rafting the Colorado River. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn all about the flora and fauna, park human history, and diverse geological formations across this unique landscape.
The experience was amazing. I tend to be independent wanting to go my own way but oh how I have shifted. The guides, Alex and Matt, know where to go and when so we could really enjoy the parks and hikes. They are full of insightful information about history, nature, and geography. The food, picnics, and organization was all so well done. I didn’t have to worry about anything. The views were amazing and Alex and Matt delighted in making sure we saw and experienced the best of everything the parks had to offer. The hikes were the perfect challenge to allow me to feel so satisfied about a day outside. It was such a wonderful experience with Good Trip Adventures. Thank you!
Weather
The best times of year to hike in the deserts of Utah are during early Spring from late February to May, and the fall months of September through early November. The summer months can be oppressively 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.
Group
Good Trippers can be any age but most of our travelers are in their 30s – 50s.
We get families, couples and friends, but most of our travelers come solo! We have hiking tours for all abilities, just make sure to review the Intensity section for information about what to expect on your trip.
All public trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, we’d be happy to make any itinerary private! Email info@goodtripadventures.com.
Intensity – Moderate
Expect to spend 4-6 hours walking or hiking over the course of the day (and, yes there will be elevation change) while carrying daypacks with water and snacks! Suitable for most fit people with a bit of hiking experience.
Accommodations
- Three nights camping in Dead Horse Point State Park
- Pricing is based on double occupancy accomodations
Arches & Canyonlands Hiking & Glamping Accomodations
Accomodations for Arches & Canyonlands Hiking & Glamping Tour
Flights
Your guide will meet you at Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah by 11 am on Day 1, so please book a flight that arrives by 10 am. Alternatively, you can be collected at your accommodation in Salt Lake City if you are already in town.
Your trip ends back at Salt Lake City International Airport at around 6:00 pm on Day 4. Please book a flight that leaves after 7:30 pm to ensure you have enough time to check-in. Alternatively you can be dropped at your accommodation in Salt Lake City if you are staying to explore.
Flights for Arches & Canyonlands Hiking Tour
Arches and Canyonlands Camping
& Rafting Adventure Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Salt Lake City by the early afternoon. Upon arriving you’ll meet your guides and fellow travelers and get to know one another via a four hour drive as you are transferred to Moab, Utah- the destination where you’ll be spending the next few days. Along the drive, watch as the towering mountain peaks fade away and you transform to the desert landscape. Upon arriving, enjoy a warm up evening hike before settling into your tent camping for the evening with a welcome dinner, s’mores and more-cooked by your guides! Take some time to get a restful sleep in preparation for the adventures ahead!
Meals: L, D
Day 2
Arches National Park, the highest density of Arches in the world- with over 2,000! Today you’ll spend the day on the trails of Arches taking a guided tour and hike. Immerse yourself in towers, buttes, arches and more as you take in the red rock county. Whether you’re looking for a strenuous hike or a leisurely walk your guides will customize the day to get everyone’s needs met! Enjoy a picnic lunch midday inside Arches National Park. And in the evening, we can’t forget the sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3
Rise and shine for an early start! We’ll enjoy a quick breakfast and head straight to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, which is very remote and features impressive hoodoos, slickrock, and petroglyphs. We’ll spend the day exploring the trails and hidden gems of this quieter district of the park! In the early evening we’ll make our way back for our final evening of camping beneath the stars.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4
The time has come to pack up camp, but the adventure isn’t over yet! This morning, spend some time cooling off by rafting the rapids of the Colorado River- this section in Moab is home to the crossing on the Old Spanish Trail. You’ll expect to spend half the day paddling & floating these class I & II rapids. After having a farewell lunch in town, your guides will transfer you back to Salt Lake City for your departing flight. You’ll say “until next time” as you leave the desert behind.
Meals: B, L
Arches & Canyonlands Packing List
- Required Gear
- Day pack (15-30 liters recommended)
- Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person)
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent)
- Pack cover
- Headlamp
- Reusable water bottles or bladders (3L total capacity)
- Recommended Gear and personal items
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner (optional, recommended if renting)
- Travel pillow
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
- Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Small, quick dry towel
Packing list for Arches & Canyonlands Hiking Tour
- Required Clothing
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
- Bathing suit
- Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Sandals or camp shoes
Packing list for Arches & Canyonlands Hiking & Glamping Tour