UTAH-Arches & Capitol Reef National Parks 2009
WALKING THE WORLD®
Utah-Arches & Capitol Reef National Parks 2009
Dates: April 21-27 7-days
May 5-11 7-days
Sept 29-Oct 5 7-days
October 13-19 7-days
Land Cost: Double Occupancy
Lodging: Motels
Difficulty: Moderate. Hikes average 5-8 miles daily
Trip Begins: Grand Junction, CO
Trip Ends: Grand Junction, CO
Located in Southeastern Utah, the areas we will visit contain some of America's wildest and most remote canyons, arches, and natural bridges. Our explorations will take us into side canyons that were some of the last places to be explored in the U.S.
Our first days will find us in Dead Horse State Park and in Arches National Park, just north of Moab, Utah. During our time here we will enjoy a number of trails, including our beginning hike to Dead Horse Point and some of the most spectacular views in the area and a longer 5-mile trek along the desert "Primitive Trail” in Arches National Park. We’ll then explore the southern unit of Canyonland’s National Park and two fabulous hikes in one of Utah’s jewels, Capitol Reef National Park.
ITINERARY: (May change at the discretion of the trip leader.)
B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included.
Pre-trip Our trip begins after breakfast at 9:00 a.m. on Day 1. We strongly suggest that you overnight in Grand Junction.
Located in Southeastern Utah, the two separate canyon systems we will visit contain some of America's wildest and most remote canyons, arches, and natural bridges. Our explorations will take us into side canyons that were some of the last places to be explored in the U.S.
Our first three days will find us in Arches National Park, just north of Moab, Utah. During our time here we will enjoy a number of trails, including our beginning hike to Delicate Arch and a longer 5-mile trek along the Park's desert "primitive trail." Hikes here will include Fischer Towers, Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace, and the Primitive Trail. Our last three days will find us exploring the wonders of one of Utah’s jewels, Capitol Reef National Park, on the Chimney Rock and Grand Wash trails.
ITINERARY: (May change at the discretion of the trip leader.)
Pre-trip Our trip begins after breakfast at 9:00 a.m. on Day 1. We strongly suggest that you overnight in Grand Junction. We can assist you with hotel reservations.
Day 1 Our first day's travel takes us from Colorado’s western edge to Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah. Our hike along the rim of a high canyon mesa provides views to the La Sal Mountains, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park and some of the most scenic landscapes in all of Utah. On our way to the Moab area, we’ll follow a narrow red rock canyon down which the mighty Colorado channels its course through time. This first day is an opportunity to become acquainted with other members of the group and to view the fascinating changes in landforms. (L,D) Overnight in Moab. L, D
Day 2 Delicate Arch is our destination today. Probably one of Utah’s most beautiful arches, we’ll take our time on this 3-mile route, visiting settler John Wolfe’s cabin along the way. A special ranger-guided walk through the Fiery Furnace will highlight our afternoon. L
Day 3 Today begins with a short hike to Landscape Arch, the world’s longest natural arch. We’ll also hike the park’s Primitive Trail, a 5-mile trek along arches, fins, and canyon rims that includes a lunch stop at the majestic Double O Arch. L
Day 4 After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head south and west to Capitol Reef National Park. On our drive we'll pass through Hite, Utah and enjoy panoramic views of Glen Canyon and Lake Powell. Hickman Bridge and its ancient petroglyphs give us a glimpse into the park’s human history. L, D
Day 5 After a visit to the park’s visitor’s center, our first introduction to this area will be a 2.5 mile hike through Grand Wash. Grand Wash is a short, sheer-walled canyon cut through Utah’s Waterpocket fold. Hickman Bridge and its ancient petroglyphs give us a glimpse into the park’s human history. Next, it’s on to the Frying Pan Trail. On this trail we'll be hiking on the high terraces of the Kayenta formation with excellent views overlooking the Park. The trail begins with a moderately steep climb of 900 feet to the canyon rim. Early in our hike we'll take a short spur to Cassidy Arch, named for the infamous Butch Cassidy. L
Day 6 Chimney Rock Canyon, 9 miles. One of the most beautiful hikes in the park, Chimney Rock itself is a graceful spire of Moenkopi and Shirarump sandstones. Our walk takes us under towering cliffs of Wingate sandstone and through numerous beds of petrified wood, providing excellent views of Navajo sandstone domes and allowing us the opportunity to explore the areas around several unique pour-offs. The end of the hike requires crossing the Fremont River, so bring some old tennis shoes. Dinner out at Torrey's world class cafe! L, D
Day 7 Drive to Grand Junction, Colorado. Arrive by 2:00 p.m.
WEATHER: Canyon country weather can be unpredictable but in October daytime temperatures are usually in the mid to upper 60's and 70's. Temperatures in April and May are more variable but are usually in the 70's and 80's during the day. Nighttime temperatures are usually in the 40's, but can drop lower. Precipitation this time of year is usually less than 1inch.
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
Walking The World guide
6 nights lodging (double occupancy)
Meals as listed
Entrance Fees to all parks
All ground transportation while on tour
All admission fees to scheduled stops
Good fun, humor, and companionship
WALKING THE WORLD® PO BOX 1186, Ft. Collins, CO 80522. Ph: 970-498-0500, E-Mail: info@walkingtheworld.com Web Page: www.walkingtheworld.com
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