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Canyons & Plateaux of Utah

6 days - Moab to Moab

Located in the southwest of Utah, the Colorado Plateau was the last explored and named region in the continental United States and was known to the Native Indians as the 'Land of the Sleeping Rainbow'. Bounded by the Grand Canyon to the south and the Uintah Basin to the north, this is one of the largest tracts of unspoiled territory in the US and is the home to a plethora of national parks, monuments, conservation and wilderness areas. The landscape is a kaleidoscope of multicoloured sediments punctured by deep, narrow canyons so rugged that travelling through the area is best done on horseback.

This ride is a base camp ride - fully backed up and supplied by a 4x4 vehicle. Every camping ride is unique and the backcountry trails and campsites are seldom used more than once or twice a season. Camp location is generally situated at a higher altitude in mid-summer and a lower altitude during the early summer and autumn.

On this ride you'll follow trails made by wildlife, Indians, outlaws or herdsmen and explore areas specially selected for their scenic quality, pristine natural condition and remote location. The itinerary shown is only a sample, as every ride is different. But on all the rides a basecamp will serve as your home for daily forays deeper into the wilderness.

On some departures Rock Art is the focal point of the rides and on others the emphasis is on wildlife. The wild horses and desert bighorn sheep on the San Rafael Swell, and the elk, deer and large birds-of-prey on the High Plateaus, will be actively sought and you'll have time to observe these majestic creatures with binoculars.

Day 1
Transfer by light aircraft on a scenic flight from Moab to Torrey over the heart of the canyon country - Canyonland National Park, San Rafael Swell, Henry Mountains and Capitol Reef National Park. On arrival in Torrey you will be met and transferred to a motel. Evening induction and final packing session.
Day 2 (B,L,D)

After breakfast, transfer to Hondoo's headquarters where you will pack your gear in the camp 4X4, meet the remainder of the crew and your horse and then depart for the trailhead at Roundup Flat or Circle Cliffs. From the Roundup Flat trailhead you'll ride past the Steep Creek Lakes and the Windmill into Indian Gulch via The Stairs before arriving at the Gulch basecamp. From the Circle Cliffs trailhead with it's panoramic view of the Grand Staircase and Escalante Canyons, you'll leave Studhorse Peak and Wagon Box Mesa behind as you ride to basecamp at Moody Canyon or nearby Silver Falls Canyon.

Day 3 & Day 4 (B,L,D)
Two full days exploring this magnificent region.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
From the Gulch camp you'll explore the upper reaches of Indian Gulch where it emerges from Edmund's Hole under the Windmill or Impossible Peak. Or, after a hearty breakfast, you will ride to Deer Point, the Capitol Reef Divide and the Waterpocket Fold Overlook before returning to relax around the evening fire.
Day 6 (B,L)
After packing your personal gear and breaking camp, you will ride through the mountains to rendezvous with the vehicle that will take you back to Torrey and on by light aircraft to Moab.
Utah
  • Cost per person:
  • Ride Only: £1,030
  • Includes: Return transfers by light aircraft with a scenic flight over the heart of the Canyonlands, accommodation and meals as specified and all riding.
  • Single Supplement: £35 which includes a single room in Torrey and St George and a single tent when camping.
  • Departure Dates: 21, 28 Apr, 04, 12, 20, 29 May, 06, 14, 22 Jun, 02, 11, 21 Jul, 01, 10, 19, 27 Aug, 03, 11, 19, 26 Sep, 03, 12, 21 Oct.
  • The Accommodation: One night in a motel or guesthouse in a room with en-suite facilities. Four nights accommodation under canvas. Tents are for single, double or family occupancy and a cot or foam pad and sleeping bag are provided. There is a shared bucket-shower tent (the water is heated by propane gas) and a short-drop toilet.
  • Food & Drink: Good traditional American food, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and locally reared meat. Hot and cold drinks are included and if you want to take your own alcohol, you are welcome.
  • Laundry: Not available.
  • Children: 8 and over. We would recommend that children have some previous riding experience. They must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Non-Riders: Non-riders are welcome. This itinerary is ideal if you want to accompany someone on a trail-ride but you are not a rider and just want to spend time hiking, camping and relaxing in a wilderness setting. Although the trips are designed for riders, it is not uncommon for participants to not ride one or more days and to choose to hike instead.