Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

Canyons & Plateaux of Utah

6 days - Torrey to Torrey

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 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.

Each camping ride is unique and seldom covers the same backcountry trail or uses the same campsite more than once or twice a season. These are base camp rides supplied by 4-wheel drive vehicles. Camp location is generally situated at a higher elevation in mid-summer and a lower elevation in spring and fall seasons. Areas explored include: Capitol Reef National Park, Grandstaircase-Escalante National Monument, San Rafael Swell Wilderness, or Utah's High Plateaux.

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 terrain is very varied, with steep ascents and descents. On some departures Rock Art is the focal point of the rides and on others the emphasis is on wildlife.

Your hosts pride themselves on giving experienced riders the challenge and pace they desire without abusing the horses and on giving less experienced riders the confidence to enjoy the wilderness. The high guide to guest ratio allows them to divide the group by ability and interest when time and logistics allow.

Day 1
Transfer from Torrey airport to a comfortable Inn for an overnight stay. You will meet your fellow riders and trip leader here for an orientation and discussion on the trip.
Day 2

After an early breakfast you will be collected from your motel and transferred to the Hondoo 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, Circle Cliffs or 1000 Lakes Mountain. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 3 & Day 4
Two full days exploring this magnificent region. (B,L,D)
Day 5
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. (B,L,D)
Day 6
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. (B)
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Utah
  • Departure Dates: 21, 28 Apr, 04, 12, 20, 29 May, 03, 14, 22 Jun, 02, 11, 21 Jul, 01, 10, 19, 27 Aug, 03, 11, 19, 26 Sep, 01, 12, 21 Oct 2009.
  • Prices (2009 Land only): £1130 per person
  • Special Offer: Receive a 15% discount when you book 2 or more people on any of our 2009 rides in Utah.
    We also offer a 3 day package which is only £590 per person!
  • Includes: Transfers from Torrey, accommodation and meals as specified and all riding. It is possible for us to arrange a transfer package between Torrey and Moab. You can choose to travel by land or on scenic flights - please enquire for further details.
  • PRICE WITH FLIGHTS FROM LONDON: On request and depending on the routing chosen. There are daily flights from Salt Lake City to Moab. Due to airline scheduling, most flights from London mean that you need to spend the night before and after the ride in Salt Lake City.
  • Single Supplement: £50
  • 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.
  • Children: Aged 8 and upward are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider.
  • Riding ability required: Novice upward
  • Type of ride: Centre based
  • Trip Code: EUCP