DURATION:
5 Days/4 Nights
AVAILABILITY:
Mar-Oct
GROUP SIZE:
Max 6-12
STARTS IN:
Salt Lake City, UT
ENDS IN:
Salt Lake City, UT
TRIP STYLE:
Camping
MountainBased group hiking at Arches National Park
The town of Moab, Utah is one of America’s premier adventure destinations with close proximity to inspiring public lands and unmatched red rock landscapes. From sunrise to sunset, our 5-day itinerary will highlight the very best of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, in addition to many of the area’s other hidden gems. This hiking-focused adventure will end each night at the same campsite, our basecamp, selected to minimize driving so we can spend more time exploring! Click here to learn more about our relaxed booking and travel options.
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MountainBased is an authorized Permittee of the National Park Service
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Camping in Moab
Pickup Location: Main Lobby at the Residence Inn by Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown – 285 West Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Departing from downtown Salt Lake City, we will begin our 4 hour drive south to the Moab area for a picnic lunch and introductory hike. We plan to spend the first day on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) trails that showcase a variety of rock formations from arches to natural bridges. Get acquainted with some of the local flora and fauna and learn hiking techniques that will help you throughout the course of the trip. After the hike, we’ll get our “basecamp” set up as this will be our home for the next 4 nights. Your guides will prepare a delicious dinner as the sun sets on a great first day!
Please Note: Campsites near Moab include vault toilets but no running water. Your guides will provide drinking water and a clean-up station for use of toiletries. Showers will be made available days 2-4.
Hiking: Grandstaff Trail | Distance: 5.7 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Driving Time: 4 hours
Accommodation: BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Group Site (Near Moab)
Meals: L, D
This morning, awaken to a cup of hot coffee and prepare for a full day in Arches National Park. Arches is home to over 2,000 natural arches–the most found anywhere in the world. Plan to visit the Windows Section and Devil’s Garden where you’ll find Landscape Arch, the longest in the park at 306 feet! Of course, any visit to Arches wouldn’t be complete without a view of the classic Delicate Arch. The 52 foot Delicate Arch stands alone overlooking the La Sal Mountains and makes for one of the best photo opportunities in the area. Depending on time of year, your guides may have some special plans on how to best attempt this trail. After leaving the park, we’ll spend time in the town of Moab before returning to camp for the evening.
Hiking: Devil’s Garden & Delicate Arch | Distance: 5-7 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Driving Time: Local
Accommodation: BLM Group Site (near Moab)
Meals: B, L, D
After breakfast, we’ll venture south to the Needles District of Canyonlands. This district of the park is known for its colorful Cedar Mesa Sandstone rock spires (needles). This stunning region is far less visited than other nearby parks, making it a hidden gem in our eyes. Plan on spending half the day exploring various rock formations along a beautiful hiking trail before we return to Moab for dinner and an evening relaxing at camp.
Hiking: Chesler Park Viewpoint | Distance: 5.4 Miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Driving Time: 2+ hours
Accommodation: BLM Group Site (near Moab)
Meals: B, L, D
Today, we’ll be exploring the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands. This area is known for having stunning views of the vast canyon landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Some of the highlights will be Mesa Arch, Grand View Point, and Upheaval Dome. Plan on visiting Dead Horse Point State park on this day as it provides some of the best views of the Colorado River. We’ll explore some additional areas and then enjoy an unforgettable dinner with spectacular views.
Hiking: Varied | Distance: 3-5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Driving Time: Local
Accommodation: BLM Group Site (Near Moab)
Meals: B, L, D
This morning, we will pack up our tents and head to one of Utah’s most unique places–Goblin Valley State Park. This park is filled with oddly shaped sedimentary rock formations known locally as “goblins”. Here, you’ll have freedom to roam through a labyrinth of stone goblins that tickle the imagination. Depending on the conditions, there is a short hike your guides may opt to take you on that showcases additional geological features present in the area. This afternoon, we’ll make our return trip to Salt Lake City!
Hiking: Varied | Distance: 2 miles | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Driving Time: 4+ hours (Return to Salt Lake City)
Meals: B, L
Check out a more in-depth list of what to bring here.