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2019 DATES
Mar 18 – Mar 22Mar 25 – Mar 19Apr 1 – Apr 5Apr 8 – Apr 12Apr 15 – Apr 19Apr 22 – Apr 26Sep 30 – Oct 4Oct 7 – Oct 11Oct 14 – Oct 18Oct 21 – Oct 25Oct 28 – Nov 1
Utah Mighty 5 | 5-Day Lodging Trip
DURATION:
5 Days/4 Nights
AVAILABILITY:
Spring + Fall
GROUP SIZE:
Max 12
STARTS IN:
Salt Lake City
ENDS IN:
Salt Lake City
TRIP STYLE:
Lodging
Overview
Cooler weather in the spring and fall is the perfect chance to explore Utah’s world renowned landscapes while resting at the day’s end in rustic luxury accommodations. Experience what southern Utah is all about as we travel through “Canyon Country” and work our way up the Colorado Plateau to some of the most incredible sights in the American Southwest. One iconic site after another, this tour will provide an unforgettable experience to see all 5 of Utah’s National Parks including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef.
Trip Highlights
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- Experience all of Utah’s world famous National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, & Canyonlands National Park).
- Additional spectacular State Parks (Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Red Canyon State Park)
- See some of the most iconic geologic and human history features in the National Park system including Delicate Arch, Mesa Arch, Hoodoos, ancient sand dunes, and petroglyphs.
- Service of a professional guide who will provide in depth information and help make your Utah experience as comfortable and exciting as possible.
- Rest your head in unique, lodge-style accommodations in close proximity to the parks.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Salt Lake City for Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and Moab
Today, we’ll depart from Salt Lake City and drive through the beautiful Wasatch mountains en route to the incredible canyons of southern Utah. First up for the five National Parks is Canyonlands, known for being rough, rugged, and desolate…but with much beauty to behold! We will explore the district called Island In The Sky where we’ll hike to some outstanding viewpoints and see an iconic natural arch.
Additionally, we will stop at Dead Horse Point State Park for one of the most awe-inspiring views of the mighty Colorado River. This amazing place has been featured in many movies and television shows ranging from “Thelma & Louise” to HBO’s recent series “Westworld”.
This evening we’ll arrive to our rustic lodge and have a nice dinner.
Driving time: 4 Hours
Hiking: 3+ miles – Minimal elevation gain
Accommodation: Red Cliffs Inn, Gonzo Inn, or similar in Moab, Utah
Day 2: Hiking in Arches National Park – Afternoon in Moab
Wake up to breakfast included at your lodge and get ready to explore one of the greatest collections of natural arches on the planet at Arches National Park! We will depart early to view the Windows, Double Arch, and hike 3-miles round-trip to one of the most famous features in the entire southwest, Delicate Arch.
“A weird, lovely, fantastic object out of nature like Delicate Arch has the curious ability to remind us—like rock and sunlight and wind and wilderness—that out there is a different world, older and greater and deeper by far than ours” – Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire
After some additional active options in Arches National Park, we make a trip to their visitor center before returning to Moab for a couple hours of down time at our campsite. Depending on group preference, some additional options this afternoon may include a visit to Castle Creek Winery and/or a visit to Castle Valley just outside of Moab. This evening, you will be dropped off in the town of Moab for an opportunity to shop and dine on your own. We’ll then pick you up and take back to your rustic lodge and allow you to relax for the rest of the night.
Driving time: Local
Hiking: 3-5 miles – 700+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Red Cliffs Inn, Gonzo Inn, or similar in Moab, Utah
Day 3: Capitol Reef and Goblin Valley exploration
Departing from Moab, we drive 2 hours to our first adventure for the day at Goblin Valley State Park. This place is out of this world! It is hard to envision a more “alien-like” landscape than what you’ll see here. Small hoodoos, locally known as goblins, fill a former tidal plain and make for one of the most unique destinations in the American Southwest.
After Goblin Valley, we’ll enjoy one of America’s most scenic drives as we explore Capital Reef National Park for a possible hike to view a famous Natural Bridge. Capitol Reef National Park includes 241,904 acres of amazing red rock formations, cliffs, canyons and natural bridges. It is Utah’s wilderness at its best. Capitol Reef is also the least visited of Utah’s National Parks, so it’s definitely worth checking out! This evening we’ll arrive to our rustic lodge near Bryce Canyon National Park.
Driving time: 5 Hours
Hiking: 2-3 miles – 400+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Ruby’s Hotel or similar near Bryce Canyon City, Utah
Day 4: Explore the famous “Hoodoos” of Bryce Canyon National Park
This morning we will enter Bryce Canyon National Park just in time to capture the sun rising over a collection of sandstone spires called “hoodoos”. Explore several viewpoints before we descend into the Bryce Amphitheatre on “The world’s best 3-mile hike”. This trail is rated as moderate and is a wonderful way to view a variety of geology, flora, & fauna.
Later in the day we’ll head to our lodge just outside of Zion National Park! You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the property before we have an incredible dinner.
Driving time: 2 Hours
Hiking: 3-4 miles – 600+ feet elevation gain
Accommodation: Lodging at Zion Mountain Ranch or similar
Day 5: Full day in Zion National Park + Return to Salt Lake City
Today we explore our 5th National Park in 5 days at Zion National Park! Marvel at the giant red cliffs that rise over 2,000 feet above the blue-green waters of the Virgin River. We’ll spend the day exploring much of what this park has to offer before making our return trip to Salt Lake City.
*Due to many natural variables in the outdoors, we take what mother nature provides for us when deciding on which hike we will do. Depending on the weather options include: Upper Emerald Pools, Observation Point, The Narrows or similar.
After several hours of optional hiking and exploring, we depart from Zion National Park and begin our return 4.5-hour drive to Salt Lake City.
Driving time: 5 Hours
Hiking: 3-6 miles – minimal elevation gain
Return to Salt Lake City: We plan to return to SLC by approximately 7:00pm. If you plan to depart from Salt Lake International Airport after the trip, be sure you do not book a flight prior to 10:00pm or 22:00 due to various circumstances out of our control.
What to Bring
Check out a more in-depth list of what to bring here.
Our Reviews
Click here to see reviews
I did the 3 day hiking trip to Zion and Bryce and it was great! We did 3 different hikes and each one was amazing. Hiking The Narrows, with the river up to our knees, was definitely a highlight. Our guides Justin and Nick were fantastic- extremely knowledgable, enthusiastic and were keen to answer any questions we had. The food was delicious, campground was clean with hot showers, and company was awesome! The journeys weren't too long and the van was comfortable with air con. All in all this was a very organized, fun trip and I would certainly book another with MountainBased asap! Thank you for the best time!
I booked a 5 day private tour across Utah with my husband and 14 year old. The hikes in each park were pleasant and the food was outstanding. I also didn’t expect such a comfortable sleeping pad while camping! Justin and Nick were super understanding and they were very knowledgeable. We travel a lot and these guys really took the time to make sure we didn't miss any hidden gems along the way. Even my 14 year old had a blast and I will be recommending MountainBased to all my F&F.
I WOULD WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMEND MOUNTAINBASED ADVENTURES AND WILL DEFINITELY BE LOOKING THEM UP WHEN WE ARE IN THE U.S. AGAIN.
My friend and I were on a convention in LV and we decided to do something adventurous. In our search we came upon MountainBased and I must say it was everything they had stated and much more. They were absolutely friendly and totally informative. Our 2 guides Justin and Nick not only became good friends in our 3 days but with their experience lead us to the best routes and so I was able to capture the best pictures from our hike. Our 3 day hike which started with the hike in the Narrows was so much fun. Hiking through the mountains in the running stream of the river was awesome.The second day to the Hoodoos in the Bryce Canyon was spectacular. The 3rd day we hiked the Angels landing and they were absolutely experienced with tips and tricks to make the hike not only fun but memorable.The camp site was clean and the food they cooked was delicious, fresh and hot. Very clean camp facilities and very well organised. I have been back a few weeks but still haven't stopped talking to everyone around me about this experience and highly recommend them to all. Didn't think I'd say this but looking forward to our next convention in LV to do another tour with MountainBased!
I just had the greatest experience with a 3 days camp at MountainBased. It was one of the best experiences I ever had! From these 3 days, I was very well taken care of and showed around so much. Of the three days, each one was unique and different. Justin and Nick were awesome and very patient. You can tell they were very experienced by the way they showed us around and knew their stuff. They took care of us, made us feel at home and even made excellent homemade food for us everyday! I definitely recommend this tour and I will be sure to try the 5-days camp with them next time!
- From TripAdvisor
OUR GUIDES JUSTIN AND NICK WERE THE BEST - VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE, PROFESSIONAL, PUNCTUAL, GREAT SENSE OF HUMORS AND BOTH WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MAKE SURE WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME.
My partner and I really enjoyed our camping trip to Utah with MountainBased! She and I agree that Will be back next year with more friends.
Absolutely recommend guided tours with these folks...they take the stress out of everything with their friendliness and knowledge...and you get to see things you might otherwise never see as a tourist!
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DepartureDesignated Salt Lake City Hotel (Contact us for more details)
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Departure TimePlease arrive by 7:15AM (07:15)
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Return TimeApproximately 7:00PM (19:00)
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IncludedRound-trip transportation in a brand new 15 passenger vanA highly experienced, professional guide (Certified Wilderness First Responder)All National Park and camping feesEmergency equipment and first-aid kit4 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners included
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Not IncludedGuide gratuity (Recommended 15-20% of trip cost)
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