Best of Moab: Arches and Canyonlands
Moab, UT
5.0 (31 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Arches & Canyonlands
- Iconic Day Hikes
- Spectacular Rock Formations
- Premier Lodging on the Colorado River
- Canyon Country Town of Moab
- Wonderful Picnic and Lodge Meals
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
Description
Our incredible Best of Moab: Arches & Canyonlands tour begins in Moab, Utah, an iconic Utah Canyon Country town auspiciously situated in the middle of one of the most scenic and unique landscapes on Earth. Seated on the shores of the mighty Colorado River and surrounded by world famous Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and with the snow-capped La Sal Mountains framing the view to the east, Moab is the perfect jumping off point for your greatest Utah desert escape. Allow the guides to show you the best there is to see and the best hikes to enjoy in these two incredible national parks. We will return each night to relax in our scenic, cozy lodging and dine on wonderful meals in the evenings. Join us on a 5-day inn-based adventure showcasing the rock formations, canyons, arches and sweeping desert vistas that made this area of southern Utah one of the top travel destinations in the country!
$675 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
The single supplement guarantees your own room. If you would like to forego the single supplement, you can request to be paired with a roommate of the same gender. If we are unsuccessful in pairing you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip features hikes with easy-moderate elevation changes and terrain ruggedness. Increasing the difficulty are moderate heights exposure and moderate-strenuous hiking distances on several of the days.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 10 mi
Backpack Weight:
10-15 lbs
Terrain:
Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 650 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Utah hiking tour a Level 2 for solitude. We’ll be around other hikers much of the time with as much as an hour of solitude occasionally.
Utah is the only state we are based in that charges sales tax to outfitters and guides. The sales tax is based on the Moab, UT municipality rates, which are adjusted occasionally but are in the 6-7% range. For all of our hiking and backpacking tours that originate from our Moab, Utah base, the sales tax will be applied automatically to your payments. Feel free to call us at 877-965-4917 with any questions!
MINIMUM OF 2 GUESTS
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4 People: Rate x 1.5
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
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Itinerary
Day 1
- Shuttle to trailhead: 1 hour
- Hiking Mileage: 7-9 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 470 feet
This Inn-based Utah hiking tour begins with a pickup in Moab and a drive through Arches National Park out to Devil’s Garden trailhead, giving us our first glimpses of the fantastical formations of Entrada sandstone that Arches is famous for. We embark on the Devil’s Garden loop observing giant fins of rock and several arches, including the largest arch on Earth. Short traverses up slickrock accentuate this scenic hike. After our hike, we will check in to our accommodations and settle in for the evening’s first dinner.
Day 2
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 40-60 minutes
- Hiking Mileage: 4-10 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 200-300 feet
On our second day we will visit two must-see attractions of the Moab region, and enjoy an assortment of shorter hikes throughout Canyonlands. Our first stop is a viewpoint of a breathtaking canyon country landscape (bring your phones/cameras!): far below us the Colorado River winds through the canyons and valleys beneath Dead Horse Point. Our second stop is another viewpoint, the sweeping vistas at Island in the Sky. These vantage points provide the surreal experience of looking down on the remote and wild landscapes that characterize this part of the world. We will continue through the park, stopping at a number of pullouts for shorter hikes that expand our experience of the astonishing geology around us.
Day 3
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 1.5-2 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 5.4 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 530 feet
Today, our hike will take us to the remote Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Our hike takes us through classic red rock landscapes to an overlook of Chesler Park, a famously gorgeous grassy meadow surrounded by the sandstone spires that are the namesake of this part of Canyonlands. After our hike, we will make the beautiful drive back to our accommodations in Moab for another relaxing evening.
Day 4
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 1 hour
- Hiking Mileage: 4.2 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 630 feet
Our day begins with an early morning hike to the world-famous Delicate Arch, the most recognizable arch on the planet and the unofficial symbol of Moab, Utah. On our way through the park, we will stop at popular arches, including Double Arch and the Windows.
Day 5
- Shuttle to Trailhead: 40-60 minutes
- Hiking Mileage: 5.2 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 650 feet
Our hike today will explore the amazing areas outside of the national parks as the regions around Moab showcase some otherworldly rock formations. These formations may look familiar to some as they have been featured in television commercials and movies highlighting the southwest landscapes over the years. The trailhead where our hike begins is along the unforgettable, scenic drive of the iconic Colorado River. We begin our hike at the base of several geological towers that lead up to a vista with huge views of Castle Valley, the mountain ranges surrounding us and the river below. After a day of exploring, we will return to Moab where we will say our goodbyes to our 5-day adventure.
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Top-of-the-line day pack and trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- 4 nights of Canyon Country double occupancy lodging (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Moab, Utah
- National park entrance fees
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
We provide all your meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day. Your guide will prepare breakfasts and lunches with a variety of hot and cold meals that are appropriate for the day’s activities. Feel free to tell us about your food preferences, as we’re more than happy to tailor the menu to your needs/desires. Some specialty diets may require an additional fee.
For dinners, we’ve hand-picked local restaurants you’re sure to enjoy! We made our decisions based on the quality of their food, their charm, and how much local color and character they have.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Leki trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
You will rendezvous with your guide and group in Moab, Utah the morning of Day 1, with pick up at your hotel. Your guide will be in contact approximately 2 weeks before your trip starts to coordinate the pick up.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Moab, Utah
This Utah trip originates in Moab, UT. Moab has a small airport, Canyonlands Field Airport, that offers daily flights from Denver. Grand Junction Airport has direct services from 5 major airlines and is a 1.5 hour drive from Moab. Denver and Salt Lake City are a 4-5 hour drive to Moab but have larger airport services. Moab Express offers private shuttles to Moab from Salt Lake City and from Grand Junction, CO.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time in the pre-trip contact. Generally, you can expect it to be between 5 and 8 am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions. We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day no later than 5 PM.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Weather in Southern Utah
Southern Utah is a high desert. The weather is very moderate: occasional dustings of snow in the winter that melt rapidly, and summer temperatures in the low 90s (°F) that often cool down with thunderstorms. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). The ideal time to be in the Canyon Country is Spring and Fall. Read below for average high and low temperatures in Utah’s Canyon Country:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | |||
|
Month
|
High
|
Low
|
|
|
Dec-Feb
|
43°
|
18°
|
|
|
March
|
55°
|
27°
|
|
|
April
|
64°
|
33°
|
|
|
May
|
73°
|
40°
|
|
|
Jun-Aug
|
88°
|
55°
|
|
|
September
|
79°
|
45°
|
|
|
October
|
67°
|
35°
|
|
|
November
|
53°
|
25°
|
|
Accommodations
Red Cliffs Lodge
4 NIGHTS
Nestled on the shores of the mighty Colorado River and framed by iconic Moab cliffs, buttes and mesas, this premier lodge offers the perfect balance of nature and modernity!
(pool, spa)
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Yvonne H
Excellent Company
If you haven’t visited CanyonLands and Arches I’d encourage you to do so. It is a very special place. Wildlands is an excellent company and Dakota is a wonderful guide.
Jamie M
Couldn’t have asked for a better trip!
Our trip was absolutely amazing from start to finish! Dakota was a fantastic guide—knowledgeable, personable, and with a great sense of humor that kept us all laughing with his (sometimes corny) jokes. He took the time to understand each of our abilities and made sure every part of the experience was perfectly tailored. Every detail was well thought out—from the healthy, delicious lunches to the amazing local spots we visited (98 Center was a standout!). Red Cliffs Lodge was the perfect place to relax and unwind. We couldn’t have asked for a better trip!
Joanne G
Outstanding!
My experience with Wildland Trekking far exceeded my expectations! Our guide, Dakota Copeland, was knowledgeable about the area's history, the geology, and the vegetation. He knew every step of the trail, so he was able to help older group members as needed and he knew ways to challenge more capable group members with additional climbing options. He was also an excellent chef and prepared healthy and filling lunches beyond anything I would have imagined. To top it off, he was simply a good guy - fun and interesting and kind. He even helped an unprepared non-group member by calling the rangers and providing some support! In short, it was perfect!
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