Canyonlands Classic
Moab, UT
5.0 (21 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Remote Canyons
- Arches & Towers
- Desert Oases
- Famous Chesler Park
- Stunning Night Skies & Starscapes
- Slickrock Traverses
- Unforgettable Joint Canyon
Description
Our Canyonlands-Needles backpacking Loop features the best slickrock traverses, views and deep canyons this stunning area has to offer. The Needles Loop is where guests can find themselves among unimaginable sandstone pillars, spires, arches and multi-colored canyon environments that endlessly characterize the landscape. On this tour you will see up close and personal the rock formations that give the Needles District its name!
Our backpacking trip begins in Moab, Utah where we get an early start and drive to the trailhead. From the trailhead, the route is an interconnected web of trails that weave in and out of canyons, sometimes via ladders built into the rocks, to high-slickrock benches that offer the kinds of views that inspire unforgettable outdoor experiences. We journey through several canyons, all different in character, and spend a day traveling through a spectacular, narrow joint canyon on our way to a sublime collection of sheer rock towers. At the head of one of the canyons, Elephant Canyon, lives a massive arch unlike any other in canyon country called Druid Arch – it boasts an angular profile and two narrow, elongated openings that makes it look more like a formation from Stonehenge than a natural arch!
Need to Know: Waste Regulation
The public agencies that oversee this region require that everyone pack out all solid waste, including human waste. We provide resources and training to make this manageable and efficient. However, if you’d rather embark on a trip in Utah where that isn’t required, we recommending checking out our Capitol Reef Backpacking Trip
$1690 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This hike is often off trail and includes cairned slick rock routes that are steep at times and require agility. With intermittent exposure; slick rock cliff walking; vertical ladders; use of hands to get up and down tight crevices; and pack passing scenarios through tight slots, this trip is generally rugged and technical, which is why we give it a Level 4 Difficulty rating.
Hiking Distances:
4-8 mi
Backpack Weight:
35-45 lbs
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
500 ft
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on sometimes steep, variable, uneven terrain
- Ascending ladders
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Canyonlands hike a solitude 3. You can expect to see a couple other groups of hikers per day.
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!
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 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
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