Day 1: Arrive: Colorado (Grand Junction Airport) we pick up the group in a passenger van and transfer to Moab Utah 1 ½ hours to the ranch on the Colorado River. Settle into the lodge, welcome group orientation. Afternoon activity: Horseback ride then dinner night at ranch in Castle Valley.
Day 2: Today after breakfast we will load the van and head to Arches National Park. We spend the day exploring the hiking trails to a variety of amazing natural Arches. We will enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the natural arch wonders during our visit in the National Park. By days end we arrive at the Canyonlands River dinner and night show. We enjoy a Dutch oven BBQ dinner on the banks of the Colorado River then experience one of the most unique sound and light shows in the world. A slow-moving evening boat ride provides spectacular views while 40,000 watts of light illuminate the canyon walls. Stories of the formation and history of the area are illustrated through cowboy and Indian tales and choreographed with lights, sounds and music. Afterwards we return from our day’s adventure to the ranch for the night.
Day 3: Today after breakfast we will load up in our Jeep 4 x 4’s. Each member will have there own Jeep to drive. (Members can also share 2 to 1 jeep if they prefer not to drive.) Our journey will take us out the Shafer trail into Canyon lands National Park. We will visit Mussel Man Arch where we will enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards we will climb out the Shafer trail to the rim of the park and visit the Canyonlands National Park visitors center. Afterwards we will head to Dead Horse Point State Park and take in the amazing views of Canyonlands. We will then head out in our jeeps and down Long Canyon to Potash road.
Along the way we will see Dinosaur tracks and Ancient Indian writings. We return to the Ranch by evening, clean up and take a tour of the winery where we will do some wine tasting then enjoy dinner and the night at the ranch lodge on the Colorado River.
Day 4: Today after a hearty breakfast we will head out for a full day canyoneering adventure! We will gear up and prepare for an amazing journey. Our route: Hidden Splendor. This canyoneering loop is a perfect trip for first time canyoneers and adventurous hikers. Hidden Splendor takes you into a land of giant rock fins, narrow slots and sudden drop offs. There are breathtaking views, secret arches, two rappels and a little rock scrambling. Depending on the time of year, you can even encounter some water in the slots which is easily waded through, but adds a real flavor to the adventure. We will enjoy dinner afterwards and then an evening at the ranch.
Day 5: Today the group can decide on 2 options for the day. The group can split if they decide and members can select what they would enjoy doing most.
Option 1: we will head up river and enjoy a ½ day river Kayaking on the Colorado river. Enjoy paddling on the Colorado River in the morning and a packed picnic lunch along the beautiful scenery of Fisher Towers and Castle Valley. Then have the option of relaxing at the lodge in the afternoon poolside or head into Moab for some shopping.
Option 2: Westwater Canyon Full day white water river trip. Rated the west’s best 1 day whitewater trip. Westwater canyon is truly a unique experience. Discover breathtaking beauty, distinctive geology, and narrow canyons rushing with exciting whitewater.
This evening the group will come together to enjoy dinner and our last evening at the ranch.
Day 6: After breakfast pack your belongings, say your goodbyes and transfer to Grand Junction Airport for your Departure home. Thanks for joining us on the Moab Adventure Safari.