Utah Capitol Reef & Canyonlands National Park Hiking Tour

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            [HighlightText] => Discover the least visited, but perhaps most astonishing of Utah's Mighty Five National Parks
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            [HighlightText] => Follow expert guides on spectacular trails and stay at charming hotels with American West flair 
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            [Description] => Goblin Valley State Park
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            [Description] => Arch Canyonlands
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            [Description] => San Rafael Swell
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            [Description] => Colorado National monument
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            [Description] => Wild Horse Canyon
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            [Description] => Capitol Reef National Park
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            [Description] => Canyonlands
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            [HighlightText] => 
            [Description] => Fremont Petroglyphs
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Levi W.

Levi grew up in rural Kansas. From flowing fields of wheat to the flowing rivers of the Southwest, Levi has always had a passion for the natural world. He’s been guiding since 2016, running rivers in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Mexico, and hiking adventures in Texas and Utah. He enjoys opening the door to new experiences for guests. As the son of a writer, he has inherited a passion for bringing a unique perspective to sharing his insights and stories in nature.

James M.

Born in Glens Falls, James grew up spending time in nearby Adirondack State Park. He came to outdoor adventure as a second career after 10 years in retail, starting off guiding white water rafting trips and branching out to lead hiking, kayaking, SUP and mountain biking adventures. Eventually he moved into management, spending 15 years running a white water rafting company in upstate New York. He is passionate about travel and outdoor adventure and exploring different cultures, having adventured throughout the US and lived, hiked, mountain biked, and rafted abroad.

Paul B.

Born and raised in the foothills of western North Carolina, Paul’s farm town roots combined with outdoor leadership in his young adult years fostered a deep love for the Earth and a strong instinct to see what lies beyond the familiar horizon. After completing his undergraduate degree at UNC-Chapel Hill, he moved to the Rocky Mountains, living in Colorado, Montana, and Idaho, and worked as a horseman, ranch foreman and hunting outfitter, and search and rescue professional. Since 2025 he has spent winters as a ski instructor in Colorado and summers as a river guide and trip leader for MT Sobek in Utah, Idaho, and Montana.

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                    [Headline] => Hike Serpents Trail in Colorado National Monument 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/3.7 miles hiking with 768\' elevation gain
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
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                    [ItinBlock] => Starting with a seamless pickup in Grand Junction, CO, proceed to Colorado National Monument where you will discover Utah and Arizona are not the only states with sandstone canyons! Accompanied by expert interpretive guides, begin your adventure on the legendary Serpents Trail. Carved into the rugged cliffsides of the monument, this historic trail offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region. As you ascend along the sinuous path, your knowledgeable guide will illuminate geologic wonders and the desert\'s ecological diversity. Marvel at the towering rock formations and sweeping vistas that unfold before you. After the hike, a short transfer takes you to Green River, Utah where you\'ll indulge in a delectable outdoor dinner reception beneath the expansive Utah sky. Connect with your fellow explorers, swapping stories and aspirations, as your expert guides offer insights and preparations for the days to come.
                    [Breakfast] => 0
                    [Lunch] => 0
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 20-minute transfer then a 90-minute transfer post hike via private van
                    [Quotation] => 
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                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 38.993
                    [Longitude] => -110.139
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            [1] => Array
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                    [DayFrom] => 2
                    [DayTo] => 2
                    [Headline] => Explore the Slot Canyons & Hoodoos of San Rafael Swell
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5-6 hours/8.2 miles hiking with 746\' elevation gain/loss; plus optional 1 hour/2 miles hiking with 200\' elevation gain/loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => Today immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of the slot canyons and hoodoos of remote San Rafael Swell Recreation Area. Little Wild Horse Canyon beckons with its narrow passages, sculpted archways, and intricate rock formations, each twist and turn revealing a new marvel of geology. After a short traverse, enter Bell Canyon to make your hike a loop. As you step into its confines, a cathedral of stone towers overhead. Wander through the canyon\'s winding passages, where shafts of sunlight filter through narrow cracks, illuminating the sandstone walls in an array of colors. Discover hidden alcoves and ancient petroglyphs. In the afternoon, venture into the enchanting realm of photogenic Goblin Valley State Park, where thousands of whimsical hoodoo rock formations, sculpted by the passage of time and wind, await your discovery. Finish the day catching the sunset from the pool or hot tub at an award-winning resort.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour transfer via private van
                    [Quotation] => 
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                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 38.321
                    [Longitude] => -111.38
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            [2] => Array
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                    [DayFrom] => 3
                    [DayTo] => 3
                    [Headline] => Hike in Capitol Reef National Park 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4 hours/6 miles hiking with 775\' elevation gain and 950\' loss 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => This morning, drive to Capitol Reef National Park, where rugged red rock beauty meets rich human history. Mormon settlers established thriving communities during the late 19th century in verdant Frutia Valley, nestled among the cliffs of Waterpocket Fold, a striking nearly 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth\'s crust that gives rise to a mesmerizing array of canyons, domes, and bridges. Gain insight into the settlers\' lives through visits to the Frutia Schoolhouse (1896), Gifford Homestead (1908), and historic fruit orchards (1880s), where you\'ll enjoy a picnic lunch by the creek. Hike up to magnificent Cassidy Arch and take in breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding canyons. The arch is named for legendary Butch Cassidy who hid out in nearby Wash Canyon, which is your next destination. Descend, following the meandering path carved by millennia of water and wind, marveling at towering cliffs and sculpted alcoves. Return to your hotel with dinner en route.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 38.992
                    [Longitude] => -110.139
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                    [DayFrom] => 4
                    [DayTo] => 4
                    [Headline] => Wonder at Canyonlands Island in the Sky & Depart
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4-5 hours/6.8 miles hiking with 360\' elevation gain/loss
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => If you\'re feeling ambitious, start the day early with an optional sunrise hike into Petroglyph Canyon, located in the Black Dragon area of the San Rafael Swell. Alternatively sleep in, then join the group on an exploration into Canyonlands National Park. Visit the spectacular Island in the Sky district for awe-inspiring vistas over canyons and mesas. Hike Lathrop Canyon trail to lofty overlooks and drink in panoramic views of rugged canyons and distant horizons. Complete your time in the park with a walk along Mesa Arch trail, witnessing one of Utah\'s most photographed spots: a glorious 27-foot arch framing views of the canyon and mountains. You have two options for departure: for those extending their stay, transfer to the Moab, UT car rental. Or for departing flights, return to Grand Junction, CO via the scenic road along the Colorado River through Castle Valley, including an opportunity to see Fisher Towers.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 2- or 3-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 39.118
                    [Longitude] => -108.521
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Expect daily hikes ranging from 2 hours on Day 1 to 4-6 hours on Days 2-4, with the longest stretch at 8.2 miles on day two. Traverse winding trails amidst breathtaking red rock canyons and mesas. Be ready for steep and uneven terrain, with moderate exposure to heights. 
    [Trip_Level] => 3
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Accommodations

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Relax in comfortable accommodations, including one named by Travel + Leisure as one of the 10-best in Utah.

Capitol Reef Resort

Comfortable Hotel

Located just one mile from the National Park, Capitol Reef Resort is surrounded by natural wonders including natural bridges, sandstone cliffs, magnificent canyons, and domes. The comfortable accommodations feature stunning views of the red-rock cliffs. After a day of adventures, relax in the heated outdoor pool or hot tub. The Pioneer Kitchen offers delicious comfort food and a casual atmosphere.

River Terrace

Comfortable Hotel

Beautifully situated on the banks of the Green River, River Terrace is a serene spot where guests can cool off in the pool or sit back and enjoy the view of the river. Many of the spacious rooms are right on the river and all feature pillow top beds, feather pillows, and high-speed Wi-Fi. In the mornings a hearty full breakfast fuels you up for a day of exploration in southeastern Utah's spectacular landscapes.

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