Arches & Canyonlands begins in Sedona, Arizona, a town with an established reputation for exquisite dining, inspired art galleries and a plethora of outdoor activities. By day, guests explore an enchanting desert landscape, hiking one of the many backcountry trails that spiderweb throughout the region. By night, sun-tanned explorers relax, with wine in hand, at one of Sedona’s premier luxury resorts.
Continuing to the tranquil hamlet of Bluff, Utah, hikers trade their hiking boots for paddles and bounce through one of the most exciting whitewater sections of the San Juan River. Using the riverboat as their base, guests explore ancient rock art and cliff dwellings with some examples dating back 5,000 years. Sun-drenched beaches, lost civilizations and two nights at a historic B&B make Bluff an irresistible desert retreat.
No desert tour would be complete without a visit to Moab, Utah, a vibrant oasis that continues to build upon its distinction as an outdoor adventure mecca. Enthusiastic trekkers leave the well-trodden paths to explore hidden labyrinths, whimsical rock formations and natural sandstone arches. Explorers return from the wild to bed down in one of Moab’s most comfortable retreats, a tranquil hideaway with panoramic views extending in every direction.
Tour Highlights:
* Enjoy moderately strenuous hiking amidst sandstone towers and serpentine canyons.
* Indulge in post-hike pampering in the trendy outoor adventure meccas of Sedona, Arizona and Moab, Utah.
* Splash and smile through gnarly sections of whitewater on the San Juan River.
* Blow through memory cards while snapping photos of scenic vistas and vestiges of ancient civilizations.
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Locations visited/nearby
Arizona, Utah, United States
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Flagstaff, Arizona. Transfer to Sedona and your well-appointed hotel. The town is perky and fun with a curious blend of mystical crystal and vortex seekers, European travelers and mountain and desert aficionados. The accommodations are divine and the culinary options superb.
Day 2 Delve into the popular region of Oak Creek Canyon. Soaring monoliths conspire with forests of ponderosa, juniper and pinion to produce a region that earned Sedona the title of “The Most Beautiful Place in America,” according to USA Weekend’s Annual Travel Report. We’ll dive into a world where mysterious rock formations seem to glow from within.
Day 3 Sedona truly offers limitless hiking possibilities with unlimited views. We’ll choose between lofty mountain excursions, deep canyon explorations or a mixture of both.
Day 4 A memorable journey delivers us to the virturally unkown outpost of Bluff, Utah, perched on the banks of
the San Juan River. This is the land of Anasazi cliff dwellings, rock art and lost civiliations. Overnight in a charming, atmospheric bed and breakfast located in the center of town.
Day 5 We’ll trade our hiking boots for paddles as we bounce and laugh through the most exciting whitewater sections of the San Juan River. It is no coincidence that some of the finest examples of rock art and cliff dwellings lie along the calm sections of the river. We’ll use our comfortable riverboat to discover these historic houses and renderings leftover from civilizations now gone. Researchers estimate that some of the rock art found in this region goes back 5,000 years.
Day 6 Transfer by van to the bustling desert town of Moab, surrounded by beautiful sandstone cliffs and situated on
the banks of the Colorado River. Meet with a local paleontologist to explore the many fossils and dinosaur bones that punctuate the area. Overnight in another wonderful bed and breakfast.
Day 7 Today we’ll explore a rarely traveled corner of Arches National Park, an area that preserves over two thousand
sandstone arches. We’ll explore balanced rocks, fins and pinnacles, highlighted by a striking environment of contrasting colors, landforms and textures.
Day 8 Our second day in Moab will combine everything wonderful about the desert. We’ll enjoy fantastic wildflower blooms and lost alcoves. The snow capped peaks of the La Sal mountains present a stunning backdrop against endless miles of red sandstone.
Day 9 Depart. Salt Lake City is a convenient departure for this tour.
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