Adventure Travel
Utah: Arches, Canyonlands and Cateract Canyon
Adventure of a Lifetime in Moab!
Explore and experience the best that Utah has to offer in this multi-sport adventure. Take in Arches National Park as you watch the sun set over the fantastic bluffs, spires and arches formed by thousands of years of magnificent water erosion. Retrace John Wesley Powell’s famous exploration through the wild class IV-V waters of Cataract Canyon while gazing at the ancient rock art painted along the great red canyon walls. Rock Climb the dramatic sandstone cliffs for a birds eye view of your group below. Mountain bike the famous Slickrock Trail skirting through canyons while spotting big horn sheep. Off-road through the Needles District and hike over the infamous Elephant Hill to see pristine wilderness undisturbed by the outside world.
Located in southeastern Utah, along the banks of the Colorado River between soaring red sandstone cliffs, Moab is the gateway to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park, the legendary Colorado River and the beautiful La Sal Mountains.
From rafting the Class IV-V Rapids of the Colorado River to rock climbing one hundred feet on Wall Street, you will truly have a chance to do it all in and around Moab, Utah.
Event Details
- Day 1 Arrive at Moab, meet your guide and team for the week
- Day 2 Hike Arches National Park
- Day 3 Rock Climbing
- Day 4 Needles District of Canyonland National Park
- Day 5 Raft Class IV-V Cateract Canyon, Explore Ancient Rock Art
- Day 6 Raft Class IV-V Cateract Canyon
- Day 7 Depart Moab
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Package Includes
- All accommodations, including a combination of hotel lodging and camping
- Experienced, knowledgeable and professional Outdoor Bound guide
- Most meals
- All local transportation
- Park Entrance Fees
- Class IV - V whitewater rafting with professional guides
- Rock climbing with certified, licensed guides
Does Not Include
- Airfare to Salt Lake City or Moab
- Transportation from/to airport
- Optional activities like mountain biking
- Travel insurance
This trip requires a minimum enrollment of 4 people. In the event that enrollment minimums are not met, a full refund would be issued.
Itinerary
Day 1 > Welcome to Moab, Utah
Choose your airport destination and arrival time. Moab is easily accessed by airports in Moab or Salt Lake City, Utah or Grand Junction, Colorado. No matter where your plane lands, you will notice a stunning view of the surrounding Rockies as you fly over the majestic Western Slope. Enjoy the scenic shuttles from airport to Moab; your guide will be awaiting your arrival at the hotel.
When everyone is settled into their rooms and perhaps after a cool dip in the pool, our Outdoor Bound team will meet, greet, dine and discuss the itinerary for the week. Sleep well, for the next few days are packed with classic Canyonland adventure!
Day 2 > Arches National Park
After a complimentary breakfast, pack your sunscreen, water and camera for a day of hiking and exploration in Arches National Park.
Aptly named, the park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and countless unique features carved by the forces of nature. Come marvel at the preservation of these wild wonders that tell a geologic story over 300 million years old. The unmatched colors, patterns and textures found within the park will surely blow your mind! There is so much to see and do within Arches that it can often be overwhelming. Fortunately, your Outdoor Bound guide has scouted the finest awe-inspiring hikes and sights in the park. We will end the day with a sunset hike to famous Delicate Arch.
Day 3 > Rock Climbing Wall Street
Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned rock-jock, our morning climbing session will surely satisfy your appetite for adventure! Today we transition from gazing upwards in awe of the red rock to actually climbing it. New Yorkers will have a special appreciation of our destination climb today, endearingly called Wall Street. Aptly named, this vertical “wall” surely resembles the sheer faces of New York’s financial hub. The difference? Utah’s Wall Street possesses a majestic red glow and hundreds of classic climbs from beginner to expert. The climbs will be led by AMGA-certified guides, the most qualified team in the industry.
This afternoon is designed to give you the flexibility and down time you deserve. After catching a leisurely lunch, your options include relaxing by the pool, exploring downtown Moab on your own, or mountain biking the famous Slickrock trail with your Outdoor Bound guide.
The Slickrock trail was named by early settlers whose iron-clad horses found the rock “slick” to walk over. Mountain bikers find just the opposite to be true: rubber bike tires cling to the rock for unprecedented control of ascents, descents and around corners. No wonder that the Slickrock trail is perhaps the most highly coveted and sought-after mountain bike trail in the world. Be mindful that this trail is for experienced mountain bikers only. Unsure of your ability? Try the practice loop before diving into the heart of the Slickrock trail.
As a final necessity of the day, we will meet the raft guides and pack our dry bags (water-proof backpacks) for the upcoming whitewater adventure. The raft guides will then meet us after tomorrow’s hike down to the Colorado River.
Day 4 > Needles District and Canyonlands National Park
Today, we pack our bags and say “goodbye” to civilization. After breakfast, we will drive into the heart of the Needles district in the Canyonland National Park, a vast wilderness of plateaus, canyons and snaking rivers. Our shuttle will drop us off at Elephant Hill, the hiker’s gateway to the remote stretches of the Colorado River. From Elephant Hill, we hike 10 miles through narrow canyons, or “grabens” bordered by the fantastic rock spires and balanced rock that give the Needles area its name. Towards the end of our hike, the mighty Colorado will become visible from our high plateau. A short but steep descent will bring us to the waters edge at a wide, lush valley known as Spanish Bottom. Here, at the headwaters of Cataract Canyon, we will find our rafts and camping gear waiting for us. Tonight we dine and sleep under the brilliant desert sky while listening to the distant roar of our next adventure.
Day 5 > Class IV - V Rafting in Cataract Canyon
Cataract is the world-class canyon through which the Colorado River flows undammed and free, and consequently, unpredictable. Most years, Cataract Canyon is considered to have the biggest and most challenging rapids in the United States. Just three miles upstream from our departure point at Spanish Bottom, the Green River and the Colorado Rivers converge, doubling the volume of water rushing through the canyon. The result is a rapidly flowing river with steep drops and huge waves through tight red canyon walls well over 2,000 feet high.
In addition to the pure thrill of 25 rapids over 15 miles, you will enjoy taking in the inspiring scenery found only in this remote paradise. This region supports the largest herd of bighorn sheep in the West, scores of eagles and hawks circling overhead, and numerous deer, great blue herrings, muskrats and coyotes prowling the rivers edge at dawn and dusk. With a good eye (and some help from your guides), you may be able to find the rock art and cliff dwellings of ancient civilizations that once inhabited the area. Oh yeah, and did we mention the 2,000-foot red canyon walls?
Since the water levels are controlled by Mother Nature alone, the water volume, temperature and trajectory will vary slightly from year to year. Typically, the highest water volume (and biggest rapids) occurs between mid-May and mid-June. Prepare to be wet, but not to worry, this is a welcome gift in the hot 90-degree sunshine!
In the evenings, we will make camp under the brilliant desert sky and dine over the delicious cuisine prepared by your tireless guides. You will be astonished with the five-star meals, guaranteed!
Day 6 > Cataract Canyon to Lake Powell
After a delicious breakfast, we pack up camp and prepare for another wet and wild ride! Today, we will float through more diverse and stunning canyon country before arriving at Lake Powell and the terminus of the trip. We can enjoy one final lunch before we leave the water behind at Lake Powell. Formed by the highly controversial creation of the Glen Canyon Dam, this vast, 186 mile-long lake is named after the one-armed explorer, Major John Wesley Powell. In 1869, Powell, together with his nine expedition members, braved the length of the Colorado River through Cataract and Grand Canyons. Powell’s team faced countless (and often perilous) challenges ranging from exposure to ill-fated encounters with Native Americans. From Lake Powell, you may return to Moab via a ground shuttle or enjoy an optional scenic flight, retracing your steps (or strokes) of the Colorado River.
Once back in Moab we will enjoy a hot shower, cold pool and a comfy bed at our inn. When everyone has settled back into civilian life, we will embark on one final mission to celebrate our accomplishments at the Moab Brewery! The brewery is home to hearty foods, brews and treats of all kinds. Indulge because you have just finished the trip of a lifetime!
Day 7 > Departure
Enjoy one final breakfast and take in the last high desert scenes of Moab before heading home. Or, stay a few days if you just can’t get enough! Your Outdoor Bound guide will help you arrange for a shuttle to the airport, or help you plan a continued exploration of the great Southwest. Enjoy your flight back, sleep well and dream of the Canyonlands.
Preparing for your Adventure
Essential Items
- Two water bottles with strap or carabineer
- Sunglasses with a retainer
- Sunscreen, SPF 15 or greater
- Lip moisturizer, SPF 15 or greater
- Hat or visor with hat clip to attach to life jacket or shirt
- Rain jacket and pants. Thunderstorms in the desert can be unpredictable!
- Heavy fleece or sweatshirt. Nights and mornings are cool
- Mid-weight shirt
- T-shirts with a mix of cotton and synthetic (cotton can help keep you cool)
- Two swimsuits/sports bras. Ladies, a sports top and swim shorts are very convenient!
- One pair Lightweight pants. Zip-off, convertible pants are ideal
- Two pair quick dry shorts
- Long sleeve cotton shirt
- Underwear
- Long underwear
- Synthetic/wool socks
- River sandals or shoes that can get wet, will dry quickly, and will not slip off of your feet
- Hiking shoes
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Moisturizing lotion
- Camera and waterproof camera
- Bike shorts/gloves if you plan on riding
- Binoculars
- Toiletry kit including tooth brush and tooth paste
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo
- Feminine hygiene products and small pack of tissue
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Small towel and washcloth
- Journal or notebook with pen/pencil
- Books for relaxing in the evening
- Suggested reading: Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
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Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides
From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.
Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.
Diverse & Interesting Groups
There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.
New Experiences
Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.
Environmental Awareness
“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.
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Bringing a Friend or Two?
Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the Qty box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final Checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the Qty you enter.
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We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.
Please consult the individual trip description or Event Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.
