Grand Staircase-Escalante Adventure: Canyoneering, Burr Trail Biking, and Desert Geology

ADVENTURE TYPE | ●︎ Introductory
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | April - May / September - October
PRICE | $2,200 pp

Experience the heart of Utah’s diverse geology on this "view a minute" adventure in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument that pairs a comfortable lodge stay with three nights of supported camping under the stars. From the famous Burr Trail, to Capitol Reef National Park to sweeping viewpoints of the towering Henry Mountains, our guides handle all the logistics and gourmet cooking so you can focus entirely on the spectacular riding and scenery.

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Variable, dirt roads, broken slickrock, clay, pavement.
Overall Rating: Introductory
Technical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Physical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Altitude: 4,000 - 8,000 feet

Day One: Calf Creek Falls Hike and Boulder Mountain Views

  • We leave Moab and make our way west through the tiny town of Hanksville, past Factory Butte, and up and over Boulder Mountain. It is hard to imagine a drive anywhere that passes through so many different eco-systems.
  • Our goal is the beautiful Calf Creek, where we will hike along its banks to a stunning waterfall in the middle of the desert. Along the way, we will learn about the fun plants and flowers that thrive in this area and see some fascinating evidence of the people who lived here long ago.
  • After the hike, we will make our way to the Lodge to meet the folks that live here today. This place is OG farm-to-table, and you will taste the deliciousness in every bite of your well-earned dinner.
  • Hike Distance: 6.2 miles
  • Lodge stays are double occupancy, select single occupancy at checkout if desired.

Day Two: Biking the Burr Trail and Long Canyon Narrows

  • We leave the comfort of the lodge and head to the backcountry as we bike down the historic Burr Trail.
  • The ride begins on a high plateau named Durffy Mesa, which is surrounded by interesting slickrock formations that soon give way to darker red sandstone.
  • As we drop into the narrows of Long Canyon, the sheer walls rise for several hundred feet above us. Along the way, we’ll pass through The Gulch, the Circle Cliffs, and Deer Creek Recreation Area.
  • We will turn off the Burr Trail toward the Lamp Stand formation, where we will spend the next two nights. Our 270-degree view includes the Henry Mountains, Boulder Mountain, and Navajo Mountain, a sacred religious place for the Navajos.
  • Biking Distance: 26 miles

Day Three: Capitol Reef Boundary and Waterpocket Fold

  • Today our ride begins at the boundary to Capitol Reef National Park. In the foreground lies the twisted rock formations of the Waterpocket Fold.
  • As we enter the park, the contrast of the mountains and canyons creates a dramatic interface. After a fun descent, we’ll turn off the Burr Trail and ride out to the trailhead at Upper Muley Twist Canyon.
  • At the beginning of our hike, we’ll have a wonderful view looking right up the Fold. This canyon was named by the Mormons who arrived in their wagons, who said traveling through the canyon would “twist a mule.”
  • At this point, we will still be traveling in the shadow of the Henrys, the last mountain range to be mapped and explored in the lower 48 states. Free-roaming buffalo herds are still part of the mountain ecosystem.
  • After our hike, we’ll head back to the Burr Trail for lunch at the top of the Waterpocket Fold switchbacks. Descending the spectacular switchbacks places us at the base of the fold, where we head south to our camp for a night surrounded by true desert solitude.
  • Biking: 20-23 miles, Hiking: 1 mile

Day Four: Hall’s Creek, Brimhall Arch, and Ancient History

  • Today we will hike right from our camp into Hall’s Creek and make our way to Brimhall Arch.
  • Once again, if we keep our eyes peeled, we will see evidence of those that came before us. In many places in the desert southwest, the population was much bigger 1,000 years ago when the Ancestral Puebloans made these canyons their homes, unlike around 100 years ago when the cowboys turned up. At that time, it was a whole lot lonelier.
  • We will see evidence of both as we negotiate the canyon to get to this amazing Arch!
  • Hike Distance: 4.7 miles, Swimming Opportunity: ~20 feet

Day Five: Introduction to Canyoneering and Bears Ears Views

  • Our destination today is Northwash for a great introduction to proper canyoneering. We will explore Middle Maidenwater Canyon.
  • This will be the perfect place to experience this unique geology both up close and from a whole different perspective. The views today will include a glimpse of another famous Utah National Monument—the Bears Ears.
  • But the highlight of today will be the fun moves our canyoneering guides will teach us as we learn to stem, rappel, and scramble through this fantastic canyon.
  • In the afternoon, sadly, it will be time to return to Moab and head home, wrapping up a full week of Grand Staircase-Escalante adventure.

Moab, UT
This trip will meet at 7:00 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Riverview Drive, Moab, Utah. After loading the van, we will drive to the Boulder Mountain Lodge for our first night. The drive is approximately 4-1/2 hours. Lunch will be provided.

Ending Time
We will return to Moab between 5:00-6:00 PM on the last day.

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

ADVENTURE TYPE | ●︎ Introductory

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | April - May / September - October

Grand Staircase-Escalante Adventure: Canyoneering, Burr Trail Biking, and Desert Geology

When the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was created, it caused quite a stir, and this Western Spirit Adventure Trip is your chance to find out what all the fuss is about. This remote area in central Utah has some fascinating landscapes and crazy geology. After meeting in Moab, we make our way to Boulder Town, Utah, and even before the first hike, the rock formations dropping off both sides of the road are mind-blowing. Paving of the main road we use to get to this area wasn’t even completed until 1985. A night at the Boulder Mountain Lodge, and more importantly, an amazing dinner at Hell’s Backbone Grill, starts this trip off right before we head down the famous Burr Trail and into the expansive Glen Canyon region.

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Variable, dirt roads, broken slickrock, clay, pavement.
Overall Rating: Introductory
Technical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Physical Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Altitude: 4,000 - 8,000 feet

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Moab, UT
This trip will meet at 7:00 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Riverview Drive, Moab, Utah. After loading the van, we will drive to the Boulder Mountain Lodge for our first night. The drive is approximately 4-1/2 hours. Lunch will be provided.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Moab between 5:00-6:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO MOAB, UT

Driving

Moab is located 30 miles south of Interstate 70 on Highway 191. We have a roomy parking area.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT

Airport Code: SLC

From Salt Lake City there are 2 options:

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 4 hours.

2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Grand Junction, CO

Airport Code: GJT

From Grand Junction there are 2 options:

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 2 hours.

2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Moab

Airport Code: CNY

The airline that offers service into Canyonlands Field Airport:

Contour Airlines provides daily jet service, in a partner relationship with American Airlines, between Moab and Phoenix, AZ and between Moab and Denver, CO

Book here: contourairlines.com

1 (888) 332-6686

email: customercare@contourairlines.com

Dates and times vary with the seasons, please check the website for flight times.

Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles to and from Canyonlands Field Airport.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

Aarchway Inn -Where the trip meets (10% off for WS guests)
435-259-2599 - Use Hyperlink above or mention your a Western Spirit guest over the phone for discount.

Red Stone Inn
800-772-1972, 435-259-3500
moabredstone.com

Gravity Haus Moab
435-355-1088
gravityhaus.com

TAXI SERVICE

Moab Taxi: 435-210-4297
435-259-Taxi: 435-259-8294

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

  •  Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
  • A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Print This

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Grand Staircase Escalante Adventure Trip ( Cloned )

PRICE | $2,200 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

>>> Read More

Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

=========   More Trips Like This  =========