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Capitol Reef & Grand Staircase-Escalante – Spring

DATES UNSCHEDULED

(Contact Us to Request Dates)

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Linked Tour

Double Booking

TBD

Single Booking

TBD

Roommate Rebate

TBD

Includes all lodging, all meals, park entrance fees, van shuttles to and from Grand Junction airport, leaders, trail maps and narratives.

Assembly Point

Grand Junction, CO

Timberline van shuttle is included from and to Grand Junction.

Not included: Airline service to Grand Junction Regional Airport, CO; Guide Gratuity.

Meeting Time

Hotel 8:00 am

Drop-off Time

6 pm

The vast expanse of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is challenging and the inclusion of Capitol Reef National Park with its geographical proximity and geological affinity with the Grand Staircase, creates a hiking and photography experience of a lifetime.

The 1996 creation of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, has provided a partial cloak of protection over some of our nation’s most precious remaining wildlands in an area that has been a fierce battleground between developers and environmentalists.

Our hiking tour assembles in Torrey, UT, at the western entrance to Capitol Reef, and we’ll provide van shuttle transportation from Grand Junction early morning of Day 1. We’ll arrive at the Capitol Reef Resort early enough to visit the visitors center within the park and stretch our legs with a short hike along the Fremont River Trail that rises above the river for an outstanding view of the Fruita orchards and several of the park’s prominent formations. If guests want more, we will hike up the Sulphur Creek river and explore.

Following our first of three overnights, on Day 2 we’ll hike to Cohab Canyon, climbing initially to a grand overlook of the area and then descending into the narrows of Cohab with its soaring sandstone walls. We’ll continue to Cassidy Arch and through the Grand Wash. On Day 3, we’ll hike Chimney Rock Canyon to the Fremont River through Spring Canyon.

The Rim Overlook Trail is our focus for Day 4. We’ll hike from the Fremont River, initially to Hickman Natural Bridge and then well beyond to Navajo Knobs, some 2,000 feet above the valley floor. The views from the Knobs are incredible. We’ll relax as we enjoy a van shuttle over Boulder Mountain and we’ll overnight in Boulder, UT.

On Day 5, we’ll have the opportunity to explore two of the slots canyons for which the monument is so famous: Zebra and Tunnel. Day 6 we’ll hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls, we’ll then return to Grand Junction and the tour is complete.

Itinerary

DayLocationDistance
Day 1Van shuttle from Grand Junction in the morning, group assembles late afternoon at Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey; visit the Capitol Reef National Park Visitors Center. Hike to Fremont River Trail5 - 7
Day 2Cohab Canyon Trail: Cassidy Arch, Grand Wash; (2,000 feet)7
Day 3Chimney Rock Canyon to the Fremont River through Spring Canyon 10
Day 4Rim Overlook Trail: Hickman Bridge view; Navaho Knobs: views of the Fremont River, Fruita orchards, Water Pocket Fold, La Sal and Henry Mountains; (2,000 feet)9
Day 5Zebra and Tunnel Slot Canyons7.5
Day 6Lower Calf Creek Falls (700 feet), van shuttle return to Grand Junction, CO6.5

Total Distance: 45-47 miles

Capitol Reef & Grand Staircase-Escalante – Spring

DATES UNSCHEDULED

(Contact Us to Request Dates)