Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

Day 1
Arrive in scenic Torrey — lodging will be specified with confirmation of ride reservation. Torrey is a town of a little over 200 population which is located at the junction of highways 12 and 24 near the west entrance of Capitol Reef National Park. At 8 pm, meet at the lobby for an orientation and final packing session with your trip leader and the trip's interpretative specialist.

Day 2
After breakfast, you'll travel a short distance to our headquarters, located on highway 24 in the middle of downtown Torrey. Here, we'll pack your gear in the camp 4X4, meet the remainder of the crew and your horse, then depart (9 am) for the Slickrock Trail ten miles southeast of Torrey, or the Great Western Trail two miles north of Torrey. The Slickrock Trail leads to Happy Valley, Golden Throne overlook, Wildcat Gorge then to your basecamp on Pleasant Creek. The Great Western Trail will take you up Sand Creek to the Velvet Ridge, then to Hells Hole, Sand Creek Falls and your camp at Wiff's Pasture.

Day 3
After breakfast and preparing lunch, from the Pleasant Creek basecamp you'll ride to Meeks Lake, Pleasant Creek meadows and the Boulder Top at Behunin Point before returning to a hot shower and cold drinks. From the Wiff's Pasture camp you'll ride to Snow Lake and the Flat Top on Thousand Lakes Mountain where the views of the canyon lands are indescribable. As always, you'll return to camp in time to relax and enjoy hors d'oeuvres before dinner.

Day 4
Daylight at the Pleasant Creek camp brings the prospect of visiting Scout Lake, Long Lake and spectacular Bowns Point via the Elderberry Trail. From the Wiff’s Pasture camp you’ll wind your way into Paradise in Capitol Reef National Park. After lunch you’ll return to camp via Billings Pass and the Cathedral Valley overlook.

Day 5
Riders at the Pleasant Creek camp will follow Keller's Trail to the breath taking vista on Chokecherry Point, then across the Terrace to Pleasant Creek Falls. After a hearty breakfast, riders at the Wiff's Pasture camp will spend their final full day on the Saddle Pass Trail with its stunning views of Hell's Hole, Sand Creek Gorge and the Fremont River Valley.

Day 6
After packing personal gear and breaking camp, Pleasant Creek campers will use a different access back to the Slickrock Trail and return among the multi-hued Navajo sandstone domes littered with volcanic boulders where you'll exchange your saddle seat for the short drive back to headquarters. From the Wiff's camp you'll take the Sulfur Basin trail to Torrey Knoll and the Bingo and Torrey town overlooks. After a short drive you'll arrive in Torrey late afternoon.

Note: This is a sample itinerary for two of several camps we may use. Each camp is unique and often offers more trails to explore than time will permit.


2019 Dates & Highlights:
June 9th to 14th: Spring wildflowers
June 16th to 21st: Spring wildflowers
July 21st to 26th: Views of Canyon Lands, 4 Corners, the Grand Staircase 
July 28th to August 2nd: Views of Canyon Lands, 4 Corners, the Grand Staircase 
August 11th to 16th: Views of Canyon Lands, 4 Corners, aspens, alpine lakes, wildlife (wild turkeys, elk, deer, and birds of prey)
August 18th to 23rd: Views of Canyon Lands, 4 Corners, aspens, alpine lakes, wildlife (wild turkeys, elk, deer, and birds of prey)
September 1st to 6th: Fall foliage, cooler weather in maze of redrock canyons, wild horses
September 8th to 13th: Fall foliage, cooler weather in maze of redrock canyons, wild horses
September 22nd to 27th: Capitol Reef, 4 Corners, Waterpocket Fold Vistas

Torrey area

Seasons
Utah's portion of the Colorado Plateau region is a semi-arid tableland. It is generally dry with most precipitation falling as snow in the winter and occasional thunder storms during the summer. Higher elevations are cooler and receive more moisture than lower environs. Our trips explore the lower, slick rock and pinion-juniper forested areas. With warm days and cool nights, it is best to layer your clothing to maintain comfort and you should always pack rain gear just in case.

The trip features tent camping at primitive sites and are supported by 4 WD vehicles.  The camp wagons allow us to furnish cooking, eating and shower tents, chairs, and commode as well as feed for our horses. 

We recommend that you:
1) pack as light as possible,
2) pack practically and with a utilitarian eye, and
3) pack so you may layer clothing for warmth. 

We will provide each guest with water-proof gear bags for personal items.  Some items are available for purchase at headquarters.

Participants on the trail rides will be assisted with final packing during the pre-trip orientation, the evening prior to departure.

Suggested Items to Bring 
•    wide brimmed hat with a string
•    heeled, smooth soled, riding boots
•    riding gloves    
•    long underwear, underwear and socks   
•    long sleeved shirts and pants          
•    sweater, medium and heavy weight jackets   
•    bandanas
•    rubber overshoes (optional--For spring & fall mud)
•    camp shoes (Tennis shoes or light hiking boots are good.)
•    quality rain coat and pants (We don't often use them but always have them.)
•    camera and plenty of film (Padded travel case is recommended.)
•    flashlight, extra batteries, dark glasses and plenty of sun screen
•    beer and liquor
•    personal articles:  towel, lip balm, moisturizing lotion, tooth brush and paste, soap like Ivory or Castile, band aids, mole skin, etc...
•    riding helmet (This is an optional item except for riders under l8 years of age. Stipulations of our insurance require that riders should be encouraged to wear helmets. The outfitter does provide helmets!)
•    chaps and swim wear (optional)
•    cash for staff/guide gratuities
•    stuff sacks or pillow cases (We recommend these for dirty laundry or pillow)
•    insect repellent (Avon's Skin-So-Soft is the only thing that repels the small gnats we sometimes encounter--a rare occurrence.)

Additional Expenses
Airfare, rental car, personal items and alcoholic beverages. You should note that trip prices have been discounted to reflect the added expense for car rental incurred in reaching Torrey. In the final analysis, the cost for this quality trip make it one of the best buys in the adventure travel market. Also, for those participants who appreciate a cold beer after an eventful day or relaxing around the campfire with a cocktail, enjoy, but bring spirits in unbreakable containers if possible.
 
Outfitter Provides  
•    sleeping bag                        
•    saddle bags or day pack 
•    sleeping pad or cot                    
•    saddle and tack 
•    canvas tent                        
•    horse 
•    2 quart canteen                        
•    helmets (some sizes are available) 
•    water-proof gear bags
 

Hotel/ Inn
Accommodation for the first night will be in a motel or inn. You will be notified the selection at the time of booking.

Camps
All trail rides utilize a base camp arrangement with daily forays to different points of interest. This allows us to spend less time packing and unpacking, and more time riding and seeing the country. Campsites are located in primitive, backcountry areas which we seldom use more than once or twice each season. Low- impact camping techniques are practiced. Tents provide our home away from home. Cook tent, dining tent and shower tent round out the facilities. Chairs are provided.

All trips feature deluxe provisions and complete outfitting. We strive to provide the highest level of comfort while practicing low impact, not primitive camping. Don't misunderstand us - we are not a white glove, tuck you into bed outfit. We do provide camp chairs, primitive shower, sleeping cot or 6' pad, tent, fresh food, iced drinks, etc., to make the trip more pleasant and restful.  The rides explore many of the physiographic sections or landforms located in the Colorado Plateau west of the Colorado River and the Green River.

Trail conditions range from good to rugged, over rough and rocky terrain. Distance covered between camps usually range from 6 to 12 miles (3 to 6 hours in the saddle) although longer or shorter days do occur. We sometimes divide the group and approach camp from different trails, with one group going the rugged or longer route and the other taking the gentler way. Side rides from camp are customary on short days. Stops at scenic features and Indian rock art panels are common. Geology and history are emphasized. You may use your personal horse.

Meals 
All meals are included from Lunch on Day 2 to Lunch on Day 6.


CAMPING Trail Rides Include:
*All taxes and land-use fees
*All ground transportation from Torrey, UT & return.
*First night motel lodging in Torrey.
*Four nights at a deluxe base camp deep in the backcountry.
*All meals from lunch on day two through lunch on day six, including fresh produce, hot and iced drinks.
*Canvas tents for cooking, dining, showering and sleeping (single, double or family occupancy).
*Sleeping bag, cot and foam pad.
*Camp chairs, coolers and other camp amenities.
*Waterproof gear bags, water bottles, saddle bags and tack.
*Seasoned mountain horses.
*Guides/wranglers, cook, camp-jack and interpretative specialist.

Tack:		western
Horses:		Quarter and Quarter cross
Pace:		5-6 hrs per day
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Low Intermediate
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 300
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 10 riders

Suitability
While no previous riding experience is required, participants should be in good health and physical condition. And although the minimum age of eight years is required, the important point you should understand is that we do not want to put any participant in a situation which they are physically or emotionally unable to handle. An appreciation of the outdoors is the only prerequisite for joining a trip.

You'll ride at a pace that is comfortable for the group, sometimes splitting into two groups, one faster for the hearty rider, and one well-paced but leisurely for those who wish to take time relishing the beauty and wonder of the sights. All riders will then regroup and make a lunch stop together. Following the afternoon ride you will return to camp with plenty of time to clean up and relax before dinner.

Guests/Hikers
It should be noted that although these trips are designed to accommodate hikers as well as riders, if you plan to combine both activities, let us know so we may plan for appropriate personnel and horses before the last moment.

If you want to accompany someone on a trail ride but you are not a rider, or you simply want to spend time camping and relaxing in a wilderness setting, or you want to hike this spectacular landscape, then you're welcome to join a trail ride. Although the trips are designed for riders, it is not uncommon for participants to not ride one or more days. Daily guided hikes will venture forth as arranged. Non-riders may travel with the cook and campjack to and from the base camp, however we should know in advance.

Horses
Our remuda consists of ranch raised Quarter Horses with a few Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Mustangs. Most of the horses we've bred and raised ourselves.

Saddle Time
Usually about 6 hours; more or less time if desired or circumstances require. On camping trailrides you'll ride to and from basecamp on first and last day of riding, otherwise, ride or rest as you please. Trail conditions range from good to rugged, over rough and rocky terrain. Distances covered between camps usually range from 6 to 12 miles. We sometimes divide the group and approach camp from different trails. Stops at scenic features and Indian rock art panels are common.

About Your Guides
Patricia Kearney or Gary George, lead each and every trip. Pat and Gary have been guiding backcountry travelers for over three decades. They are joined by a small group of seasoned guides who share a similar interest and enthusiasm for the canyonlands.

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).

Passport Note

(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.

(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.

(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).



The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.

ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:

1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.

Visa Note

(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.

Validity

Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.

Applications to:

Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).

Working Days Required

Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.