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Valley of Gods - Trail of the Ancient
Utah
USA
This is the first week of a two-week excursion between and through some of the most impressive valleys and canyons of the Southwest.
We start our ride in Utah with the Valley of Gods and overlook parts of the Grand Canyon and then during the second week we ride into Arizona and the wonders of Monument Valley.
This is a forward going camping ride with some lay-over camps and loop rides full of great scenery and history view. Ride and Explore the canyons that were once the home ancient Anasazi and more recently, the land of the Ute and Navajo then into the Valley of the Gods. Many great spots for pictures and long stretches of cantering in between those rock formations will make this an unforgettable adventure.
Explore the Kane Gulch Primitive Area and ride along ancient trails and through the impressive Valley of Gods. Many great spots for pictures and long stretches of cantering in between those rock formations will make this an unforgettable adventure.
-- also see Monument Valley Ride for the second leg of this exploration.
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Meeting:
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Blanding
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Airport:
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Cortez
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Transfer:
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Cortez at 4 pm
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Tent accommodations and last night in hotel, all meals, 5 riding days
| A | 2010 | 8 day Valley of Gods Ride, AP | 8d / 7n | $1680 |
| Single supplement (if requested) | $200 |
| Discount for 2 week combo with Monument Valley Ride | ($680) |
| B | 2010 | 9 day Monument Valley Ride, AP | 9d / 8n | $1890 |
| Single supplement (requested) | $200 |
| Discount for 2 week combo ride | ($680) |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Cortez included at 4 PM
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Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2010
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05/02
- 05/09
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8d / 7n
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8 day Valley of Gods Ride, A...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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05/08
- 05/16
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9d / 8n
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9 day Monument Valley Ride, ...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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05/23
- 05/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day Valley of Gods Ride, A...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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05/29
- 06/06
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9d / 8n
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9 day Monument Valley Ride, ...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/29
- 09/05
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8d / 7n
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8 day Valley of Gods Ride, A...
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5
/10
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Reserve
|
| B |
2010
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09/04
- 09/12
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9d / 8n
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9 day Monument Valley Ride, ...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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09/19
- 09/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day Valley of Gods Ride, A...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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09/25
- 10/03
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9d / 8n
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9 day Monument Valley Ride, ...
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5
/10
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Sleeping bag - rental is not available.
Day 1 Sun. Pick up in Cortez around 4 PM and transfer to the camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 Introductions and trail briefing before everyone selects or is assigned their horse for the trail then a short ride to ancient dwelling sites in a hidden canyon below an impressive stone arch as well as other hidden settlements, tombs and lookout towers. (15 miles, 5 h)
Day 3 Another day ride into the ancient canyon dwelling and spectacular views of Utah Navajo country in and through Recapture Canyon (Historic site where Native Americans where recaptured after escaping from their Spanish conquerors).
Steep climbs into the canyons and lots of archaeological evidence of early Anasazi settlements along the way makes this a very interesting ride.
Day 4 We ride from Mustang Mesa across sage covered plains into the north end of Comb Ridge near Arch Canyon for more breathtaking scenery of rock cliffs and canyons where you visit more ruins, still very much natural and unmolested by modern man.
Day 5 A long ride south along the towering ochre colored cliffs of Comb Ridge to a camp site at an old round up Corral is the day's adventure. Long stretches of trotting and cantering on this sandy stretch will add a feeling of being one of the first explorers of the area. We will finish the day camping under a beautiful star-lit sky - overnight in roomy tents.
Day 6 Another long day ride into the spectacular and beautiful Valley of the Gods (famed as the miniature Monument Valley - professed by some to be blessed with more breathtaking colors, rock formations, and natural sculptures in sandstone). The endless sand dunes between these spectacular red rock towers invite for a fast and interesting ride. Camp is back at Comb Ridge corrals.
Day 7 We transfer you back to Cortez around noon and check into a hotel for overnight (dinner on your own - not included). Those of you staying on for the Monument Valley Ride, you will relax in camp or go for a swim while transfers are taking place. The evening will see the arrival of the new guests in time for dinner under a wondrous sky.
Day 8 Hotel shuttle to the airport and departure.
subject to change
-- staying on for week two - see the Monument Valley trip
Meeting:
Blanding
Airport:
Cortez
Transfer:
Cortez at 4 pm
Distance:
120 miles
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Tack:
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Western
Hackamores
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Horses:
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Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabian and Arab/Foxtrotter mix, Tennesse Walker
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Pace:
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Some long riding days. Forward going ride. The gaited horses will not gait throughout the trip.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
210
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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You should be able to walk, trot and canter and should be in good physical condition able to ride 6-8 hours per day for most of our trails. We take breaks every hour to stretch our legs, but the pace can be quite challenging with long stretches of trotting and cantering where the terrain allows. However, we do adjust to everyone�€™s riding ability to make it enjoyable for riders and the horses as well.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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. more
Summertime maximum temperatures can be very warm, averaging in the 90s, with nights considerably cooler. Because of the mile-high elevation, winters can be very cold and snowy, with minimum monthly lows in the 20s.
Average Monthly Temperature (F)
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JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
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HIGH |
43 |
47 |
54 |
65 |
73 |
85 |
90 |
88 |
82 |
66 |
50 |
42 |
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LOW |
25 |
26 |
33 |
40 |
47 |
58 |
63 |
62 |
57 |
41 |
30 |
24 |
On these camping rides we provide
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all camping gear (except sleeping bags). You must bring your own sleeping bag as we don't have these for rent. We have spare “used bags” to use over your own but we do not rent them or recommend you use them in lieu of your own.
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roomy tents with 2 camping cots in each.
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hot showers in camp
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three meals a day (hearty breakfast, bag lunch on trail, and a varied dinner menu). Please let us know of any special dietary requests at the time of booking.
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we do not provide beverages other than coffee, tea and water, but you are welcome to bring your own, or the cook can purchase it for you (at cost) when he goes to town for supplies
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horses and tack (including canteens and saddlebags)
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friendly, knowledgeable staff (all guides are First Aid certified)
You just sit back, relax and enjoy.
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Comfortable riding jeans or Jodhpurs with half chaps for calf protection can be ideal |
| Cold weather Jacket or coat recommended for early spring and late fall cold nights and mornings. |
| Boots with grips on the sole and ankle support (i.e. lightweight walking boots or jodphur boots with tread). Traditional long riding boots and smooth-soled jodphur boots are not recommended. |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Lightweight Rain coat |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
| Swimsuit |
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| For Camping trips: |
| Sleeping Bag |
| Flashlight |
| Pillow if wanted |
| Towel and small bar of soap |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun block |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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steve bartlett
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6/14/2009
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helena wayth
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10/12/2008
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nadia sartor
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7/6/2008
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carrington brown
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9/30/2002
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teresa marty
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8/16/2002
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jan stiglitz
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6/28/2001
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..view other reports for different trips
“Three season” tents with cots (we also provide pillows and have spare Sleeping bags for anyone needing the extra warmth on the cold desert nights); Hot shower facility in one of the support vehicles.(Hot water is always available for freshening up of a morning from a large pot and wash basins.) (Although there will always be water available, please remember that it is a precious commodity out here so conservation is the key word.)
Wholesome tasty meals prepared in a modern day chuck wagon are served in a variety of menus throughout the trail. Beef, pork, or chicken, fresh vegetables, potatoes or rice, bread or rolls and some Southwest meals for dinner are served family style around a table. Breakfast menus consist of eggs, pancakes, French toast, bisquits, potatoes, and gravy, bacon or sausage, juice; and a lot of coffee, tea and cocoa.
Drinking water and water bottles are provided; flavoured drink mix with electrolytes are also provided and you are encouraged to use them here in this southwest heat.
Portable chemical toilets are provided in camp but while on the trail the bushes and trees will serve your needs.
Beverages other than coffee, tea, and water are not included on this trip but can be brought from town “at cost”. When the cook goes in for supplies.*
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
You should be able to walk, trot and canter and should be in good physical condition able to ride 6-8 hours per day for most of our trails. We take breaks every hour to stretch our legs, but the pace can be quite challenging with long stretches of trotting and cantering where the terrain allows. However, we do adjust to everyone�€™s riding ability to make it enjoyable for riders and the horses as well.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
Hackamores
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabian and Arab/Foxtrotter mix, Tennesse Walker
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Some long riding days. Forward going ride. The gaited horses will not gait throughout the trip.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
16
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
5 riders
|
Max
10 riders
|
|
You should be able to walk, trot and canter and should be in good physical condition able to ride 6-8 hours per day for most of our trails. We take breaks every hour to stretch our legs, but the pace can be quite challenging with long stretches of trotting and cantering where the terrain allows. However, we do adjust to everyone�€™s riding ability to make it enjoyable for riders and the horses as well.
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.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Valley of Gods - Trail of the Ancient
Tour Code: RTUT06
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,680.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Two Week Itinerary
Tack:
Western
Hackamores
Horses:
Missouri Foxtrotters, Arabian and Ara...
Pace:
Some long riding days. Forward going r...
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport:
Cortez
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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