Canyonlands Lodge Ride - Colorado Plateau Utah USA On our inn-to-inn trail rides, we select daily destinations from several dozen available. Our lodging location changes mid-week from Torrey, UT to Boulder, UT as our ride meanders down the Waterpocket Fold towards Lake Powell. Our horseback ride destinations move us from the Capitol Reef National Park area into the Grand Staircase/Escalante Canyons National Monument. During warm weather or fall foliage, excursions to the lakes and alpine meadows of Fishlake or Dixie National Forest become part of our itinerary. An elegant lodge will serve as your home for the daily forays deep into the wilderness.  You’ll experience ancient petroglyphs, slickrock mountains, slot-canyons, rock arches, buttes and spires such as Cathedral Valley, The Mummy Cliffs and Circle Cliffs, Paradise, Hell’s Hole, The Velvet Ridge, The Golden Throne, Pleasant Creek Falls and Gorge, Deep Creek Gorge, Tantalus Canyon, and more. Trails on all of our Utah horseback rides are mostly un-groomed and pioneered by wildlife, Indians, outlaws or herdsmen. Areas explored are selected for their scenic quality, pristine natural condition and remote location. As a general rule, the rides explore higher environs (to 11,500 ft.) during mid-summer and lower elevations (to 3,900 ft.) earlier or later in the season. Life zones visited may range from Alpine to upper-Sonoran depending on ride and time of year. Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Torrey Airport: Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) Transfer: Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) Riders: Min 4 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Gratuity: 18 % (to be paid locally)

Tax: 6.95 %    

Rates Note:

Shorter tour with minimum of 3 riders is possible for 4 days 3 nights 3 riding days.

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up / Drop-off is available from Salt Lake City Airport. It might also be possible to arrange transfers from St George Airport (please inquire).

 
Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

Time away from the lodge may vary day to day, but as a general rule, you should plan to depart by 9am each morning and to return about 6pm in the evening. The rides are leisurely and might be divided into two groups, one group going a longer distance and one a shorter distance. Daily travel time to or from our trailhead averages about twenty minutes.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrive scenic Torrey, Utah and check into your assigned lodge. Participants on lodge rides will meet with your trip leader and interpretative specialist for orientation and to outline details, destinations, and scheduling particulars at 7:00pm at your assigned lodge.
Meals included: None
Overnight at accommodation in Torrey

Day 2 (Monday): Ride through Capitol Reef National Park
Your guides will meet you after breakfast at your inn and then you'll depart for a short vehicle ride to the trailhead meeting the remainder of the crew and your horse. After becoming familiar with your mount, you'll hit the Sand Creek Trail for The Mummy Cliffs and Fremont River Overlook, Hell's Hole and Paradise Overlook or you'll ride along Pleasant Creek as you pass through the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at accommodation in Torrey

Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride through Capitol Reef National Park
From your Torrey inn, you'll visit Sulfur Creek Gorge and The Goosenecks; or you'll ride the Keller Trail to Capitol Reef Overlook on Chokecherry Point and The Terrace.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at accommodation in Torrey

Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride through Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument
Today your accommodations will shift from the Torrey area to Boulder. For those guests traveling by automobile, you'll transfer car and luggage to trails end then go in the van to today's trailhead and ride The Slickrock Trail or you'll ride The Great Western Trail to The Terrace and Meek's Lake. Follow our vehicles to your new accommodations with plenty of time to unpack, relax and enjoy a distinctive dining experience with your guide before bedding down.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at accommodation in Boulder

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride through Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument
From our Boulder base, you'll experience the Burr Trail into the Escalante river canyons of Sand Hollow and Deer Creek or you'll ride from Roundup Flat Trail to Long Lake, Scout Lake and Sunflower Flat.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at accommodation in Boulder

Day 6 (Friday): Last Ride through Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument
You'll depart for a final day of riding joining your mount in Indian Gulch, then journey to The Lamp Stand, Lamanite Natural Bridge and Egg Canyon or venture to Edmund's Hole, Steep Creek Lakes and Deer Creek. On this final evening, you’ll enjoy a group dinner before your final night's stay.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at accommodation in Boulder

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Depart Boulder, Utah at your convenience.

Note: This is a sample itinerary which includes two possible scenarios of daily activity. It will give you an idea of what you might experience. In reality, we have dozens of trails to explore and dozens of landforms to visit. Where ever we go, we'll have fun and see some spectacular country.

2020 Dates and Highlights
April 12th to 18th: Wildflowers; Springtime in Red Rocks
May 3rd to 9th: Wildflowers; Springtime in Red Rocks
May 24th to 30th: Wildflowers; Springtime in Red Rocks
June 14th to 20th: Explore Capitol Reef NP & the Escalante Canyons NM headwaters including alpine settings
July 5th to 11th: Explore Capitol Reef NP & the Escalante Canyons NM headwaters including alpine settings
July 26th to August 1st: Explore Capitol Reef NP & the Escalante Canyons NM headwaters including alpine settings
August 16th to 22nd: Views of the Canyonlands, Four Corner area, alpine lakes, and aspens
August 30th to September 5th: Views of the Canyonlands, Four Corner area, alpine lakes, and aspens
September 20th to 26th: Fall colors in the aspens and cottonwoods
October 11th to 17th: Fall colors in the aspens and cottonwoods

                                                Torrey area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	46	48	54	59	67	79	83	80	74	63	52	44
Average Low Temperature (°F)	18	19	26	32	40	49	54	53	46	36	25	17
Average High Temperature (°C)	8	9	12	15	19	26	28	26	23	17	11	7
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-8	-7	-4	0	4	10	12	12	8	2	-4	-8
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	2	1	2	2	2	1	4	5	3	2	2	1

Source: NOAA


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 pinyon-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 outfitter provides 
- Gratuities at restaurants
- Transportation from headquarter to trailhead and return
- Saddle bags or day pack
- water bottles

Additional expenses
State of Utah sales tax, 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. 
 

 

Average ratings from 4 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date helenmary ball 10/22/2014 helenmary ball 10/21/2014 bobbi walsh 8/1/2012 terry armstead 7/31/2012

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent at different lodges.

Description
We spend 3 nights at a beautiful inn near Torrey and 3 nights at a lodge in Boulder.  Generally we use the Torrey Schoolhouse B&B Inn and Pole's Place in Boulder, but depending on availability we may use other facilities like the Red River Lodge, the Sky Ridge Inn. Upgrade to the Boulder Mountain Lodge is possible. Please inquire about availability and cost. Laundry is available at an additional cost.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1-3: Hotel in Torrey
Nights 4-6: Hotel in Boulder

Torrey Schoolhouse B&B Inn (Torrey)
The Torrey Schoolhouse B&B Inn provides lodging in a historic pioneer setting. The Inn was once the lifeblood of the whole county, including weekend dances, country bands, boxing matches, sometimes attended by local outlaws including Butch Cassidy. Relax and enjoy the historic elegance that awaits you! Located in the heart of Torrey, Utah--only minutes from the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park--the Torrey Schoolhouse B&B is the most convenient and luxurious lodging accommodation at Capitol Reef, providing delicious ORGANIC full hot breakfasts, the inn is also a wellness retreat.  It is truly where "Capitol Reef meets comfort!". All rooms feature private bath, tempur-pedic beds, shiatsu-massage recliners, and WIFI.

Pole's Place Motel (Boulder)
This motel is operated by a fourth generation Boulder Family. It offers simple and clean rooms with TV, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms. There is no Wi-Fi at this accommodation.

Boulder Mountain Lodge (Boulder) – with upgrade, if available
This lodge offers comfortable accommodations with amazing views of the surroundings. Each room has a deck or patio, satellite TV, air-conditioning, coffee and tea services, a fridge and a private bathroom with hairdryer. The rooms feature Western-style furniture and a charming décor. The lodge itself consists in multiple buildings set around a bird sanctuary. In the main building's common room, you can relax, read or chat.  An outdoor hot tub, volleyball, croquet, an outdoor stone fire pit, games, books, and DVD's are available for guests as well. Free wireless Internet and laundry service are available.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement applies if you are a single traveler.


Meals
Three meals are included daily except for the first and last day. 

Breakfasts and dinners will be a “sampler” of the remarkable quality of cuisine at a range of local restaurants.
Breakfasts are taken at the accommodation, lunches are eaten on the trail, and dinners are at local restaurants.

Alcoholic drinks are not included in this trip and it is not possible to bring your own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter, Quarter cross
Pace:		Depends on terrain and riders experience, 5-6 hours | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3.5 out of 5)    Low Intermediate+
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 250 lbs
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 our 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.

Although the trips are designed for riders, it is not uncommon for participants to not ride one or more days. 

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

Saddle Time
Usually about 5-6 hours; more or less time if desired or circumstances require. On inn-to-inn trips, ride or rest as you please.

About Your Guides
Patricia Kearney or Gary George the owners, will 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.

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.