Canyonlands Lodge Ride - Colorado Plateau Utah USA Special Offer Available!! Capitol Reef and Escalante Canyons is a landscape where thousands of feet of layered, multicolored sediments have been thrust skyward by faulting of the earth's crust (the Circle Cliff anticline). Once you see this kaleidoscopic, jagged geologic spectacle, you'll understand why the Ute Indians called it the "Land of the Sleeping Rainbow ". It was the last explored and named region of the continental United States. It is a countryside of slickrock mountains punctured by deep, narrow canyons so rugged and remote that the tiny village of Boulder, Utah, which lies within it's midst, could not be reached by automobile until 1938. To trailride this terrain and to take in panoramas of the Land of the Sleeping Rainbow breaking from the lush, alpine plateaus looming high above, is indisputably an opportunity of a lifetime. The topography of the rides is dynamic and elevation may change from below 4,000 ft. to above 11,000 ft., with higher elevations visited in the heat of the summer and lower environs visited earlier or later in the season. You'll cover new trails each day which were established by Native Americans, pioneer herdsmen and outlaws. 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 with the descriptive names such as Cathedral Valley, The Mummy Cliffs and Circle Cliffs, Paradise, Hell's Hole, The Velvet Ridge, The Golden Throne, Pleasant Creek Falls, Deep Creek Gorge, Tantalus Canyon, and more. Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Torrey at 8 PM in the common area of the designated lodge Airport: Moab, Utah or Las Vegas Transfer: Moab, Utah Riders: Min 4 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Special Offer: 10% discount for bookings with 2+ people!

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Gratuity: 18 % (to be paid locally)

Tax: 5.95 %    

Rates Note:

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

Transfer and Other Charges:

The trip is designed to spend the first three nights in (or near) Torrey, Utah and the last three nights in Boulder, Utah. From these two elegant inns, daily trailriding destinations will vary according to the season of the year and the trail selected. As a general rule, we'll move down the Waterpocket Fold towards Lake Powell. Capitol Reef National Park National Park is featured at the beginning of the ride and Grandstaircase/Escalante Canyons National Monument is highlighted during the last days.

Breakfasts and dinners will be a “sampler” of the remarkable quality of cuisine at a range of local restaurants. Lunches will be eaten on the trail. Time away from the lodge may vary day to day, but as a general rule, you should plan to depart by nine each morning and to return about six 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.

Torrey Lodging Info:

Lodge rides depart from Torrey, Utah. Torrey is a town of a little over 200 population, which is located at the junction of State Highways 12, and 24 near the west entrance of Capitol Reef National Park.

We use one of the area's three best inns for lodging our guests during the ride's first three nights. You will lodge at Torrey Schoolhouse B & B, The Lodge at Red River, or Muley Twist Inn. The inn used will be specified with confirmation of ride reservation.

Boulder Lodging Info:

Lodge Rides end in Boulder, Utah. Boulder is a tiny town with big scenery. It is famous as the last town in the continental United States which could be reached by automobile--1938. It is located on Highway 12--named by AAA Auto Club as one of the three most scenic roads in America—forty miles south of Torrey. Lodging is quite scarce; we'll stay at either the Boulder Mountain Lodge or Pole's Place for our last three nights (based on availability).

Sample-Itinerary:

Day 1 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 8 pm at your assigned lodge.

Day 2 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.

Day 3 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.

Day 4 Today your accommodations will shift from the Torrey area to Boulder, Utah. 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.

Day 5 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.

Day 6 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.

Day 7 Depart Boulder, Utah at your convenience.

(subject to change)

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.

The shorter 4 days 3 nights includes 3 days of riding, trip ends on the third day of riding -- dinner and lodging on the last day (day 4) is not included but can be arranged at extra cost. Please inquire for more info.

Special date: on June 21st 2017 there will be total eclipse of the sun! This date falls under our June 18-24 inn to inn ride so be sure to book early before this tour is filled up!

Utah's portion of the Colorado Plateau region is a semi-arid tableland or steppe ranging in elevation between 3,800 ft. and 11,500 ft. with vegetation classified as upper-Sonoran to Alpine. This landscape is famous for it's dynamic elevation changes with hundreds, even thousands, of feet changing literally in one step.
The key word in this description, as far as weather is concerned, is semi-arid. 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. All trips explore the lower, slickrock and pinyon-juniper forested areas on spring and fall rides. In the heat of the summer, ponderosa-pine or aspen-spruce forests form the backdrop for experiencing the Canyonlands. Trip temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees in the daytime or 40 degrees at night. 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 following:
+ 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. 

Beer and Liquor: You may purchase beer & wine with meals in Utah.  Utah Law requires a corkage fee at restaurants if you bring spirits purchased IN Utah.  No out of state liquor allowed in the restaurants.

 

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

On this ride we spend 3 nights at a beautiful inn near Torrey and 3 nights at a lodge in Boulder (Utah).  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 available, please inquire about availability and cost. All meals are included from breakfast on Day 2

Torrey Schoolhouse B&B Inn
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!"

Distinctive Features and Amenities

• Newly renovated 1914 schoolhouse, with elegant hardwood floors, beadboard and plaster walls, period fixtures and lighting, and comfortable period furnishings and decor
• Spectacular views of red rock formations and verdant mountain peaks
• Walking distance from the town park, gift shops, general store, art galleries, and 2 award-winning restaurants, including the Cafe Diablo
• Full baths and air conditioning in every suite, including wheelchair-accessible suite
• Ultra-comfortable beds, with Tempur-Pedic mattress toppers
• Shiatsu-massage recliners in every room!
• ORGANIC full hot breakfast served each morning in the dining area.  Vegetarian and vegan options available 
• Service Rooms on each floor offer guests a kitchenette with refrigerator, sink, coffee maker, microwave, dishes, and tableware for their convenience
• Free WIFI (high speed wireless) internet throughout
• Free VONAGE long distance calls to your home or office in USA, Europe, Canada

 

Boulder Mountain Lodge
The Boulder Mountain Lodge is an oasis of calm, comfort, and luxury in the middle of Utah's scenic red rock canyon country and mountain forests.
Our mission is to introduce guests to the unparalleled  natural wonders of Boulder-Escalante region, while providing a lodging experience as memorable as the surrounding landscape.

In the middle of Utah's red rock canyon country it is an unexpected oasis of tranquility and comfort. This nationally recognized lodge provides everything for a fabulous getaway: spacious rooms, intimate ambiance, unparalleled views, fine dining, and an impressive array of opportunities, services, and amenities. There is not a better setting for your family vacation or romantic get away.  The lodge is also the ideal spot for weddings, seminars, retreats and reunions. Pets are welcome.

The nice rooms have decks or patios with fabulous views, and a wide variety of amenities including robes, satellite television, DVD players, coffee and tea service, refrigerators, and an assortment of Aveda personal products to make you feel truly pampered. Beds are covered with custom tapestry duvets. Rooms are elegantly furnished in a Western style with craftsman-quality wooden furniture. The lodge architecture is a charming Western eclectic-style: red stucco, rose-colored sandstone blocks, massive timbers, and dramatically pitched rusted metal roofs.

The lodge itself is an intimate arrangement of buildings set around a eleven acre bird sanctuary. In the main building's large two story common room, you can relax, read, plan adventures, or chat before a cozy sandstone fireplace.  An outdoor hot tub, volleyball, croquet, an outdoor stone fire pit, games, books, and DVD's are available for guests as well.  

Dining at  the award winning Hell's Backbone Grill is a culinary experience not to be missed. The restaurant serves organic, regional cuisine.
For accommodations in Southern Utah, our surroundings and location simply can't be topped. 

Amenities

• Stop by the gift shop for books, art, gifts and forgotten items such as sunscreen, toothpaste, film, batteries, and more.
• Hot Tub: Spend your day riding in the breathtaking scenery and then rest your weary muscles in the hot tub. The luxurious hot tub utilizes a state-of-the-art ozonator to reduce chemical use. By day, enjoy the lovely view of our bird sanctuary. Or, wait until dark and enjoy the stars in the beautiful night sky. The hot tub is open from 8:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m.
• Massages: We can help you arrange for a relaxing massage in your room after a long day of hiking.
• Wireless Internet Access: Free wireless Internet service is available. We also have a complimentary guest computer in the gift shop that can be used during regular office hours.  
• Phones: Phones are available in every room. Cell phone coverage is also available from most major carriers. 
• Television/DVD: All rooms are also equipped with televisions and DVD players, so bring along your favorite DVDs or choose from our complimentary selection available at the office.  
• Laundry Service: You're on vacation, so allow us to do your laundry for you. Bring it to the front desk, and we'll do the rest. For just $12.00 per load we’ll wash, dry, and fold your laundry while you're out enjoying the day. Laundry service is available during regular office hours.
• Hair Dryers and Irons: Each room is equipped with a hair dryer. Irons and ironing boards are available by contacting the front office.
• Natural Well Water: Our water comes directly from our private well and has no chemicals added. Enjoy the clean, sparkling taste of fresh well water. Please feel free to fill up your own containers.  
• Refrigerators, Coffee Makers/Beverages: Each room is equipped with a small refrigerator, coffee maker, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and apple cider.

Mission
Our mission is to provide superb service, while maintaining our commitment to the environment, local culture, community, and other charitable causes.
We are committed to preserving local culture and making the lowest possible impact on the environment. We are dedicated to conservation of local ecosystems. One of our primary goals is to educate guests and encourage them to practice eco-tourism whenever possible.We are dedicated to financially supporting important causes. For that reason, well over one-third of our annual profits are donated to environmental groups, community organizations, and other charities.
The Lodge strives to be sustainable. Our operations are constantly evolving to minimize our ecological footprint and maintain a governance system that promotes personal growth, commitment, motivation, and productivity

 

Restaurant
At Hell's Backbone Grill we serve food and drink that reflect our deep commitment to sustainability and intention to be of benefit in the world. Our ingredients are simple and honest: sustainably grown vegetables, herbs and flowers from the restaurant's own no-harm organic farm and on-site gardens, and Boulder-raised grass fed and finished local lamb and beef. We keep bees for honey and pollination and lovingly tend over 50 heritage-breed laying hens who provide the eggs for the breakfast plates.

Hell’s Backbone Grill’s organic farm is located three miles south of the restaurant in Lower Boulder. Our skilled team of farmers, WWOOFers and volunteers work to supply our kitchen with as many varieties of heirloom vegetables, greens and herbs as possible during our growing season.
The farm is worked organically, employing principles of sustainability and Buddhist values of right livelihood. We use no chemicals, all weeding is done by hand and we rely on companion planting and relocation to deter pests. Between our three cultivated acres, our hoophouse and the straw-bale greenhouse, we produce over 6000 pounds of produce a year!

(subject to availability and change)

 

 

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: (Actual hours in the saddle): Usually about 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.