4.9/5 (61 reviews)

Arches & Canyonlands Adventure

See for yourself why Utah is known across the globe as an adventurer's paradise. Explore the jaw-dropping landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks on foot, by Hummer, and with a paddle in hand on this six-day trip.

Start - End: Grand Junction - Grand Junction

Total trip: 6 days

Average group size: 12 people

Level: 2

from NZD 7,099/pp including taxes and fees

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Utah’s finest geologic wonders and world-renowned beauty await your discovery on our Arches and Canyonlands Adventure

Over six unforgettable days, journey deep into Utah’s canyon country where red rock landscapes, winding rivers, and star-filled skies set the stage for endless adventure as you experience Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Starting and finishing in Grand Junction, there’s no doubt you’ll be mind-blown by the variety of landscapes you’ll explore on foot and with a paddle in hand in under one week. Raft the narrow Black Granite Gorge, witness the famous Mesa Arch and Delicate Arch, and take an exciting Hummer Tour through Moab. With the same accommodation all trip, you can unpack your bags and settle into a marvelous adventure with expert local guides taking care of every detail.

Allow your senses to come alive as you hike, raft, and explore Utah’s expansive landscapes. Let our Arches & Canyonlands National Parks tour lead the way.

Trip Highlights

Hiking

Arches National Park

Wander among a world of natural sculptures, where sandstone arches and red cliffs glow in the morning light. Our guides know just where to take you for the best views and the quietest trails.

Hiking

Delicate Arch

Stand beneath Utah’s most iconic arch and feel that hush of awe that always falls when you first see it in person. It’s a moment you’ll never forget.

Hiking

Fish Towers

Explore a hidden corner of canyon country where sandstone spires rise dramatically from the desert floor, and every step feels like walking through time.

Hiking

Mesa Arch

Watch the sunrise through Mesa Arch as golden light spills across the canyon below. This is one of those simple, perfect moments that stays with you long after you’ve gone home.

Hiking

The Needles District

Lose yourself in a maze of colorful spires and narrow passages, where the quiet beauty of Canyonlands feels both humbling and deeply peaceful.

Biking

Canyonlands National Park

Pedal along winding roads and open mesas with views that stretch to forever. With expert support and plenty of breaks to take it all in, you’ll feel both exhilarated and at ease.

Rafting

Colorado River - Black Granite Gorge

Drift past towering canyon walls and feel the splash of cool water as you navigate gentle rapids. It’s pure fun and the perfect way to see the desert from a whole new angle.

Plus...

Moab Hummer Tour

Buckle up for an off-road adventure across Moab’s famous slickrock. Our local drivers handle the bumps so you can just enjoy the views and the laughter.

Day by day trip

From quiet trails to rafting river fun, discover what each day holds on your adventure in Arches and Canyonlands.

^{Click map below to explore.}

Day 1

Meet the group in Grand Junction, Rafting the Colorado River

Begin your trip with early-morning pickups in Grand Junction, followed by a welcome meeting. After a short shuttle to the banks of the Colorado River, you'll spend the day paddling through ever-deepening sandstone monuments into the narrow Black Granite Gorge. Totally isolated from modern civilization, you'll soak up serene solitude as you raft amid the red sandstone spires.

Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river before setting out again. After an adventure-filled day in Colorado, it’s a quick trip to your home base for the week, The Canyonlands Inn. Located in the heart of downtown Moab, this property is within easy walking distance of many restaurants and shops. Tonight, enjoy dinner with your fellow adventurers and discuss the upcoming days playing in red rock country.
Accommodation: Canyonlands Inn, Moab
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Rafting: All day, class III-IV

Day 2

Hike Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is known for its dramatic desert landscape carved by the Colorado River, a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes. We’ll explore Utah’s largest national park with a few short hikes, eyeing the skyward-jutting spires and needles, deep craters, and blue-hued mesas that dot the landscape.

The Grand View Point Trail is a popular choice and a great chance to see some wildlife. We will take a short hike to Upheaval dome and Mesa Arch. We will head back to Moab for dinner and relaxation after a full day of adventure.
Accommodation: Canyonlands Inn, Moab
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3-4 miles (5-6 kilometers)

Day 3

Hike The Needles District in Canyonlands National Park

Today, you'll head out on an all-day excursion to Canyonlands National Park and experience the best that the Needles District has to offer. On the drive out, you'll stop at Newspaper Rock to check out its countless petroglyphs.

Today’s main hike begins at the Elephant Hill Trailhead, passing through fascinating desert scenery and eventually arriving at the monolithic red rock towers of the Chesler Park Viewpoint. Along the way, your guides will find a shady spot to stop and enjoy a delicious trailside lunch.

The evening is yours to enjoy on your own. Your hotel is perfectly situated in downtown Moab with many restaurants within walking distance.
Accommodation: Canyonlands Inn, Moab
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking: 6 miles (10 kilometers)

Day 4

Hummer Adventure and Scenic Hike

After breakfast we make our way to Corona Arch, a fantastic hike away from the crowds to an epic arch! After lunch we jump in a Hummer and explore the amazing slick rock of Moab on an adrenaline-filled adventure. Enjoy dinner at a favorite local restaurant with your group.
Accommodation: Canyonlands Inn, Moab
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers)

Day 5

Hike to Delicate Arch, explore Arches National Park

Replenish your energy this morning with breakfast at your hotel. This morning’s hike offers many stunning views, but none as amazing as the view of the iconic Delicate Arch that will greet you at the end of your hike.

Next, explore more of the fiery reds and breathtaking blues of Arches National Park. Hike to Landscape Arch, the planet’s largest natural rock arch. After a delicious sack lunch, you’ll hike to Window, Turret, and Double Arch.

This evening’s farewell dinner is sure to be a hit as you dine at the charming Desert Bistro.
Accommodation: Canyonlands Inn, Moab
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 5-6 miles (8-10 kilometers)

Day 6

Hike Fish Towers, transfer to Grand Junction and say goodbyes

This morning you’ll have time for one more great hike before heading home. Stretch your legs and soak in the views of the picturesque Fisher Towers before heading back to Grand Junction to say goodbyes and depart for home.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers)

This trip includes:

5 nights’ accommodation
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
All activities described in the itinerary
Delicious and nutritious snacks to keep you fueled
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Special "Wow" moments you'll never forget
Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

What Our Guests Say

FAQs

Read through our Frequently Asked Questions for more detail on how to prepare for your unforgettable adventure.

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are the Holiday Inn Hotel Grand Junction Airport at 7:30am or the Courtyard by Marriott at 7:45am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Grand Junction, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Please come dressed to get wet with water shoes or sport sandals are best today. In your daypack we recommend a change of clothes and dry footwear, among other essentials you'd like access to during the day.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Grand Junction Airport at 12pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Grand Junction around 12:30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Grand Junction the night before the trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing Grand Junction after 2pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Utah. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be in Moab after the days activities on Day 4.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

Hikes on this tour are considered easy to moderate, so a good level of fitness is recommended. Most hikes typically take between two to four hours, though some days may involve more or less hiking depending on the itinerary.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply. Read more here.

Photos From the Arches & Canyonlands Trip

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Why Travel With Us

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.