Journey to the spectacular canyonlands of southern Utah visiting three national parks or monuments. Pedal amongst towering mesas and red cliffs, graced with ancient petroglyphs. Picnic under stone arches and follow the course of the mighty Colorado River. Enjoy high desert vistas and breathtaking views from mountain tops. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the American south west and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
Grand Junction, CO, United States
Day 1+2
Moab, UT, United States
Day 3
Arches National Park
Day 4
Canyonlands National Park
Day 5
Cisco, Utah, United States
Day 6
Colorado River
Day 7
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
7 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)
Bike rental
EVENT DATES
Apr 2-9
Apr 16-23
Apr 30-May 7
Aug 27-Sep 3
Mar 31-Apr 7
Apr 14-21
Apr 28-May 5
Aug 25-Sep 1
Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
TRIP SIZE
TOTAL DAYS
ARRIVE / DEPART
ACTIVITY LEVEL
48 km daily average distance (30 miles)
TERRAIN
COST
Land Cost:
US $3,450 pp
Includes 7B/2L/6D
Single Supplement:
US $860
Bike Rental:
US $325
E-Bike Rental:
US $560
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting there :
Grand Junction: Grand Junction can be reached by air via Denver, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City with America West, Skywest/Delta Connection, United Express, and Great Lakes Airlines. It can also be reached by Greyhound Bus from Denver, Durango, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City.
Grand Junction
Arrival in Grand Junction, located amongst a dazzling array of natural wonders — rushing rivers, rocky mesas, ancient paleontological sites, and golden deserts. But, surprisingly, this is also wine country and there are 13 wineries in the Grand Valley. Take some time to explore the town and its shops, admire Navajo rugs and Anasazi pottery, or take a stroll along the river.
Grand Junction
Today enjoy a fabulous, exhilarating ride in the Colorado National Monument, 20,500 acres of the towering monoliths and deep canyons, home to soaring eagles and bighorn sheep. Pedal past ranches and old orchards, and even a herd of llamas on your way to Rim Rock Drive and up into the high desert. The ride takes you back to Grand Junction where you’ll spend tonight.
Distance: 45 km, elevation gain 918 m.*
Moab
There are two possibilities today. You can follow the Colorado River downstream to Moab, riding through a deep gorge of vertical red cliffs. Or you can be shuttled up into the La Sal Mountains, topped with pines and aspens, and then enjoy a long, thrilling descent to Moab, where you’ll stay for three nights.
Distance: 31 km, elevation gain 520 m or 72 km, gain 1610 m.*
Arches National Park
Today begins with a shuttle to Arches National Park, where there are over 2000 natural sandstone arches. Erosion has also produced pinnacles and balancing rocks. You’ll begin your ride at Devil’s Garden and ride back to Moab, with opportunities for hikes to explore the amazing rock formations around you. Be sure to visit the Delicate Arch viewpoint, where you’ll see the most famous arch in the park. You’ll also see this arch on the Utah license plate.
Distance: 53 km, elevation gain 613 m.*
Canyonlands National Park
Another day in Moab takes you into Canyonlands National Park with a choice of return rides to Moab. All end on the Potash Road squeezed between the Colorado River and steep red cliffs where you can see ancient petroglyphs. Spend some time hiking on slickrock to Corono and Bow Tie and climb almost 1000’ to Portal Overlook for a breathtaking view of Moab as an option.
Distance: 66 km, elevation gain 1184 m.*
Cisco
This morning you’ll be shuttled to Cisco, Utah, a ruined, old railroad town, in the high desert. You’ll descend into the spectacular gorge of the Colorado River. Wind between cliffs of red rock and over a rolling plateau above the river. Your destination is a remote lodge beside the Colorado River, The sorrel River Ranch.
Distance: 43 km, elevation gain 738 m.*
Colorado River
Enjoy several day rides designed to take you deeper into red rock country, where you’ll swear you’ve wandered onto an old western movie set. This is ranch country. You’ll climb away from the river into the Castle Valley and, if you need additional challenges, you can climb 4000’ above the Colorado River. You could also enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, whitewater rafting & kayaking on the Colorado River, and find relaxation at the resort, with their swimming pool and hot tub, tennis courts, gym and aerobics studio…
Distance: 23 km, elevation gain 329 m or 42 km, gain 595 m.*
Enjoy your last morning at the sorrel river ranch before taking the shuttle back to Grand Junction.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Located in the Redlands area of Grand Junction, this upscale hotel, situated amid vineyards, has beautiful views of the Colorado National Monument. The large rooms are tastefully furnished with beautiful hardwood beds. The architecture and décor create the feel of a French country chateau.
An inviting country Inn filled with antiques that features two beautifully restored buildings – the historic Ranch House and spacious Garden Cottage. Enjoy a serene setting with lush flower gardens, shade trees and a spectacular outdoor pool. The Inn has been awarded a 4-diamond rating by AAA each year since 1997.
This luxurious ranch has extensive facilities which include a gourmet restaurant, a full-service health spa, tennis courts, a riverside swimming pool, and a full equestrian facility. Setting a new standard for luxury and adventure travel, the 160 acre resort is surrounded by towering red rock buttes and dramatic mesas, all beneath a vast desert sky.
