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Colorado & Utah Active Adventure

Colorado & Utah Active Adventure

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Description

Pack your bags for an active adventure from progressive Denver to Salt Lake City and its Mormon majesty. Hit Telluride for year-round outdoor fun then cruise to Moab for an overnight rafting trip down the mighty Colorado River and multiple opportunities to hike, scramble, climb and rappel through the desert landscape that have inspired for generations. Stop at Dead Horse Point and gaze out on the Colorado River, which curves moat-like around a mesa, and leave this adventure glowing inside and out.

Trip Name
Colorado & Utah Active Adventure
Last Updated
2019-07-25
Days
9
Capacity
13
Highlights
  • Visit the mountain town of Telluride, a year-round outdoor paradise known for its epic film and music festivals
  • Traverse the sandstone mazes of Canyonlands on a canyoneering adventure, squeezing between narrow gorges and navigating impressive rock formations
  • Experience the rush of the Colorado River on an overnight rafting trip, then be amazed at how quiet it looks from above during a stop at Dead Horse Point
  • Finish up this active adventure in the big city with a small town feel – the inimitable Salt Lake City

Itinerary

We've allowed plenty of room for freedom and flexibility in our trips. In fact, flexibility is one of the ingredients that makes each of our trips so exciting. This style of travel offers us some unexpected circumstances at times, for example, bad weather and road conditions, technical defects of transportation, inconveniences caused by local operators and authorities, and other circumstances beyond our control. Changes in the program may be required to make the best of the unique situations that we encounter. Overnight stops and driving distances each day may vary to best suit the needs of the group. Our described itineraries are to be used as a general guide only. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Denver
Welcome to Denver! Colorado's capital is a progressive city with a burgeoning arts scene and, of course, a massive outdoors community thanks to the city's proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Meet your team at 6 pm then join them for an optional group dinner, or grab some food and explore the nightlife on your own.
Day 2 - Telluride
Today you'll take a long drive through the Rockies, but hey, there'll also be some pretty phenomenal scenery along the way. The impressive views don’t stop when you reach Telluride, a former Victorian mining town nestled in the Rockies which is now a ski-town with plenty of outdoor opportunities all year round. The town is also home to several famous music and film festivals that take place during the middle of the year. It's also a surprising foodie city, with the main street featuring high-calibre restaurants and some wicked bars, so why not spend the night exploring (responsibly, of course).
Day 3 - Telluride
Enjoy a day at your leisure in Telluride. Take a free gondola ride up to the San Sophia overlook for unparalleled views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, then check out the Mountain Village or explore the endless hiking trails. You could also choose to hit the slopes on a mountain-biking experience or, if you're simply happy with the views, remain in Telluride and visit the Historical Museum, walk the quaint main street full of shops and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Day 4 - Moab
Transfer this morning to the Moab area, approximately three hours from Telluride. Moab is an mountain-biking mecca and the jumping-off point for so many iconic locations including Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park, the latter of which you'll spend half a day hiking in this afternoon. Walk the Devil's Garden Trail and gaze in wonder at the other-worldly sandstone formations, then watch the sun set at Delicate Arch, perhaps the most recognisable arch in the universe after that golden McDonalds' variety. This is quintessential desert landscape and isn't easily forgotten.
Day 5 - Moab / Colorado River
Up bright 'n' early today for an adrenaline-filled overnight adventure down the Colorado River. Travel through the Cataract Canyon in a unique, motorised whitewater boat twisting and turning with the river as it meanders through the canyon walls. Experience the full gamut of river-rafting from flat water through to Class V rapids, pulling over to the sandy banks throughout the day to hike to waterfalls and bluffs and see this ancient canyon from a different perspective. Camp by the river in the evening and enjoy a chef-made meal, then fall asleep under the stars to the sounds of the flowing water.
Day 6 - Moab/Colorado River
Greet the day with hot coffee and a big breakfast then it's back on the water. Continue down the river to the take out point but the adventure doesn't end when the rafting does. Embrace dry land on a half-day canyoneering trip through the sandstone mazes of Canyonlands, where you will squeeze between narrow gorges and be awed by rock formations that are alternatively softly curved and sharp. Return to Moab in the evening – preferably with both arms intact, you'll need them to lift a few cold beers this evening. 
Day 7 - Moab
Spend a day hiking through the Island of the Sky section of the Canyonlands National Park. Witness incredible views over the Canyonlands from the top of this towering, sheer-walled mesa. There are multiple trails to choose from, or you could take part in an optional activity like rock climbing or an off-road hummer tour. During the return to Moab, stop at Dead Horse Point State Park look out at one of the most photographed scenes not just in Moab, but the entire west, where the Colorado River lazily bends around a mesa across the valley.
Day 8 - Salt Lake City
Rise and shine for the four-hour drive to Salt Lake City, Utah's capital, and check out Temple Square. Covering 10 acres and owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this vast square – including the impressive granite temple at the centre – is a testament to how influential the Mormon religion is in Salt Lake City. The rest of the day free your own exploration. This is the final evening of the trip so why not organise a group dinner and reflect on your adventures with your new travel crew in the evening.
Day 9 - Salt Lake City
Your trip ends today and there are no activities planned. Feel free to stay on in Salt Lake City, keep exploring Utah's national parks or, if the travel bug has well and truly bit, continue your adventures in North America. Check out our website for some more incredible journeys in wild, rugged places.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt),Camping (with facilities) (5 nts),Hotel (2 nts)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map