Day 1. Hiking in Arches National Park, Gonzo Inn
Our group assembles at the Moab Valley Inn in Moab, Utah at 8:30 a.m. Following introductions, we set off for Arches National Park, a fantasyland of balanced rocks, natural arches, and surrealistic sculptures carved through the ages by wind and water. The park contains the world's largest concentration of sandstone arches, numbering more than 2,000. We begin our day with an audio/video orientation at the Visitor’s Center followed by a hike across open slickrock to Delicate Arch, considered by many to be the most picturesque arch in the park and the one depicted on the Utah license plate. After a relaxing lunch among the sandstone fins and buttes of Devil’s Garden, we explore mysterious Fiery Furnace, a labyrinth of sandstone fins and spires, named for its brilliant deep red reflective rock. The path winds through slickrock grottoes and narrow crevices hundreds of feet deep as needle-like pinnacles frame an incredibly blue sky. Endless in its color palette, form and texture, the Fiery Furnace is a photographer's dream. Our home away from home for the first three evenings of the trip will be the Gonzo Inn. Offering Moab’s most luxurious lodging a couple of blocks from the heart of downtown, enjoy deluxe rooms and an outdoor swimming pool and spa. Tonight we dine at one of Moab’s many fine restaurants.
• Delicate Arch hike [3 miles, 500' of elevation gain / loss]
• Fiery Furnace hike [2 miles, 200 feet of elevation change]

Day 2. Mountain Biking to Klondike Bluffs and Hiking the Portal Overlook Trail, Gonzo Inn
This morning we switch to pedal power and an introduction to Moab’s famous slickrock biking terrain— with the classic, moderate ride to the serence and magnificent Klondike Bluffs. The ride begins on a sandy4-wheel drive road and then climbs through slickrock to the edge of Arches National Park. At the top, the half-way point, we leave our bikes for a short hike into the park and to breathtaking views of the red bluffs below and Devil's Garden in the distance. The ride back is mostly downhill with lots of dips and rolls. Whee! Great fun!
After lunch we set off for a short hike on the Portal Overlook Trail. The trail crosses solid sandstone as it ascends the cliffs above the Colorado River gorge. As we near the rim, the sweeping panorama includes Arches National Park to the north, Sand Flats and the La Sal Mountains to the east, Land Behind the Rocks to the south, the rugged sandstone fins and domes of tilted Poison Spider Mesa to the west, and the fruit orchards of the city of Moab and the Colorado River immediately below—quite a sight to behold!
• Klondike Bluffs biking trail [9.0 miles roundtrip; 800’ of elevation gain/loss]
• Portal Overlook hike [2.5 miles roundtrip; 900’ of elevation gain/loss] 

Day 3. Hiking to Chesler Park, Canyonlands National Park, Gonzo Inn
After a light breakfast we head to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. We stop to stretch our legs en route at Newspaper Rock State Park to view a renowned panel of rock art that spans several different ancient cultures, with some writings dating back more than a thousand years. Lacing up our hiking boots, we stride through the beautiful and colorful sandstone features of Elephant Canyon. The canyon opens onto the grassy meadow of Chesler Park, a pastoral amphitheater enclosed by walls of colorfully banded sandstone "needles" and spires. With time permitting, the more adventurous can give it a go on the Joint Trail, a hiking experience that can be found in few other places in the country. The trail follows a long stretch of connecting "joints" and deep, narrow revices in a massive rock expanse. Some of the passages are no more than two to three feet wide.
• Chesler Park hike [9 miles round trip; numerous ups and downs totaling about 1500’]
• Moderately strenuous option [up to 11 miles round trip, same as above plus the addition of the Joint Trail]

Day 4. Rock Climbing along the Colorado River and Hiking to Fisher Towers, Red Cliffs Lodge
The spectacular canyon walls we’ve been admiring all week take on a fresh perspective as we strap on a climbing harness and are introduced to the sport of rock climbing. Under the care of our exceptional guides, you’ll begin by learning the basics with an introduction to equipment and terminology, knot tying and belaying. After practicing some easy maneuvers followed by a hearty lunch, we progress to some basic rock climbs and possibly have an opportunity to advance to more hallenging climbs. Depending on the abilities of the group, we may complete as many as five climbs apiece. We transfer this afternoon to Red Cliffs Lodge, located on the banks a hundred feet above the Colorado River and surrounded by 2000-foot sheer red sandstone cliffs. The lodge has 20-foot ceilings with exposed wood beams and great care has been taken to preserve the authentic western architecture with natural wood paneling, Mexican saltillo tile floors, and handcrafted log furniture. Present on the grounds are a winery (with Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay varietals) and the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage. Paying tribute to the dozens of movies and hundreds of commercials filmed at or nearthe ranch over the years, the museum features stars from\
John Wayne to Susan Sarandon. Amenities include Colorado River-facing rooms with private patios and kitchenettes, small bar, a terrace dining room, and a pool and spa with 360- degree views! Following check-in and a quick shower, we continue to explore the remote Utah outback with a hike through lands sight out of a western movie. Red rock castles and flattopped mesas shoot skyward as we approach our destination-- Fisher Towers, a spectacular 1,000’ red rock monolith that stands guardian to the surrounding valley. The trail winds through a maze of slender spires and sharply cut arroyos filled with gargoyles of weathered sandstone.
Weather permitting, we wrap up a full day with a barbecue beneath the setting sun.
• Rock Climbing along the Colorado River [5-6 hours]
• Fisher Towers Hike [up to 5 miles, round trip, 450’ gain/loss] 

Day 5. Mountain Biking the Onion Creek Road and Inflatable Kayaking on the Colorado River, Red Cliffs Lodge
This morning’s ride is decidedly easier than Klondike Bluffs but through absolutely stunning country. Onion Creek is a dirt road ride, the highlight being several miles of riding through the Onion Creek Narrows, a deep chasm carved in colorful sandstone. The surface of the road is fairly smooth for a technically easy ride but filled with 27 fun stream crossings. Our variety-packed week continues this afternoon with inflatable kayaking on the rolling waters of the Colorado River. Our guides provide instruction covering everything from basic paddling techniques to the art of wave surfing. Towering cliffs shoot skyward from this grand river, dwarfing our small craft. We savor this fresh new perspective of canyon country and gaze at riverside monuments and buttes...remember to keep a sharp lookout for deer and eagles. For those who prefer not to raft, there isn’t a better spot to relax than Red Cliffs Lodge.
• Onion Creek Bike Ride [up to 14 miles round trip; up to 1,500 feet of elevation gain/loss]
• Colorado River Inflatable Kayaking Trip [Class I & II rapids] 

Day 6. Canyoneering in Medieval and Negro Bill Canyons
Today we explore Medieval Canyon, one of Moab’s most hidden slot canyons. Located in a remote area of slickrock, the canyon’s four- mile journey to the Colorado River includes two of the most spectacular places for rappelling to be found anywhere on earth. We enjoy upclose and personal views of the world’s fourth largest natural arch and an awesome array of petrified sand dunes, while learning about basic rappelling techniques, the geology, ecology, history and folklore of the region. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the unique thrill and sense of satisfaction that comes from a spectacular day of canyoneering! Our adventurous and fun-filled tour comes to an end back in Moab at approximately 5:30 p.m.
• Medieval Canyon and Morning Glory Arch canyoneering [5 hours of easy to moderate exercise but thrills galore]
• Option instead of canyoneering: hike through Negro Bill Canyon with one of the guides to meet the group [4 miles roundtrip; minimal elevation change]]


Campground Descriptions
• Canyonlands National Park, Needles District Campsite – For two nights (Nights 1 and 2 of Camping trips and Nights 2 and 3 of Inn & Camping trips) the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is our backcountry home for the first two nights. Nestled against red rock buttes and towering spires, amenities include stunning backcountry beauty. Facilities include solar showers prepared by your guides and outhouse toilets.
• Colorado River Campsite - For the next three evenings of Camping trips only, we camp on the banks of the mighty Colorado River. Bold adventurers have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in its cool waters. Enjoy a peaceful evening star gazing into a crystal clear desert sky. Facilities include solar showers prepared by your guides and outhouse toilets.

Itinerary for Camping Departures:
Day 1: Mountain Biking to Klondike Bluffs, Canyonlands National Park, Needles District Campsite
Day 2: Hiking to Chesler Park, Canyonlands National Park, Needles District Campsite
Day 3: Canyoneering in Medieval and Negro Bill Canyons, Colorado River Campsite
Day 4: Mountain Biking the Onion Creek Road and Inflatable Kayaking on the Colorado River, Colorado River Campsite
Day 5: Rock Climbing along the Colorado River and Hiking the Portal Overlook Trail (time permitting), Colorado River Campsite
Day 6: Hiking in Arches National Park

Itinerary for Inn & Camping Departures:
Day 1: Hiking in Arches National Park, Gonzo Inn
Day 2: Mountain Biking to Klondike Bluffs, Canyonlands National Park, Needles District Campsite
Day 3: Hiking to Chesler Park, Canyonlands National Park, Needles District Campsite
Day 4: Rock Climbing along the Colorado River, Red Cliffs Lodge
Day 5: Mountain Biking the Onion Creek Road and Inflatable Kayaking on the Colorado River, Red Cliffs Lodge
Day 6: Canyoneering in Medieval and Negro Bill Canyons