Key Information: Tour Duration: 6
day(s) Group Size: 4
- 12
people Destination(s):Utah Specialty Categories:Hiking & Trekking Season: April - October Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: No Minimum Per Person Price: 1375 US Dollar (USD) Maximum Per Person Price: 1375 US Dollar (USD)
This trip is rated from moderate to challenging. It will include one day when we move camp. The hike into our first camp is 5 miles. This day is a challenging way to start the trip; it includes an 800' descent with a steep pitch. The hike out of our second and last camp is six miles.
In order to explore the country and accommodate different interests and abilities we split into smaller groups on some day hikes; on the first, fifth and last days of the trip we hike as one group. Spring and fall are beautiful times of year to explore both the canyons and the slick rock country above. The weather is generally warm in the day and cool in the evening with a 30 to 40 degree temperature difference between the high and low. Layers of clothing are the key to comfort.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - We meet at our office at 9 am. We provide a duffel bag for your gear (25 lbs. max.) and drive to the trail head (approximately 2 hours). At the trail head we meet the wrangler guides, pass off our duffle bags and begin the walk to camp.
Our hike takes us about 4 miles across the rugged and colorful Morrison geologic formation. By way of a small canyon we top a saddle, standing on the edge of a 1000 foot cliff, for a stunning view of the 3000 foot slick rock escarpment called the Water pocket Fold. Below us is a canyon so large that it is a valley. An ancient, hidden trail takes us to the bottom where a large stream of water runs between huge cottonwood trees. Camp is among the cottonwoods in the soft red sandstone of the Entrada Formation. (5 miles with one steep descent).
Day 2 - The creek we are camped on cuts deep into Water pocket Fold creating one of the most spectacular narrows and canyons in southern Utah. This is a fragment of the lost Glen Canyon because it resembles what was lost under the waters of Lake Powell. We will spend the day exploring this gem.
Day 3 - The drainages that originate on the Water pocket Fold are the target of our exploration. This can be a challenging day and illustrates the importance of having three guides and hiking options. We will explore a way through a maze of the slick rock domes of Water pocket Fold into side canyons. As the hiking becomes more challenging, guided groups may spin off for a more leisurely pace or an easier route back to camp.
Day 4 - Downstream from camp a creek appears that seems to come from nowhere. We follow this into a hidden canyon past hanging gardens and springs and through narrows into a huge canyon that takes us deep into the Water pocket Fold.
Day 5 - This day we pack up camp and move 5 miles to a spring fed stream at the base of the Fold. On the way we pass and may explore numerous streams that come out of narrow gorges with hanging gardens and pools. Just behind our new camp is an overhanging gorge with hanging gardens. Scarlet Monkey Flowers, orchids, Cave Primrose and Maidenhair Fern grow above our heads.
Day 6 - This day out of the canyon is a beautiful route much of which was flooded by Lake Powell and will be again if the reservoir ever refills. We drive the spectacular Burr Trail about 60 miles back to Boulder and arrive about 6 - 7 P.M. (dinner not included).
