Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, Natural Bridges, Dinosaur, Capital Reef, Grand Staircase... in a state brimming with national parks, it's easy to overlook another national treasure. Utah locals call it “The Swell” a three thousand-foot fold of sandstone and shale on the edge of the Colorado Plateau. Its hidden canyons provided sanctuary to old west outlaw Butch Cassidy. Today the same red-wall canyons are your sanctuary from the everyday grind.
You will ride back in time past abandoned mining camps and turn of the century ranches. Stop to explore cowboy camps, prehistoric Indian rock art, we might even see a few dinosaur prints. Your ride ends at the Wedge Overlook, Utah's “Little Grand Canyon”. A thousand feet below, the San Rafael River counts another day in the eons... from above we count ourselves fortunate that such a place exists at all.
Trip Details:
- 2009 Departure Dates: Scheduled on Request
- 4 Days / 102 Miles;
- Minimum Age: 12 years;
- Level: Intermediate;
- Meeting Place: Green River, Utah 7:00 a.m.
The San Rafael bike route is a technically challenging route. This undeveloped dirt road has steep downhills, loose rocks, sand, and ruts. Riders who have no off-road bicycling experience, or who are not athletic will most likely find this trip too challenging. All riders should prepare for the trip by riding their bike on a regular basis prior to the trip.
Tour Itinerary:
One of the advantages of a bike trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups on the river. This typical itinerary illustrates a four-day bike trip through the San Rafael Swell.
Day 1 - Meet group at Holiday Expeditions headquarters in Green River, Utah. A one and one-half hour van ride takes us to Temple Mountain near Goblin Valley State Park. The ride begins with a dirt trail that cuts through the San Rafael Reef, then parallels the uplifted rock faces. Upon entering the Swell, our trail heads west toward Hondoo Arch and Reds Canyon. We camp near the remains of miners cabins at Tomsich Butte. Includes: (L),(D);
Day 2 - After exploring the remains of uranium mining camps around Tomsich Butte, we head north through the winding drainage of Reds Canyon. In the afternoon, we climb out of the canyons and up to the plateau called Sinbad Country. Our camp this night will offer us views of Iron Wash and the Head of Sinbad. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 3 - We continue heading north this day. Along well graded roads, we cover almost 34 miles ending up north of Interstate 70. Our ride takes us across the open fields of Cottonwood Draw and Limestone Bench. The ride finishes at the San Rafael River with the structures of Windowblind Peak, Assembly Hall Peak, and Bottleneck Peak towering over our camp. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 4 - This morning we take a leisure ride up Buckhorn Draw, stopping to explore many Indian pictographs and even a dinosaur footprint. After crossing Furniture Draw, we head south to the Wedge Overlook, also known as the Little Grand Canyon. Our van will meet us here for a two-hour drive back to Green River. Includes: (B),(L).
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
San Rafael Swell: $715.00;
Group/Youth - $615.00 (8 or more);
Utah Sales Tax @ 6.8%;
Deposit: $300.00 per person
Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Utah
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Camping
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