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RESERVATIONS
TOURS
NW
Wyoming
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Tetons
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Old Boulder Rd
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Half-Day Tours
Upper Calf Cr
Rock Art
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Ultimate Road Trip
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6 Day Zion-Bryce
3-6 Day Boulder
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Destination Boulder: 3-6 Day Tours in Slickrock
Country in the Heart of Southern Utah
 Imagine yourself squeezing through a slot canyon that seems like something
Disney created, but without any crowds and it’s a natural wonder! Enjoy
three to six days and nights in spectacular and undiscovered Boulder, Utah –
a lovely little community nestled in an emerald valley surrounded by golden
sandstone cliffs carved by crystal streams cascading off Boulder Mountain.
Our days will be spent exploring enchanted landscapes of the Escalante-Grand
Staircase National Monument and nearby Capitol Reef National Park, where
unquenchable erosion has sculpted magical landforms in the redrock desert of
southern Utah. Climb sand dunes petrified into slickrock domes, marvel at
desert wildflowers and wildlife, and walk on the paths of the Anasazi – a
prehistoric culture who disappeared from this land around 700 years ago
leaving behind ancient cliff dwellings, artifacts, and rock art.
 The delightful
Escalante River and its tributaries make the Escalante Canyons one of the
finest destinations in the desert southwest; the murmuring of clear running
water and the cool shade of verdant cottonwood trees are a delightful
contrast to the colorful redrock desert. Some spring-fed creeks even have
lovely waterfalls! Savor solitude, peace, and re-creation when you feel
yourself truly restored from the stresses of our society.
 After exhilarating days of adventure, nothing matches the decadence of a hot
bath or shower followed by a glass of fine wine and a delicious gourmet
meal. Your luxurious, comfortable room at Boulder Mountain Lodge overlooks a
nearby marsh that is a delight for bird watching. After a gorgeous sunset,
prepare to be dazzled by the night sky filled with more stars than you can
imagine – isolated Boulder doesn’t suffer from light pollution (or any
pollution).
Our excursions will be designed to perfectly suit your interests and
abilities, be it easy scenic drives or challenging climbs through slot
canyons. Our expert guides will help you to best appreciate this wonderful
place and assure that you have the time of your life.
Tour Details
Dates:
Spring wildflowers or autumn colors also coincide with the most pleasant
climates in the high desert. Summer is a wonderful time to wade along cool
clear-running streams of the Escalante Canyons. Although weather is less
certain to be sunny, winter provides unrivaled solitude. Room availability
is best for Sunday to Thursday nights, but we will try to work with your
schedule, particularly for private trips.
Price:
Please call for a quote. Usually, it is simplest for you to book your rooms
yourself (see different accommodations listed under "Links")
and pay me my standard day rate as a guide ($100/person or $400/day for
private tour for up to 4 people). If you want me to arrange for your
accommodations, I would be happy to do so and add this to the cost of your tour.
Minimum number of guests on trip is 2, unless solo guest pays for price of 2.
Maximum number of guests is 7, unless you make special arrangements for larger group
(ask for a price quote for a special group discount).
Price includes lodging, guides,
transportation on day trips, an excellent lending library of books and maps, lunches,
snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Does not include breakfasts, dinners, alcoholic
beverages, gratuities, or sales tax.
Meals:
Guests will be responsible for the cost of their own breakfast and dinners,
so you can enjoy the complete menus of three restaurants located within
walking distance of your hotel. The Hell’s Backbone Grill at the Boulder
Mountain Lodge has received excellent reviews for their delicious gourmet
fare. Folks also enjoy the local color at the Burr Trail Grill or good
home-style cookin’ at the Boulder Mesa Restaurant.
Alcohol and Mormon customs:
Until recently in most of Utah, wine and spirits were not available by the
drink or even at restaurants. Wine and beer are now available at Boulder
restaurants! However, you might want to stop at a Utah State Liquor Store in
Salt Lake City or St. George to provision yourselves. More limited alcohol
selections are available in smaller Utah State Liquor Stores near Bryce and
in Escalante and Bicknell.
Where do the trips start and how do I get there?
All trips begin and end in Boulder, Utah at the Boulder Mountain Lodge. The
lodge is located off Utah Highway 12, just north of the Burr Trail. Boulder
is located about 250 miles south of Salt Lake City and 300 miles northeast
of Las Vegas. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands
National Parks are all within a days drive. Unfortunately, there is no
public transportation to this remote spot in Utah. Guests who fly into the
area typically rent a car and drive to Boulder and might visit neighboring
national parks en route. We can try to help you arrange joining other guests
to share a ride if timing of flights permits. Whether approaching Boulder
from the southwest or the north, there are a number of beautiful routes
available. Feel free to call us for help planning your drive.
Sample Itinerary for 5-day Tour
Day 1 – Meet in the great room of the Boulder Mountain Lodge at 5PM
(or other prearranged time depending upon your projected arrival).
Greetings, introduction to the area, and a short evening drive to see some
sights before dinner.
Day 2 – Slickrock Heaven - a secret route to Upper Calf Creek Falls.
This hike has much to offer - gorgeous slickrock and waterpockets, Upper
Calf Creek Falls, soaking pools, a cave with petroglyphs, and even a slot
canyon.
Day 3 - Striking views of Waterpocket Fold and the Henry Mountains -
this begins with a drive down the Burr Trail and a short hike to the Strike
Valley Overlook in Capitol Reef National Park. Depending upon the interests
and abilities of the group, a variety of longer hikes are possible along
upper Muley Twist and the adjacent slickrock country. Less active groups
might prefer doing an extended scenic loop drive along the Notum Road to the
Fremont River, then back over Boulder Mountain on Highway 12 with
sensational views of the Colorado Plateau.
Day 4 – Anasazi Ruins and Rock Art of the Escalante River. We will
visit some wonderful petroglyph panels and prehistoric ruins with the added
delight of enjoying the cool waters of the Escalante River. For fit guests,
we offer a loop hike that follows the scenic south rim of the canyon then
returns along the Escalante River. Start or end with a tour of the Anasazi
State Park depending on the daytime temperatures.
Day 5 – Peek-a-boo and Spooky – We will enjoy a scenic drive down the
historic Hole-in-the-Rock Road, before hiking into these two amazing slot
canyons where sandstone walls are so narrow that one has to squeeze through
sideways. They are truly magical!
This is just a sampling of the wonders that might await you. Our actual
schedule will depend upon your specific interests and abilities, the season,
and other factors. As we get acquainted with each other and you develop a
feeling for the special landscapes of southern Utah, our options might seem
boundless. After all the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument contains nearly
2 million acres and Capitol Reef has enough scenery to last a lifetime.
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