MOAB AND ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

TREK INTO THE RED CANYONS

[TRIP LENGTH: 5 DAYS]

Itinerary can be customized to fit within your time frame or budgetary needs.

On this educational trip to Moab, students will learn about sandstone geology while experiencing the Native American cultures found in this region. The landscape surrounding Moab, holds wonderful surprises for those with a sense of adventure. Beautiful water carved canyons await your discovery as you hike, horseback ride, rock climb and raft through these amazing red canyons.  Colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires dwarf visitors as they explore the park’s viewpoints and hiking trails.   Along with your naturalist, students will learn about geology, desert ecology and human impact on this fragile ecosystem.  The group will also help with conservation programs by assisting Moab Solutions a local non-profit.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Salt Lake City, Utah

After your arrival in Salt Lake City, you will travel with your Appleseed Expeditions’ guide to Moab.  In the late afternoon you will tour downtown Moab. Later, you will enjoy dinner and an orientation as your day draws to a close.

Day 2 – Whitewater Rafting Trip on the Colorado

After a morning drive from Moab, your school group will launch your raft onto a calm section of the Colorado River. You’ll encounter Native American ruins and writings and hike to awe-inspiring vistas atop plateaus. Around mid-day you’ll savor a scrumptious buffet lunch at the river’s edge. After a full day of unforgettable memories, you’ll find the perfect riverside respite along the Colorado River where you can take pictures of the amazing scenery.

 Day 3 – Visit Arches National Park and Volunteer at Moab Solutions

The forces of nature have acted in concert to create the landscape of Arches, which contains the greatest density of natural arches in the world. Throughout the park, rock layers reveal millions of years of deposition, erosion, and other geologic events. After a guided tour, your group will volunteer with conservation efforts. Assist Moab Solutions with planting and removal of endemic species, trail maintenance, and wildlife data collections.  In the late afternoon, shop in Moab.

Day 4 – Canyoneering Adventure and Mountain Biking

Moab Canyoneering routes are all about fun! The landscape surrounding Moab holds wonderful surprises for those with a sense of adventure. Beautiful water carved canyons await your discovery.  Go rappelling and climb through amazing red sandstone formations.  Later your group will go on a guided mountain bike adventure across formations such as Gemini Twins and others.  At night, you will roast smores under the stars.

 Day 5 – Head Home

After a great adventure, you will head home.

 Add a Day and Explore Monument Valley or Mesa Verde. You may also want to the visit the Four Corners region.

Itinerary subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including availability with vendors, weather conditions and flight schedules.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hike Arches Park with its red rock monuments
  • Volunteer with conservation programs
  • Mountain bike riding through the Gemini Twins formations
  • Study geology and learn about fossils and dinosaurs
  • Horseback ride through red sandstone canyons
  • Whitewater raft the upper colorado
  • Go canyoneering among red sandstone cliffs
  • Study Petroglyphs in the canyon walls

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Qualified trip leader – Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts from naturalists to regional specialists who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes and local culture. Your guide is with the group 24/7 and also staying with you at the same hotel
Daily reflections lead by your tour leader
Overnight stays are in hotels with private bathrooms rated 4 star or more on Trip Advisor
All Meals are included but please note: On arrival day only dinner is provided; on departure day, only breakfast is provided
Tour Journal, T-shirt and Luggage tag
Note: Tour cost does not include airline-imposed baggage fees, or fees for any required passport or visa.