
The canyonlands of southern Utah stretch across the Colorado Plateau like an enormous wind-scoured sculpture garden. Soaring sandstone spires tinged in brilliant orange and red. Intricate canyon labyrinths in a million crimson variations. Around every delicate arch, behind each massive monolith, the landscape offers solitudeand invites exploration. To Edward Abbey, this part of the state was "the best part by far." To us, "best" may be an understatement!
Days 1-2 Quaking aspens, whispering pines, brilliant red rock and the gentle whir of your bicycle wheels
set the mood during a peaceful warm-up ride alongside the Colorado River
Enjoy a ride on the La Sal Mountain Loop scenic byway, which serves up an inspiring array of canyon country scenery, including the region's nearly 13,000-foot peaks - particularly picturesque if they're still capped with snow.
Day 3 Bike, hike and be awestruck in Arches National Park,
home to the world's greatest concentration of natural sandstone arches, as well as massive balanced rocks, towering pinnacles and enormous fins
Marvel at breathtaking Delicate Arch (one of Utah's most famous icons) and the unusual Double Arch - more than 100 million years of erosion have contributed to these swooping, soaring rock sculptures
As vistas of magnificent geologic formations unfold before you, spin down Abbey Road to the outdoor lover's mecca of Moab.
Days 4-5 Soak up an incredible view of the Colorado River
as it twists through a gooseneck canyon 2,000 feet below you
A thrilling ridgetop ride takes you through Dead Horse Point State Park, followed by an exhilarating descent to the Colorado River and back into Moab
Shuttle to Colorado National Monument for a spin on the amazingly engineered Rim Rock Drive past epic vistas of the Colorado River and Grand Mesa
Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this road blends seamlessly into the landscape, offering an unobstructed overview of the high desert panorama
Keep an eye out - you may be lucky enough to spot a desert bighorn sheep or a golden eagle flying overhead.
Trip Highlights
- Journey from inn to inn on bike-friendly paved roads
- Quaking aspens, whispering pines, brilliant red rock are a feast for the senses
- Bike, hike and be awestruck in Arches National Park
- Soak up incredible views of the Colorado River
- Epic high desert vistas from quiet Colorado National Monument
Casual Inns
Red Cliffs Lodge (2 nights): Originally a turn-of-the-century homestead, this well-appointed lodge is surrounded by 2,000-foot cliffs and set along the Colorado River. (pool, tennis)
The Gonzo Inn (2 nights): Informal lodging in the heart of Moab, displaying works of local artists. (pool, spa)
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 30* | 800 | ||||||||
| 2 | 40* | 2500 | 60 | 5500 | ||||||
| 3 | 20* | 1200 | 30* | 1700 | 50 | 2800 | ||||
| Hiking (3 miles) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 36* | 700 | 65 | 2300 | ||||||
| 5 | 18* | 300 | 30 | 2600 | ||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 9/8-12 Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $480 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/3 Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $480 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-17 Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $480 for sgl. occ.)
- 11/3-7 Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $480 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES-SOLOS TRIPS
- 10/20-24 Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $480 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Everyone knows that the amazing red-rock landscape of southern Utah is a mountain biking paradise. But what about road cycling? We've created this fantastic new trip specifically with road riders in mind because, frankly, why should mountain bikers have all the fun? I hope you'll consider joining us to pedal the stunning scenic byways of the Canyonlands region!- Regional Manager, North America
