Utah's Arches & Canyonlands Easygoing Walking Tour
Dolce Tempo Journey among Epic National Parks in the Southwest
Couples, Friends & Solos
5 days 4 nights
Activity Level: 1-2
Casual Hotels
From: $2,999 - $3,299 pp dbl occ
($700 - $950 for sgl occ)
The vast canyons of the Colorado Plateau. Sandstone spires that soar in fiery hues. Walk amid Utah’s magnificent arches and the massive monoliths of a red-rock wonderland.
Colorado & Utah
Start/End Grand Junction, Colorado
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
Refreshingly Active Adventures
Geologic grandeur is yours to discover on foot. Walk right up to Delicate Arch and amid the rippling rock layers of Colorado National Monument. Explore different perspectives on the rugged landscape from breathtaking Island in the Sky in Canyonlands.
Immersive Travel
Rise to scenes of the golden sun on the tips of soaring sandstone formations. Sip a post-stroll libation surrounded by Moab’s iconic cliffs. Gaze up at a blanket of stars–there’s nothing like a desert sky.
Unique Hotels & Delectable Dining
Stay in two properties in the outdoor recreation mecca of Moab and explore downtown and the winding Colorado River. Cool off in pools with vistas of soaring cliffs. Dig in to classic southwestern American fare.
Itinerary
5 Days Casual Hotels
Begin your exploration of Utah's desert wonderland with a hike to Corona and Bowtie Arches, two striking pothole arches located just west of Moab | Canyonlands National Park, containing some of the most remote land in the continental United States, offers a different perspective with its landscape of mesas and canyons | From atop the park's Island in the Sky area, you can see the Colorado River twisting through a gooseneck canyon 2,000 feet below you | As we walk around nature's potholes on slickrock—an ancient seabed—the colorful spires of the Needles provide the view | Wander around the quirky town of Moab or relax by the hotel pool.
Find mountain and city views at this modern hotel with an ideal location in Moab. (pool, spa)
Prepare to be awestruck in Arches National Park, home to the world's greatest concentration of natural sandstone arches | Explore one of the most unique areas of the park: the Windows Section | Check out some of Arches' most iconic features, including Double Arch and Delicate Arch | You may spot climbers scaling the towers as you relax and soak in views of Castle Valley, Onion Creek and the Colorado River | A twisting adventurous trail serves up views of the soaring sandstone formations known as Fisher Towers, just one of this week’s many geologic wonders | Colorado National Monument holds geologic treasures and spectacular views waiting to be discovered during leisurely walks | While the afternoon away at our rustic riverside hotel | Whatever your pace, the comfort of our lodge awaits at trail’s end | Visit the lodge's Moab Film and Western Heritage Museum or beat the heat poolside.
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)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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From our Guests
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Activity Level: 1-2
Our Dolce Tempo walking activities allow you to leisurely explore local hidden gems and to get away from the crowds, experiencing the essence of your location on your own terms and at your own pace. Easier than our other trips, but still wonderfully active, route options typically include 2-3 hours of walking per day. Your trip is fully supported with dedicated Trip Leaders, vans, meticulously selected routes and downloadable GPS files available for use on your own device.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip includes a mix of rugged desert trails with some rocky and sandy sections, sections of slickrock (petrified sand dunes) and some well-maintained dirt paths. Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service.
Daily Activity Options
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Shuttle Time
The Southwest's canyon country is vast. As a result, this trip includes a few longer shuttles that allow us to cover the distance between the highlights we visit in Colorado and Utah.
Terrain
While this is an easygoing trip, some of the terrain can feel more challenging. Be prepared to hike on a variety of trail surfaces, including rugged desert trails with some rocky and sandy sections, sections of slickrock as well as some well-maintained dirt paths. A few sections require the ability to step up and down rock steps that have a higher rise than typical stairs. Your Backroads leaders will be there to lend a helping hand!
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The Southwest's canyon country is vast. As a result, this trip includes a few longer shuttles that allow us to cover the distance between the highlights we visit in Colorado and Utah.
While this is an easygoing trip, some of the terrain can feel more challenging. Be prepared to hike on a variety of trail surfaces, including rugged desert trails with some rocky and sandy sections, sections of slickrock as well as some well-maintained dirt paths. A few sections require the ability to step up and down rock steps that have a higher rise than typical stairs. Your Backroads leaders will be there to lend a helping hand!
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