Hiking and Backpacking Canyonlands National Park

Welcome to Utah, the home of Canyonlands National Park where you’ll spend the next five days. Begin this hiking and camping adventure with a welcome meeting in Moab this morning. From here, drive to the Needles District Visitor Center and catch a shuttle to the trailhead. Say goodbye to civilisation as you head down the historic road that once led to winter grazing land for local ranchers. At the trailhead, begin a steep descent into the canyon. When you reach the canyon floor the trail will bring you through lush riparian vegetation to the mouth of the fork of the creek that you’ll follow for the next few days. Pass by a 128-year-old abandoned rancher’s cabin, too (in surprisingly good shape) . Tonight, settle into camp and enjoy your first backcountry dinner with your fellow trekkers. Make sure to look up tonight to one of the most vivid displays of stars in the state!

After breakfast at the campground, break camp and continue your trek deeper into the canyon. Almost immediately you’ll be greeted by several sandstone arches on your way to the largest collection of cliff dwellings in Canyonlands National Park – made by the original dwellers of the area, the Native American Puebloan people. This epic ruin is quite a sight! Once you’ve taken it in and learned about some of the history and ancient culture of the area from your trip leader, continue your trek to one of the most beautiful natural arches in the park. After a full day of hiking, you’ll set up camp along the trail and have another group dinner by the fire.

Today your trekking will continue along the canyon floor past more canyon country wonders. The trail narrows here, and your route encloses you in a towering corridor of sandstone. The creek flows continuously here, meaning there are a few wet crossings along the path. Once you reach tonight’s camp, nestled under cottonwood trees, you have the option of taking an extra 4 to 5 km roundtrip hike to the unforgettable Angel Arch – aptly named for its angel-shaped structure. This is an incredibly special sight to see, as it’s one of the most remote arches in all of Canyonlands and as such, rarely experienced. When you arrive, you can relax and watch the evening light begin to dance across the rocks. Make your way back to camp for a group dinner, a bit of storytelling and a relaxing evening.

After a big breakfast and breaking camp, you’ll be almost immediately rewarded with a view of Crescent Arch, as well as many more small arches along the way. The trail will eventually come to a fin-like formation that juts out into the canyon. Hike around and through a window on the fin to your next highlight – Peekaboo Springs. The welcome sound of running water marks the perfect place to set up for the night. Here, you’ll have the chance to soak up the remote canyon wilderness and enjoy a celebratory dinner with your group for your last night together.

After a casual morning and breaking camp for the last time, wrap up your journey with a relaxing, short hike. Walk along forest roads, allowing time to reflect on the natural wonders and ancient stories that you’ve experienced for the last five days. Once out of the canyon, take a private transfer back into Moab for your fond farewells and a much-deserved shower.