This backcountry trek along one of Southern Utah’s most important waterways takes you under towering sandstone cliffs, past groves of Cottonwood trees, and across white sand beaches begging you to kick off your shoes and soak the Canyon Country in! With three days & two nights in the backcountry, this short & sweet trek is the perfect trip to kindle your love for backpacking. TRIP DISCLAIMER: Our backcountry adventures take you to wild, remote destinations where you will be exposed to the majesty, and challenges, of the outdoors. You should be able to withstand exposure to a variety of climatic conditions, such as heat, cold, rain and wind. You should have a good understanding of your ability, and be able to self-monitor your health. You must have a high level of fitness, and have the experience and ability to complete all stages of the hike. Guides are extensively trained to ensure a safe trip but will need your attention to ensure a memorable backcountry experience. This trip is operated by the Wildland Trekking Company, an authorized guide company in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
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5 days
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6 - 9 spots
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Double occupancy in 3-star hotels and tents (single rooms & tents available)
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4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches & 4 Dinners
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TrovaTrip will provide 1 transfer from McCarran International Airport (LAS), we recommend arriving between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
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TrovaTrip will provide 1 transfer to McCarran International Airport (LAS), we recommend departing between 12:00 PM and 02:00 PM.
Activities Included
- Packing and Gear-Prep Meeting
- River Trek Day 1
- River Trek Day 2
- River Trek Day 3
Other Inclusions
- Double Occupancy in 3-star Hotels and tents
- Certified Utah Hiking Guide
- All City Transfers
- Arrival Airport Transfer (one transfer at 1:00pm)
- Departure Airport Transfer (between 8-10am)
- Camping Gear (top-of-the-line tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and technical backpack)
- Trekking Poles
- Park Entrance Fees
- Emergency Equipment Including a Company-issued First-aid kit and Satellite Phone
- All Camping Meals Prepared by your Guide
Exclusions
- Flights
- Food & Alcohol (except as noted)
- Visas & Travel Insurance
- Airport Transfers Outside of Designated Times
- Tips for Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
info
Day 1
Welcome to Utah! Meet at the airport by 1:00pm for a transfer to the hotel in St. George. Driving in? No problem! Meet in St. George by 4:30pm.
transfer
Arrival Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 1 transfer from McCarran International Airport (LAS), we recommend arriving between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
activity
Packing and Gear-Prep Meeting
Meet at 5:00pm for the gear prep meeting! Your guide will make sure you have all the appropriate gear and will teach you how to efficiently pack you bag.
meal
dinner
Welcome Dinner at local restaurant
accommodation
Best Western Corral Hills
Overnight in St. George
Day 2
info
Day 2
It's trail time! You'll take a shuttle to Escalante (~3.75 hours) before grabbing lunch and finishing up the last prep before the hike. Then it's time to hit the trailhead outside of town and start walking!
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at hotel
transfer
Transfer to Escalante
Transfer
activity
River Trek Day 1
As you begin to make your way down the Escalante River, massive walls of pink and red Navajo and Wingate Sandstone will rise around you. You’ll have multiple chances to cool off by splashing in the river today. You’ll pass pictographs from the Fremont people hidden in a deep alcove before settling in for a hearty dinner and relaxing camp on a sandy beach next to the river. Hiking Distance: 7 miles
meal
lunch
Included lunch while trekking
meal
dinner
Included dinner at camp
accommodation
Backcountry Campsite
Overnight on Escalante River
Day 3
info
Day 3
Today you'll enjoy a relaxed morning and a delicious breakfast before resuming your downstream journey.
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at camp
activity
River Trek Day 2
The flow of the river is beginning to increase as springs and small side canyons add their flow to the rivers, so break out those water shoes. You’ll take time to explore upstream in some unique side canyons that are gems of Canyon Country! Hiking Distance: 4.2 miles
meal
lunch
Included lunch while trekking
meal
dinner
Included dinner at camp
accommodation
Backcountry Campsite
Overnight on Escalante River
Day 4
info
Day 4
Wake with the sun and enjoy a morning coffee before continuing on your way. After your trek, you'll emerge back into civilization at the famous Highway 12 trailhead, just in time for lunch and your shuttle back to St. George (3.75 hours).
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at camp
activity
River Trek Day 3
The river banks get even lusher and shaded in this part of your trek as deciduous trees take advantage of the rich riverbank soils. As the canyon begins to open up, you’ll pass Escalante Natural Bridge, an incredible 130-foot high arch located in a short side canyon. Just past the bridge, you pass a well-preserved Fremont dwelling located high in a cliff of pink sandstone. Hiking Distance: 3 miles
meal
lunch
Included lunch after trek
transfer
Transfer to St. George
Transfer
meal
dinner
Included farewell dinner at local restaurant
accommodation
Backcountry Campsite
Overnight on Escalante River
Day 5
info
Day 5
All good things must come to an end! You'll transfer to the airport and bid farewell for now.
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at hotel
transfer
Departure Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 1 transfer to McCarran International Airport (LAS), we recommend departing between 12:00 PM and 02:00 PM.
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