High Plateaus Trailrides from Torrey Utah - 6 Days

The Colorado Plateau is shaped by the Colorado River system as it runs from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California and was the last explored region of the continental United States. This broad expanse of rugged, colorful tablelands encompassing much of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona (the 4-Corners area) is bounded by the Grand Canyon on the south and Uintah Basin on the north.

To overlook the canyonlands from Utah's High Plateaus is a remarkable experience where the phrase "I can see for two -hundred miles" is not a figure of speech.

When summer's heat in the slickrock country becomes oppressive, the lure of glacial lakes and lush meadows beckon both horse and rider. This trailride explores the plateau tops and canyons where the San Rafael Swell, Capitol Reef National Park and Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monuments make their dramatic break towards the Colorado River. From a deluxe basecamp you'll make daily rides deeper into this alpine wilderness. Always a favorite feature of this ride are the lakes, wildflowers, elk, deer, and other wildlife, as well as the spectacular vistas of the 4-Corners region where ten or more National Parks and Monuments may be seen in a single panorama.

Detailed Itinerary
High Plateaus Trailride

Note: This is a sample itinerary for two of several camps we may use. Each camp is unique and often offers more trails to explore than time will permit.

Day 1

Arrive scenic Torrey, Utah and check into the Capitol Reef Inn. Torrey is a town of a little over 200 population which is located at the junction of highways 12 and 24 near the west entrance of Capitol Reef National Park. The Capitol Reef Inn is located on highway 24 at the west end of Torrey. At 8:00pm meet at the Capitol Reef Inn's Bookstore and Gift Shop for an orientation and final packing session with your trip leader and the trip's interpretative specialist.

Day 2

After breakfast, you'll travel a short distance down the road to our headquarters. Transfers will be provided as needed. Our headquarters are located on highway 24 in the middle of downtown Torrey. At our office and gift shop, we'll pack your gear in the camp 4X4, meet the remainder of the crew and your horse, then depart (9:00am) for the Slickrock Trail ten miles southeast of Torrey, or the Great Western Trail two miles north of Torrey. The Slickrock Trail leads to Happy Valley, Golden Throne overlook, Wildcat Gorge then to your basecamp on Pleasant Creek. The Great Western Trail will take you up Sand Creek to the Velvet Ridge, then to Hells Hole, Sand Creek Falls and your camp at Wiff's Pasture.

Day 3

After breakfast and preparing lunch, from the Pleasant Creek basecamp you'll ride to Meeks Lake, Pleasant Creek meadows and the Boulder Top at Behunin Point before returning to a hot shower and cold drinks. From the Wiff's Pasture camp you'll ride to Snow Lake and the Flat Top on Thousand Lakes Mountain where the views of the canyonlands are indescribable. As always, you'll return to camp in time to relax and enjoy hors d'oeuvres before dinner.

Day 4

Daylight at the Pleasant Creek camp brings the prospect of visiting Scout Lake, Long Lake and spectacular Bowns Point via the Elderberry Trail. From the Wiff's Pasture camp you'll wind your way into Paradise in Capitol Reef National Park. After lunch you'll return to camp via Billings Pass and the Cathedral Valley overlook.

Day 5

Riders at the Pleasant Creek camp will follow Keller's Trail to the breath taking vista on Chokecherry Point, then across the Terrace to Pleasant Creek Falls. After a hearty breakfast, riders at the Wiff's Pasture camp will spend their final full day on the Saddle Pass Trail with it's stunning views of Hell's Hole, Sand Creek Gorge and the Fremont River Valley.

Day 6

Departure day. After packing personal gear and breaking camp, Pleasant Creek campers will use a different access back to the Slickrock Trail and return among the multi-hued Navajo sandstone domes littered with volcanic boulders where you'll exchange your saddle seat for the short drive back to headquarters. From the Wiff's camp you'll take the Sulfur Basin trail to Torrey Knoll and the Bingo and Torrey town overlooks. After a short drive you'll arrive Torrey late afternoon.

HORSERIDER'S PACKING LIST

CAMPS: Our trips feature tent camping at primitive sites and are supported by 4 WD vehicles. Our camp wagons allow us to furnish cooking, eating and shower tents, chairs and commode as well as feed for our horses. Guests stay in small tents for single or double occupancy. A base camp is the setting for most rides. We recommend that you: 1) pack as light as possible, 2) pack practically and with a utilitarian eye, and, 3) pack so you may layer clothing for warmth. We will provide each guest with water-proof gear bags for personal items. Participants on our trailrides will be assisted with final packing during the pre-trip orientation, the evening prior to departure--see confirmation letter for details.

OTHER INFORMATION:
Suitability

While no previous riding experience is required, participants should be in good health and physical condition. And although the minimum age of eight years is required, the important point you should understand is that we don't want to put any participant in a situation which they are physically or emotionally unable to handle. An appreciation of the outdoors is the only prerequisite for joining a trip.
Our trailrides are limited to 10 or 12 participants, depending on destination. Our trips are designed for horse lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. We pride ourselves in giving experienced riders the challenge and pace they desire without abusing the horses, and in giving wilderness seekers the untraveled and scenic backcountry they relish. Our high guide to guest ratio allows us to divide into groups by ability and interest when time and logistics allow.
It should be noted that although our trips are designed to accommodated hikers as well as riders, if you plan to combine both activities, let us or your travel consultant know so they may plan for appropriate personnel and horses before the last moment.

Tipping

Tipping is always optional and a personal decision on your part, based on your overall experience. A guide is rewarded by the opportunity to show you a beautiful area and to share your vacation with you. However, a financial gesture of appreciation will be well received! If you do choose to pass along a gratuity, it is appropriate to direct it toward the trip leader who is responsible for distribution. The industry standard is 10-20%.

Inclusions:

• All meals from lunch on day two through lunch on the last day with special diets accommodated
• The first night lodging in Torrey, and with transfer package, post-trip lodging in St. George
• Ground transportation from Torrey or St. George, and return
• Complete outfitting with deluxe basecamp including cooking and dining tents, showers and chairs
• Canvas sleep tent with choice of one or two person, or family occupancy
• Sleeping bag and six inch foam sleeping pad or cot
• Water bottles, saddle bags and quality tack
• Daily guided horseback riding or hiking
• Seasoned mountain horses for novice or experienced riders
• Guides/wranglers, cook, camp jack and interpretive specialist well versed in canyonlands social and natural history

Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-961-7375.