Moab is the heart of one of America’s most scenic regions. Steep canyon walls, arches, and gorgeous landscapes with a clear blue sky provide unforgettable vistas. We see the beauty from a jet boat, an expedition vehicle, and on foot, with options for rafting and horseback riding. The base for this adventure is our home at the Red Cliffs Lodge, set on the Colorado River.

 

The inspiration for this tour came from Sun Tours’ clients who stayed at the Red Cliffs Lodge for just one night on a different tour. They loved the Red Cliffs Lodge and wanted much more time there. Here is what Dorothy G. wrote: “The Red Cliffs Lodge was a highlight of the tour, not only because of the well-appointed décor and complete comfort of my room but also because of the fantastic setting of cliffs and river. What a spot!”

 

Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

 

 

DAY 1           D

We drive across the colorful landscape of northwestern New Mexico and past the high mountains of Utah to reach Moab. We lodge four nights at the Red Cliffs Lodge 16 miles upriver from Moab. After a little time to freshen up, we enjoy a welcome dinner.

 

DAY 2               B,L

Arches National Park has over 100 natural stone arches. During our morning in the park we learn how nature created the arches and visit some of the park’s finer specimens. We walk along “Park Avenue” to Courthouse Towers, see Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch, the Fiery Furnace, and the Windows Section with Double Arch.  After our picnic lunch, we hike into the Devils Garden. Later, we have free time in Moab.

 

DAY 3               B

We drive downstream along the Colorado to Potash Dock, where we board our jet boat for an exciting (but dry) 2-hour ride. We reach the goose neck below Dead Horse Point before returning to the dock. Then we board 4-wheel-drive vehicles and take back roads up to the top of the canyon. From Dead Horse Point we look down to the river where we boated earlier in the day. After exploring and shopping in downtown Moab, we return to our beautiful Red Cliffs Lodge.

 

DAY 4               B

The Red Cliffs Lodge is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Free optional activities available at the lodge or nearby include wine tasting, hiking, swimming, tennis, and visiting the Moab Museum of Film & Western Heritage, which features “100 years of cowboy history.” Additional cost options include golf, spa services, horseback riding, and, for the adventurous amongst us, a rafting trip or a scenic air flight. 

 

DAY 5               B

We pass Utah’s La Sal Mountains and Colorado’s San Juan Mountains to reach New Mexico. Shiprock, the 1700-foot eroded volcanic plume sacred to the Navajos, welcomes us back to New Mexico.

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Itinerary subject to change