Stay in Moab, Utah in comfortable motel accommodations and each day, explore awe-inspiring and diverse environments: Arches National Park, the Colorado River, the forested La Sal Mountains, lovely wilderness stream canyons and a wetlands preserve. Morning and sunset hikes, in small groups, 3-7 miles in length, and a full-day scenic float trip highlight the ecology, geology, and public lands issues of the Colorado Plateau, made famous by western movie makers and author Ed Abbey. Enjoy pleasant warm, dry temperatures. Cafe and picnic meals; van transportation, motel double-occupancy, limited singles - extra charge, private bath, swimming pool.

Spring you'll visit "Island in the Sky" -features include stunning overlooks that rival the Grand Canyon, Upheaval Dome theorized to be either salt dome or meteor crater and enjoy a blaze of desert wildflowers. The spring program includes a one day scenic float on the Colorado River with CFI.

The fall program takes advantage of warm, mild temperatures in the lower canyons of the "Needles" District. We hike in a fairyland of candy-striped sandstone spires, arches and fins. Soft autumn colors with glowing yellow cottonwoods offer plenty of photographic opportunities. One day of extensive hiking offers easy and more challenging options in famous Chesler Park.

A great opportunity for a bit of educational enrichment! On both trips, learn how seas, salt and erosion forces shaped this landscape. Get to know common desert plants and animals and their adaptations; prehistoric and historic Indian cultures are highlighted with visits to ancient rock art and dwelling sites. Pioneer, cowboy, mining, park history and current management issues are shared. Interpretive hikes, short talks and readings by CFI naturalists and guest speakers, both picnic and cafe meals, free time to relax, visit museum and galleries in town all provide a fun, involved and intimate look at the Park and nearby communities.

This is a custom trip. You pick the dates and eight or more companions. Families, mature adults, seniors welcome. Leader is FREE.