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Escalante National Monument, Utah
Last week in September – first week in October, 2009
THE LOCATION THE TRIP Escalante National Monument in southern Utah is a 1.9 million acre geological wonderland tucked between Lake Powell and Bryce Canyon. This area was the last to be mapped in the United States and it remains remote. There are few roads, and those are not always passable.
The effects of wind, water, and the earth’s upheavals are dramatically visible in a landscape full of surprises. In the same day, you might see isolated plateaus stretching for miles and miles, a gently rolling landscape that surprisingly turns out to be made of stone, a warren of interlocking canyons, and a jagged-toothed geological dike slicing up through the earth. Shallow rivers run under natural stone bridges through the steep-walled canyons they have carved. Between the river canyons, the wind has worn out windows and arches.
In spite of its ruggedness, people have been living here for a very long time. The Fremont and Anasazi cultures have left petroglyphs, pictographs, and granaries high up on the cliffs. There is something for everyone here – it is simply spectacular.
A 10-day hiking and camping trip takes us through a spectacular landscape of narrow canyons and arches, red-and-white layer-cake rock formations, and Native American pictographs and granaries. Hikes are 5 to 8 miles long at a casual pace, with time for photos or time to take a dip in a rock-bound pool at the base of a high waterfall.
On the way back, we’ll spend one or two nights in Zion National Park. This will give those who don’t mind heights a chance to walk the Angel’s Landing trail.
Price is $1200. This includes all transportation, camping fees, and food in Utah, with the exception of one dinner out at your expense. We arrive and take off from Las Vegas, and spend the first night there. Air fare and travel arrangements from New England are up to you.
The group will be made up of 2 crew members and 6 guests.
© Flying Squirrel 2009. All rights reserved. Website created by Maya Machin
