Journey to the spectacular canyonlands of southern Utah visiting three national parks or monuments. Pedal amongst towering mesas and red cliffs, graced with ancient petroglyphs. Picnic under stone arches and follow the course of the mighty Colorado River. Enjoy high desert vistas and breathtaking views from mountain tops. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the American south west and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
Location
Grand Junction
Grand Junction, CO, United States
Day 1+2
Moab
Moab, UT, United States
Day 3+7+8
Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Day 4
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Day 5
Cisco
Cisco, Utah, United States
Day 6
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers and necessary shuttles during the tour
Key transfer from tour end back to start location in Grand Junction
Use of a high quality hybrid bike and accessories
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Start any date between March 1 to June 1, except Easter Week (Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday) and September 1 to November 15
Custom trips available and can start any date. Call or email for details.
Custom trips available and can start any date. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
8 days / 7 nights
ARRIVE / DEPART
Grand Junction / Moab
ACTIVITY LEVEL
48 km daily average distance (30 miles).
TERRAIN
Variety of terrain, including gravel, dirt, and rock. There are some climbs every day, some of them quite challenging.
COST
Classic Accommodation: US $2,475
Single Supplement: US $520
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@randonneetours.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.
Getting There
Your tour starts in Grand Junction, Colorado, which is located 284 miles east of Salt Lake City and very close to the Utah state line. Grand Junction can be reached by air. via Denver, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City with America West, Skywest/Delta Connection, United Express, and Great Lakes Airlines. AMTRAK provides daily service to the east and west coasts. Grand Junction can also be reached by Greyhound Bus from Denver, Durango, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City.
1
Day 1
Grand Junction
Arrival in Grand Junction, located amongst a dazzling array of natural wonders — rushing rivers, rocky mesas, ancient paleontological sites, and golden deserts. But, surprisingly, this is also wine country and there are 13 wineries in the Grand Valley. Take some time to explore the town and its shops, admire Navajo rugs and Anasazi pottery, or take a stroll along the river.
2
Day 2
Grand Junction
Today enjoy a fabulous, exhilarating ride in the Colorado National Monument, 20,500 acres of the towering monoliths and deep canyons, home to soaring eagles and bighorn sheep. Pedal past ranches and old orchards, and even a herd of llamas on your way to Rim Rock Drive and up into the high desert. The ride takes you back to Grand Junction where you’ll spend tonight.
Ride Distance: 45 km, elevation gain 918 m.*
3
Day 3
Moab
There are two possibilities today. You can follow the Colorado River downstream to Moab, riding through a deep gorge of vertical red cliffs. Or you can be shuttled up into the La Sal Mountains, topped with pines and aspens, and then enjoy a long, thrilling descent to Moab, where you’ll stay for three nights.
Ride Distance: 31 km, elevation gain 520 m or 72 km, gain 610 m.*
4
Day 4
Arches National Park
Today begins with a shuttle to Arches National Park, where there are over 2000 natural sandstone arches. Erosion has also produced pinnacles and balancing rocks. You’ll begin your ride at Devil’s Garden and ride back to Moab, with opportunities for hikes to explore the amazing rock formations around you. Be sure to visit the Delicate Arch viewpoint, where you’ll see the most famous arch in the park. You’ll also see this arch on the Utah license plate.
Ride Distance: 53 km, elevation gain 613 m.*
5
Day 5
Canyonlands National Park
Another day in Moab takes you into Canyonlands National Park with a choice of return rides to Moab. All end on the Potash Road squeezed between the Colorado River and steep red cliffs where you can see ancient petroglyphs. Spend some time hiking on slickrock to Corono and Bow Tie and climb almost 1000’ to Portal Overlook for a breathtaking view of Moab as an option.
Ride Distance: 66 km, elevation gain 1184 m.*
6
Day 6
Cisco
This morning you’ll be shuttled to Cisco, Utah, a ruined, old railroad town, in the high desert. You’ll descend into the spectacular gorge of the Colorado River. Wind between cliffs of red rock and over a rolling plateau above the river. The Classic trip usually stays at Red Cliff’s Lodge and the Luxe trip stays at the spectacular Sorrel River Ranch.
Ride Distance: 43 km, elevation gain 738 m.*
7
Day 7
Colorado River
Enjoy several day rides designed to take you deeper into red rock country, where you’ll swear you’ve wandered onto an old western movie set. This is ranch country. You’ll climb away from the river into the Castle Valley and, if you need additional challenges, you can climb 4000’ above the Colorado River. You could also enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, whitewater rafting & kayaking on the Colorado River.
Ride Distance: 23 km, elevation gain 329 m add-on 19 km, gain 266 m.*
8
Day 8
Enjoy your last morning at the lodge before taking the shuttle back to Grand Junction to catch your flight or continuing on your next adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure
Classic
Springhill Suites by Mariott
This hotel is located downtown so you are able to choose from many restaurant options and explore Grand Junction. There is a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and complimentary airport shuttle.
Gonzo Inn, Moab
This is Moab’s hip hotel in the historic center with an eclectic mix of southwest influences. There is a nice swimming pool and the location in the historic center is ideal.
Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab
Set on the banks of the Colorado River and backed by high cliffs, the suites feature wood-paneled walls and log furniture. There is a winery, horseback riding and tennis courts.
Tour Reviews
“A belated thank you for the Utah Trip. It was wonderful! We loved all our accommodations and the routes…”
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