River Expeditions
The Details
Your mini-expedition begins at the Tag-A-Long office in Moab at 7:15 a.m.* where we board four-wheel drive vehicles for a drive deep into Canyonlands National Park. The brief ride takes along a Utah Byways scenic route where we'll stop to view one of the area's largest concentrations of ancient Indian writings. You'll want your camera and lots of film! We also stop to see dinosaur tracks left in a prehistoric sand bank.
Not content to take the easy entrance to Canyonlands National Park, we approach it from a rugged backcountry road. We enter the park via the famous White Rim Trail where we pass natural bridges, monuments, towers and other stone wonders. Watch for the bighorn sheep who make their home in this rugged, rocky land. You'll see some more spectacular views of the Colorado River as it winds its way through the park, carving out steep canyons in red rock. Our route out of the park takes us up – way up – the steep, narrow switchbacks of Shafer Trail, an historic cattle and mining road. You will love the excitement and spectacular vistas!
The second half of the day's adventure finds you splashing along on the mighty Colorado River. You'll enjoy some of the most enchanting scenery to be found anywhere in the American West while you float along, swim or hit playful class I-II rapids. Throughout the day, you'll learn about native wildlife, the cultural and natural history of the canyonlands region, and the fascinating geologic story of this amazing country – and you'll have a ball all the while! You are back in Moab by around 4:30.*
* This itinerary may be operated in reverse (RI0) to begin with rafting at 8:45 a.m. and to conclude with 4x4 around 5:00 p.m. Please check-in the evening before your departure to verify your departure times.