Discover the Rugged Landscapes and Geological Treasures of the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument

Immerse yourself in the unworldly beauty of the red rock cliffs, slot canyons, natural arches and forests of this diverse and spectacular National Monument.  This is a 5 day/4 night adventure with 3 full days of riding into some of the most remote parts of the country.  So remote that it was one of the last places in the continental United States to be mapped.

There’s something so magical about this part of Southern Utah that draws you in and keeps you coming back.  The area can at first feel inhospitable, but the more you get to know its secrets, the more you feel connected and protected by the land.  You owe it to yourself to come here in person, for the opportunity to feel the deep connection and mystical experiences that the Grand Staircase – Escalante has to offer.  And there’s no better way to explore it than by horseback!

Small group horse riding in one of the least visited National Monuments of the US.

September 2023

  • Imagine riding your equine partner through the solitude of unspoiled nature, hearing only the wind through the canyons and juniper trees, your horse’s hoofs steady on the trail and your breathing calm and relaxed as you start to decompress from a busy life back home.

  • Savor the feeling of getting away from it all with 3 days on the trail, camping in walled tents and delicious meals prepared for you.  All you have to do is show up, relax and have fun in one of the most spectacular places in the country.

  • Hear the canyon birds calling, the coyotes yipping and the horses quietly munching their hay nearby as you gaze up at a million stars.

  • Feel time standing still as you climb around the rocks and towers in a land steeped in history and beauty.

Trip Highlights

  • Ride and camp in the high deserts and canyons, as we adventure deep into the wilderness exploring craggy canyons and otherworldly, red-rock landscapes

  • Stay in a fully-equipped campsite, far from the beaten path, in comfortable canvas wall tents complete with showers, hot breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners all prepared by the camp chef.

  • Unspoiled Nature!  Bound by the Grand Canyon to the south and Uintah Basin to the north this rugged scenery is the ancient home of the Anasazi and Fremont cultures and is now home to  elk, deer, and even wild horses.  You get spectacular views of the 4-Corners region where ten or more national parks and monuments may be seen in a single panorama. A completely unique trip exploring some of America’s most dramatic landscapes.

  • A night at the beginning of the horse trip and a night at the end to relax and enjoy the hospitality and offerings at the Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch.  We’ll sit around the campfire, listening to a local acoustic musician and maybe indulge in a s’more or two!

  • A chance to unplug and disconnect so you can actually connect with self, nature, animals and others on a deeper level.

  • A guided trip with area locals that have been touring this area for 20 years and will take you to places that are completely off the beaten path.

Trip Includes

  • Transportation to and from Salt Lake City

  • 1 day before the ride and one day after to settle in, be in nature, and enjoy a little bit of luxury before and after “roughing it” in the wilderness.

  • Your own horse for the trip selected for your riding style, personality and preferences

  • All camping gear, food and transportation for the duration of the trip

  • Daily permits and fees for the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument

  • 1 coaching call with Trish prior to our trip to discuss what you hope to discover and gain from the adventure as well as answer any trip questions you might have

The Horses, Guides, Food and Accommodations

Horses:

Picture the horses of the old Western movies – dependable, strong, stoic, kind… the go anywhere, do anything kind of horse.  These are the horses that will be joining us for this adventure; well-trained Quarter Horses and mixed Quarter.  Owned, trained and cared for by TK Outfitting, they have the experience to partner with every rider from beginner to advanced.

Food:

While at Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch, cuisine is concentrated on sustainable, local and organic flavors with neo-American and international influences. Produce is sourced from their on-site garden.  Camp meals will be lovingly prepared by the camp chef.

Accommodations:

Shared rooms or cabins during our stay at the Guest Ranch.  Walled tents during our stay at camp.  All camping gear will be provided.  All accommodations are clean, cozy and well-suited for a spectacular time in the wilderness.

Riding and Fitness Level

Strong Beginner through Advanced.  You will need to be comfortable in walk on varied terrain and be able to control your horse at a walk and trot.  To make the trip the best possible experience for you, we recommend that you ride at least one to two days per week starting two or more months prior to the trip, just to be comfortable in the saddle and to get your derrière and riding muscles ready.

We will be doing some light hiking and exploring each day. To make your trip more enjoyable, we suggest that you have a walking/light workout routine 3-4 weeks prior to the trip.

***While we all do our best to stick to exact itineraries, sometimes changes are inevitable and flexibility is key!

Upon registration, you will receive and email with liability/release forms, dietary restrictions and rider information questionnaires.  Please fill out all forms 4 weeks prior to the trip and return them to Joy Rides Coaching at joyrides.dgo@gmail.com.  

  • Cost: 3700 all inclusive. $1000 will reserve your spot and payments plans are tailored to individual needs.

  • *All prices are based on double occupancy. Single occupancy rates may be available upon request.  Transportation to meeting spot in Salt Lake City is not included.

Cancellation policy:

If you have to cancel, costs are fully refundable (less deposit and credit cards fees) up to 90 days before the start of the trip. Between 60 and 90 days before the trip, 50% of the costs are refundable, less a 3% credit card fee.  If you have to cancel 0-60 days before the trip, the costs are nonrefundable, but are transferable to another person. The trip deposits are nonrefundable. However, this deposit amount may be transferred to another excursion if your space on your current trip can be filled.