Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, Natural Bridges, Dinosaur, Capital Reef, Grand Staircase... in a state brimming with national parks, it's easy to overlook another national treasure. Utah locals call it 'THE SWELL' - a 3,000-foot fold of sandstone and shale located on the edge of the Colorado Plateau. Its hidden canyons provided sanctuary to Old West outlaw Butch Cassidy. Today the same red-wall canyons are your sanctuary from the everyday grind.
Ride back in time past abandoned mining camps and turn of the century ranches. Stop to explore cowboy camps, prehistoric Indian rock art, you might even see a few dinosaur prints. The ride ends at the Wedge Overlook, Utah's 'Little Grand Canyon'. 1,000-feet below, the San Rafael River counts another day in the eons... from above you count yourself fortunate that such a place exists at all.
Tour Details
Duration
4 Days/3 Nights
Location
San Rafael Swell
Season
April, May, September, October
Tour Type
Mountain Biking
Nearest City
Green River or Moab, UT
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Utah, United States
Distance Traveled
102 Miles
Minimum Age Limit
12 Years
Skill Levels Accommodated
Intermediate
Grouped by Level
No
Fully Guided
Yes
Guest Capacity
6-13
Support Vans
Yes
Bike Rentals Available
Yes
Bike Brands
Specialized Full Suspension - rentals available at $90 for the whole trip.
Accommodations
Camping
Transportation To Start Site
Yes, from our meeting point.
Dining
All meals provided starting with lunch the first day through lunch the last day. Holiday Expeditions can accommodate vegetarian diets and guests with allergies.
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Meet group at Holiday Expeditions headquarters in Green River, Utah. A 1½-hour van ride takes you to Temple Mountain near Goblin Valley State Park. The ride begins with a dirt trail that cuts through the San Rafael Reef, then parallels the uplifted rock faces. Upon entering the Swell, your trail heads west toward Hondoo Arch and Reds Canyon. You'll camp near the remains of miner’s cabins at Tomsich Butte.
Day 2: After exploring the remains of uranium mining camps around Tomsich Butte, head north through the winding drainage of Reds Canyon. In the afternoon, climb out of the canyons and up to the plateau called Sinbad Country. Your camp this night will offer you views of Iron Wash and the Head of Sinbad.
Day 3: You continue heading north this day. Along well-graded roads, you’ll cover almost 34 miles ending up north of Interstate 70. Your ride takes you across the open fields of Cottonwood Draw and Limestone Bench. The ride finishes at the San Rafael River with the structures of Windowblind Peak, Assembly Hall Peak, and Bottleneck Peak towering over your camp.
Day 4: This morning you’ll take a leisurely ride up Buckhorn Draw, stopping to explore many Indian pictographs and even a dinosaur footprint. After crossing Furniture Draw, you’ll head south to the Wedge Overlook, also known as the Little Grand Canyon. Your van will meet you here for a two-hour drive back to Green River.
This Package Includes
Full course meals starting with lunch the first day ending with lunch the last day.
Transportation to and from the meeting point.
Qualified guides.
Necessary equipment such as life jackets, waterproof bags, support van, etc.
Notes
The San Rafael bike route is a technically challenging route. This undeveloped dirt road has steep downhills, loose rocks, sand, and ruts. Riders who have no off-road bicycling experience, or who are not athletic will most likely find this trip too challenging. All riders should prepare for the trip by riding their bike on a regular basis prior to the trip.
Reservation Policy
A deposit is required within five days of making a reservation; balance is due 60 days before your trip begins.
Cancellation Policy
If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the trip date we will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
Click on any visitor guide below to request a free copy.
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