Grand Gulch/Cedar Mesa – Owl and Fish Creek Loop

A multi-day loop hike into a pristine wilderness area.  Highlights include: ruins, arches, hanging gardens, waterfalls, and hoodoos waiting to be explored.

Type of Trip:  Backpacking/Camping
Dates:  March - November
Number of Days: 4
Total Miles:  20
Elevation Gain Loss: 1450ft
Difficulty:  Moderately Strenuous, some scrambling
Starting Point:  Moab
Orientation Time:  8am the day of the hike
Orientation Location:  La Quinta – Moab
Trip Departure: 9am
Trip Return:  4pm

(B) = Breakfast   (L) = Lunch   (D) = Dinner

Cost: 
$955 per person

** This trip can be customized around different starting point and times**

Southeastern Utah has one of the largest concentrations of Anasazi Indian ruins in the United States and the area around Owl Creek and Fish Creek is one of the best places to see them.
Indian ruins are not the only attraction this hike has to offer. There is also spectacular scenery, especially in Owl Creek Canyon. The reddish colored Cedar Mesa Sandstone have been carved into an eye-catching display of pinnacles and spires, and more than three natural arches.

Itinerary* - The final itinerary may change due to weather or any unforeseen circumstance(s).

Day 1:  Meet at the La Quinta in Moab (this trip can start in Flagstaff as well) at 7am; make sure you eat and have your hiking boots on, ready to go.  We will depart for the trailhead after a short orientation.  Finish the day with a camp under the stars.  About 5 miles of hiking – (L) (D)

Day 2: After an early breakfast, a full day of exploring lies ahead.  Working our way through an array of monoliths and spires, lower Owl Creek Canyon begins to unfold, leading to some very interesting scenery.  We will make camp in the shade of the cottonwoods before traversing a side canyon with many well-preserved hidden secrets.    About 8 miles of hiking  - (B) (L) (D)

Day 3:  Today’s journey will bring us to the most interesting side canyons in the Cedar Mesa area.  We will also examine some of the most impressive signs of ancient farming in the San Juan region.  About 7 miles of hiking - (B) (L) (D)

Day 4:  We begin our final climb out of this rugged country and bid farewell to this special place, but not without getting incredible views back into the canyons!  Back in Moab by 4pm.