Hiking the Areas around Moab was an absolutely fabulous program. Our instuctors were very knowledgeable and personable. The hikes were different every day and the pace was perfect. The schedule was well thought out and ran very smoothly. The weather was perfect. We thoroughly enjoyed the people, the hikes, the surroundings, and especially the instructors Ryan, Jan and Jamie.

As a brand new hiker and first time Road Scholar traveler, I wasn't sure what to expect. Right from our welcome meeting and first night dinner, I knew we were in good hands and with a great group. Our geology leader, Peter, kept us informed about what we were seeing and what had happened over time. It was easy to feel his passion for his subject. Dan's expertise as a photographer added to my enjoyment of the two parks. Road Scholar is smart to have Mountain Plains as a provider and lucky to have these two men lead trips for them. I look forward to future Road Scholar trips!

This trip was my/our first Road Scholar trip as well as my first ever hiking trip, so I have no base for any comparisons. I do know that our leaders, Peter and Dan, were extremely well-organized and knowledgeable about the two parks as well as Moab itself. I learned a lot about the geology of the area, hiking, and about myself. Our leaders made me feel safe and encouraged me to stretch my comfort zone. The camraderie that grew within our group was amazing. I look forward to more adventures with Road Scholar.

We did this trip the first week in May. The program is an excellent way to see the two parks. The leaders' knowledge of the area enabled us to be on trails when the trails were not crowded. They were good about telling us how much water each trail required and I got some good pointers on how to walk on slip rock.

I personally found the geology of the area fascinating and our geology leader, Peter McCarville, does a great job of explaining the geology. The geology instruction is done on the trails where you actually see the rocks.

The program is well organized. We always got back in time for a much needed shower before our evening meal. The motel has a large hot tub area that some of the group used but I perferred the shower.

The food was good and varied. We ate lunches at picnic areas in the park. Breakfast was at a diner a few blocks from the motel. We walked to it but there was a van for those who did not want to walk. By the end of the program almost everyone was walking to the diner for breakfast. The meal arrangements were well executed.

Our free time was after our evening meal. Moab is a tourist town but it does have an excellent book store and plenty of places selling good ice cream.

Hikes through spectacular country, very different from our usual surroundings. I was particularly impressed with the organizational ability of our instructors--they were familiar with the area and were able to run a schedule that got everyone where they needed to be. The geology of Arches and Canyonlands was emphasized, and informational sessions were held in the field. We're contemplating doing future trips with this outdoor activity contractor. Accommodations were good, and there was a serious effort to get the group to an array of restaurants for evening meals. No evening activities were scheduled during the week, which was probably appropriate. Hiking "style" tended to be a series of shorter forays from the vans to natural feature destinations, rather than extended hikes. Arches and Canyonlands are exotic--but don't feel like a wilderness experience: the area tends to be crowded, and there's a Yahoo 4-wheeling and mountain biking atmosphere about Moab that's a bit grating (to me, at least). A very enjoyable and active course!

A great set of hikes in the incredible national parks around Moab. Good food, new friends, and dedicated leaders. Couldn't ask for more--they even arranged for a lightning and thunderstorm to end the week, and an incredible sunset during the final dinner. Bravo!!

I'm a novice hiker from the flatlands and I did it! It was tough but worth every gasping breath. Accomodations and meals were super, guides were terrifically competent and nice.

We love the red rock country of Utah. The leaders picked such great and varied hikes and were so thoughtful in helping people not used to such rugged terrain. A very special experience!

This was the best organized hiking trip among the other 7 such trips I have taken with Road Scholar. Accomodations and food were outstanding as were our guides.

Awe inspiring program with opportunity to learn from an enthusiastic expert about the geology of the area. hiking generally is not strenuous since elevation gain is minimal, but climbing over rocks is necessary.
I highly recommend this program for the active adult. Unique national parks. We had 2 participants who brought adult children which was great!