Skip to Main Content
Utah

Off the Beaten Path: Backcountry Hiking in Southwestern Utah

Program No. 23226RJ
Take on challenging hikes off the beaten path through the backcountry of Utah with a small group of fellow adventurers, learning about geological and human history of the region.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
8 days
Program Begins
St. George
Program Concludes
St. George
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
20 ( 7B, 6L, 7D )
Activity Level
Are you ready for a challenge? Rock scramble and hike your way along the red rock backcountry of southwest Utah for a scenic learning adventure with your expert group leaders. Hike little-known paths to learn about the geological history of the swirling patterned Navajo sandstone, slot canyons, hoodoos, lava tubes and petrified forests and sand dunes, and investigate the human history of the area at Anasazi Ridge.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy challenging, small-group hikes off the beaten path with expert instruction from your group leaders about geological formations, flora, fauna and human history.
  • Hike Ancestral Puebloan sites to learn about petroglyphs dating back 4,000 years, and search for ancient pottery pieces along the Santa Clara River.
  • Hike Zion's West Rim trail and climb switchbacks with sheer drop-offs to Scout Lookout.
Profile Image
Sherry Breitenbach
Sherry Breitenbach moved to the St. George area in 2006 and quickly became a hiking enthusiast. Following her passion for the outdoors and exploring, she signed on as a hiking instructor for two local businesses. Sherry now shares her passion of this part of the country with Road Scholar programs through Dixie State University. Before moving to St. George, Sherry worked in the field of laboratory testing for 26 years, and managed a now-consolidated branch laboratory of 14 employees.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Heidi Loveland
Heidi Loveland
Heidi Loveland is a native of St. George, Utah. A graduate of Weber State University, she has worked as a wildland firefighter with the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service. She loves traveling the world and has visited every continent except Antarctica. She is passionate about the outdoors, and loves yoga and kayaking with her German Shepard.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Challenging
Strenuous hiking up to 12 miles daily with bouldering, rock scrambles, slick-rock climbs and elevation gains up to 2300 feet. Agility, balance and stamina required. Terrain includes deep sand, loose rocks, very steep inclines and declines and some small vertical cliff faces. Elevation up to 6500 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.