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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.
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  • HIking Southwestern Utah
  • Backpacking Southwestern Utah
  • Backpacking Southwestern Utah
  • HIking Southwestern Utah
  • HIking Southwestern Utah
  • Backpacking Southwestern Utah
National ParksWalking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall Group
Length
8 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,349
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.
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General Notes
Due to remote locations, only vegetarian and gluten-free diets can be accommodated, with limited meal variety.
Featured Expert
All Experts
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Heidi Loveland
Heidi Loveland is a native of St. George, Utah, and a graduate of both Utah Tech University and Weber State University. She spent several years working as a wildland firefighter and sawyer with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. She also worked as an adventure concierge and leader, heading hiking, biking, and kayaking trips throughout the surrounding area. An avid traveler, Heidi has visited every continent except Antarctica. She enjoys sourdough baking, practicing yoga, and hiking or kayaking with her dog.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Heidi Loveland is a native of St. George, Utah, and a graduate of both Utah Tech University and Weber State University. She spent several years working as a wildland firefighter and sawyer with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. She also worked as an adventure concierge and leader, heading hiking, biking, and kayaking trips throughout the surrounding area. An avid traveler, Heidi has visited every continent except Antarctica. She enjoys sourdough baking, practicing yoga, and hiking or kayaking with her dog.
Christopher Weaver has worked as a hike leader for Death Valley Natural History Association since 2018. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid/CPR and enjoys rock scrambling, hiking, and camping in the National Parks of the Southwest.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Challenging
Strenuous hiking up to 12 miles per day (approximately 42 miles over 6 days) at a moderate pace of 2 mph over terrain that includes deep sand, boulder hopping, steep climbs, rock scrambles, ledge obstacles, steep drop offs and assisted lifts. Some small vertical cliff faces. Agility, balance and stamina required. Elevation gains up to 2,300 feet, Elevation up to 6,500 feet. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
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.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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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 is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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.

  • 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 is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • 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.