Utah
Hiking Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Program No. 6132RJ
Join natural history experts in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks to discover ancient petroglyphs, geological monuments and the colorful beauty of two national treasures.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 46 Reviews
SHOWING
A terrific introduction to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The hikes were varied covering the highlights of both of these incredible areas. The scenic drives were almost as delightful as the trails. The excellent, informed trip instructors managed the tour with skill.
— Review left May 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Arches and Canyonlands. The guides, Heidi and Mike, were fabulous. I'd follow them anywhere! The other folks on the trip were great. We got along as if we'd known each other for years. I can't wait to pick out my next trip and head out.
— Review left April 27, 2025
Outstanding, knowledgeable guides and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
— Review left April 15, 2025
This was a wonderful program in a fascinating part of Utah! Mike and Heidi were excellent leaders, skilled outdoorsmen, knowledgeable about the history and geology of the area, accommodating to all levels, and very personable. The hikes, which were not strenuous, were lovely and always led to amazing sights of arches and canyons. The lodging was comfortable and well located, and the food was great. I highly recommend this program to anyone who would like to learn about this part of Utah and to see these National Parks via fun but gentle hikes.
— Review left November 3, 2024
Another wonderful and memorable trip with Road Scholar, / 5 stars
Appreciate everything , especially the leaders Mike and Heidi as well as all the teammates .
— Review left November 1, 2024
This was an excellent trip, due to having a small group size and guides that focused on what was important for each individual. Mike made geology interesting and fun, helping us to understand how the sites we were hiking to came about and providing opportunities for those who needed more challenging hikes. Heidi filled in with history, fauna and plants as well as healthy hand prepared lunches that catered to everyone's taste and diet. Each day started early getting us into the park and at a major site before the crowds. Lots of opportunities for photos throughout the day and questions. Heidi was especially helpful with offering hiking tips and encouraging those less experienced with hiking distance, slickrock or tolerating heat. I learned so much and had so much fun. Great guides, great group, and a great trip. Lots of great memories. Thanks to Mike and Heidi.
— Review left October 30, 2024
Mike and Heidi were great guides. Took all participant capabilities into account on all the hikes accommodating all. Knowledgeable and experienced with geology and the hiking trails. Experienced the more well known hikes that make the parks popular and unique and kept us moving during the day. Love this area.
— Review left October 26, 2024
This has become my #1 favorite program - the program material was extremely helpful in knowing what to expect.
— Review left October 26, 2024
The Arches and Canyonlands program in Moab, Utah were OUTSTANDING and AWE-INSPIRING! Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, well-spoken and FUN! This is a program no one should miss!
— Review left October 21, 2024
Arches and Canyonlands are two of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., and this trip showed them both off beautifully. For me, the hiking is not the real reason for the trip, although that's fun and gets me out of my comfort zone, the best part of the trip is learning all about the geology. This trip's guides, Heidi and Mike, were fantastic. Not only friendly and helpful, but extremely knowledgeable about hiking, geology, and biology. There were some areas of the trails where I did not feel comfortable pushing myself further, and there was no pressure to do so. No judgement by anyone. A couple of these hikes were very strenuous, but either Heidi or Mike kept a good watch on us all. And the views made everything worth while. The hotel choice was great, the restaurants also great, I can't recommend this trip highly enough, especially if you can go with Mike and Heidi.
— Review left July 3, 2024
Good guides with a wealth of knowledge about geology, constellations, fantastic views on the trails, and many natural arches. However this program is not for the faint of heart. We have done several "Spirited" programs and this was by far the most challenging. The program description should be more detailed about the challenges on the trail with all the inclines and steps. We would rate it between the Spirited and Challenging categories. It was still another great Road Scholar program and would be great for the serious hiker. 4 out of 5 stars.
— Review left April 20, 2024
Beautiful scenery, excellent hiking opportunities, good experienced trip guides, nice accommodations staying in the same hotel for the entire trip, a perfect town [Moab] with a cool vibe, and our group was compatible. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left April 19, 2024
Our hiking adventure to Arches and Canyonlands was excellent. All aspects provided us with a wonderful week in Utah. Our guides Heidi and Mike were outstanding, well organized, knowledgeable, and provided us with a comfortable safe adventure. Highly recommend hiking in Utah!
— Review left November 13, 2023
This is a good program which is well planned. The leaders, accommodations, and meals were all good. Geology is the main focus although there is some biology, history, and other information included. The days started with a walk to the diner for a 6am breakfast, wearing a lightweight down jacket. We departed the motel at 7:15. The afternoon hikes were under intense sun with a high close to 80. There was no need to carry a lunch since it was served, buffet style, in picnic areas where water bottles could be refilled. Some of the hiking required scrambling.
— Review left October 24, 2023
This program was on my "bucket list." It did not disappoint. Excellent selection of outings. There were many brief presntations in the field rather than longer presentations in meeting rooms. Leaders were carring and worked well together.
— Review left October 23, 2023
Had a fabulous time with Mike, Heidi and our group at Arches and Canyonlands. Everyday our hikes seemed new. It was our first road scholar tour and we would definitely do it all over again. Most days had an additional, optional hike that we participated in. Thank you!
— Review left May 12, 2023
Adventure, learning and exercise, what more could I ask?
— Review left April 24, 2023
This hike was absolutely fantastic!! Cannot recommend enough. For some reason, it is not offered again in 2023.
I think the RS Hotel in Moab is under renovation... still plenty of others to choose from. Not sure why this adventure is not offered for this year?? Highly recommend in future!!
— Review left February 23, 2023
Moab is a magical place. Mike & Heidi were the perfect hosts that made it all come alive. Get out of your comfort zone and experience this part of the Utah.
— Review left October 30, 2022
This program was an incredible learning experience with leaders (Heidi, Mike and Amanda) who not only knew all about the geology and ecology of the area but could also impart it in a meaningful way. Physically it challenged me, but I came away with increased confidence and admiration for the cohesion of our group. One of our best Road Scholar experiences to date.
— Review left October 21, 2022
Scenery and environment were amazing and different from anything I have seen before in other parts of the west. Our tour leaders were the best tour leaders I’ve ever had on any trip.
— Review left October 15, 2022
This was our first Road Scholar hiking trip and it was great. The scenery was wonderful, good hikes and great, caring, guides who gladly shared their knowledge. The group was small and eager to go each day and looked our for each other. Great trip!
— Review left May 15, 2022
This program provided a perfect introduction to a spectacular part of the country. The contrast of hikes through the rich red monuments in Arches, with others overlooking vast expanses in Canyonlands, was truly stunning. The leaders Clay and Jerry were exceptionally informative and thoughtful. The hikes were well-chosen to avoid repetition, and fit well with the program length. The physical challenge was the very uneven footing rather than elevation gain or distance, and participants should be ready to clamber over boulders and maneuver on slick rock. That said, I give the program absolutely top marks.
— Review left May 9, 2022
If you want an introduction to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, this is the way to go. We saw more and learned more about this area in 4 days than we could have done on our own in two weeks.
The instructors are very knowledgeable about the geology,flora, history and problems of this area. And shared the information in a easy, understandable way, with humor and, often, while looking at the feature they were explaining.
They take care of any and all reservations (Arches now requires reservations to enter the park in the Spring-Summer.}
The accomodations in Moab were wonderful. The rooms were 1/2 block off of main street, but were quiet. The rooms, while not fancy, had everything you could want, small refrigerator, coffee maker (Coffee in the lobby is good), 2 beds, 4 pillows each, plenty of hot water for showers and nice people, especially Lonnie at the front desk.
— Review left April 24, 2022
We were a bit nervous about being adequately fit for this “spirited” tour, but our leaders dealt well and safely with our concerns. Our group melded well, every day held a new adventure!
— Review left April 22, 2022
Our group was a great mix of singles and couples, which our leaders fused into an exploring team. Sure needed that after the pandemic! Fed the soul as well as the mind and body.
— Review left April 22, 2022
This trip was visually awesome, physically invigorating, emotionally charged, educationally sound, personally spiritual. I felt so accomplished, supported and alive! Looking forward to my next Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left December 2, 2021
The guides, Mike and Heidi, were amazing. They were friendly, organized, fun, knowledgeable and were able to accommodate fast hikers and slower hikers. No one felt rushed or had to wait for the slower hikers. Mike took the faster hikers on additional trails while Heidi stayed with the slower hikers. We all ended up back together at the same time, regardless of our abilities. This hike is definitely spirited and not for the beginner.
The scenery was amazing. Every place you looked could have been a post card photo. You have to be there to grasp the large size of the arches and mountains of rock. The sizes of the arches cannot be realized unless there is a person or car next to them.
Our educational portion of the program was given during the day in several short sessions. Mike is a geologist and retired science teacher. We learned a lot about the rocks and mountains we saw while getting a rest from hiking. I liked learning while looking at the amazing scenery.
This trip limits the number of participants to 18. We only had 14 hikers in two large vans to go from place to place.
Heidi was a fourth grade teacher who told us about the plants and trees and other unusual places we encountered. She was also very pleasant and knowledgeable.
Breakfast and dinner were in restaurants where we could order anything from the menus. Lunch was on covered picnic tables in private, scenic areas. The buffet for lunch was varied and unlimited.
The motel where we stayed had very large rooms with an additional sink and a refrigerator in a bar area that separated two queen sized beds. There were many drawers and a closet. We also had a table and chairs and a separate desk.
I would give this adventure an A+.
— Review left November 8, 2021
Well organized, stimulating, challenging, beautiful hikes lead by Heidi and Mike, two of the best leaders I've had. They made everyone feel welcome and accomplished and encouraged everyone to have fun!
— Review left November 3, 2021
Very enjoyable experience. The scenery was spectacular and unlike any I'd experienced in previous travel. The hiking is strenuous but doable, must say I did opt to sit out a bit of a couple out-and-back trails, choosing to relas and enjoy a particular bit of scenery while waiting for the rest of the group to swing back. Can't do that on the loops so make sure you're up for serious hiking. Very glad I chose this trip!
— Review left November 1, 2021
This trip is an exceptionall outdoor activity and a great way to see Canyonlands and Arches National Parks aa well learn about geology, history and ecology of the Colorado Plateau.
— Review left October 22, 2021
You won't be sorry if you sign up for this program. The scenery is spectacular and Peter is very knowledgeable about the geology of the area. The hikes are awesome and participants can do as much as they are able.
— Review left October 3, 2021
For me, this trip was fabulous! The leaders were great - very informative, well-organized and fun. Our group was cohesive, friendly and interesting. The hiking was exhilarating and challenging. I loved the rugged beauty of Arches and Canyonlands!
— Review left September 30, 2021
We enjoyed our trip, well-planned and a lot of fun due to the leaders and the group with whom we traveled
— Review left September 28, 2021
Great program in an awesome setting but you must be an experienced hiker able to scramble onward and upward for miles at a time.
— Review left September 26, 2021
This program was challenging, very informative, and just right down fun. I can't imagine anyone coming away without being enriched in many ways.
— Review left September 25, 2021
This is a wonderful trip. The hikes selected the best views and experiences for an initial trip to these parks. The atmosphere was friendly and supportive. I highly recommend the choice.
— Review left November 20, 2019
This trip, as planned, was wonderful.
Jan and Sylvia were the reasons I came back to do another trip because they were kind, prepared, emotionally accessible, and smart.
I was disturbed to find out that this was their last trip, which I got to take by accident.
Unfortunately, Road Scholar does not ask enough questions of the participants. Although all the ladies in my group were lovely, there were several who SHOULD NOT have been accepted on this trip, and I have serious disappointment in your organization that you are catering to the lowest common denominator. There was more than one hike we were unable to do because several ladies needed more support than was correct for this level of trip. The rest of the group lost out because
-a lady who had surgery- on both knees and shoulder, and couldn’t keep up
-two woman who had never done any serious hiking.
You go out of your way to evaluative the difficulty of the hikes (this is a HIKING vacay, no a bus trip), but clearly no one ever checked.
This is not correct, and not fair to the rest of your participants.
In addition- we need more all womens hiking groups. Many of the trips you advertise for women are not hiking, and we of age and higher activity level need more!
I am going on another trip in a week (my fourth ), and as it is a bus tour, I of course expect a different level of expertise and ability.
Please stock your participants appropriately!
— Review left May 9, 2019
Don't let your age or ability stop you from trying a new adventure. Get in shape for what you want to do and then do it!!
— Review left May 6, 2019
Incredible trip with awesome instructors! There is something very special about the sole company of women hiking. Exploring Moab and the surrounding areas with our all women group was wonderful and empowering. Cannot say enough about our leaders, Jan and Sylvia, They are two of the most competent, professional, compassionate and downright funny women that I have ever met. Their combined knowledge and understanding of Arches, Moab and nearby places inspired all of us to drink in the beauty of these places. The accommodations, although a bit spartan, were comfortable and clean. I would hope that RS considers downgrading this trip to a less challenging hiking one. Most of the hikes were fairly easy and 3 miles or less. However, the beauty of this region is not to be missed and should be a must see if you consider going out West!
— Review left May 5, 2019
What an amazing trip!! So many beautiful Arches, and so little time to see them all. The hiking was wonderful. I especially liked the slick-rock hike we did, and the hike to Delicate Arch. Canyonlands was exciting, such different formations and valleys. Some very high steps on the hikes, but I was able to crawl up them. This is an amazing trip.
— Review left May 4, 2019
If you enjoy hiking and want to see Arches and Canyonlands National Parks I highly recommend this trip and its outstanding leaders! You will see many of the parks' iconic arches and vistas while avoiding much of the normal crowds. Everyday is filled with great hikes both morning and afternoon. You will enjoy nice accommodations and great food!
— Review left April 28, 2019
As a first-time hiker, this program was very empowering for me. From Day 1 until Day 4, I learned something new about myself every day, grew more confident and more physically able to take on the challenges. Loved every minute of it!
— Review left April 25, 2019
Best RS hiking trip of other two I have taken. A special closeness was shared with all women. Exceptionally knowledgable guides.
— Review left April 24, 2019
Arches and Canyonlands are wonders not to be missed. Jan and Sylvia were the best leaders ever. However, if you are a a regular hiker, you might want more challenging hikes.
— Review left April 21, 2019
The two parks, Arches and Canyonlands, sell themselves because they provide a unique and stunning panorama not available elsewhere.
— Review left April 13, 2019