Utah’s canyon country provides an extraordinary setting for an active adventure that combines exploration, technical challenge, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the American Southwest. This five-day program begins in Salt Lake City, where travelers meet their guides, become familiar with their specialized equipment, and learn the essential skills they will use throughout the journey. From there, the group travels into the sculpted landscapes of the San Rafael Swell and Capitol Reef region to hike through narrow slot canyons, descend spectacular sandstone formations by rappel, and explore hidden passages shaped by millions of years of geological change. Designed to be exciting yet approachable, the program requires no previous canyoneering experience. Professional guides provide instruction, encouragement, and technical support throughout, allowing travelers to build confidence while experiencing Utah’s wild landscapes in a uniquely immersive way.
Schedule by Day
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Travelers arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport and transfer to their hotel. In the afternoon, the group gathers with the World Wide Trekking team for a welcome orientation and introductory canyoneering class. Guides introduce the specialized equipment used during the program, including helmets, harnesses, ropes, and rappel devices, and each traveler receives a personal gear assignment. Participants learn basic rope-management and rappelling techniques in a comfortable, controlled environment, providing an opportunity to become familiar with the equipment and ask questions before entering the canyon country. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner and an introduction to the landscapes and adventures ahead.
Overnight: Hyatt Place Cottonwood, Salt Lake City or similar
Meals: L, D
After breakfast, the group departs Salt Lake City and travels south into Utah’s remarkable canyon country. The day’s explorations include the otherworldly sandstone formations of Goblin Valley State Park and a hike through Little Wild Horse Canyon, one of the San Rafael Swell’s most beautiful and accessible slot canyons. As the canyon walls narrow and twist overhead, travelers receive their first close-up introduction to the forces that have shaped the Colorado Plateau. A scenic picnic lunch is enjoyed along the way before continuing to the Goblin Valley State Park Campsite for an evening dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Goblin Valley State Park Private Campsite
Meals: B, L, D
Today, travelers put their new skills into practice on a guided technical canyoneering route in the Cassidy Arch area of Capitol Reef National Park. The adventure begins with a scenic approach hike through layered sandstone terrain before the group enters a sequence of rappels and canyon passages. Supported closely by professional guides, participants progress through the route at a comfortable pace, culminating in a spectacular rappel of approximately 140 feet. The experience combines physical challenge, teamwork, and extraordinary views of Capitol Reef’s cliffs, domes, and canyons. After completing the route, the group continues to its accommodations for a well-earned evening of relaxation.
Overnight: Broken Spur Inn, Torrey
Meals: B, L, D
The adventure continues with a hike through Sulphur Creek, a winding canyon corridor framed by colorful rock walls, natural pools, and small waterfalls. Depending on seasonal water levels, travelers may walk through shallow sections of the creek as they navigate the narrowing canyon. Along the way, guides share insights into the area’s geology, desert ecology, and human history. The day may also include time to explore the historic Fruita district and enjoy the expansive views around Panorama Point. The group gathers that evening for a celebration dinner and an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of the journey.
Overnight: Broken Spur Inn, Torrey
Meals: B, L, D
Following breakfast, the group enjoys a final scenic exploration in the Capitol Reef region before beginning the return drive to Salt Lake City. The journey north offers another opportunity to appreciate the changing landscapes of central Utah, from towering sandstone formations and high-desert plateaus to the mountains surrounding the Salt Lake Valley. The program concludes with afternoon transfers to Salt Lake City International Airport for departing flights.
Meals: B
As with all wilderness programs, specific routes and activities may be adjusted according to weather, canyon conditions, group ability, and guide judgment to provide the safest and most rewarding experience possible.
Pricing
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
$2,995 per person
$3,295
• Hotel accommodations per the itinerary; • Meals per the itinerary: 4 breakfast, 4 lunches, 4 dinners • Water included with group lunches and dinners • Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary • Land transportation by private Sprinter van(s) per itinerary • Bottled water, softs drinks on bus while touring • Transfers to/from the airport upon arrival and departure for those using the suggested arrival and departure times • Services of an experienced World Wide trekking guide team (5:1 ratio) • Luggage handling upon arrival and departure at the hotels • Complete pre-tour documentation and materials
• All Gratuities • International or domestic airfare, airport and airline taxes, and any airline fuel surcharges • Passport and visa fees • Airport porterage • Meals not included in the itinerary • Any personal items not listed as included such as telephone calls, personal services and travel extensions • Room service, items such as wines, liquors, mineral water, à la carte orders, laundry charges • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
To reserve a space on this program, a $500 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (February 2, 2027) payable by check or wire transfer. Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, World Wide Trekking for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $500 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
Hyatt Place Cottonwood, Salt Lake City or similar (one night)
Goblin Valley State Park Private Campsite (one night)
Broken Spur Inn, Torrey (two nights)
What to Expect
Activity Level 4
Travelers will spend 3–6 hours most days hiking and canyoneering, with hikes up to 8 miles on rolling or mountainous terrain that may include steep ascents and descents, uneven trails, and occasionally walking through shallow water. The experience includes exposure to heights and guided technical rope activities (No experience necessary), including rappelling from cliffs and other elevated terrain. Certain days feature multiple rappels and moving over rocky, variable ground, but technical elements are introduced gradually and always supported by professional guides. No technical experience is required—guides provide all necessary instruction, manage the rope and safety systems, and help you progress at a comfortable pace. Participants should be comfortable with heights and being secured with ropes during guided activities. For those who prefer not to participate in every rappel, plans are in place to allow guests to skip certain rappels when possible. Participants should also be prepared for changing desert weather, sustained time on their feet, and the physical demands of an immersive canyon-country experience.
Travelers will spend 3–6 hours most days hiking and canyoneering, with hikes up to 8 miles on rolling or mountainous terrain that may include steep ascents and descents, uneven trails, and occasionally walking through shallow water. The experience includes exposure to heights and guided technical rope activities (No experience necessary), including rappelling from cliffs and other elevated terrain. Certain days feature multiple rappels and moving over rocky, variable ground, but technical elements are introduced gradually and always supported by professional guides. No technical experience is required—guides provide all necessary instruction, manage the rope and safety systems, and help you progress at a comfortable pace. Participants should be comfortable with heights and being secured with ropes during guided activities. For those who prefer not to participate in every rappel, plans are in place to allow guests to skip certain rappels when possible. Participants should also be prepared for changing desert weather, sustained time on their feet, and the physical demands of an immersive canyon-country experience.