Itinerary

Day 1: Newspaper Rock to Ruin Park

After meeting and tour orientation in Moab we head to the Southeast entrance of Canyonlands National Park where we make a stop at the historic Newspaper Rock. From here, a short shuttle takes us to one of the last working ranches in the country, the Dugout Ranch. We ride from the ranch, through Cottonwood Valley, and to our camp which overlooks the Needles District of Canyonlands NP. Time permitting, there will be an evening hike into the park to see the remote Wedding Ring Arch.
Total Mileage 18 miles/ 2440 ft gain. Camping Big Pocket Overlook

Day 2: Beef Basin to Ruin Park

We awake to the silence only the remote desert can provide, and of course, to the delicious smells of hot coffee and breakfast only guides can prepare. Today we discover the extreme backcountry as we ride over the foothills of the Abajo Mountains and drop 1,800 feet into Beef Basin to our camp at Ruin Park, an archaeologically rich area. If you’re up to do more riding, you will have the option to do so or the rest of the day is yours to explore the many ancient secrets of the area.
Total Mileage easy: 19 / 2047 ft gain total mileage moderate 31 miles / 2826 ft gain. Camping Ruin Park

Day 3: Ruin Park to the Colorado River Overlook

An epic ride takes us from Ruin Park to Chesler Park, located in the Needles District, where we take a break from the bikes and hike the canyons that made the area famous. This hiking experience can only be found in few other places in the country. The trail follows a long stretch of connecting “joints” and deep, narrow crevices in a massive rock expanse; some passages are only 2-3 feet wide.
Total Mileage easy: 32 miles / 1395 ft gain moderate: 41.4 miles / 1877 ft gain + 5 mile hike option. Camping Hamburger Rock.

Day 4: Indian Creek to Lockhart Basin Road

From camp, we make our way back through Indian Creek to the base of the Canyonlands Overlook. Our trail weaves through a wonderland of goblin-style rocks that have cut their way out of the Cutler sandstone and you are able to see the broken monoliths of Windgate Sandstone which look like ancient Egyptian pyramids. We’ll have plenty of time today for an 8 mile optional ride to swim in the Colorado River.
Total Mileage 30 miles / 1505 ft gain. Camping near Lockhart Canyon.

Day 5: Lockhart Basin

The day starts with a climb on eroded jeep track into the beautiful backcountry of Lockhart Basin. As we come around Channel Change Gap, we see our first view of Moab, located up the Colorado River. Our ride climbs and descends through many washes. After a final descent, we climb to Chicken Corners, our camp for the night. Looking down to the Colorado Rover and across the Elephant sandstone to Dead Horse Point, the views from camp are sure to take your breath away!
Total Mileage easy 18.5 miles / 1420 ft gain moderate 25 miles / 1977 ft gain. Camping. Chicken Corners

Day 6: Hurrah Pass to Moab

After breakfast, we begin a big climb up Hurrah Pass and into the Moab Valley. The climb culminates on top of a beautiful overlook that gives us an impressive view of the Colorado River Canyons. We finish our journey with a final ride into Moab, arriving around 4:00 p.m.
Total Mileage 23 miles / 2492 ft gain

Mostly dirt road and double track route.

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

Lodging

Trail of the Ancient

There is nothing better than rolling into camp to fresh made chips and salsa, homemade guacamole, and Dutch oven enchiladas. Then making your way to a sweet and inviting campfire, sharing your favorite anecdote or image from the day’s activities while marshmallows roast. Enjoy a small-batch, local beer before retiring to your tent. Inside: a sturdy raised cot, fluffy sleeping bag, and a plush full size pillow. Wow. You earned this. Sweet dreams.

Remote camping
In more remote backcountry camping scenarios, we’ll provide portable toilets and private solar showers.

Campground Details
Night 1: Big Pocket Overlook
Night 2: Ruin Park
Night 3: Hamburger Rock
Night 4: Near Lockhart Canyon
Night 5: Chicken Corners

Personal Camping gear rental: includes a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp. $108.-

Note: Please plan on arriving in Moab at least one day prior to your trip departure; day one of your itinerary starts at 8 a.m..
Note: You will be riding and sleeping at elevations over 4000 ft for this trip. Weather predictions in this area are often unreliable due to the elevation, so it is best to be prepared for cold evenings and inclement weather.

Included:

• Two Guides
• All meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day, Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
• Support Vehicle
• Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees,
• First Aid
• Bike Maintenance
• Community Gear
• Souvenir Shirt

Not included:

• Airfare to and from our departure point
• Lodging before or after the tour
• Personal Camping Gear
• Rental Bike
• Gratuities to Guides

Pricing / Tour dates

Tour price 2025: $ 1677.- pp
Rental bike: approx. $456.- per tour.
E-mountain bike approx. $846.-
Personal Camping gear rental: includes a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp. $108.-
Tour dates 2025:
20 Apr – 25 Apr
11 May – 16 May
31 Aug – 05 Sep
14 Sep – 19 Sep
05 Oct – 10 Oct

Conditions

Deposit $500.- pp
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.

Food is a big part of the experience. Our guides prepare all of your meals on our camping trips. Expect three delicious meals a day consisting entirely of freshly prepared foods. These include fresh organic fruits and vegetables as well as meats. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you are out riding. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! Many of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we are more than happy to accommodate. If you have special diet requirements or limitations, just let us know when you sign-up and we’ll work with you to meet your needs.