Specializing in off-the-beaten-path desert adventures for every skill level and interest

The American southwest is home to a wealth of stunning canyons, geological sites, desert oases, archaeological sites, and some of the largest wilderness areas in the country.

Interpretive hiking tours, archaeology tours, jeep tours, photography workshops, UTV tours, canyoneering tours, and backpacking trips focus on science-based education and are all-inclusive and expert led. You’ll be equipped with the right gear, enjoy great meals, and be accommodated by a true Utah desert naturalist with an academic background in geology and environmental science. I offer trip itineraries for solo travelers, couples, and families at every skill level!

Utah tours feature several National Parks, including Capitol Reef, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, and a range of highlights throughout our public land. These destinations represent the very best of Utah’s amazing canyon country!

All tours are highly flexible - you might be shocked to see just how many itineraries can be curated based on your priorities and ability. Please call to find out more!!!

HIKING

  • This is a truly unique opportunity to experience slick-rock, towering Ponderosa pines, archaeological sites, and rare desert streams in PRIVATE property where you can guarantee no tourist has ever been before!!!

    *This is the easiest option from Kathryn’s and Stuart’s wedding location. Snacks included*

  • Capitol Reef encompasses the Waterpocket Fold; a “wrinkle” formed millions of years ago to create this unique landscape. With your private guide you’ll get away from the crowds to canyons, arches, and more. You’ll learn about the native Fremont people, pioneers, and the most geologically diverse area of Utah (which is saying A LOT). Keep your eyes open for a vast array of wildlife, plant life, and an array of colors including purples, reds, and pinks amongst the towering cliffs.

    Evidence of the ancient inhabitant Fremont Indians can be found by keeping a keen eye out as we hike slowly into the shade of tall Cottonwood trees and overhangs. alluring sandstone chutes and cascading falls. From towering Ponderosa pine trees to large basalt boulders, this diverse park provides beautiful contrast for photography with a varying tapestry of colors from the changing geological formations. 

    *Hikes range from 3-16 miles (half to full day) and can accommodate a range of ability levels. Snacks included*

  • Explore an incredible deep canyon with running water that includes waterfalls and the incredible geology of the oldest exposed rocks in Capitol Reef NP. There are about two miles of scenic narrows and three small waterfalls. Bypassing the falls requires the ability to scramble down 12-foot ledges. The route nearly always requires some walking in shallow water, but it is not uncommon for there to be much deeper water that might even require swimming. This route may be difficult for children if deep water is present.

    *Hike is 6 miles with a shuttle and requires ability to do mild scrambling. Heavily dependent on flash flood risk. Snacks included*

  • Less than a century ago, that tangle of crevices, canyons and chasms of the Capitol Reef area became the last-mapped landscape in the lower 48. This is country that hid Mormon moonshiners, polygamist safe houses and Butch Cassidy. It held the last horsepacking town in America.

    This trip includes a journey through remote canyons, a visit to iconic but seldom-seen geologic features, and a traverse of the Waterpocket Fold to the south. We have multiple route options, from visiting one of the only double arches in the world, to idyllic oases nestled among towering sandstone walls, to traversing through a slot canyon similar to the famous Zion Narrows (but with virtually no visitors other than ourselves).

    *Total trip length can range from 2-5 days and 6-53 miles*

  • A personal favorite wilderness route which follows the famous Boulder Mail Trail, is a rewarding adventure across a sea of slickrock formations, high plateau Ponderosa Forests and deep shady canyons with spring-fed creeks. It is a trip not to be missed and will be one you’ll think back on again and again!

    Death Hollow is a deep canyon full of water and a lush riparian environment with deep water pockets that serve as excellent swimming holes!

    The Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument is one of the most beautiful regions in Utah with its unique, undulating terrain and brilliant sandstone features. The route takes us across a stunning plateau that was historically used to transport mail and supplies between the towns of Boulder and Escalante. It crosses three major canyon systems and many smaller tributaries that feed into Death Hollow and eventually into the Escalante River.

    *3-5 days: Total distance is 16 water-hiking miles with a steep exit scramble and shuttle OR 33 water-hiking miles for a loop that avoids an exposed scramble*

  • This backpacking trip in remote wilderness provides a glimpse of what Glen Canyon was like before being flooded by Lake Powell, and as such this is a true treasure. Highlights include beautifully sculpted streambeds, intimate cascades and desert oases, deep overhangs and alcoves, spectacular night skies, petroglyphs, and numerous natural bridges and arches. Finish with an exciting ascent out of the canyon and across a stretch of signature Utah slickrock.

    *Total hiking is 16 miles and requires a strenuous approach and exit on steep slick-rock with a hand-line to lower packs*

  • The Golden Cathedral is THE iconic photo of the Grand Staircase-Escalante area. This is the place you've seen in books, calendars, and posters. Head into the heart of the Escalante Canyons, within the boundary of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, to unforgettable views, amazing native american history, and stunning night skies. We will establish basecamp near the remote trailhead to allow us an early state on our big day. Alternatively, we can backpack a short, but steep, off trail descent down to a spot along the river, putting us in the perfect place to hike and explore the maze of canyons in search of beautiful views, fascinating geology and lush desert oases. The highlight is the Golden Cathedral, a canyon phenomenon beyond the description of words. This can be turned into an extreme canyoneering adventure if you would like to repel through the Golden Cathedral itself!

    *2-3 Days: Hike is roughly 8 miles (more for canyoneering) and requires strenuous hiking on steep slopes and deep sand in very exposed sun*

FLY FISHING

  • Boulder Mountain is heavily forested and home to more than 80 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. This area makes for some surprisingly good fishing and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding red canyons and desert. At 11,313 feet, Boulder Mountain has the highest timberline in North America, with 50,000 acres of timbered land. Many of the state trout records were caught on this mountain!

    *Guides will cater to ability level: from beginner to expert. Guides can pick up anywhere around Boulder or Torrey*

TOURS

OFFROADING

  • The north district of Capitol Reef National Park is better known as Cathedral Valley and famous for monolithic cathedrals of Entrada Sandstone that rise hundreds of feet into the sky.  Diverse geological wonders abound throughout the different sections of the valley keeping first time visitors on the edge of their seat. This is the most popular offroad sight-seeing tour in Capitol Reef NP.

    Early in the tour we cross the Fremont River at “River Ford” on our way to the amazing moon-like landscape of the Bentonite Hills.  Other trip highlights are dispersed throughout the tour allowing for constant interaction with your knowledgeable guide if you so choose.  Lava fins, temples, hoodoos & goblins make this a tour of epic proportions which you are sure enjoy!

    Highlights include:

    • Walls of Jericho & Gypsum Sinkhole

    • Bentonite Hills & Petrified Forest

    • Glass Mountain, Black Mountain & Glass Mines

    • Gypsum Sinkhole & Goblin Gardens

    • Jailhouse Rock & South Desert Overlook

    • Stegosaurus Rock - Lava Fins

    *Full-day tour takes 7-8 hours includes little hiking and is weather-dependent. Includes gourmet lunch*

  • The south district of Capitol Reef National Park or Waterpocket Fold district encompasses the largest defining feature in the park and most visitors have no idea what it is.  The 100 + mile monocline is the longest in the western hemisphere.  This “step-up” or warp in the rock layers showcase dramatic geological formations which one must see in person to truly appreciate the beauty which is why we strongly recommend this tour.

    Each tour starts by first passing completely through the monocline of Capitol Reef from one side to the other.  Half day tours will see some of the highlights, but not all.  Much of the drive is relatively smooth, while other parts are slow and rough getting to a few of these iconic spots. 

    Numerous enjoyable short hikes can be experienced in this region as canyon walls provide shade from the heat. 

    Highlights:

    • View the western hemisphere's longest monocline

    • Notom ghost town

    • Strike Valley desert

    • Bentonite Hills

    • Burr Trail switchbacks & overlook

    • Muley Canyon - Arches

    • Singing Canyon

    *Tour ranges from 6-12 hours depending on add-on hikes, includes lunch*

  • Explore the beauty and color of the geologic anomaly that is the Bentonite Hills and lower Cathedral Valley. These rainbow-colored hills in the desert are so otherworldly that there is a Mars research station that is one of only three simulated mars analog habitats in the world. An incredible photo location and offroad adventure that begins by fording the Fremont river with a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle that keeps most from reaching the northern district of Capitol Reef. These hills are an incredible outdoor classroom for learning about geology and will leave you with a treasure trove of insights.

    Are you wondering what to see and do on your drive between Torrey/Capitol Reef and Moab/Arches/Canyonlands? This is a perfect add-on for this stretch of the journey.

    Youtube link to tour footage

    *Tour ranges from 3-5 hours depending on add-ons in the area and does not involve much hiking*

  • The region surrounding Factory Butte is a surprising sight for most with its otherworldly landscape not found anywhere else on earth. Numerous geological features such as the Mancos Shale, Bentonite and Morrison formations will have you wondering how this area was created. Serving as the prefect outdoor classroom for learning about geology, leave with a wealth of knowledge about the desert.

    Are you wondering what to see and do on your drive between Torrey/Capitol Reef and Moab/Arches/Canyonlands? This is a perfect add-on for this stretch of the journey.

    Youtube link to tour footage

    *Tour ranges from 3-5 hours depending on add-ons in the area and does not involve much hiking*

  • UTV Tours (through Capitol Reef Outfitters) offer an adventurous UTV experience without any stress. This 2-8 hour adventure takes you to a UTV playground of trails and geologic features. A guide will lead you on this adventure in his own machine while you follow behind and have control of your own machine or switch off with guide in one vehicle. UTV tours are great for beginners and experts alike as no prior experience is needed for much of our trails.

    YouTube link to tour footage

    *UTV tours require drivers to be 16 or older with valid license and helmets are required (and provided) for anyone under 18*

ARCHAEOLOGY

  • The area of Capitol Reef has been a homeland to some of the most enigmatic people for thousands of years. Archaic hunters and gatherers migrated through the canyons. The Fremont Culture solidified around 500 CE (Common Era), from food foraging groups, to farmers of corn, beans and squash. Petroglyphs etched in rock walls and painted pictographs remain as sacred remnants of the ancient saga. Experience for yourself the stunning stories and rock art left behind by these ancient desert explorers. This hike takes us through one of my favorite canyons that is worth seeing on its own!

    *5-8 hours depending on add-ons. There is an option to view the main pictograph panel in the park without offroading*

  • This adventure is off-the-beaten-path to say the least. Requiring extreme offroading just to get to the trailhead that will allow us to hike into the most inaccessible area of Capitol Reef. Talking to the Park’s Archaeologist, there are still many rock art sites that have not been seen by Europeans.. Sold yet? Evidence of the ancient inhabitant Fremont People can be found by keeping a keen eye out as we hike into the shade of tall Ponderosa Pines. This is a very strenuous, open-ended adventure to find some of the most truly rare archaeological sites in the world.

    *3-4 day car-camping or backpacking options. Strenuous hiking*

  • Bears Ears National Monument is rugged and signs are sparse. Many roads are only accessible via high-clearance 4×4 vehicles. We will take care of all the logistics and make sure you get the most out of your time in the region, whether you only have a few hours or you stay with us for several days. These Bears Ears Hiking Tours are private so we will customize the itinerary specific to your fitness level and sites you want to see. If you want to see a specific place you don’t see on our list give me a call and we can make it happen. Comb Ridge, Moon House, and The Citadel are potential highlights you will never forget.

    Youtube link to tour footage

    *Half to full day tours with moderate to strenuous hiking, pick-up at private location in Cedar Mesa near Natural Bridges NM*

  • This ultimate off-the-beaten Archaeology adventure explores some of the most dense archaeology in Bears Ears NM and has the option of covering some of the Archaeological sites in the Needles District of Canyonlands NP. Beef Basin, Dark Canyon, and Salt Creek are infamous for containing the most mystical desert archaeology in the 4-corners region.

    Youtube link to tour footage

    *4 day trip requires car-camping in true desert wilderness, often without real toilets, heavily weather dependent*

CANYONEERING

  • Canyoneering is a growing recreational sport on the Colorado Plateau. It often requires scrambling and climbing through tight, rugged canyons. It involves technical rope work like rappelling (abseiling) and may involve swimming.

    This is a gorgeous canyon that provides a lot of bang for the buck in terms of views and rappels. A perfect beginner canyon to get comfortable with the sport as the rappels get progressively longer (up to 100 feet). Canyoneering is an awesome and exciting way to explore the awe-striking views that the sand stone cliffs and canyons of Utah provide.

    *5-6 Hours, pick up in Torrey area. Gear Included*

  • Rappel 132 feet off the ground from the famous Cassidy Arch itself! This is an exciting and short but sweet canyon that includes some great park history and rock features like double arches. The multiple rock layers found in the Capitol Reef offer a diverse canyon environment. Canyoneering is an awesome and exciting way to explore the awe-striking views that the sand stone cliffs and canyons of Utah provide.

    *5-6 Hours, pick up in Torrey area. Gear Included*

PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Explore some of the parks hidden gems with someone who has spent a decade exploring every nook and cranny. From hidden, intimate canyons, bighorn sheep hotspots, to vistas you would never find on your own, Capitol Reef has endless photographic opportunities. You will love your photos taken in the natural, wild beauty of the desert here.

    *Half to full day tour options with options catering to interest and ability*

  • Leave around 4:30 AM (depending on season) to ensure an excellent view of the famous Moonscape Overlook at sunrise. Watch as the alien landscape comes alive with a fiery glow in the early desert sun.

    *3-6 Hours depending on pickup location and add-ons, offroading required, Camera equipment not required*

  • Access world-class night skies and subjects out in the backcountry wilderness around the Capitol Reef National Park area. Not all DarkSky parks are created equal, and in fact can range quite a lot in their light pollution. Here in two areas of the park we can see some of the truly darkest skies on earth.

    *4-6 Hours or overnight car-camping options, offroading required. Camera equipment not provided*

Testimonials

  • Deborah L

    “We went on a Private Full Day Capitol Reef tour and it was amazing!! Adam was our guide and he couldn’t have been nicer. It started with communication which was great from the company and Adam. We had to make special arrangements for pick up and Good Trip couldn’t have been more accommodating. The night before our excursion, Adam texted us and made sure we knew where and what time to meet as well as what we needed for the day and what we could expect. Adam was on time and planned an amazing day that ensured we really saw all that the park had to offer. Adam brought snacks for us, gave us rest stops as well as a beautiful spot by the river for lunch and gave us choices of what we wanted to see. Adam was kind, personable and very knowledgeable about the park and was able to answer all of our questions. Don’t hesitate to take this full day excursion and consider yourself lucky if you get Adam as your guide!”

  • Rachel G

    “We had an amazing time in Zion with Adam, he is so joyful to be around—extremely knowledgeable and PASSIONATE about the geological history that surrounded us! We nerded out over science and evolution and I learned so much from his encyclopedic mind. As he says, what we don’t know we’ll figure out together—but it turned out he knew something about anything I asked or wondered. My best souvenirs from our trip came from his explanations about the geomorphology, Anasazi history, lithophication, glassy veneers and other evolutionary features of the rocks around us. What a beautiful experience, one I know my boys will never forget. This one goes in the deep memory storage, for their lifetime. I know we will be talking about this day for years to come. Thank you.”

  • Bubz582

    “My husband and I had an incredible experience with Adam as our tour guide in the backcountry of Capitol Reef. Adam was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive, making our tour both informative and enjoyable. His passion for the park and its natural beauty truly enhanced our visit. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable time, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. We highly recommend Adam to anyone looking for an exceptional tour in Capitol Reef.”

  • Karl Z

    “Our guide, Adam, was incredible and his excitement to share geological knowledge, point out pictographs and fossils, and highlight all of the wildlife along the hike was wonderful. His confidence on the trail and encouraging words allowed us to all experience the backcountry at its finest. Highly recommend this company and exploring Capitol Reef National Park!”

  • ALtravelr

    “It was our first time to Zion, so we wanted a guide to show us around. We couldn't of had a better guide than Adam! He knew so much about everything in Zion and our son asked him so many questions. He was very patient with our son and we really had a great time! Disappointing The Narrows was closed, but we made the best of it and gives us more reason to come back again!”

  • Eric S

    “Adam lead us on an amazing adventure that filled us with wonder and awe but Adam provided so much historical context and color that it made the day that much more enjoyable. Highly recommend this outfit as well as Adam”.

Associated Guide Companies

(If you’d like to see more tour options that are not booked directly through me)

Diverse tour options focused around the massive Capitol Reef NP area

National Park-focused hiking tours

Backpacking tours around the Grand Staircase-Escalante area