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Tour Details
- 6 Riding Days and 5 Nights
- High desert dirt roads; mostly smooth and non-technical
- This tour is appropriate for relatively fit beginners to intermediate riders, but is a great experience for all level riders, especially road bikers interested in a trip on the dirt!
- Includes daily gear transport, Ready Camp Kitchen gear and setup, water and firewood
- Trip starts and ends in Green River, UT
- Group size limited to (12) per trip
- Cost: $595
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2022 Dates
TOUR DESCRIPTION (Passage Map)
We’re still in shock we’re the first to pioneer this route as a mountain bike tour. Snaking its way through central Utah – this trip is easily one of the most remote desert regions you will visit in the lower 48 states. Over 5 days and about 150 miles we take an up close view of the San Rafael Swell, the Wedge Overlook, skirt Sid’s Mountain Wilderness Study Area (WSA), dive into Devil’s Canyon WSA, spill out into Cathedral Valley scenic area and end in one of our most beautiful National Parks: Capitol Reef NP. By the end of this trip you’ll have trouble believing everything you saw.
We created this trip for those who don’t want a guide, don’t want to be supported during the week and generally just want their own self-serve adventure with a bit of logistical assistance. Each day we relocate a very deluxe camp setup (provided by Ready Camp) of (2) 10×10 canopies, full kitchen, dry firewood, camp chairs, fresh water, coolers of food and beverages (you purchase prior to trip) and all your personal gear like tents, bags and clothing. You can go as cheap or deluxe as you want on food, beverages and amenities!!
Receive Full Itinerary
Day One:
We immediately ride through the rock monocline that is San Rafael Reef by way of Black Dragon Canyon. After a traverse of the Jackass Benches we make a long descent to the San Rafael River and our camp walled in by 500-foot sandstone cliff faces.
Day Two:
We visit the famous Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Wall and then onto lunch at the Wedge, commonly referred to as the Little Grand Canyon. Our ride in the afternoon takes us along the edge of Sid’s Mountain WSA and its labyrinth of sandstone honeycomb formations and our camp in a remote desert wash.
Day Three:
We roll along a fun lunar landscape of up and down “whoops” before dropping into the dense sandstone maze of Devils Canyon WSA. The end of our day is pleasant cruise across a wide desert valley of red earth and a gorgeous campsite under a red rock ridge.
Day Four:
Continuing down into Devil’s Canyon first thing you’ll start to feel the walls sort of close in a bit. Our exit from Devils Canyon is something out of Star Wars movie – a serpentine wash that seems to “S” endlessly
Day Five:
We enter the northern reaches of Cathedral Valley including an incredible descent through a steep canyon. Later in the day we enter Capitol Reef National park and it’s stunning version of Cathedral Valley before reaching camp high on a cliff for a sunset overlook of this same valley.
Day Six:
Not far from our camp we’ll spend time at two incredible desert lookouts: one of Cathedral Valley and the other of the Southern Desert. Both are jaw-dropping. As we near our finish we’ll get a chance to view the other end of the Southern Desert; a viewpoint that must be seen to be believed.
What’s Included in My Trip?
- General camp gear from Ready Camp (two 10’x10’ popup tent, full kitchen, cooking/eating utensils, dry firewood, camp chairs, camp toilet, water)
- Camp/gear relocation each day including trash removal
Not Included
- Overnight support – you’re on your own!!
- Alcoholic Beverages – we can haul and keep them cold though!
- Food shopping – you must plan and shop for your own menu
- Lodging and transportation before and after the trip
- Weather Control – Mother Nature has a mind of her own
- Bikes – we can rent you a full-suspension bike for the week
- Guides – we can arrange a day guide for you each day
Q – Where do we get coolers from you guys to pack our food in?
A – You can meet your driver at the Super 8 the day before your trip. Please note: almost everything is closed in Green River, UT on Sunday. You’ll have to do your shopping prior to your arrival or Monday morning early before the trip.
Q – How much gear can I pack?
A – Space is not infinite in our trailer. We ask that you pack smartly in one duffel, plus your tents and sleeping bag. Leave your bike stands, hibachi’s and bath tubs at home.
Q – What happens if I have a mechanical or injury and get stranded out there?
A – Our trips are truly self-guided and there is no Hermosa Tours extraction team! We suggest bringing a SPOT Messenger or satellite phone and know how to repair your own bike.
Q – What’s a good tire choice for this trip?
A – The Continental X-King is a great choice for this trip. Over the Edge in Fruita carries these tires and a lot more.
Q – What do I bring?
A – We supply a full kitchen, water, firewood, chairs, tables, etc. You’ll need your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping gear, bike, clothing and personal items.
Q – What’s the shower situation?
A – Beginning in 2014 we will have a gravity/solar shower on the trip. This works great for a quick rinse off and refresh.
Q – Where do I shop for food for this trip?
A – There is a City Market grocery store in Fruita, CO, or a small grocery in Green River, UT
Q – Can I rent a bike for this trip?
A – Yes you can. Over the Edge Sports in Fruita, CO carries a great selection.
Q – How do I navigate the route?
A – Prior to the trip we will furnish you with a link to get a digital map pack from Topofusion.com. The pack includes printable maps and a complete GPX file for your GPS unit
Q – What time will we be back to Green River, UT on the last day?
A – We usually get back to Green River around 3pm or 4pm.