Guided Utah Expeditions

Explore and discover the spectacular desert canyons of Utah

Utah lies in the geologic and physiographic province known as the Colorado Plateau. It is a largely undeformed, uplifted region of oxidized sediments that have been shaped by wind and water over the last 200 million years.

Southern Utah contains some of the most famous and spectacular wilderness on the planet.  The “Big 5” National Parks of Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion are absolute meccas for any adventure enthusiast.  In addtion tot he Big 5, The Grand Staircase and Bears Ears National Monuments contain some of the most stunning scenery, high concentrations of wild canyons, and tremendously important cultural resources in the United States.  Utah is home to other countless and equally spectacular state parks, monuments, and good old-fashioned backcountry.

Geologically speaking, this is one of the most unique and spectacular places on the face of the planet. The powers of water and time, acting largely without the forces of tectonics that has severely affected the surrounding regions, are on full display here.

Our expeditions in Utah include all 5 National Parks and several National Monuments including Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears.

Chef-Driven Luxury Utah Tours

Utah is a cut above when speaking of outdoor adventure, scenery, and wonder.  Our experiences in this fantastic region hit all the high notes, leaving nothing to desire and everything to your camera and adventurous spirit.  Fulfilling days, sumptuous nights, and views that will take your breath away, not to mention fill your photo album.  Feel free to ​contact us with any questions, or to create your own Utah adventure.

Grand Staircase-Escalante

Utah’s Grand Staircase is an absolute treasure trove of geologic splendor.  Hike and explore some of the most outstanding wilderness in the Lower 48 from your private, luxury camp

Duration: 5 Days

Skill Level: Undergraduate +

Cost: $2800/guest

Bears Ears 

Bears Ears National Monument, new in 2016, holds some of the most important and well-preserved Anasazi Ruins in the Southwest. This tour delves into the fabulous cultural history, as well as the outstanding backcountry of the Bears Ears

Duration: 5 Days

Skill Level: Undergraduate +

Cost: $2800/guest

Utah Geologic Immersion Backpacking Expeditions

Utah is an adventure traveler’s (and a geologist’s) mystical dream.  Here, you will be confronted with some of the most outrageous scenery on the face of the Earth, and some of the greatest outdoor adventure one could see in that dream.  We tour the wonderful and whimsical geology of Utah’s high plateaus and slickrock country, both of which include dramatic sunsets, remote wilderness, and adventure of a lifetime.  Feel free to ​contact us with any questions, or to create your own Utah Geologic Immersion adventure.

The Boulder Mail Trail

One of the most spectacular and interesting spots in all of Utah is, lucky for you, one of the least known (or visited).  Follow a historic pioneer trail into Death Hollow, a wild and watery canyon filled with wildflowers, waterfalls, narrows, and solitude.  We kid you not, this just might be the most rockin’ trip we offer.

Duration: 4 Days

Skill Level: Graduate +

Cost: $1250/guest

Paria Canyon via Buckskin Gulch

The Paria Canyon and its tributary The Buckskin Gulch (the longest, deepest slot canyon in Canyon Country) is quite possibly the finest canyon hike on the planet.  Surrounded by sheer, humbling 1000ft walls of beautifully cross-bedded Navajo Sandstone, Paria Canyon and its Paria River, is a main tributary to the mighty Colorado.  This adventure’s grandeur is dwarfed only by its spectacle.

Duration: 5 Days

Skill Level: Undergraduate +

Cost: $1350/guest

Dark Canyon

The Dark Canyon Complex and its wilderness is some of the most remote, spectacular, unspoiled, and rugged canyon country not only in Utah, but in North America. Our hiking adventure down the Sundance Trail into the depths of Dark Canyon is puncutuated by fabulous geology, outstanding solitude, and a rewarding challenge. This is truly some of the last unspoiled wilderness in the Lower 48, and may someday be a National Park.

Duration: 5 Days

Skill Level: PhD

Cost: $1350/guest

Utah Adventure and Tour Information

The wildlands of Utah are bucket-list destinations.  Trips to this area are breathtaking, mind-bending, inspiring, and spectacular.  It is also a land of extremes with hot summers, cold winters, and very little precipitation.  Good physical condition is required, and smart packing is a must (see our ​​​​​​​blog for training and packing tips).  
 
 

What is included?

Trip price includes certified guide, gear (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks), water, permits and camp fees, transportation to and from trails/campsites. 

Trip price does not include: extra gear rental (water bladder, first aid kits, luxury items, etc.), airfare, transportation to and from host city, pre or post-trip hotel accomodations, personal health/liability insurance

Reservations

Tours of Utah’s lands, particularly the National Parks, are very popular and advanced planning is often necessary. We strongly recommend making your reservations at least 3 to 5 months in advance. We can accommodate last-minute bookings provided space is available, so please call our office to check. 

Why reserve early?

Each trip requires a minimum number of participants for departure. Blue Marble Adventure GeoTourism reserves the right to cancel scheduled trips that do not meet minimum sign-up requirements (usually 4 guests).
For more details please see our comprehensive Trip Policies and Payments page.

To make a reservation, visit our Reservation Request page. Or call our office at +1(602) 904-2536, Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm AZ time.

Meeting Time & place

Blue Marble can grab you from your hotel in Flagstaff, or you may choose to meet at the designated meeting place, which will be included in your pre-trip information packet. Our meeting time will be arranged upon booking your reservation and is largely dependent on time of year.

Cancellations

To guarantee your reservation we require a 50% deposit. We collect the remaining balance 30 days prior to the hike departing. Any cancellation made more than 15 days prior to departure will receive a full refund less a $30 processing fee. Cancellations made within 15 days will receive a 50% refund and any cancellation made within 72 hours of the hike departing will receive no refunds or credits. There are no refunds for guests who arrive late or depart early from the trip. There are no refunds for late arrivals.

Why Canyons and Chefs?

So much of the true wilderness experience comes from being able to understand and interpret what you are seeing.  Why are those rocks red?  How did this canyon form?  What is that tree?  What cultural significance are those petroglyphs?  Our expert guides will not only keep you safe, relaxed, and intrigued, they will also be able to answer almost any question you have about the landscape you are seeing.

While you may enjoy our fabulous guides on the trail, your in-camp experience is truly world class.  Five-star accommodations, professional chefs preparing your food, and private, custom, luxury experiences abound.  Come see the west through our lens!​

Book with us, and forget about everything else.  Your experience awaits

Explore Further, Be Wild, Eat Like Kings