Today’s hiking adventure begins with sunrise yoga overlooking Dark Canyon before we start our thrilling descent.  The hiking is rugged, but you are up for the challenge!  The outrageous scenery will distract any misgivings however, as this is one of the most spectacular views in the entire American Southwest.  The sun will dance across the orange, red, purple, and blonde rocks as we descend into Dark Canyon, arriving in its depths after a few miles to make our basecamp for the remainder of the journey.  After a well-earned lunch, we will begin our exploration of the Dark Canyon Complex.  Get ready, this canyon is absolutely outstanding, and its hiking opportunities are nearly endless!

Elevation & Distance: 6-12 miles, 1500 foot descent
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 3 & 4 of the Sundance to Dark Canyon Backpacking tour is all about exploration from our basecamp.  We will navigate the depths of Dark Canyon along with its several tributary canyons such as Lost Canyon, Youngs Canyon, Lean-to Canyon, and even make it down to the Colorado River!

Elevation & Distance: 6-12 miles each day, 300-600 foot elevation gain/loss per day
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final day on the trail retraces our steps up and out of Dark Canyon via the Sundance Trail, continuing to marvel at the sweeping and seemingly endless views across the Colorado Plateau and Escalante Canyon Country.  After we reach our shuttle, we will pile in and celebrate our great trip like geologists, with a cold beverage at a local watering hole before heading back to Moab. 

Elevation & Distance: 6 miles, 1000 foot ascent
Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: 6 hours

 Blue Marble takes care of all meals on your tour.  Starting with breakfast on your first day through lunch the final day, your geologist/guide will prepare a variety of chef-inspired meals on the trail and in camp.  All dietary needs are accommodated, so please get in touch with us to give us details of your requirements. There may be times where special needs necessitate a small rate increase.

Meals with include one main dish, which is prepared by your geologist/guide. Fresh options may be limited, as backpacking typically requires lightweight, non-perishable foods. Trail snacks will include meats, cheeses, nuts, chocolate, and other filling, delicious, and varying backcountry food.

• Transportation to and from the host city/hotel

• Lodging prior to and following your trip

• Gear such as clothes, rainwear, and boots/shoes

• Personal items such as toiletries and sunscreen

• BMAG does not provide water bottles or Camelback-Style bladders

• Personal lighting such as headlamps or flashlights

• We suggest gratuities for your guide, typically 10-15% of the total trip cost

*Booked guests will receive a detailed information packet

Standard backpacking tours will accommodate 6 people plus one geologist/guide.  The maximum group size is 10 guests and 2 guides.

Children under 12 are generally not permitted on any of Blue Marble’s scheduled trips due to insurance liabilities. This can be negotiable on private tours, please contact us to discuss this policy

Tour bookings can be completed through our online booking platform or through our office.  A 50% deposit is required, and the full trip rate will be due 90 days prior to trip departure.  Bookings within the 90-day window require payment in full.  Trip rates are payable through our online booking platform or over the phone by Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover.  Checks by mail are fine as well, as are bank transfers ($35 transfer fee).

Call our office Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Arizona time. 1-602-904-2536, or contact us for more information.