This superb hike excels in breathtaking scenery, wonderful cultural sites, amazing riparian plant communities, and fascinating geologic formations. The route leads from the meandering Colorado River near Unkar Delta to the narrow gorge of Seventyfive Mile Canyon, then on to the butte-studded views from Horseshoe Mesa. The rock formations along the way record nearly half the Earth’s geologic history, some of the best examples of faulting visible in North America, stunning examples of the erosional processes that are shaping the canyon, and a variety of mineral deposits with their attendant mines. In fact, it was largely nineteenth-century miners who built the trails that the class will utilize.

This route also features beautiful campsites on the banks of the mighty Colorado River and on pinyon-peppered Horseshoe Mesa with its panoramic views.The topics will be as varied as the twists and turns on this amazing route and participants will learn a few tricks for negotiating rough trails and how to tread lightly in pristine backcountry.

Itinerary (May)
Day 1 Introductions and gear checks.
Day 2 Hike down Tanner Trail to Colorado River.
Day 3 Layover day. Dayhike upstream to Pallisades Creek.
Day 4 Hike downstream on Escalante Route to Escalante Creek.
Day 5 Continue on Escalante Route to Hance Rapids.
Day 6 Layover day. Dayhike in Red Canyon.
Day 7 Hike to Horseshoe Mesa.
Day 8 Hike out on the Grandview Trail and return to GC Village for wrap-up session.

Itinerary (November)
Day 1 Introductions and gear checks. Hike down Tanner Trail to Esplanade.
Day 2 Continue hike down Tanner Trail to Colorado River.
Day 3 Morning hike upriver then hike downriver to Cardenas Creek to camp. Dayhike to Hilltop Ruin.
Day 4 Continue on Escalante Route to 75-mile Canyon and camp.
Day 5 Continue on Escalante Route to Hance Rapids.
Day 6 Hike to Horseshoe Mesa.
Day 7 Hike out on the Grandview Trail and return to GC Village for wrap-up session.