Empuma yoMlambo iColorado, iSithili seeNeedles se-330,000-acre Canyonlands National Park ibizwa ngokuba ziincam zamatye ezijonge kumhlaba osemazantsi mpuma we-Utah njengokulandelelana okukhulu kwabalindi.
Ed Abbey once described it as, “the most weird, wonderful, magical place on Earth.” Located over 100-miles from the nearest interstate highway, Needles remains one of the most remote regions left in America. This six-day mountain bike Tour offers a unique POV into the region’s varied history. The Trail of the Ancients accesses archaeological sites as well as significant cultural and historic sites in this remote region. Guests will ride past ancient Indian ruins into Ruin Park and The Needles District, hike slot canyons, pedal to Elephant Hill, traverse Lockhart Basin (a 50-mile jeep road that follows the gentle sways and contours of the Colorado River), pass over Chicken Corners and descend back to Moab. This tour with first-class camping included starts at $1,499 per person.
“The Canyonlands region was looked upon as nothing but a wasteland until the mid-1940s,” said Jared Fisher, Director of Escape Adventures. “Then our nation’s urgent needs for uranium, vanadium, and petroleum products brought cycles of mining, prospecting and drilling to the area. These activities carved out most of the backcountry road and trail networks still in use today. But long before modern times, the Ancestral Puebloans developed a flourishing civilization in these canyons. Located far into the backcountry, vestiges of their society have remained undisturbed for over 800 years.”
Geared to the intermediate rider and athletic beginner, the Trail of the Ancients mostly dirt road and double track route features layered or staggered challenges. Though those landscape features only ramp up in difficulty in relation to your comfort level and skills expanding. Consider this the ideal substitute for the White Rim Trail, but marked by more remote riding, coupled to deeper explorations.
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of the tour. All transportation, food preparation, meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and support vehicles.
Day 1-2: Meet in Moab. Shuttle to Needles. Ride Beef Basin to Needles Overlook. Ride to Ruin Park. Hike ruins.
Day 3-4: Ride through Needles; Hike slot canyons. Ride to Lockhart Trail.
Day 5-6: Ride Lockhart Basin to Chicken Corners. Ride over Hurrah Pass to Moab.
