MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Adventure Travel, Conservation, ecotourism, Nature & Wildlife, Nature Travel, Uncategorized

USTOA Member Tour Companies Offer Wildlife Encounters Around the World

March 19, 2021 MoralCompass

Sri Lanka is one of the destinations where intrepid travelers and animal lovers can join small group trips that contribute to conservation and protection of species © Sarah Falter/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NEW YORK –Observing animals in their habitats around the world can be a life changing experience for not just animal lovers but intrepid travelers of any age. Tour operator members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) are committed to offering wildlife-focused itineraries and small group trips that contribute to the conservation and protection of species, while offering access for travelers to learn from nature.

“Explorers who are searching for enriching nature-based experiences need to look no further than our tour operator members, who offer sustainable wildlife experiences and open-air excursions from Thailand and Norway to Tanzania and Russia, and many more destinations around the globe,”said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA.

Wildlife itineraries offered by USTOA tour operators include:

Birdwatching in Costa Rica – The tailor-made 13-day itinerary from Audley Travel showcases Costa Rica’s pristine tropical forest trails and the tranquil cloud forest of San Gerardo de Dota. Home to 448 species of birds, the trip offers a naturalist guide and a stay at the renowned birding lodge, Rancho Naturalista. Rates start at $5,410 per person. Find information on departures at www.audleytravel.com.

The Great Migration + Gorillas in the Wild – On a Gorilla Trek with Alexander + Roberts, guests will observe gorilla families living in the forested mountains of Rwanda. A hot air balloon adventure is available to watch zebra, gazelle, and more from above at the 5,700 square mile Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The twin lakes of Buerra and Ruhondo offer a variety of birdlife. Departure is available on September 20, 2021 starting at $12,499 per person. www.alexanderroberts.com

Exploring Russia’s Far East & Wrangel Island – A 13-day exploration with Lindblad Expeditions of the remote Siberian coastline reveals bird cliffs teeming with puffins and landscapes that are home to walrus and polar bears. Even grey whales can be spotted in their feeding grounds while cruising through the Chukchi and Bering Seas. Departures are available on August 3 and August 15, 2021, and August 7, 2022 starting at $17,830 per person. www.expeditions.com

Sri Lanka Expedition: Wilderness & Wildlife – AAA Club Adventures offers 12-days of nature in Sri Lanka. Guests will visit Project Orange Elephant, dedicated to sustainable farming practices and wildlife conservation, and stay at an eco-lodge in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve to see monkeys, big cats, and more in their tropical habitat. Departure is available on September 3, 2021 starting at $1,890. www.clubadventures.com

Intro to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard – Quark Expeditions’ 10-day journey through Spitsbergen, also known as the wildlife capital of the Arctic, showcases walruses, reindeer, polar bears, and more in their natural habitat. Guests will learn the history and geology of this remote land while traveling by ship. Departure is available June 12, 2021 starting at $7,495 per person. www.quarkexpeditions.com

Find all the wildlife itineraries offered by USTOA tour operators at www.ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/wildlife

For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email [email protected].

Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

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Adventure Travel, camping trips, camping-glamping, family-friendly adventures, hiking, Multisport adventures, National Parks, Outdoors Travel

Escape Adventures Introduces Multi-Sport Tour of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks

January 30, 2021 MoralCompass

Zion National Park. Escape Adventures is introducing a new six-day multi-sport and camping tour that combines Zion National Park with Bryce Canyon National Park (c) Sarah Falter/goingplacesfarandnear.com

(Las Vegas, NV) – Escape Adventures, one of the first outfitters to offer guided mountain bike tours of Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park 29 years ago, is introducing a six-day multi-sport and camping tour that combines these two of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels. In addition to riding Escape Adventures’ favorite mountain bike routes, guests will enjoy hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering and rappelling among the region’s cliffs, crags, plateaus, and pinnacles.

This multi-sport tour with first-class camping is ideal for active families and starts at $1,895 per person. E-bikes are available at an additional cost. For more info, click here or call Escape Adventures at 800-596-2953. Watch a gorgeous video here.

“From mountain biking the trails of Red Canyon and Sunset Cliffs, to hiking and climbing in Sunset Point, Cascade Falls, and Zion’s Narrows, this multi-sport tour offers an array of exciting activities,” said Escape Adventures Director Jared Fisher. “A canyoneering day in Zion takes us bouldering in deep canyons and rappelling chutes up to 150 ft.”

Not only is the mountain biking phenomenal and diverse, so is the terrain. In a sense, it is a geologic extension of The Grand Canyon, located 75-miles to the south. The landforms lend themselves to a multitude of adventures and inspiring place names, such as The Court of The Patriarchs, The Beehives, Mountain of The Sun, and The Great White Throne.

Guests will move seamlessly from one day to the next, camping, and enjoying delicious homemade meals. The majority of campgrounds feature indoor facilities and showers. In more remote backcountry camping scenarios, Escape Adventures will provide portable toilets and private solar showers.

“There is nothing better than rolling into camp to fresh made chips and salsa, homemade guacamole, and Dutch oven enchiladas,” said Fisher. “Then making your way to a sweet and inviting campfire, sharing your favorite anecdote or image from the day’s activities, and enjoying a local beer before retiring to your tent.”

Full Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Meet in St. George. Ride Red Canyon to Bryce Canyon, Hike the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon.
Day 3-4: Ride Red Canyon past Tropic Reservoir to Hatch. Descend to Zion.
Day 5-6: Canyoneering in Zion, hike the narrows. Rock climbing in Red Cliffs.

All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of this tour. This means from the time Escape Adventures picks you up, all transportation, food preparation, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations are also included, along with professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle. Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.

Since 1992, Escape Adventures has lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Building on over 100 destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active traveler, fitness level and activity type, from road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels (https://escapeadventures.com/).

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bike trips, camping trips, camping-glamping, cycling trips, National Parks, Off-Beaten-Track Travel, Outdoors Travel, Travel in a Time of Corona, Uncategorized

Bike and Camp the White Rim Trail in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park with Escape Adventures

January 24, 2021 MoralCompass

Escape Adventures guests spend most of this 4-day mountain biking and camping tour on Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches, and ancient Puebloan ruins.

(Las Vegas, NV) — Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, comes on like a natural rollercoaster, looping in and out of a multi-colored array of spires, arches, buttes, and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. A primitive trail framed by blooming cacti below and snow-capped mountains above, the White Rim Trail loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Escape Adventures guests spend most of this 4-day mountain biking and camping tour riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches, and ancient Puebloan ruins.

“The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks make the White Rim loop a very rewarding and scenic mountain bike ride,” said Escape Adventures Director Jared Fisher. “While enjoying the beauty of the nature that surrounds us, we will also appreciate the modern amenities like our custom support truck, gourmet meals, top-of-the-line camping equipment, and attentive guides.”

This multi-day odyssey through some of the most gorgeous terrain imaginable loops around the Island in the Sky mesa top within Canyonlands. Riders will definitely want to take plenty of pictures of along the way as they’ll pass an array of stop-offs and scenic overlooks, admiring both the Colorado River and the Green River far below. The ride mostly involves casual doubletrack, enjoyable for most people, from novice riders to families. (Check out the video.)

All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of this tour. This means from the time Escape Adventures picks you up, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) 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 a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.

Day 1-2: Meet in Moab. Ride Schafer Trail to Airport, ride to Murphy’s Hogback via White Crack.

Day 3-4: Ride to Potato Bottom with slot canyon side hike. Ride along Green River up Mineral Bottom. Shuttle back to Moab.

The trip, including first-class camping, starts at $999 per person. E-bikes are available upon request. Tours run March-May and September-October. For more info, visit https://escapeadventures.com/tour/utah-white-rim-mountain-bike-tour/ or contact Escape Adventures at 800-596-2953.

Since 1992, Escape Adventures has shaped and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. With programs in 100 destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type – from road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels. https://escapeadventures.com/

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Grasshopper Adventures Introduces New Multi-Sport Active Tours in North America for 2021

January 10, 2021 MoralCompass

*Grasshopper Adventures is bringing its biking and multi-sport tour experience across Asia to* *North America. One of the new program bikes in the Florida Keys, famous for sunsets © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

DENVER – Grasshopper Adventures is bringing its more than 15 years of adventure tour experience across Asia to the U.S. and Canada with three new multi-sport programs: Alaska & the Yukon, Coastal Maine, and the Everglades to Key West.

Long synonymous with eco-friendly tours that engage local communities, Grasshopper Adventures is bringing that same ethos to North America. Exploring the outdoors by bike, kayak, canoe and foot, the tours’ active elements are both non-intimidating and achievable for a wide range of fitness levels. The small group size offers guests a sustainable alternative to traditional bus or cruise touring and the opportunity to spend time with experts in local communities.

“To really experience the outdoors in North America we had to go beyond cycling,” says Grasshopper Brand Ambassador, Steve Grace. “We’ve included kayaking and canoeing, short hikes and even a wetlands walk, with tours led by expert naturalists and guides.

Asked to list a few highlights, Grace says that there are many to list, but his top five are:

Cycling the Gold Rush route and canoeing the Yukon – “Breathtaking.”
Kayaking to Mendenhall Glacier – “Ranks high on my “wow” scale.”
The Everglades by airboat – “Thrilling ride through a remarkable ecosystem.”
Biking overseas to Key West – “Tops many cycling bucket lists for good reason.”
Coastal Maine, “Historic, gentle cycling and beautiful. You’ll want to come back”

Grasshopper Adventures’ North American Collection is on sale now, with scheduled dates from February 2021 through the fall, including a limited time $100 booking offer, allowing you to secure your vacation for less.

The new North American tours also feature visits to artisan’s studios, indigenous villages and include interaction with local experts who are change makers in their respective fields. “We’re always enhancing the travel experiences, so I’m constantly tinkering with tour programs,” says Grace. “ Reflecting contemporary life, meeting folks engaged in community issues, that’s true authenticity and that sets us apart.”

While Grasshopper has been planning a move to North America for several years, the disruption in international travel was the motivation needed to kickstart these long dreamed of programs to new frontiers. Look for more, including the new signature series in Australia, home of company Owner & Chief, Adam Platt-Hepworth.

Grasshopper Adventures has taken thousands of people on multi active and biking tours through Asia for more than 15 years and in 2020 introduced a range of inspired adventures beyond Asia. All trips focus on the natural environment, meaningful stories and interaction with local communities. The company’s carefully crafted itineraries enable an active journey of discovery at a superior level of value. Accommodations are comfortable and unique, delicious food is a key element and guides are experts in their fields.

Grasshopper Adventures runs tours in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, China and Uzbekistan. Tours range from 5 to 14 days.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bike trips, cycling trips, Historic Places, National Parks, Off-Beaten-Track Travel

Ride & Seek Introduces Epic 28-Day Appalachian Trail Maine to North Carolina Cycling Adventure

January 10, 2021 MoralCompass

Ride & Seek is bringing its epic, historically-themed cycling adventures to North America with a new 28-day, 1,377-mile cycling tour from Maine to North Carolina. Split over two distinct stages, the route takes riders through 12 US states from Bethel, Maine to Cherokee, North Carolina, with the Appalachian Trail providing the thematic backdrop.

(Provence, France) — Ride & Seek is bringing its epic, historically-themed cycling adventures to North America with a new 28-day, 1,377-mile cycling tour from Maine to North Carolina. Split over two distinct stages, the route takes riders through 12 US states from Bethel, Maine to Cherokee, North Carolina, with the Appalachian Trail providing the thematic backdrop.

Starting with the rural and rustic splendor of Maine, cyclists will search out the road less travelled, exploring the states of New England and skirting around New York City before completing the first stage in the historic town of Gettysburg, PA. The scenery of the ride is enhanced by numerous National Parks and the second stage includes two of the best bike routes in the USA – Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Slated for May 30 – June 26, 2021, prices range from $5,590 to $11,200 USD per person double. The tour is a collaboration with Cycle of Life Adventures.

“This Appalachian tour is the combination of some of the finest cycling in the USA with a historical and gastronomical focus that provides for a wonderfully immersive travel experience,” said Ride & Seek Founder Dylan Reynolds

Tour Highlights:

Ride through 12 States alongside the Appalachian Trail
Cycle the longest linear park in the US on the extraordinary Blue Ridge Parkway
Explore the wilderness of northern Maine
Visit the illustrious Norman Rockwell and Robert Frost museums
Roll through the orchards of western Pennsylvania & Maryland
Cross the mighty Hudson River
Explore the historic Civil War towns of Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry
Discover the great Skyline Drive ridge ride in the Shenandoah National Park
Delight in the quiet roads and rustic scenery of New Hampshire and Vermont

“Reading through Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the pertinence of his words is particularly apt at this time,” said Reynolds “As with all our tours, we embrace the history of the places we travel to give us a better sense of today. Our interactive cycling tour through the battlefields of Gettysburg is just one way in which we give you a chance to embrace the history along the route we ride.”

For more info, visit https://www.rideandseek.com/tour/appalachian-usa/.

Ride & Seek is a worldwide adventure cycling company offering unique historical itineraries with quality lodging, fine gastronomy, and cultural immersion. The tours are designed so cyclists not only see and ride some of the greatest roads in Europe but also visit some of the most spectacular sites as well. Providing a cultural insight into the areas visited both historically and gastronomically is central to the company’s mission. Historical journeys and cultural adventures are specialties. https://rideandseek.com

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Conservation, Hotels & Resorts, land preservation, National Parks, Outdoors Travel, Responsible Travel, Uncategorized

Marriott Bonvoy Launches Marketing Partnership with National Park Foundation

October 16, 2020 MoralCompass

Grand Canyon National Park, hiking the South Kaibab Trail. Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel program, has just formed a marketing partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. The introduction of a dedicated travel planning website makes it simple for members to take advantage of discounted rates for stays at Marriott’s 406 properties located near national parks, as well as the option to redeem points for America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Passes and to donate points to the NPF. The website will also provide travel tips and inspiration from Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, offering trip planning guides from local experts. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

During these extraordinary times, more and more Americans are seeking to escape their homes and spend time in the great outdoors. Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel program, has just formed a marketing partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. The introduction of a dedicated travel planning website makes it simple for members to take advantage of discounted rates for stays at Marriott’s 406 properties located near national parks, as well as the option to redeem points for America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Passes and to donate points to the NPF. The website will also provide travel tips and inspiration from Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, offering trip planning guides from local experts.

Drive-to vacations and getaways serve as a popular option for Americans looking to embark on local adventures. According to the National Park Foundation, most Americans live within 100 miles of a national park. With 419 national park sites in the United States–and at least one national park in every state–Marriott Bonvoy members can plan a national park road trip earning points for stays at Marriott properties throughout their journey toward free nights for future trips and qualifying nights toward elite status.

“In 1916, legislation creating the National Park Service was enacted. The noble vision behind the act has provided generations of Americans and visitors abroad the gift of experiencing our country’s greatest treasures,” said Brian King, Global Officer, Digital, Distribution, Revenue Strategy & Global Sales, Marriott International. “We are thrilled to offer Marriott Bonvoy members a convenient way to plan road trips and explore historical sites and national wonders with their friends and families with this one-of-a-kind travel partnership. The opportunity to experience breathtaking scenery in pristine wilderness settings while giving back to the National Park Foundation is invaluable and will help preserve parks for future adventure seekers.”

Examples of Marriott properties near national parks include Springhill Suites Springdale Zion National Park in Utah and Courtyard Gatlinburg Downtown and Fairfield Inn & Suites Gatlinburg Downtown near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Members can easily plan their national park getaways by visiting the website. From there, they can access travel-related articles from Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, book their desired property and receive the best member rates which start as low as $99 per night, redeem points for annual park passes and donate up to $500 worth of points to the National Park Foundation. Donations will help NPF in its mission to protect and enhance America’s national parks for current and future generations.

“National parks have something for everyone, and we can all play a role in helping to preserve them,” said Stefanie Mathew, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at the National Park Foundation. “The National Park Foundation is thankful to Marriott Bonvoy for not only offering members a nearby place to rest their head after a day full of park adventures, but also the support to help ensure these treasured natural and cultural sites are protected now and into the future.”

America’s national parks offer endless opportunities for enjoyment for everyone from first time visitors to experienced park enthusiasts. For the best experience possible, travelers should #RecreateResponsibly and plan ahead by visiting the National Park Service website.

For travelers who are not members of Marriott Bonvoy but want to take advantage of the discounted member rates, Marriott Bonvoy is free and easy to join here.

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel program, comprises the company’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands and home rental offering Homes & Villas by Marriott International. Members can earn and redeem points for stays and accelerate the points they earn with co-branded credit cards from JP Morgan Chase and American Express. The program offers exclusive member experiences and destination tours and adventures on Marriott Bonvoy Moments. When members book direct on Marriott.com they receive perks including free and enhanced Wi-Fi and exclusive member-only rates, and on the Marriott app they enjoy mobile check-in and checkout, Mobile Requests and, wherever available, Mobile Key.

Members earn points when staying at any of the more than 7,400 participating hotels globally. They can redeem points toward free nights at Marriott International brands ranging from The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, W Hotels, Marriott Hotels and Westin to Aloft, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard and Residence Inn. In addition, members residing in the U.S. can accelerate the number of points they can earn and enjoy other benefits with co-branded credit cards from JPMorgan Chase and American Express. Members also achieve higher levels of elite status and benefits the more nights they stay at participating hotels. To learn more and enroll in Marriott Bonvoy, visit https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/member-benefits/member.mi.

To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community.

To learn more about the National Park Foundation and Marriott Bonvoy marketing partnership visit https://hotel-deals.marriott.com/national-parks/.

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Utah’s Moab Adventure Center Extends Healing Adventures in Red Rock Country Through Year’s End

October 16, 2020 MoralCompass

*Moab Adventure Center is continuing to offer its adventures into such extraordinary places as Arches National Park through the end of the year.*

MOAB, UT – The hiss of deflating rafts will soon mingle with sighs of relief this fall in Moab, Utah, America’s red rock playground.

Why sighs of relief?

Because this recreational community that is vested in sharing outdoor recreation with people from around the world is so far emerging from pandemic 2020 intact and highly functioning.

“We (the community) were closed as of March 17 and into the start of our busiest time of year. But we’re bouncing back, slowly at the beginning, but now visitation has started to pick up,” reports Elaine Gizler, Moab Area Travel Council Executive Director. “We had a decent summer.” In early fall the Council began a marketing campaign to woo potential drive-market visitors from a 600-mile radius in Colorado and Utah.

Brandon, Lake, CMO of the Moab Adventure Center, notes that their experience earlier this year mirrors that of the greater Moab community. Activities were shuttered for most of the spring and only resumed once safety protocols were in place in May. But despite a foreshortened season, this company reports a robust outcome. After re-opening its doors early summer, Moab Adventure Center has served over 20,000 avid adventurers on day trips and overnights.

“We feel so fortunate that our proactive plans, combined with the community efforts throughout Moab have allowed so many people to come and experience the breathtaking backcountry of south central Utah,” mentions Lake. “This summer has been extraordinary. I have never seen people so excited so share outdoor adventures. I believe it has been a healing process for many.”

Going forward into the fall, Moab Adventure Center’s staff is poised to offer small group, guided explorations of Arches National Park and surrounding areas through 2020 and beyond. Effective COVID protocols that have been in place since the spring will continue into the future as needed. While many will squeeze in one more float on the Colorado River before rafting trips wrap up at the end of October, the following adventures continue on through November and some even into December (weather pending).

Arches National Park offers the benefits of comfortable temperatures and often fewer crowds in the later months of fall. Tours run year-round. Other popular autumn tours that can be mixed and matched through November include:

Ultimate Zip Line Adventure is a 2.5-hour outing departing mornings and afternoons. Guests glide over the sandstone fins and gaps above Moab with a series of zip line cables and bridges. The per person rate is $134.
Horseback Afternoon Trail Ride spans 1.5 hours packed with the sights and sounds of the West and surrounded by 2,000-foot towering red rock cliffs enroute to Castle Rock. The per person rate is $100.
Moab Canyoneering Adventure offers morning and afternoon departures spanning five hours for a canyoneering introduction, with two rappels: 90 feet into a hidden chasm, and 120 feet off a giant rock arch, all the while following a winding canyon stream out to the Colorado River. The per person rate is $107.
Moab Rock Climbing also has morning and afternoon departures for a five-hour program that’s perfect for beginning climbers, kids, or gym climbers. The per person rate is $107.

Tried-and-true practices that were instituted for guests and staff when COVID 19 first hit will continue throughout the fall and beyond as needed. These measures include smaller groups, taking temperatures, conducting a questionnaire about health symptoms, requiring that guests and staff wear masks while in an enclosed vehicle and requesting that everyone social distance, among others. See: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/covid-19

For information and reservations call 435-259-7019 or 866-904-1163 or visit: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/.

Moab Adventure Center is at the epicenter of nature-themed adventure, promising activities that include rafting, jet boating, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking and hot air ballooning. Hummer safaris, rock climbing, canyoneering and horseback riding are popular. Many of these activities are conducted with guides, an arrangement that helps preclude the kind of damage to the land that can happen when uneducated visitors venture into areas where they shouldn’t be. Guides help people understand where they can move through back country with the least impact possible.

Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

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Bike, Hike & Camp Along Grand Canyon North Rim with Escape Adventures

July 23, 2020 MoralCompass

Escape Adventures is offering a family-friendly, 5-day camping and mountain bike adventure that includes riding singletrack to Monument Point, hiking into the canyon on backcountry trails, pedaling across Kaibab Plateau, and conquering Rainbow Rim trail before descending to Indian Hollow.

(Las Vegas, NV) — While most of North America reels under hot summertime temperatures, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a wonderful high-altitude escape. Providing gently rolling terrain of lung-expanding dimensions, the North Rim has been long-held as sacred ground to hikers and cyclists alike. Escape Adventures is offering a family-friendly, 5-day camping and mountain bike adventure that includes riding singletrack to Monument Point, hiking into the canyon on backcountry trails, pedaling across Kaibab Plateau, and conquering Rainbow Rim trail before descending to Indian Hollow. Prices for this adventure start at $1,195 per person and multiple departures are available July 13th through October 4th, 2020. For more info, call 800.596.2953 or visit https://escapeadventures.com/tour/grand-canyon-north-rim-mountain-bike-tour/.

“For trekkers and active travelers of all levels, this tour is nothing less than the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Escape Adventures Founder Jared Fisher. “Gazing over the Canyon’s 9,200-ft North Rim, the immediate reaction of our guests runs from fear to reverie, and all agree that the old Arizona and Rainbow Rim Trails are the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon.”

Concealed in big Ponderosa pines and shimmering Aspen groves, the trail through Kaibab National Forest wends to a place that few have visited: the East Rim view. Trails brimming with wildflowers lead riders to exhilarating hikes along the rim. Crossing over to the west side of the plateau, guests camp alongside one of the most scenic mountain bike paths in the world, the Rainbow Rim Trail. It connects five large “Points” of land that overhang the canyon and the Arizona Strip. The five “Points” are Parissawampitts, Fence, Locust, North Timp and Timp.

Escape Adventures selects well-maintained public campgrounds with scenic vistas and comfortable arrangements. Guests will move seamlessly from one day of the trip to the next, enjoying wildly healthy, delicious homemade meals. Most of the campgrounds feature indoor facilities and showers. Conversely, in more remote backcountry camping scenarios, Escape Adventures provides portable toilets and private solar showers.

All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of the tour. All transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) 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 a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Meet in St. George. Shuttle to Kaibab Lodge then ride singletrack to alpine East Rim camp for two nights. Ride to Monument Point, short hike into the Grand Canyon on backcountry hiking trail.

Day 3-4: Ride across Kaibab Plateau to beautiful backcountry camp on the Rim for two nights. Ride the Rainbow Rim singletrack.

Day 5: Descend to Indian Hollow on the west side of the Plateau to spectacular vista. Shuttle back to St. George.

Since 1992, Escape Adventures has lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Building on over 100 destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type, from road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels. https://escapeadventures.com/

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Adventure Travel, National Parks, river rafting, Uncategorized

With Reopening of Arches National Park, Moab Adventure Center Counts on Nature to Restore the Pandemic Weary

June 5, 2020 MoralCompass

With the reopening of Arches National Park, Moab Adventure Center suggests three guided tours to nudge the housebound into the outdoors. The company is also armed with newly instituted COVID-19 mitigation and operations protocols.

MOAB, UT– Arches National Park in the world’s favorite red rock playground of Moab, Utah, has reopened to visitors. Guided tours of this iconic park have resumed, along with a variety of half-day, full-day and overnight river rafting programs along the Colorado River.

“The benefits of getting into nature for a few days are just what the doctor ordered – especially now,” said Cort Wright, Manager of the Moab Adventure Center, which operates programs into Arches National Park, Utah, and on the Colorado River. “As depression and anxiety diminish, our renewed vitality gains a foothold and positive attitudes surface. It will be a joy for us this summer and fall to see our guests transformed by the activities we provide.”

According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, “being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.” (For the full report see: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing.)

Moab Adventure Center, a full-service resource for the adventure-minded, suggests three guided tours of Arches National Park to nudge the housebound into the outdoors. The company is also armed with newly instituted COVID-19 mitigation and operations protocols (see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/covid-19

Guided Tours of Arches National Park: Daily morning and sunset tours of Arches National Park help interpret the 150 million years of geology and nature that have created this masterpiece of more than 2,000 arches – the highest concentration on the planet. Tour rates are $89 for adults and $79 for ages 5 to 12. See: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-tours

A third tour offers a breathtaking aerial tour of the park. Departing mid-morning, the half-hour flyover views formations such as Courthouse Towers, North and South Window Arches, Delicate Arch, Devil’s Garden, the Colorado River, Fisher Towers, and Castle Valley. Youth two and under fly free on a parent’s lap. Tour rates are $109 for adults and $55 for youth 3 to 12. For details see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-air-tours

Colorado River Tours: Full and half-day rafting adventures on the Colorado River along the southern border of Arches National Park can also be arranged through the Moab Adventure Center. A half-day morning tour showcases the mild to moderate rapids under a background of red rock cliffs, spires and buttes. Rates are $74 for adults and $64 for ages 5 to 12. Another half-day option comes with a BBQ lunch. Rates are $89 for adults and $79 ages 5 to 12. A full day on the river, with lunch, is a memorable seven-hour excursion. Rates are $109 for adults and $79 for age 5 to 12. (For details see: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-river-tours.)

As of May 1, 2020, the Southeast Utah Health Department authorized a phased reopening of businesses in and around Moab. Lodging, commercial campgrounds, restaurants and activities are now available and operating within recommended guidelines. The town is seeing quite an influx of visitors as so many now are choosing an outdoor vacation as the best escape with loved ones.

Moab Adventure Center is offering most of its regularly scheduled activities along with new private tours (www.moabadventurecenter.com/private-tours). These include exclusive Hummer Safari outings for up to nine people; private canyoneering adventures; exclusive Arches National Park morning tours; private stand-up paddle boarding lessons for up to six people; and private Moab rock climbing outings for up to four people.

Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

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