Utah Fall colours and geology of the SW 2023 - Fully Booked

Join Joe Cornish and Antony Spencer exploring Boulder Mountain and desert geology of central and South West Utah in October 2023.

The primary aim of this tour is to explore the landscapes and fall colours of Boulder Mountain. On the slopes of the mountain numerous groves of Aspen can be found and our aim is to catch these in the peak of their autumn colours. With several county roads to explore of varying altitude we will be ideally placed to reach the best looking stands of trees in the best possible locations. Aspens are simply incredible to photograph at any time but during autumn with shimmering leaves of gold there is simply not another species quite as photogenic. 

There are viewpoints from the mountain looking down over groves of aspen with the incredible geology of the Colorado Plateau behind and below. We will explore both the woodlands and the larger landscape views as much as we possibly can. 

From our base we will also have plenty of time to move out onto the Colorado Plateau itself. Other locations include Capitol Reef National Park, Escalante National Monument, Factory Butte as well as other hidden slot canyons and gems all easily withing driving distance. We will explore this region visiting some of the most incredible geloogy to be found anywhere on the planet. Sandstone formations, hoodoos, canyons and colourful badlands will all be possible as we explore. 

At either end of this tour we will spend a couple of nights in Kanab to break up the drive. This will allow us to visit locations such as Toroweap on the Grand Canyon and make a few visits to a real desert gem such as White Pocket. 

Toroweap is one of the most remote sections of the Grand Canyon National Park. It is relatively simple to photograph from here with only one canyon directly beneath ones feet nearly a mile below. Spectacular views in either direction allow for varying compositions using the light in different ways. White pocket is a bizarre formation of colourful rocks tucked away in a remote part of the desert. Using 4x4 vehicles we would have access to both of these and we will use locations such as these to offer even more to the itinerary. 

Accommodation will be luxurious Boulder Mountain Lodge whilst in the Boulder area and the Hamptonn Inn and Suites in Kanab. These are the best hotels in each town and will be on a single occupancy basis.

Please note- a moderate level of fitness is required, the terrain will not always be easy underfoot and some longer distance walking may be required.