Escalante Canyon, Colorado
October 19-22, 2023
Escalante Canyon is a secluded, nature lover’s paradise. This hidden gem boasts pristine waters that wind through rugged canyons, surrounded by vibrant vegetation and towering cliffs. Whether you’re an avid hiker, rock climber, nature photographer, or simply seeking tranquility, Escalante Canyon’s desert beauty invites you to immerse yourself in its wonders.
Escalante Canyon, situated in rugged western Colorado, is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Flowing through the heart of the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, this pristine waterway offers a unique blend of serenity and excitement.
Mountain bikers and hikers can traverse the trails that meander alongside or on top of Escalante Canyon, revealing stunning vistas, diverse ecosystems, intricate rock formations, and ancient petroglyphs that provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
For rock climbers, the area offers a challenging and scenic climbing experience. The canyon’s vertical sandstone walls offer a diverse range of routes, from beginner-friendly to advanced, ensuring an exhilarating adventure for climbers of all skill levels.
Activities
- Camping
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Rock climbing
- Mountain Biking
- Archaeological Sites
Weather
We’ve chosen late October for this trip because it is typically the most stable and enjoyable time to be in the canyons. That said, the weather in Escalante Canyon can vary significantly throughout the year. Highs range from the 70s to 80s°F (25-30°C) in September, gradually cooling down to the 50s and 60s°F (10-20°C) by November.
Keep in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in desert environments. It’s recommended to check local weather forecasts and be prepared for varying conditions.
Included in cost
Three nights of camping accommodations and meals: Tents and sleeping pads provided, climbing safety equipment and instruction, camaraderie, and great memories!
Itinerary
Thursday Evening - Oct. 19
Meet up at Basecamp in the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area after 5p. We’ll drop GPS coordinates to everyone in the group and have snacks and cocktails waiting by your tent. Dinner on your own for those of you driving over late that evening. You transfer your gear into the provided tents and make sure that you’re all set for sleeping. Introductions, s’mores, and cocktails around the campfire under the stars.
Friday - Oct. 20
Full Day of Adventure #1
Breakfast served 7-8A w/ group cleanup and packing for the day afterwards.
Your choice of:
- Intro to Desert rock climbing at “Interiors Wall” with Jack and Jonathan for those wanting to tackle the sandstone cracks of Escalante; routes for beginners and experts.
- Mountain Biking area loops, possibly Tabeguache to Cactus Park w 3,700′ of descent? You’re on your own and the world is your oyster in Colorado’s Grand Mesa. Enjoy.
- Hiking into the magical Big Dominguez Canyon (no roads or human settlement) to find and view ancient Ute Indian petroglyphs etched onto sandstone boulders.
Return late afternoon / evening back to basecamp for a swim and soak in the famed Potholes along Escalante Creek before steak dinner together and more campfire time.
Saturday - Oct. 21
Full Day of Adventure #2
Breakfast served 7-8A w/ group cleanup and packing for the day afterwards. We’re taking it up a notch and heading over to Grand Junction / Fruita for the day.
- Climbers are given the option to join our guides by hiking to and summiting the Colorado National Monument via the historic John Otto route. Incredible experience and views.
- Mountain Bikers will already know Fruita as Colorado’s #1 destination. Will you tackle a portion of the famed Kokopelli trail or keep it more casual with something like Rustler’s Loop along the Colorado river?
- Hikers might head Colorado National Monument. Monument Canyon has awesome views and formations. There’s the famous Rim Rock Drive (23 miles of nature at its finest) and the Grand Mesa (the largest flat-topped mountain in the world).
We’ll pick up some local BBQ on our way to camp late afternoon / evening and look forward to some great stories, bourbon (and maybe a couple band-aids) around our last campfire together.
Sunday - Oct. 22
Breakfast served 7-8A w/ group cleanup and pack up afterwards. Hang out in the hammock with a book, get a few more turns on your bike, jump in the creek with a bar of soap or wait for that hard-earned hot shower when you get back to the house. The memories and stories from this trip will last a lifetime.
*** We do our best to stick to the schedule and make sure everyone gets their fill of outdoor adventure. Weather and environmental conditions may force us to change our plans.
Gear List
Layering is a crucial strategy for a successful adventure trip, ensuring comfort and adaptability in changing outdoor conditions. By wearing multiple lightweight and breathable layers, hikers can effectively regulate body temperature as they traverse varying terrains and encounter different weather scenarios. Starting with a moisture-wicking base layer to manage sweat, followed by insulating layers to trap heat, and a waterproof or windproof outer layer to shield against the elements, this approach allows hikers to add or remove layers as needed. The flexibility of layering not only enhances comfort but also promotes safety by helping hikers stay warm, dry, and prepared for whatever nature throws their way.
Required (provided by you)
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Clothing
- Mountain bike and helmet (if biking)
Recommended (synthetic, down, and wool is recommended over cotton clothing)
- Duffel bag or soft luggage
- Reusable water bottles
- Pants
- Shorts
- T-shirt
- Long sleeve shirt
- Light jacket
- Insulated jacket
- Rain jacket or shell
- Undies
- Socks
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Swimsuit
- Toiletries
- Warm hat
- Headlamp
- Daypack or hiking backpack
- Trekking poles if hiking
Required (provided by us)
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Rock climbing harness and helmet (if climbing)
About the guides
Jack Fisher
Jack has been rock climbing, camping, boating and doing all-things outdoors in Colorado for over 17 years. As one of the founders of the WestMen project, he is committed to its members safety, enjoyment, and exploration + growth opportunities. He is married with two sons in Denver.
Jonathan Shaffer
Jonathan lives and works in Texas. He has hiked and climbed in Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa, and even Ecuador. Sleeping outside and hanging out under the night sky are some of his favorite things to do. He is married with two sons and two daughters.
Other Details and Legalese
Transportation
In an effort to keep this trip flexible and cost-efficient for our members, we’ve elected not to hire private shuttle for this trip. Located about eight miles south of Grand Junction, Colorado, this BLM property can be easily accessed via two highways. Moreover, a network of maintained and unpaved roads make navigation by vehicles possible within the area. We’ll transmit GPS coordinates via text and your favorite map app will get you right to Basecamp.
Discounts
Children (ages 10-12) get $50 off. Group discounts are available. Call or text 303-946-6520 for more information.
Not included
Unlimited alcohol, transportation to and from Basecamp, sleeping bag, pillow, clothing, mountain bikes and helmets for those biking.
Tent Accommodations
You’ll be sharing a large tent with one other person, and we’ll work to ensure that family members share tents. If you are traveling solo, you will share a tent with a same-gender tentmate. If you need single accommodations, we can accommodate you in your own personal tent at no additional charge. There are a limited number of single person tents, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Text or call 303-946-6520 to request single person accommodations.
Cancellation Policy
A deposit of $100 per person is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 30 days before first schedule day of the trip.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
- 61+ days prior to departure = $0 (deposit refunded)
- 31 to 60 days = $100
- 16 to 30 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
- 0 to 15 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable
We recommend traveller’s insurance, but it is not required.
Reserve your spot with a $100 deposit.
The WestMen will send an invoice for the balance on October 1 to the name and email address associated with your PayPal account.