Escape Adventures

What happens here stays here. It’s a sure bet that most people’s “Las Vegas-moment” probably didn’t include an immersion in the wilds, or extend to some go-big outdoor adventure. But we’re playing a strong hand. In the know Las Vegans quietly gush over the 100-miles of singletrack, matched by stunning desert scenery that characterizes Red Rock National Conservation Area. Our backyard treasure lends both head-clearing if not thorough lung expansion. Ultra forgiving, almost elegantly buffed trails present the perfect fit for those new to the sport. Care to take it up a notch? Adding extra distance, or a full house of difficulty options equals major payoff to those of a singletrack mind.

Our adventure kicks off with an exciting loop around the Cottonwood Valley, sloping tablelands of Joshua Trees and giant Yucca, crossed by bands of Bighorn sheep and wild burros. Our course: a long popular singletrack that winds through the Spring Mountains, the broad range that separates Las Vegas from the high country to the West. The following day we’ll skirt the base of the Keystone Thrust, moved along by the equally fast and intimate Mustang Trails. Named for the wild mustangs that originally shaped them, these trails trace and wander around the scenic valley between the Black Velvet cliffs and Fossil Ridge. Truly a marriage of convenience, this two-day getaway is ideal for the “off-season” traveler. Those riders with limited vacation time, or businesspeople in search of an escape to bookend a working trip will also discover a perfect fit.

Among the wildest, least trammeled landscapes of size in the continental United States. The Maze’s hypnotic labyrinth, a geologic fusion of cliffs, meandering canyons, and inspiring buttes provide unparalleled riding, folded into a truly unforgettable adventure.

Our journey into this lost land of canyon and High Desert begins with a descent down the historic Flint Trail. The curve of the canyons delivers us in equally fast and spectacular fashion to the Maze Overlook. There, breathtaking beauty beckons us further along our fantastic, self-propelled voyage.

A challenging hike through the heart of The Maze brings us to “The Harvest Scene”: a nearly life-sized series of pictographs. Etched into the narrow sandstone walls, their origin traces back from two to 4,000-years. The next 72-hours begin at a heady 7700-ft., dropping down to 3700-ft, and ultimately a sublime landing on the shores of Lake Powell. We traverse amongst Peregrine falcon aerie and Bighorn sheep habitat in the spectacular Doll’s House section, then through the Land of the Standing Rocks.

Bear in mind, access to this outback is severely limited. To hike in and out would easily consume a full two days. But as the only outfitter in the world to offer such an inclusive tour of the Maze, our rugged expedition vehicle is engineered to meet the demands of this area’s extreme terrain. After reaching Lake Powell, a chartered tour plane will ferry our group out of the Maze. Our flight-path takes us back over the course we just conquered on bike and foot, providing once-in-a-lifetime views and aerial photo opportunities.

From incomparable cultural legacies, to moderately challenging cycling terrain, the Maze is rated “E” for everyone. Due to Canyonlands National Park’s use and access guidelines, plus the very nature of the environment here, this trip is limited to seven guests.

Picture yourself cruising all day, thoroughly gassed but still blissed out by a beautiful road ride that truly took your measure. Before you can kick off your cycling shoes, you’re led to a freshly prepared, scrumptious dinner. Beyond that multicourse fare, lay a cascading natural hot spring.

Our Gem State Hot Springs/multi-sport tour showcases the magnificent Sawtooth mountain range, set across Idaho’s lower midsection. Five days of fast if transfixing rides, brilliant hot springs and wild rivers make up the deliverables cut and shaped by the strong-featured Sawtooths.

Like off-ramps to High Country paradise, besides the stopovers at a succession of remote natural hot springs, our routes take in a triad of colorful, if edge-of-the-world mining towns: Atlanta, Lowman, and Pine.

Mineral-suffused, the hot springs we drop into are clean, delightfully secluded, all at various depths if not degrees. Put another way: You might have a cozy two-seater with a sandy bottom all to yourself; or we’ll share warm, connected earthen pools fed by multiple waterfalls, beheld only by the impossibly broad and bright constellations overhead.

It is the striking visage of the Grand Tetons that sets it apart from the rest of the Rocky Mountains. First, in the highest, sky-scraping thrust—an abrupt 7000-ft jut above Jackson Hole—that peers over a no less impressive supporting cast. So sharply serrated, the sub-peaks evoke a Great White shark’s lower jaw stretched atop a high plateau. Only 40-miles long by ten-miles wide, this relatively small segment of the Rockies is also the youngest. Unlike other ranges in the Rockies, the Tetons have not been around long enough to acquire the foothills, or softer lines shaped by centuries of erosion. The Grand Teton National Park and adjoining National Forest protect this unique geographical feature, which peaks out at 13,770 feet; not to mention the wildlife, wildly lush subalpine meadows, and rich recreation opportunities we savor.

Our mountain bike tour hugs four distinct regions around cowboy-artsy Jackson Hole and the surrounding Teton Range. On the valley floor, in the “hole” surrounded by mountains, we ride the rolling prairie trails of Antelope Flats. To the east, we loop around through the Red Hills/Gros Ventre area on the Ditch Creek Trail. From here, directly across the valley and south of the Teton Mountains, we can see the Munger Trails. And to the west, on the Idaho side of the Tetons, we enjoy the 600-acre Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming, descending purpose-built singletrack for an afternoon. The first DH-specific destination in the Tetons, the Grand Targhee’s 70-miles of multi-use trails spans gentle-banked cruising to tighter, XC singletrack to more challenging trails. Lift access delivers 2200-vertical feet of downhill riding.

Each glorious morning, set against the dramatic Tetons, we’ll traverse peaks, cirques, U-shaped canyons and glacial lakes. Sweeping through big mountain ecosystems, we’ll pass Ticklegrass to Tufted Hair Grasses; crossing moose, elk, Pika and Yellow Bellied Marmot habitat, among others. More experienced mountain bikers will thrill to the Tetons inspiring elevations and dynamic trails!

Referred to by Hawaiians as the “Valley Isle”, the tropical Maui valley connects two of the world’s largest volcanoes into one island cycling paradise.

Inside Maui’s 120 miles of coastline, we experience a surprising range of microclimates, from exotic gardens to rain shadow dry lands, from sandy lagoons to snowy summits.

Our cycling tour of the island loops around the valley nestled between two sleeping giants, Puu Kukui caldera to the West, and Mt. Haleakala to the East.  Inside Maui’s 120 miles of coastline, we experience a surprising range of microclimates, from exotic gardens to rain shadow dry lands, from sandy lagoons to snowy summits!  With over 20 ecosystems and lots of hills, cycling here is always an adventure.  One minute we’ll be riding through a lush tropical rainforest, and the next we’ll turn the corner onto a huge, sunny lava flow, or drop down onto a private peninsula for some fresh, hot Hawaiian banana bread.

Challenging climbing and exhilarating descents await us as we explore Maui’s mountainous back roads by bike. Surfing lessons and a sea kayaking tour, both appropriate for beginners, allow us to broaden our experience, while hiking gives us a chance to see this beautiful landscape close-up. Join us for the perfect multi-sport getaway to this adventurous and tropical isle.

The people on the island are just as diverse.  Evenings are filled with the sights and scents of real island hospitality, where we are pampered with islands feasts, luaus, and hula dancing, while staying in our own oceanside ohanas (private beach houses).

We combine extraordinarily scenic cycling with great hiking, sea kayaking and even surfing, to pack the best Maui has to offer into an active, yet relaxing week-long Hawaiian retreat.

Our two smartly nuanced itineraries maximize not only the best trails, but also the greatest variety of riding conditions here in no less than fat tire nirvana.

A summertime descent into Zion from the high country means biking Brianhead’s beautiful mountain singletrack. Approaching Zion from the south, the fabled Gooseberry Mesa’s fantastic slickrock riding is perfect in the Spring and Fall.

A quick 15-minute drive from Hurricane, a sweet little Southwest Utah hamlet, brings us to Gooseberry Mesa, (elevation 5418-ft.). Built by the twin Harris brothers, 13-mile long Gooseberry Mesa is popular the world over. As such, it’s likely you’ll meet and ride alongside Danes, Belgians, Germans, Dutch, Aussies, maybe a mad dog and an Englishman. One of the best loops anywhere, Gooseberry rates intermediate and up. Though the adjoining South Rim Trail comes with a harder designation for its higher level of challenging terrain. From the white dots that point you over the adjoining slickrock, you can expect nothing but singletrack on Gooseberry Mesa, the Big Loop: swept along beautiful cliffs, past low stands of Juniper and Pinon, only to skillfully wend and contort yourself through gigantic boulder stacks. Yes; here it is, your moment of Zen.

Picture vibrant sandstone walls chiseled by the mighty Colorado River, lit by the evening glow of a desert sunset, and backed by a magnificent range of snow-capped mountains. In the midst of Utah’s Canyon Country, Moab’s backcountry provides the perfect setting for your multi-sport adventure.

At Arches, we’ll hike through a geological wonderland, where natural exhibits of pinnacles, arches, pedestals, and balancing rocks seem to defy the laws of physics. Contrasting colors, textures, and landforms distinguish the many vegetation zones of this canyon country, each offering its own kind of adventure. At Dead Horse Point and Island In The Sky, expansive views of maze-like chasms typify our road biking experience along the acclaimed mesa.

Moab’s canyon country’s vertical landscape challenges us with fantastic introductory canyoneering. And, while the Colorado River’s power is present everywhere throughout our adventure, nowhere is it better realized than on our exciting day of river rafting.

Adventure seekers lacking outdoors experience, or family-groups will find this tour a perfect match of package options and tempo.

The profusion of rides, coupled to wide variability of terrain makes this trip easy to customize. We can both accommodate and adapt this tour according to group-size; including seasoned riders, families, all the way to riders new to road biking.

Known the world over, Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park 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.

But the added value of Canyonlands is its staggering remoteness. The closest light bulb hangs at least 50-miles away. Our returning guests relate that it’s this great sense of solitude, along with the fantastic camping opportunities, that brings them back.

A primitive trail framed by blooming cacti below, and snow-capped mountains above, the White Rim Trail descends a series of beguiling slickrock outcrops to its namesake, a unique sandstone pedestal. We spend much of our trip riding this famous off-road route and detour briefly to admire the natural landmarks, the cool Colorado River, and the rock platform vistas.

En route we gain a deeper, more personal appreciation for the native people who called this place home as we experience their beautiful, but harsh, desert home. While enjoying the beauty of the nature that surrounds us, we also appreciate the modern amenities a guided trip provides; with our custom support truck and attentive guides, you’ll feel right at home in this remote desert.

Signature switchback trails set against the great Utah outback means a trip you’ll savor for years.

Explore what the sublime Sonoran Desert has to offer with the Best of Phoenix and Black Canyon Trail (BCT) Mountain Biking Tour! This tour is great for close groups of biking friends looking for a fun excursion.  

The first day starts off 27-miles northeast of Phoenix with a drive to Mcdowell Mountain, a 21,099-acre regional park. Once there, we’ll warm up our biking legs with a fast and flowy single track. Riding local conservancy lands, the landscape opens onto a beautiful XC, or cross-country trail system; one that encompasses more than 40-miles of fast and flowy, mountain bike specific singletrack. The terrific abundance of flora and fauna throughout this area makes for a perfect introduction, or interpretation of the vibrant Arizona desert. The network crosses habitat for Javelina, deer, coyotes, plus a terrific variety of raptors and songbirds. From there, it’s a drive out to Bumble Bee Ranch for some First-Class Camping and a relaxing shower to end the day...

An incredibly diverse succession of terrain, from glacial plains to volcanic blast zones; exalted mountain ridges, rainforests, woodlands to lava flows frozen in time, all come to define this Northwest road cycling epic. And keep your eye out for emus.

From the site of our country’s single most amazing eruption, Mount St. Helen’s, we range further into the Cascade Range, into the heart of Pacific Northwest’s ring of fire. Sweeping into Mount Rainier National Park, we behold the highest peak in the Cascades, 14,114-ft. Rainier, both a Washington State icon if not a sacred place, known as Tahoma or Tacoma to the Coast Salish people.

On scenic roads, historic highways, over visually enthralling bridges, our tour winds up atop the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge; then pays homage to Oregon’s most prominent landmark, 11, 249-ft Mt. Hood. Notwithstanding its twelve snowfields and glaciers, Mt. Hood is every bit as noteworthy or vital for the active stratovolcano beneath it.