Adventure Guide 46€¦ · NATIONAL PARKS 12 . Grand Canyon National Park Zion National Park Bryce...

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46 Adventure Guide

Transcript of Adventure Guide 46€¦ · NATIONAL PARKS 12 . Grand Canyon National Park Zion National Park Bryce...

46Adventure Guide

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CONTENTS D I S C O V E R A N A N C I E N T 4 L A N D S C A P E

The Amangiri Experience An Ethical Journey

S E L F - G U I D E D A C T I V I T I E S 6

Slow down and take it in National Park tours Wahweap Overlook Horseshoe BendNavajo National Monument Glen Canyon Dam Off-road adventures Lake Powell National Golf Course Lake Powell

P R I VAT E A I R TO U R S 8

Helicopter tours Fixed-wing air toursHot-air balloon

N AT I O N A L PA R K S 1 2

Grand Canyon National Park Zion National Park Bryce Canyon National Park Arches National Park

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Monument Valley & the Navajo Nation Paleontology at the Grand Staircase-Escalante White-water rafting on the Colorado RiverBoating on Lake Powell Discover the Via Ferratas

H I K I N G & B I K I N G 2 6

Full-day hiking tours Half-day hiking toursThree-hour hiking toursFull-day bike tours Half-day bike tour Three-hour bike tour

E X P E R I E N C E S F O R A L L A G E S 3 2

Amangiri adventures Adventures further afield Horseback riding Colorado River excursions California Condor day with the Peregrine FundUtah’s Best Friends animal sanctuaryEvening programs and special opportunities Large-group activities Alfresco dining

D E S E R T H I K I N G T I P S 4 0

M A P S 4 1

D R I V I N G T I M E S 4 2

D I S C O V E R A N A N C I E N T L A N D S C A P E

Awaken the spir i t of adventure at Amangir i , in a land where iconic geology reveals mi l lennia of h istory

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The Amangiri Experience

Thousands of square miles of untouched scenery surround Amangiri, which lies at the gateway to major national parks in the Colorado Plateau. From canyoneering and cultural insights to excursions by air, bike, boat or on horseback, guests are encouraged to discover the region their way. Long-standing relationships with local experts allow Amangiri to arrange tailor-made itineraries for every guest – a bespoke approach that guarantees a creative, adventurous and fulfilling experience.

Advance reservations are encouraged. To find out more about the possibilities on offer, or to create a custom itinerary, please contact the Amangiri Experience Team, who will be delighted to assist.

An Ethical Journey

Amangiri is fortunate to call the Colorado Plateau home, but with this honor comes responsibility. To experience the landscape in its unaltered, pristine state, guests are encouraged to travel quietly and lightly on the land.

Cultural artifacts are safeguarded by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. It is illegal to remove or disturb archaeological or historic sites, or any artifacts, no matter how recent, found on public lands.

It is illegal to carve into any of the rocks, on or off Amangiri property.

Enjoy and learn from historical and archaeological sites, but respect these national treasures. Some are sacred to Native Americans, or are important cultural reminders of pioneer heritage.

Natural objects of beauty or interest, such as antlers, petrified wood and coloured rocks, enhance the atmosphere of the backcountry and should be left for others to experience too.

Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Travel quietly and do not pursue, feed or force animals to flee. Do not touch, get close to, feed or pick up wild animals.

Amangiri thanks guests in advance for joining its effort to protect this fragile environment.

S E L F - G U I D E D A C T I V I T I E S

Amangir i ’s property boundary encompasses 600 acres (243 hectares) on the Colorado Plateau – so there is

p lenty to explore s imply by stepping over the threshold and into the wi lderness. Experience the freedom of

h ik ing, dr iv ing or boat ing in complete seclusion with Amangir i ’s suggest ions for sel f-guided discover ies .

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Self-Guided Activities

A few suggestions for spending quality time while at Amangiri.

Guests are always encouraged to use the expertise of Amangiri’s Experience Team, from assistance with self-guided tours of the national parks to invaluable insider knowledge of the immediate surroundings. The team is available at any time to sit down and discuss individual requirements.

Slow down and take it inEnjoy the Amangiri property, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Take a leisurely walk at sunrise or sunset, and allow the long shadows and glow of the sky to envelop you in comfort and peace. Enjoy the pool; take part in daily complimentary group hikes; or stretch out at morning group yoga or afternoon Pilates.

National Park toursGuests who are comfortable driving to and from the nearby national parks are encouraged to seek advice on how to best self-tour these magnificent areas. Members of the Amangiri Experience Team have excellent local knowledge and can point guests to the best places to park, catch the shuttle and beat some of the crowds, as well as advise on entrance fees.

Wahweap OverlookA perfect way to wrap up a peaceful day in the desert is to take a short drive to the Wahweap Overlook. This hilltop vantage point offers a spectacular place to view and photograph Lake Powell.

Horseshoe BendThis self-guided, free-access hike is located 30 minutes from Amangiri. The 0.75-mile (2.1-kilometer) trail is well marked and easy to follow. Hikers will be rewarded by the incredible thousand-foot-deep (300-meter) gorge of the Colorado River.

Navajo National MonumentJoin a ranger-led hike and learn about the Native American traditions of the Southwest. The trail descends 700 feet (213 meters) into a canyon that is home to well-preserved cliff dwellings.

Glen Canyon DamTwenty minutes’ drive from Amangiri, the Glen Canyon Dam is a spectacular man-made landmark and can be toured with a Natural History Association guide.

Lake PowellGuests who are comfortable driving their own boats are encouraged to seek advice from the Experience Team, who will advise on the most suitable marina. The team can also assist with self-guided kayaking, fishing and paddle-boarding.

Lake Powell National Golf CourseWith views of Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell and the Vermillion Cliffs, Lake Powell National Golf Course provides an unparalleled golfing experience. The 18-hole championship facility offers multiple tee boxes and accommodates all levels of play.

P R I VAT E A I R T O U R S

Flying this incredible landscape – by plane, hel icopter, or on a sunrise bal loon tr ip – is an inspir ing way to discover the breadth of the backcountry. Working

c losely with the area’s best p i lots , Amangir i enables guests to grasp the scale of the terrain with an

experience of Canyon Country from on high.

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Private Air-Touring Options

Helicopter tours Guests can depart directly from Amangiri’s private helipad, discreetly located between picturesque sandstone towers.

Fixed-wing air tours Amangiri’s airstrip offers guests unparalleled convenience, enabling both scenic and charter flights with select carriers to depart from the property’s doorstep. Weather permitting, this experience dramatically minimizes travel times to the national parks.

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Hot-air balloonLaunching from Amangiri at sunrise, hot-air-balloon flights offer extraordinary views of the property’s 600 acres (242 hectares). Because launches are subject to weather conditions, Amangiri typically schedules balloon flights only in the cooler fall and winter months when the cancellation is less likely, though spring and summer flights are available by special request. Please contact a member of the Amangiri Experience Team to speak about the logistics of ‘off-season’ flying.

Horseshoe Bend

N AT I O N A L P A R K S

With the highest concentrat ion of nat ional parks in America, the breathtaking Colorado Plateau offers endless

opportunity for d iscovery. Whether tour ing by a ir, car or on foot , Amangir i guests have access to expert in-house

and local guides offer ing custom it inerar ies .

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Grand Canyon National Park

With two billion years of history hidden in its striking erosional forms and layers of geologic color, the Grand Canyon – one of the deepest gorges on Earth – never fails to overwhelm the senses. Amangiri’s proximity to the canyon’s South Rim offers guests lots of flexibility in viewing this wonder of the world. The North Rim is open only half the year, typically from mid-May to mid-November. With a fraction of the visitor numbers received at the South Rim, it is a less developed, more peaceful alternative, with several easily accessible viewpoints. Its altitude – 1,000 feet (304 meters) higher than the South Rim – also offers cooling respite from the summer heat.

SOUTH RIM TOURING OPTIONS

Air and Grand Canyon Association Field Institute tourThis full-day excursion combines flights to and from the South Rim with a guided tour on the ground led by a highly knowledgeable Grand Canyon Association Field Institute (GCAFI) guide. Affiliated with the country’s National Park Cooperating Associations, the GCAFI is a non-profit organization, and Amangiri donates a portion of the tour fee to support its work. The tour is unscripted and can be tailored to guests’

requirements. Transportation between Amangiri and Grand Canyon Airport is included.Journey time: 45 minutes each way by fixed wing or helicopter

Amangiri private tour Amangiri’s in-house guides provide private transportation between Amangiri and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, as well as expert, custom guidance within the park. The drive to the canyon is almost entirely on the Navajo Reservation, winding through a stunning high-desert landscape, arriving at the park via the less congested Desert View entrance. The tour includes a breathtaking 23-mile (37-kilometer) journey along the East Rim Drive. Journey time: 2.5 hours by car each way

NORTH RIM TOURING OPTIONS

Amangiri private tourExperience the blissful peace of the North Rim on a private tour with an Amangiri guide. The excursion includes private transportation to the North Rim, entrance fees, and a customized interpretive tour within the park. Journey time: 2.5 hours by car each way

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Zion National Park

Smaller in scale than the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park is home to hundreds of species of plant and animal. A deep canyon with towering sandstone walls, Zion boasts North America’s second-largest freestanding monolith, the Great White Throne, and offers superb hiking and sightseeing for all ages and ability levels. Amangiri private tour Amangiri’s in-house guides offer private tours of Zion National Park, tailored to guests’ requirements, and including transportation between the property and the park. Journey time: 2 hours each way by car

Bryce Canyon National Park

Defined by hundreds of pillars of sandstone known as hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is an otherworldly landscape, a maze of gorges and grottos. Numerous vistas and hiking trails make this a worthwhile day trip – particularly in summer, when the park’s altitude, more than 3,000 feet (900 meters) above Amangiri, offers cool respite from the high-season heat.

BRYCE CANYON TOURING OPTIONS

Air and Bryce Canyon Natural History Association tour Guests choosing to take a scenic flight to Bryce canyon often join this exclusive three-hour private tour led by the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association. The tour is unscripted and can be tailored to suit individual interests and ability levels. Journey time: 45 minutes each way by helicopter or fixed wing plane

Amangiri private tourExperience Bryce Canyon National Park with an in-house guide, who will transport guests between Amangiri and the park, and lead a customized guided tour, including a scenic flight. Journey time: 3 hours each way by car or 45 minutes each way by helicopter or fixed-wing plane

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Arches National Park

More than 2,000 natural stone arches fill this unique landscape, including one reaching 306 feet (93 meters) across a now-abandoned trail. Along with breathtaking views of iconic red rock formations, the various Arches offers spectacular hiking opportunities.

Air and ground tour packageThe furthest national park from Amangiri, Arches is nonetheless easily accessible by air and offers guests the chance to spend the day there with plenty of time to unwind afterwards at the property. The package includes flights from Page

Arizona, taking in Lake Powell and the Colorado River, together with a four-hour tour of the park with an Amangiri guide. The ground tour can be entirely tailored to individual tastes and abilities, and includes a picnic lunch specially prepared by Amangiri. Journey time: 1 hour each way by fixed-wing plane

Bryce Canyon

A M A N G I R I E N C O U N T E R S

The Colorado Plateau offers immersive encounters beyond the purely physical . Learn about Navajo culture,

jo in a paleontology excavat ion, or experience the terrain from a new perspect ive on Lake Powel l , the Colorado

River, or crossing the adrenal ine-boost ing v ia ferratas. Guests of Amangir i wi l l f ind the opportunit ies for

d iscovery are a lmost unl imited.

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Monument Valley & the Navajo Nation

Located on the Navajo Reservation and almost completely undeveloped, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park remains much the same as it did a millennium ago. A tour is highly recommended for those who want to become better acquainted with the culture of the Navajo, the original southwest settlers, and Amangiri has developed excellent relationships with Navajo guides. The property also has links with Goulding’s Lodge, the historic trading post whose owners introduced Hollywood directors to Monument Valley in the 1930s, sparking the Western movie genre.

Amangiri offers 3.5-hour private tours with Navajo guides, taking in famous features of Monument Valley, including the Mittens, Merrick Butte and the Totem Pole. Alternatively, a seven-hour tour explores the Monument Valley region and the restricted area known as Mystery Valley.

MONUMENT VALLEY TOURING OPTIONS

Scenic flight and ground tourFly by helicopter or fixed-wing plane to Monument Valley before embarking on a private ground tour. Journey time: 45 minutes each way by helicopter or fixed-wing plane

Amangiri private tourAmangiri’s in-house guides will provide transportation between the property and Monument Valley, and accompany the tour with a Navajo guide. Journey time: 2.5 hours by car each way

Navajo experiences on the Amangiri property are also available – see page 37 for the Horses and History evening.

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Paleontology at the Grand Staircase-Escalante

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the world’s most important paleontology sites. Amangiri has fostered a close relationship with the Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, enabling guests to visit active dig sites accompanied by a professional interpreter.

Tours include a donation to the Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, a friends group of the Monument.

Fossil excavation tourThis full-day tour includes a visit to Tibbet Spring Bone Bed Quarry, where the paleontologist will discuss geology, paleontology and the other natural and historic resources of this fossil-rich landscape, before instructing guests on the protocols of excavation. Guests will then take part in a scientific excavation of the site for up to four hours with lunch provided by Amangiri. The return trip includes a brief stop at the Grand Staircase-Escalante visitor center at Big Water, before departing for Amangiri. A fossil extraction tour is also available, and lasts eight hours.

Introduction to paleontology tourLocated within reach of 90-million-year-old marine fossils, Jurassic Period dinosaur tracks and the Grand Staircase-Escalante visitor center, Amangiri is uniquely placed to offer an excellent introduction to the paleontology work being carried out in the area. This guided tour takes three hours or half a day. Journey time: 2 hours each way by car on off-road terrain

Laboratory fossil extraction experienceJoin the paleontological laboratory manager at the Bureau of Land Management center in Kanab, Utah, approximately an hour’s drive from Amangiri. After an introduction to the lab’s work, guests will receive professional training in extracting fossils from stone, working side by side with fossil experts and lab volunteers, who will answer questions and introduce visitors to laboratory procedures. This tour lasts approximately five hours. Journey time: 1 hour by car

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Colorado River Excursions

Not far from Amangiri, Glen Canyon Dam offers one of the calmest stretches of the mighty Colorado River – perfect for scenic boat trips.

Private river tourBeginning at the base of Glen Canyon Dam, 20 minutes from Amangiri, this half-day private trip by rubber pontoon boat takes in 15 miles (24 kilometers) of the Colorado River, with a leisurely picnic lunch beneath towering cliffs on a riverside sandy beach. Guests will disembark at historic Lee’s Ferry, which marks the beginning of the river’s course into Grand Canyon.

Guests can choose to return to Amangiri via helicopter, with a landing on top of Tower Butte. Alternatively, guests can loop back to the base of the dam by boat. Duration: 5.5 hours including driving timeSkill level: all levels

Boating on Lake Powell

Encompassing almost 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers) of shoreline, Lake Powell’s glassy surface mirrors picturesque side canyons and secluded bays with sandy beaches – a view best captured during the winter months, when the lake appears in its purest, most unaltered state. With mile after mile of pristine water to explore, it is ideal for boating activities, and Amangiri offers kayaks, open-bow sports boats, bass boats, cabin cruisers and houseboats.

LAKE POWELL TOURING OPTIONS

Only minutes from Amangiri, Lake Powell can be toured privately throughout the day. Tours range from two to eight hours hours in length, and are captained by guides hand-picked by Amangiri. Touring options include, but are not limited to: visits to the lake’s unique side canyons and the phenomenal Rainbow Bridge, a 290-foot (88 meter) free-standing arch; an onboard picnic lunch; swimming in the pristine water; fishing; paddle-boarding, kayaking and other water sports; and photography.

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Discover the Via Ferratas

Invented centuries ago in the Italian Alps, a via ferrata (‘iron road’) is a series of cables and ladder rungs, fixed to the rock face to enable the ascent of steep mountain routes. The climbs and drops can be an adrenaline ride, but via ferratas also offer an opportunity to get up close to the fascinating geology of the terrain. Amangiri offers a number of fun and challenging via ferrata hikes led by expert guides on the property’s 242 hectares. Guests are provided with helmets and harnesses; climbers younger than 10 years of age will require assessment before they can climb.

Stud Horse Via Ferrata – up and downThe Stud Horse Via Ferrata combines a scramble and technical 150-meter climb up Stud Horse Mesa, using steel rungs. No previous climbing experience is required for this ascent, but

guests should be reasonably fit and have hiking experience. From the summit of Stud Horse Mesa, guests can walk the short distance to Skylight Arch to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Powell, Navajo Mountain and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Duration: 3 hours

Red Line Via Ferrata with Stud Horse Mesa loop hikeFrom the top of the Red Line Via Ferrata, guests may continue across the mesa for an off-trail hike into the most remote section of the Amangiri property. The additional three miles (4.8 kilometers) of hiking explores more isolated canyons and returns via the Stud Horse, Sunrise and Cabin Trails. Duration: 5 hours

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Cave Peak Via FerrataWith an unmatched vertical route of ascent, a spectacular position and a summit visible from the Amangiri Pavilion, the Cave Peak Via Ferrata is destined to become an iconic southwest adventure. There are two route options for ascent and descent of Cave Peak. Duration: 3 hours

Hoodoo Via FerrataThe Hoodoo Via Ferrata ascends an impressive peak, with commanding views in every direction and fascinating geology. The expansive summit allows for significant exploration, including a short slot-canyon loop hike. With two route options for ascent and descent, the via ferrata includes an 18-inch-wide (45-centimeter) suspension bridge spanning a 600-foot-deep (182-meter)

gorge. Rappel training (abseiling) can be added to the climbing trip, which extends the trip by approximately one hour.

Red Line Ridge Via FerrataAn exposed spine of red and white-streaked Entrada sandstone, the Red Line Ridge rises to the summit of Stud Horse Mesa and offers an exhilarating climb. To take part, guests must first climb one of Amangiri’s other via ferrata routes, or be pre-approved by a guide. From the top of the ridge, guests may continue across Stud Horse Mesa for an off-trail, three-mile (4.8-kilometer) hike into the most remote section of the Amangiri property. Duration: 3 hours

Tower ButteWahweap Bay, Lake Powell

H I K I N G & B I K I N G

With extensive tra i ls winding through i ts grounds, proximity to the remote backcountry, and an expert

team of handpicked guides, Amangir i has establ ished i tsel f as a world-class hik ing dest inat ion. Experience

the incredible terrain on foot for a few hours or a whole day – or b ike the landscape on some of the most

memorable tra i ls on Earth.

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Hiking Tours

Chosen for their passion and extensive knowledge of the Colorado Plateau, Amangiri’s in-house guides offer a wide range of exhilarating and educational tours. Spending time with a guide allows for an invaluable one-to-one introduction to the ecology, geology and human history of the area, as well as learning GPS navigation, map reading, rope techniques and desert travel. All activities can be customized to suit personal interests, fitness and technical skill level.

Buckskin GulchRoughly an hour’s drive from Amangiri through open red-rock country, Buckskin Gulch is considered the longest, narrowest slot canyon in the world. It has two access points: Wire Pass, the easier approach; and the Middle Route, requiring a scramble to the canyon floor. The hike through the canyon, which is nearly 15 miles (24 kilometers) long, reveals ancient petroglyphs and twisted rock formations providing dramatic photo opportunities. The shady canyon floor provides a cool respite during the summer heat. 1 full day of hiking

Hodge’s HideawayAlways investigating new and unexplored territories, the Amangiri team discovered this wide-open, rarely visited area of slickrock, peppered with native American artifacts. With no trails, no roads, and no campsites, guests will feel immersed in remote backcountry, despite being only an hour away from Amangiri. Full-day tours are also available.Half day of hiking

Thousand PocketsNavigate a sandstone landscape of spectacular domes, fins and rock sculptures on this guided hike through the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Thousand Pockets was well traveled during ancient times by the Anasazi Native Americans, who were attracted to the area’s ‘pockets’ of water and its bighorn sheep. A full day is required if one wishes to reach the spectacular overlook of Paria Canyon, Lee’s Ferry and the Colorado River.Half day of hiking

Hackberry CanyonThis delightful hike up a narrow slot canyon is an iconic southern Utah wilderness experience, combining a remote setting with the refreshing gentle flow of spring water on the sandy canyon floor. Hackberry Canyon can be paired with a hike to the massive, multicolored monolith of Yellow Dome to create a full-day tour.Half day of hiking

Cathedral WashCathedral Wash is a distinctive canyon that begins in the softer red sandstone and shale of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and enters the Grand Canyon’s top layer of grey Kaibab limestone. Silent and tranquil, the towering canyon is populated by astounding rock formations and ancient fossils, ending at the banks of the mighty Colorado River.Half day of hiking

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Three-Hour Hiking Tours

Native American Rock Art TourA three-hour tour allows ample time to visit a magnificent petroglyph panel within Amangiri’s grounds and a second panel a short drive from the property. Additional rock art panels can be added to this tour, making it a half-day outing. The tour can also incorporate Catstare, a small canyon adorned with well-preserved petroglyph panels.

Resurrection CanyonA 15-minute drive from Amangiri, Resurrection Canyon is a white Entrada sandstone canyon with numerous windows, hoodoos and winding chutes. The route is ideal for photographers and anyone wishing to wander through the unique erosional features visible from Amangiri’s pavilion windows. Hiking distance can be tailored to guests’ fitness and goals. This is a wonderful introduction to backcountry travel in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Paria OverlookThe soaring precipice of Paria Overlook gives guests the chance to stand on the edge of a great canyon, taking in the vast spaces of the Colorado Plateau, without the drive to Grand Canyon or Bryce. Reached via a drive up the back of the Ferry Swale canyon, Paria commands incredible views of Grand Staircase-Escalante and the endless canyon landscape. Photography opportunities abound, along with short hikes to other jutting viewpoints. This tour can include a stop and short walk to the Anasazi Look out/Pueblo Ruin.

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Mountain-Bike Tours

The Colorado Plateau is home to some of the world’s best biking trails. Amangiri’s in-house guides offer half- and full-day tours that will invigorate even the most experienced of riders, with tours that include transportation, expert guides and lunch prepared by the Amangiri kitchen. Amangiri uses top-of-the-line Salsa fat-tire bikes – carbon-fiber models that are ideal for the terrain.

Gooseberry Mesa With its sweeping views of Zion National Park, Gooseberry offers challenging, technical riding, and excellent single-track that weaves through juniper and pinyon trees.Full-day bike tour

Rainbow Rim Trail at Grand Canyon Ideal for experienced riders, this route l offers a unique experience; it is the only single-track trail on the rim of the Grand Canyon open to bikes. Adventure Partners will guide guests on a portion of the 18-mile (29-kilometer) trail based on riding ability.Full-day bike tour

Alstrom Point Alstrom provides some of the most memorable, scenic, and widely photographed views of Lake Powell. Half of the enjoyment of this location is the two-hour bike trip to reach it, traversing rugged slick rock. This is not a single-track trail and provides a good challenge for the novice mountain biker.Half-day bike tour

Page Mesa Rim TrailSuitable for more experienced mountain bikers, the 10-mile (16-kilometer) loop around Page, Arizona, mixes remote and urban stretches.Three-hour bike tour

Canyon Point, Amangiri

E X P E R I E N C E S F O R A L L A G E S

From canyoneering to cultural encounters , s lot canyons and off-road adventures, Amangir i has

developed a col lect ion of i t inerar ies that the whole family can enjoy. Fun and easy to customize, these

special programs wi l l ignite the spir i t of adventure in part ic ipants of any age.

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Amangiri Adventures

Nothing makes a day of adventure more exciting than sharing it with the people who mean the most. Amangiri’s collection of three-hour, on-property programs focuses on the wonders of Utah’s high desert, with special pricing for up to five guests.

Amangiri Scavenger HuntTake one of the property’s Kids Hunter Packs and explore the Amangiri landscape in search of unique plants, animals and tracks.

Family Climb and RappelAmangiri’s on-property family rock-climbing site is the perfect place to learn climbing and rappelling – skills at the core of canyon exploration. Please note: this activity will require the entire three hours allotted.

Petroglyph and Ancient Culture ExplorationJoin an expert guide at Broken Arrow Cave, where evidence of human occupation dates back more than 6,000 years.

Adventures Further Afield

Amangiri is happy to create customized itineraries for families, designed to foster a deeper connection with the region. Activities include biking at Gooseberry Mesa, hiking in Hackberry Canyon, helicopter tours, Lake Powell trips and slot-canyoning.

SLOT CANYONS

Serene and awe-inspiring, slot-canyons are a geological marvel and easily accessible from Amangiri. Suitable for all abilities, a slot canyon tour can be combined with a helicopter tour of Tower Butte – a 700-foot (219-meter) free-standing butte overlooking Lake Powell – or with a Lake Powell boat tour.

Slot-Canyon Hummer tourThis four-hour private slot-canyon tour combines an off-road drive in a Hummer H2, departing from Amangiri with the opportunity to experience solitude in the serene surroundings of Secret Canyon. For less off-roading, a private visit to Canyon X is an alternative option.

Three Canyon tour – Navajo NationLed by a Navajo guide, this 3.5-hour tour includes Rattlesnake Canyon, Owl Canyon and a choice of Upper Antelope or Mountain Sheep Canyons – offering three distinct and iconic canyons of the southwest.

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Horseback Riding

For an iconic Western experience, join Amangiri’s wranglers on a truly authentic ride.

Amangiri rideThis private ride with Amangiri wranglers, suitable for all levels, departs from the front steps of Amangiri and navigates through the property’s desert backdrop. Duration: 2 hours, or longer upon request

Off-property ridesThese intermediate-level rides meander above a maze of ridges and canyons – the places where outlaws used to hide and where today’s cowboys still run cattle when the high country is buried in snow. Views from the ridge include Lake Powell and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Duration: 3 hours

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California Condor Day with the Peregrine Fund

Spend a day learning about the magnificent California Condor – reintroduced after becoming extinct in the wild in 1987. Today the population numbers over 400, thanks to the efforts of the Peregrine Fund and other private agencies. Amangiri has an excellent relationship with Chris Parish, the Peregrine Fund’s Field Project Supervisor, who will begin the day with a presentation at Amangiri before escorting guests to a local release site, high atop the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The tour is non-scripted and may include the opportunity to meet other wildlife biologists and observe ongoing fieldwork. A large portion of the tour fee goes directly to the Peregrine Fund to help support its conservation efforts. Duration: 7 hours

Utah’s Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Nestled in the breathtaking red-rock canyons of southern Utah, an hour’s drive from Amangiri, Best Friends is the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals, providing refuge for around 1,700 dogs, cats, horses, pigs, rabbits, birds and other pets.

VIP tour Go behind the scenes at Best Friends to see its work first-hand, before enjoying the vegetarian and vegan fare at the sanctuary’s café over lunch with a co-founder of Best Friends.

The sanctuary experience In addition to the VIP tour and lunch, guests can extend their visit with a range of activities around the sanctuary. Options include playing with puppies; taking a private dog-training session; observing a cat agility demonstration; or birdwatching at Kanab Creek. A two-hour guided hike around Angel Canyon, with its magnificent red-rock vistas, is also available.

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Evening Programsand Special Opportunities

Held throughout the year, Amangiri’s ever-expanding collection of unique experiences includes Native American story tellers and dancers; astronomy presentations; outdoor movie nights; geology talks; and photography workshops. Many of the lecturers and performers can be booked privately for individual parties.

Large Group Activities

Amangiri is ideal for weddings, family and corporate gatherings, and other group occasions. The Experience Team will identify activities best suited to a particular group’s size, interests and ability levels, offering itineraries that will inspire even the most seasoned adventurer.

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Alfresco Dining

The perfect ending to a day in the high desert is a meal prepared outside by Amangiri chefs.

Horses and HistoryThis experience combines a one-hour private horseback ride, entertainment from Native American dancers and a Navajo elder, and an alfresco meal at the Chinle Tent Site – Amangiri’s outdoor venue, housing a traditional teepee, with lounging, dining and spa facilities, shaded by sandstone towers.

In addition to the Chinle Tent Site, other dining venues include the Desert Lounge and the Fireside Pavilion. Please ask a member of the Amangiri staff for the various dining options at these locations.

Lake Powell

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Desert Hiking Tips

Hike in cooler temperaturesSummer hiking presents challenges that cannot be taken lightly. Plan an early morning or evening departure to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Hiking in direct sunshine, in the middle of the day, increases the risk of a heat-related illness. You will make better time and feel better if you use shaded rest stops often in your travels.

Carry plenty of waterAdequate water intake is critical for a safe and enjoyable trip in the desert environment. When planning a full day’s hike, water should be the heaviest item in your pack. Some desert travelers will drink at least a gallon of water per day. While hiking in the desert heat, everyone sweats around 0.5–1 quart of water and electrolytes for every hour they walk in the heat.

Eat adequate amountsEating enough food will help guarantee you are replacing the electrolytes (salts) that you are sweating out. You will need two to three times your normal food intake to meet your energy needs while hiking.

Plan your trip carefullyAlways tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Check local weather forecasts and road conditions. Summer monsoons and flash floods can make travel in narrow drainages extremely dangerous. Stick with your itinerary, and check in when you return. It is easy to become disoriented in the desert, where many landmarks and rock formations look similar. Amangiri staff members are available to offer advice or help plan an itinerary.

Dress properlyProtect yourself from the elements. Good hiking shoes, loose-fitting breathable fabrics with UPF protection, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. A high SPF sunscreen should be applied liberally and regularly. Desert temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in the middle of the day. In winter, dress in layers and wear warm gloves and a warm hat that covers your ears.

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Amangiri Trail Map

Amangiri Regional Map

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Driving Times from Amangiri – One Way

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area & Lake Powell: 15 minutes

Grand Canyon South Rim: 2.5 hours

Grand Canyon North Rim: 2.5 hours

Zion National Park: 2 hours

Bryce Canyon National Park: 3 hours

Monument Valley: 2.5 hours

Navajo National Monument: 2 hours

Canyonlands National Park: 6 hours

Capitol Reef National Park: 6.5 hours