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MOAB
MOUNTAIN BIKING - LA SAL MOUNTAIN LOOP [ Rates and Dates | Trip Details | Checklist ]
MOAB MOUNTAIN BIKING - LA SAL MOUNTAIN LOOP Moab, Utah 2 1/2 Days / 50 Miles Minimum Age: 12 years Level: Beginner - Intermediate
*Rates do not include state sales tax of 6.8%.
LA SAL MOUNTIAN LOOP
Moab, Utah and its surrounding regions are world renowned for their incredible beauty and world-class mountain biking. Our La Sal Mountain loop encompasses a variety of riding conditions from the pine tree forested trails on day one, to the descent into Onion Creek and the desert valley on the second day.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
One of the advantages of a bike trip is the flexibility
of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to
the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for
other groups in the area. This typical itinerary illustrates
a bike trip through the La Sal Mountain Loop outside of Moab, Utah.
The La Sal Mountain Loop itinerary will vary with the time of season, weather
conditions on the trip, and scheduling of campsites.
Day 1:
Day 1: Meet group at headquarters in Green River, Utah. A two-hour van ride to the Manti - La Sal National Forest marks the start of the trip. The first day's ride will take the group along old logging roads through forests consisting of huge ponderosa pine trees and abundant mountain streams. The trail continues to wind northward to altitudes upwards of 8000 feet. Camp on this evening is made at or near Bull Draw.
Day 2:
Our ride today requires each and all to tighten their helmet straps and hold on! After a hot breakfast the route begins a breathtaking descent from alpine forest to desert floor. Along the way we'll take time out to appreciate the spectacular overlooks that are abundant in this region. By the end of the day we will have dropped 4,000 vertical feet to the desert floor.
If you are flying, you can fly to Salt Lake City located 180
miles northwest of Green River, Utah (all major airlines), or fly to Moab from Denver
(Great Lakes Aviation) 52 miles south of Green River, Utah. From both destinations
you can rent a car or take a shuttle with Bighorn Express (call 888-655-7433) to Green River.
If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, please ask your Holiday
Expedition reservation agent.
Lodging before and after your trip can be booked at one of
six locations:
Holiday Inn Express 435-564-4439 (inside pool, hot tub, pets allowed, internet access - west of our
headquarters) *15% discount to H.E. guests who stay there. www.sixcontinentshotels.com
Comfort Inn 435-564-3300 (inside pool, hot tub, TV, continental breakfast -
in front of our headquarters) *10% discount for H.E. guests - must have a trip invoice at check in.
www.comfortinn.com
Best Western River Terrace 435-564-3401 (pool, hot tub, TV, refrigerator, riverside rooms available) www.bestwestern.com
Super 8 435-564-8888 (inside pool, hot tub, TV, refrigerator, microwave) www.super8.com
Motel 6 435-564-3436 (pool, TV, kids free, lower rates) www.motel6.com
Bankurz Hatt 435-564-3382 (Bed and Breakfast) www.bankurzhatt.com
*When making advance reservations at the Holiday Inn Express or the Comfort Inn, mention
that you are on a Holiday Expedition trip and you will be extended
a discounted rate on your room (see above).
BE SURE TO MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS!
If you are camping out, there are three campgrounds in
Green River: the Green River State Park (no pool, lower rates
and may have mosquitos - call 435-564-3633 to make reservations),
the KOA Campground (435-564-3651), and the United Campground
(435-564-8195 - across from our headquarters).
Beginning of the trip: Upon your arrival at Holiday Expeditions headquarters
(7:00 a.m., Mountain Time), we will issue your bags.
You can buy any last minute items from our accessory's store at this
time (see check list of what to bring for a list of items you can
find at our store). Before leaving our headquarters, each guest
along with a Holiday guide will perform a pre-trip safety inspection
of your bikes. If you are providing your own bike, please make sure
that it is in good repair, we recommend a complete service by a
professional shop prior to the trip. Guests with bikes' that fail
our inspection will be asked to rent a Holiday bike for
$90.00/person. We will then take a two-hour van ride to the
embarkation point.
If you have any questions prior to leaving for your trip,
we welcome you to call our Salt Lake City office, Monday through
Friday at 800-624-6323 (outside Utah) or 801-266-2087 (inside Utah).
We're happy to take the time to answer your questions. You may also contact
us by email at holiday@bikeraft.com.
IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES THE NIGHT BEFORE
THE TRIP, OUR GREEN RIVER HEADQUARTERS NUMBER IS 435-564-3273.
After the trip: We will meet our van at the Big Bend Campground,
and then we will take you back to our headquarters in Green River
(2 hour van ride). Our expected time of arrival back at our
headquarters is 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Bicycling: The La Sal Mountain bike route follows a graded dirt road for most of the trip with a variation of uphill and downhill segments. This dirt road has steep gradients, loose rocks, sand, and ruts. Riders who have no previous off-road bicycling experience, should be experienced road cyclists with good athletic ability. All riders should prepare for the trip by riding their bike on a regular basis prior to the trip.
The best place to eat in Green River is Ray's Tavern.
Ray's is a true small western town bar rich in atmosphere and good
food. They serve incredible hamburgers, pork chops, small salads
and steaks. The Tamarisk Restaurant offers family dining with
riverside seating.
Moab/Westwater weather: The biking portion of this trip takes place at altitudes between 6,000 and 8,500 ft. so temperatures are traditionally 10 to 15 degrees cooler than they are on the river portion. It seldom rains in this region, but when it does it can cool temperatures. In July and August the daytime temperatures range from 70 to 100 degrees, with nighttime temperatures 50 to 75 degrees. This is the time of year that swimming in the Colorado becomes a popular activity. These temperatures seem warm but remember the humidity is very low. There will be an abundance of sun, so bring a hat and plenty of suntan lotion and/or sunscreens.
Bugs, snakes, etc. are generally no problem. In fact, the
lack of pesky insects is one of the reasons wilderness camping in the
desert is so pleasant. Any wilderness trip, however, is subject to
an occasional localized insect hatch. During these hatches mosquitos
can be bothersome. Be sure to bring long sleeve clothing and
repellent. Insect repellents that contain "deet" are by far the
most effective during heavy hatches, but are also suspected of
causing various health problems. Citronella-based products
(skin-so-soft) work only in light hatches. We rarely see any
snakes, but if the thought of them bothers you, try sleeping in
a tent instead of under the stars.
Hiking is strictly an optional activity. There are many
interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done in your
biking shoes, durable sneakers, or lightweight hiking boots.
Remember that hiking and other activities vary widely pending time,
and what other plans are ahead for the day.
Medical emergencies: Our guides are trained in first aid
and carry first aid supplies only. REMEMBER to bring your own
prescription medicines. ALERT our guides to any medical problem
you might have such as diabetes or allergic reactions.
Wilderness expeditions are a long way from hospitals, doctors,
and pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical care
are uncertain, and protracted. In case of evacuation and/or medical
treatment beyond first aid, expenses incurred are the responsibility
of the participant.
Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90
days before the trip, monies will be refunded less $50.00 service
charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and
outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less
a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45
days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the
trip date we will transfer reservations to another trip in the same
year with a $25.00 service charge per person. All policies will be
enforced and we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance.
Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right
to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack
of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is
the case.
Insurance: Medical and cancellation insurance on a
vacation plan can be obtained from numerous insurance companies.
We offer plans underwritten by TRAVEL GUARD that cover accident,
baggage and cancellation claims. An application should be enclosed
with this information package. We encourage all to take advantage
of this coverage. It is available to American and Canadian citizens,
as well as citizens of another country as long as you have a U.S. address.
If you have questions give us a call. Also, if you are bringing expensive
cameras, binoculars, or other items we suggest you have insurance coverage
for them (commonly available through Homeowners Policies). In the event
of a loss, our insurance will not cover those items.
Tipping the guides: Many guests ask us if tipping is
appropriate after the trip. If you feel the guides have been
instrumental in your enjoyment of the trip, you may choose to
direct a gratuity to the trip leader. He/She will then distribute
it evenly to the other crew members. Of those that choose to tip,
the average contribution amount ranges between $10.00 and $20.00 per
guest, per day. However, the decision to tip is left to your sole
discretion.
Beverages/Snacks: We provide ice water, gatorade, two sodas
per day per person and ample cooler space. If you choose to bring any specialty
sodas and/or alcoholic beverages, we have no problem taking whatever
you want to bring - within reason. Don't bring beer, wine coolers
or sodas in glass containers. Wine packaged in a box is ideal.
Mark beverages/snacks that you bring so that you can keep track of
them. The liquor store in Green River, Utah is located in the back
of the West Winds restaurant. In Utah, wine or liquor is not sold after
7:00 p.m., before 11:00 a.m. or on Sundays and holidays. We will have high energy
snacks and fresh fruit available, but if you have a favorite energy
bar or snack bring it along.
Things to see in the area: John Wesley Powell Museum in Green River, Utah. Arches National
Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park,
Fisher Towers, Colorado National Monument, Goblin Valley State
Park, San Rafael Swell, Capital Reef National Park, Natural Bridges
National Monument, and the La Sal and Henry Mountains. Reading material you may enjoy:
Canyon Country Prehistoric Indians Barnes $9.95 Canyonlands River Guide Belknap (waterproof) $17.95 Westwater Lost and Found Milligan $21.95 Legacy on Stone Cole $21.95
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