There are certain places on this planet that hold magic. On this journey, you’ll be exploring one of them. The Colorado Plateau evokes mystery and lore. Here, you’ll find looming snow-capped mountains and red rock formations that astound. Extremes of color and heat. Ancient cultures. Cowboys and outlaws. Sacred ground. From the Ancestral Puebloans to Native American Tribes like the Ute and Diné, to the ranchers who first ran cattle here—the legacy of people in this region is rich and diverse. Today, more than one million people call this region home, and millions more arrive each year as tourists and recreators.
But this is also a place in peril. Increasing pressures from climate change and competing human uses are threatening these lands, waters and people who rely on them. That’s why The Nature Conservancy’s work here is urgent. As long-time neighbors and partners here in San Juan County, TNC is eager to show you some of the region’s most exciting conservation progress. From a cutting-edge fish nursery on the Colorado River and sustainable grazing partnerships at the Dugout Ranch to the climate and restoration advances being made at the Canyonlands Research Center, you’ll see how ingenuity and collaboration are delivering hope for vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
In the span of just a few days, you’ll find yourself immersed in the Moab region’s most iconic wonders, and you’ll also experience places most visitors never get to see. Whether you are drinking in the sunrise at Arches National Park, stargazing under some of the nation’s darkest skies or contemplating the scope and meaning of Indigenous rock art, you’ll be guided by local experts who will help you make the most of every outing.
The projects and sites you’ll visit during this trip are excellent examples of how TNC works in Utah. For nearly 40 years, we’ve joined partners statewide to protect more than 1 million acres of public and private land and improve flows on key rivers. Behind each place you visit, there is a story of nature and humans thriving together. That synergy drives TNC’s mission, and we hope you’ll take it with you after you return home.
Dates: September 29-October 3, 2024
Price: $4,870 per person based on double occupancy, $5,670 for single occupancy
For Questions and To Register, Email Us at travel@tnc.org
Topher Dalrymple ropes the calves in the coral at Dugout Ranch, Utah.
Program Highlights
- BE SURE TO BRING YOUR CAMERA! — The contrast between the red cliffs and the Colorado River makes for an incredible sight. From your room-with-a-view at Red Cliffs Lodge, you will be able to wake up to these spectacular views as you sip your morning coffee on the patio or take a leisurely walk along the river bank.
- VISIT DUGOUT RANCH — Get a behind-the-scenes tour of an iconic and historic ranch. Protected by TNC and the Redd family, the Dugout Ranch is now home to the Canyonlands Research Center, a collaborative that attracts top climate and dryland scientists from around the world.
- EVENING STARGAZING — An official Dark Sky Park, the night skies in Arches National Park and surrounding public lands allow for incredible stargazing. Joined by a private guide, spend a magical evening watching the cosmos come alive.
Lodging Highlights
- Red Cliffs Lodge — Located on the banks of the mighty Colorado River is the secluded Red Cliffs Lodge. Surrounded by colorful 2000-foot cliffs on a sprawling 200-acre property, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views after a long day of hiking and exploring Moab’s impressive landscape.
Milky Way over Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.
