Escalante Canyon Outfitters
P.O. Box 1330
Boulder, Utah 84716
info@ecohike.com

Frequently Asked Questions

(updated 06/26/07) 

Why should we choose ECO?
We founded Escalante Canyon Outfitters in 1991 because we are passionate about this canyon country and about sharing it with others. We have developed a way of experiencing the Escalante Canyons that has a wonderful impact on our guests and keeps them coming back year after year, while making a minimum impact on the land. As the longest running, full-service outfitter in the region, we are a small company specializing in the Escalante Canyons; we don't lead trips anywhere else. Our guided hiking trips into the Escalante combine physical activity with a sense of discovery, adventure and fun leaving you to return home deeply impressed by the wilderness of southern Utah. Read more about Escalante Canyon Outfitters
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What sort of shape do I need to be in?
Our hiking trips are designed for people who enjoy an active lifestyle and are in good health. All of the hiking will involve (at various times) steep canyon ascents and descents and shallow river crossings. The biggest adjustment for most is the elevation, which averages 5,000 feet. The hiking in the canyon is fairly level, however it becomes steeper when entering and leaving the canyons. Each itinerary is rated from easy to difficult based on the hike from trail head to base camp. The hiking group will depart camp together and in the afternoon the group will be offered different options. Those opting to hike with Grant Johnson, trip leader, can be assured of a hiking challenge. Regular exercise before the trip (including walking on uneven ground) and a positive outlook toward this beautiful setting will play a big part in your ability to feel comfortable. If you have any questions about preparing physically for the trip, please do not hesitate to call.
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How will I spend my days?
A typical day with us on the Escalante River begins with a call to coffee and breakfast. We consider the day hiking options, pack a sandwich and goodies from a lunch buffet and leave camp as a group. Our hike may take us down the river to view a panel of Anasazi rock art; a launching point for a discussion about the prehistoric people who walked in these same steps 1000 years ago; later, as we cross the river, the wet sand may reveal the perfect imprint of a mountain lion pad next to the large spread of a great blue heron track, after lunch a swim in the river cools us for our hike onto the mesa above the canyon. Here, the slickrock above the canyon provides a stunning view of the beautifully intricate canyon country and the surrounding land marks of the Colorado Plateau: Navajo Mountain, The Aquarius Plateau. The group may split with some opting for a shorter guided hike back to camp and others deciding to take a more circuitous route back to base camp. Each itinerary has been developed to feature the unique characteristics of one portion of the Escalante Canyons in the season that suits it best.
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Who will be my guides?
All trips are lead by Grant Johnson, co-founder of ECO. The men and women who work with us come from a variety of backgrounds and all are dedicated naturalists who have been with us for years and share our love of this country. Our guides are well versed in the natural and cultural history of the Escalante Canyons and are happy to share that knowledge with you.
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How big are your groups?
Our maximum group size is 12 people. This includes 9 guests and 3 guides. With this guide to guest ratio of 1:3 we are able to accommodate people of different interests and abilities. On day hikes we often split into smaller guided groups so that no one feels pushed or pulled. The small group size is appropriate to the wilderness character of the Escalante Canyons and enables us to adhere to our commitment to high quality service, safety and minimum impact camping.
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I am travelling by myself; can I sign up on a trip?
Many of our guests are travelling alone. A typical group includes singles, couples and friends travelling together. There is no single supplement charge on any of our trips and a person who signs up singly is provided with his/her own tent. If you are interested in a particular trip, you are welcome to call our office and learn more about the make-up of the group.
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How much do I have to carry?
Because our base camps are supplied by horses, you will only need to carry a day pack for your water, lunch, camera and whatever else you need for the day.
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What is the food like?
Our guests often tell us that the food on their trip was a highlight. Our cooks create delicious and healthy meals prepared on-site. Since our camp is supplied by horses, we are not limited by weight and are able to provide fresh and delicious ingredients for each meal, some of which is grown in our garden. With advance notice, dietary restrictions are happily accommodated.
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What do I need to take?
The season of your trip will determine the appropriate clothing. ECO will provide you with a clothing/personal item list when you register for the trip. Also, you can view the pack list on this site. Because of the varied terrain, we recommend that you have a lightweight and comfortable pair of hiking boots and shoes for wading. With the exception of sleeping bags (which you can bring with you or rent from ECO), we provide all the gear needed for luxury wilderness camping including sleeping pads, tents, serving tables, comfortable chairs, cooking gear, large and small first aid kits.
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What are your tents and pads like?
The tents that we provide are made by Kelty. If you sign up by yourself you will be given a Kelty Teton 2 model tent. The dimensions are 90"x50"x40". If you sign up as a couple you will be given a Teton 4. The dimensions of this tent are 98"x80"x58". These tents are a two pole clip on design and are very easy to set up. They have lots of netting on the top of the tent. On warm summer nights we leave the rain fly off to view the stars.
The inflatable pads are a model called the ProLite 4 made by Thermarest. We use the large which measures 25"x77". They are 1.5" thick and are self-inflating (just open the valve) but we usually blow a little extra air in for a firmer mattress.
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How do I register for a trip?
First thing that you should do is read the information regarding the trip and the FAQs on this page carefully. Then we suggest that you call our office to confirm that space is available on the trip you want. At this point you will probably have some logistics to work out (time off of work, flight and travel arrangements, etc.). Let us know if you have picked a date and have some things to work out. Generally, we can hold space (unsecured) for a few days. Next, fill out the reservation form and send it to our office with a deposit to hold your space. For your convenience we accept personal checks, money orders or MasterCard and Visa. Once we receive your reservation form we will mail out a confirmation packet containing all the details (itinerary, pack list, etc.) for your adventure into the Escalante.
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What is the closest airport?
The closest major airport is in Salt Lake City. It is about 250 miles north of Boulder, UT. The airport in Las Vegas is also an option. It is about 300 miles south of Boulder. There is an airport in Cedar City, UT (about 150 miles to the west) but the flight schedule is so limited that it is not a good option. The airport in Grand Junction, CO. is expanding service and that may be worth investigating. It is about 240 miles to the east.
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Should I buy trip insurance?
We strongly recommend that you buy trip insurance. Every year we have a client or clients cancel their trip at the last minute due to something completely unforseen that shifts their priorities away from a vacation. Additionally, we have seen accident or illness interrupt a trip and necessitate early departure. While we are completely sympathetic to these contingencies we cannot deviate from our cancellation policy. In all likelihood we have turned people away from the trip and there is little chance that we could fill your space. That said, we feel that buying insurance verses self-insuring is a personal decision. We ask that you consider your potential financial exposure and loss while signing up for a trip. Having looked at the travel insurance market we see that there are many companies and many policies and have found a site that represents a wide spectrum of both. To compare and or purchase trip interruption and cancellation insurance, please visit: www.insuremytrip.com
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