Northern Arizona University-Wilderness Welcome-Canyonlands Exploration

Matt Hartman

Lead Instructor:
Matt Hartman

Canyonlands Exploration

Just a few hours from Flagstaff, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are national treasures no one who visits the Southwest can miss. More than just a road trip, Canyonlands Exploration is a concerted effort to form a connection between both students and the environment. Each day, the group of 20, accompanied by four trip leaders, will embark on a new hiking adventure, often ending the day in a totally different landscape. From the inspiring Emerald Falls in Zion to the geological mysteries of Goblin Valley, photos cannot begin to tell the story. The group will camp in full-amenity campgrounds, and spend the days hiking slot canyons and other unique landscapes. Prior backpacking experience is not necessary, and the group will often be split in half for more or less challenging hikes. The links below provide further details on destinations of this learning adventure:

Zion National Park

Massive canyon walls ascend toward a brilliant blue sky. To experience Zion, you need to walk among the towering cliffs, or challenge your courage in a small narrow canyon. These unique sandstone cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons.

From the National Park Service

Bryce Canyon National Park

Famous for its unique geology of red rock spires and horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters, Bryce offers the visitor a "Far View" from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah.

From the National Park Service

Goblin Valley State Park

Wind and water have carved fantastic and unique goblin-like sculptures out of rock, creating an outdoor playground that inspires the imagination. Numerous rocks and coves offer unlimited walking, exploring, or hiking opportunities.

From the Utah State Parks