BIKE-MAZE
Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands offers the biking enthusiast mile after mile of invigorating terrain and stunning scenery. Views from Bagpipe Butte or the Maze Overlook give the sensation of being on top of the world. After four days of biking in this remote region of Canyonlands, you may choose not to go back home.

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 Maze District.

Day 1: Meet group at Holiday Expeditions headquarters in Green River, Utah. A three-hour van ride to Bagpipe Butte Overlook, where we will begin biking. The first day's ride will take the group down the Flint Trail, the most technically difficult riding of the trip . . . those with less experience will feel no shame in walking a short stretch of this mile-long descent into the country the old-timers call "Under the Ledge." The trail will take one more serious descent off the Flint Cove onto the White Rim Sandstone layer, where it will be wide open riding to the Maze Overlook, our camp for the night. We bike around 20 miles this day and lose about 1700 feet of elevation.

Day 2: We will descend by foot this morning into the labyrinths called the Maze. A half day walk through time will take us past the prehistoric Indian panel called The Harvest Scene a message left a thousand years ago by the Anasazi-The Ancient Ones. We will exit the Maze in the Land of Standing Rocks where our bikes will be waiting for the afternoon ride to camp.

Day 3: Lizard Rock, Chimney Rock, The Wall, The Plug, and The Fins are a few of the countless rock monuments that make this days ride border on the surreal. Depending on group desires, this days riding will cover between 10 and 30 miles with plenty of viewpoints to stop and garner inspiration.

Day 4: Mother Nature serves up wide open riding down gradual slopes and through occasional dips into desert washes. Shortly after lunch the road emerges at Lake Powell and Hite Marina. The passenger van will meet us for a two-hour ride back to Green River, Utah.

We meet for your trip in Green River, Utah at Holiday Expeditions headquarters, 7:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) the morning your trip begins. Our headquarters is located 1/4 mile east of the Green River Bridge, across the highway from the Motel 6 and behind the Comfort Inn. If you arrive in Green River by shuttle, bus, Amtrak, or plane, call our headquarters (435-564-3273) upon your arrival to make arrangements to have you and your gear transported to our headquarters the morning of the trip. If you are driving, your car can be left at our headquarters.

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 Expeditions 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 safety inspection will be asked to rent a Holiday bike for $90.00/person. We will then take a three-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 through e-mail 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 Hite, Utah. From Hite 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 Maze bike route is the most technically challenging route we offer. This undeveloped dirt road has steep down-hills, loose rocks, sand, and ruts. Riders who have no off-road bicycling experience, or who are not athletic will most likely find this trip too challenging. 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.

Canyonlands weather: In April, May, September and October the daytime temperatures are 60 to 90 degrees, with nighttime temperatures 40 to 60 degrees. It seldom rains in Canyonlands, but when it does it can cool temperatures considerably, so be prepared for the possibility of cooler temperatures. There will also be 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 a $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 crewmembers. 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 up to your sole discretion.

Beverages/Snacks: We provide ice water, gatorade, two sodas per person per day 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 materials you may enjoy:

Canyonlands Country Baars (revised) $9.95
Canyon Country Prehistoric Indians Barnes $9.95
National Geographic, "Exploring Canyonlands Nat'l Park" (7/71) N/A
Legacy on Stone Cole $21.95

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