Pleasant Creek Wilderness Ride

Utah USA: (RTUT09)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/utah_pleasant_creek_ride.aspx

Introduction
Utah USA
Known for its rich history of Native Americans and early settlers, Capitol Reef National Park is a geological and historical wonderland.

Early settlers described, Capitol Reef National Park, as the Land of the Sleeping Rainbows, for its magnificent sandstone colors, streams and desert plant life and beautiful blue sky. Riders will enjoy riding along streams shadowed by majestic canyon walls, observing petroglyph of early Native Americans, and learning of the trailblazers around the campfire at night.

Our rides focus around the Pleasant Creek Falls area, a picturesque location with views over Boulder Mountain. Immerse yourself in the heart of beautiful white and red sandstone surrounded by ancient ponderosa pines and tranquil waterfalls. A great place to dip your toes in the cool water, listen to the soothing sound of water as it cuts its way through the sandstone rock. This is a wonderful trip for families and provides opportunities to play in the water or cool off from the heat.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride where most nights are spent camping.

Description
On this ride we spend the first night in a hotel or Inn in Torrey (you will be notified the selection at the time of booking) and the 3 remaining nights are spent camping at one basecamp.

Accommodation Itinerary
Night 1: Hotel in Torrey
Nights 2-4: Camping

It is possible to ask to book a hotel night for after the tour (extra fee applies).

Camping
All our rides utilize a base camp arrangement with daily forays to different points of interest. This allows us to spend less time packing and unpacking, and more time riding and seeing the country. Basecamps are located in primitive, backcountry areas, which we seldom use more than once or twice each season. Camp elevations are typically situated in higher elevations in mid-summer and lower elevations in spring and fall seasons. 

Sensitive to the fragile environment, we employ low-impact camping techniques, small group sizes and well-maintained equipment. All camping equipment is provided (cots, mattresses, inflatable pads, freshly laundered sleeping bags, blankets, chairs and showers). Guests stay in tents (similar to wall tents, but with floors with adequate standing room) for single or double occupancy.
Our basecamps are supported by four-wheel drive vehicles, bringing what is needed for cooking, eating, a shower tent, luggage, as well as feed for the horses.


Room Occupancy
A single supplement fee applies for single travelers.



Meals
All meals from lunch on day 2 through lunch on day 5 are included. Dinner on the first and last day is not included.

Prepared at camp, a varied menu of fresh foods awaits, including beef from the owners Cattle Ranch. 
Some examples of meals served during this trip include: smoked salmon crepes, Street tacos, steak and potatoes, bbq pork sandwiches, pastas, corn on the cob, Dutch Oven cornbread and cobblers,...
Cooks prepare fresh and locally sourced foods and offer grass fed, hormone free beef and pork.

Dietary Restrictions
Our great camp cooks can accommodate to most diets with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Suitability
While no previous riding experience is required, participants should be in good health and physical condition. And although the minimum age of eight years is required, the important point you should understand is that we do not want to put any participant in a situation which they are physically or emotionally unable to handle. An appreciation of the outdoors is the only prerequisite for joining a trip.

You'll ride at a pace that is comfortable for the group, sometimes splitting into two groups, one faster for the hearty rider, and one well-paced but leisurely for those who wish to take time relishing the beauty and wonder of the sights. All riders will then regroup and make a lunch stop together. Following the afternoon ride you will return to camp with plenty of time to clean up and relax before dinner.

Horses
Our remuda consists of ranch raised Quarter Horses with a few Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Mustangs. Most of the horses we've bred and raised ourselves.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: This is a sample itinerary for one of several camps we may use. Each camp is unique and often offers more trails to explore than time will permit.

Day 1 (Monday): Arrival
Arrive in scenic Torrey and check into your accommodation (to be confirmed at the time of reservation). Torrey is a town of a little over 200 population which is located near the west entrance of Capitol Reef National Park.
Meet at 7:00pm for an orientation and final packing session with your trip leader and the trip's interpretative specialist.
Meals included: none
Overnight at the Hotel


Day 2 (Tuesday): Ride to Basecamp
After breakfast, you'll travel a short distance to our headquarters. Here, we'll pack your gear in the 4X4, meet the remainder of the crew and then depart around 9 am for our trailhead near Notom, Utah. From the Notom trailhead you'll ride up Pleasant Creek, passing through canyons where petrogylphs and historical inscriptions from early settlers can be viewed. Our basecamp is located near Pleasant Creek Falls.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Basecamp

Day 3 (Wednesday): Full Day Ride
After breakfast and preparing lunch, from the Pleasant Creek basecamp you'll visit Tantulus flats and Lower Bown’s historical reservoir seated in the desert overlooking Capitol Reef National Park.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Basecamp


Day 4 (Thursday): Full Day Ride
From the Pleasant Creek camp you’ll visit ancient petroglyphs, slickrock mountains, slot-canyons & Dixie National Forest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Basecamp


Day 5 (Friday): Back to Torrey
After packing personal gear and breaking camp, you'll ride to Miners Mountain trailhead near Grover, Utah. At trail’s end you'll exchange your saddle seat for the cushioned comfort of a vehicle ride to Torrey, arriving in the late afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch


Rates and Dates for Pleasant Creek Wilderness Ride

Rates include:

Accommodations, Meals from lunch on day 2 through lunch on day 5, Camping Equipment, 4 riding days, Park fees & Land-use fees.

Packages and Options



  • SeasonYearDescription US$
    A
    20255 day Camping ride$2200
  • B
    20255 day Camping ride - Autumn Foliage Trip$2200

Tax 1: 6.1 % * prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Tax: 6.1 %  

Transfer and Other Charges:



 DescriptionUS$
2025 Best to rent a car in Las Vegas or Salt Lake and drive in $0
2025 Ground transportation from/to St. George or Salt Lake City airport, pp, each way $350
2025 Ground transportation from/to Las Vegas - please inquire $0
2025 Single supplement (first hotel night and single tent) $200
2025 Non-riders welcome - inquire for rates $0
2025 Extra hotel night after tour, pp (dbl) $100
2025 Extra hotel night after tour, single $200

Season Tour Dates  Min / MaxReserve
A 2025 05/12 - 05/16 5d / 4n 5 day Camping ride 3 /10 Reserve
A 2025 06/16 - 06/20 5d / 4n 5 day Camping ride 3 /10 Reserve
A 2025 06/23 - 06/27 5d / 4n 5 day Camping ride 3 /10 Reserve
A 2025 07/14 - 07/18 5d / 4n 5 day Camping ride 3 /10 Reserve
A 2025 07/21 - 07/25 5d / 4n 5 day Camping ride 3 /10 Reserve
B 2025 09/08 - 09/12 5d / 4n 5 day Camping ride - Autumn ... 3 /10 Reserve
B 2025 09/15 - 09/19 5d / 4n 5 day Camping ride - Autumn ... 3 /10 Reserve

Dates Note:

Rates do not include:

Gratuities, Dinner on first and last day, Alcoholic Drinks, Transfers (recommend rental car) & Taxes

Other Info
Meeting: Torrey
Airport: Salt Lake City Airport (SLC)
Transfer: Salt Lake City Airport (SLC)

Climate:
                                                Torrey area
 

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average High Temperature (°F)

46

48

54

59

67

79

83

80

74

63

52

44

Average Low Temperature (°F)

18

19

26

32

40

49

54

53

46

36

25

17

Average High Temperature (°C)

8

9

12

15

19

26

28

26

23

17

11

7

Average Low Temperature (°C)

-8

-7

-4

0

4

10

12

12

8

2

-4

-8

Average Precipitation (days of rain)

2

1

2

2

2

1

4

5

3

2

2

1

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Utah's portion of the Colorado Plateau region is a semi-arid tableland. It is generally dry with most precipitation falling as snow in the winter and occasional thunder storms during the summer. Higher elevations are cooler and receive more moisture than lower environs. Our trips explore the lower, slick rock and pinyon-juniper forested areas. With warm days and cool nights, it is best to layer your clothing to maintain comfort and you should always pack rain gear just in case.

What To Bring:
We recommend that you: 1) pack compactly and light, 2) pack practically and with a utilitarian eye, and, 3) pack so you may layer clothing for warmth. 

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING
- mask & hand sanitizer
- wide-brimmed hat with a string
- gloves
- heeled, smooth-soled, riding boots    
- bandanas (for dust)
- gloves (for protection from sun and debris)
- swimsuit
- underwear and socks 
- long-sleeved shirts and pants          
- sweater, medium and/or heavyweight jackets- the season and the trip elevation will dictate.    
- quality raincoat and pants (We don't often use them but always have them) - No ponchos
- camera and plenty of batteries (Padded travel case is recommended.)
- dark glasses and plenty of sunscreen
- flashlight/ headlamp
- personal articles:  towel, soap, bandanas, insect repellent (Avon's Skin-So-Soft or Off! Botanicals for gnats)
- lip balm, moisturizing lotion, toothbrush and paste, band-aids, moleskin, etc...
- liquor and/beer if you wish to purchase alcohol, the State-operated liquor store is open Tues. thru Sat. noon-7 PM.  Beer is available in grocery stores.
- cash gratuities for guides/staff 15-20% is the suggested standard.


We provide:   
- Chairs.
- Toilets and Showers
- Waterproof/dustproof bags for transporting your things to camp
- Tent, Sleeping bag, sheet, pillow and blanket, mattress, cot & Thermarest,
- Saddlebags
- Water Bottles
- Riding helmet (This is an optional item except for riders under l8 years of age. Stipulations of our insurance require that riders should be encouraged to wear helmets.)