Utah

Having spent the last 14 years in the adventure travel business you can imagine that I have had the chance to visit many a wonderful place!

Whether you’re looking for someplace to host a corporate retreat or a romantic weekend, when it comes to spas Red Mountain is my personal favorite, hands down. How can you beat the location! St. George, Utah is nestled in the vibrant red rock landscape, complimented by the bright blue sky. It's just a quick trip from Las Vegas, away from the daily hustle, and one can be as active or relaxed as they choose.

When the resort first opened it offered more of a medical concentration on health and wellness. As the years have passed, Red Mountain has evolved into a full on resort and spa. Among the amenities, guests will find several daily unlimited classes to choose from during their stay. The complimentary schedule includes Pilates, yoga, Zumba, cooking and nutrition classes. For those looking for more action they can hop on a bike and explore Snow Canyon.   

For the outdoor enthusiasts, the resort’s “back yard” offers a plethora of convenient options: hiking, biking and photography. Red Mountain is happy to call many of the local State and National parks "neighbors," all of which showcase a natural display of desert animal life, unique botanicals and dynamic rock formations. In particular, Snow Canyon State Park is home to 7,000 acres of red rock canyons and cliffs, lava caves and two volcanic cones. St. George’s climate creates an ideal environment to enjoy outdoor adventures year round.

Additional services that are not included, but can be taken advantage of, range from health and wellness consultation, digital photography field classes, Anaszai pottery workshops, and canyoneering, just to name a few. Enjoy onsite dining in the Canyon Breeze Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.  Guests can also get healthy options that are backpack ready at the Canyon Counter. If you forgot something, visit the general store on site for everything from powerbars to Chacos.

I have to confess, my last visit to Red Mountain was a little lazy. Our day started with sipping coffee on the balcony of our villa watching the sunrise. The next decision; which classes to take for the day? Still more decisions to make: which treatments to have at the Sagestone Spa. I look forward to my next visit this coming February when Dan and I will be hosting the couples wellness retreat February 10-15, 2013!  We hope you join us!

Red Mountain Resort

John Ibach, Director of Outdoor Recreation at Red Mountain Resort, talks a little bit about some of the great opportunities that March brings to the resort. 

The month of March in Southern Utah is a time of anticipation, looking forward to a long spring and anticipating the warm months ahead.  The mornings and afternoons are perfect for the outdoor activities that our corner of Utah is so famous for.  Hiking and biking in Snow Canyon the Santa Clara River Valley and Zion National Park are at their best. Whether you choose to hike in the mornings or take a longer afternoon excursion with us you will find our knowledgeable and experienced guides a pleasure to be with.  The average daily temperatures are in the high 60s Fahrenheit, perfect for outdoor activities.  

March is also the time we look forward to the desert bloom.  Marigold, spectacle pod, snake weed, four-o’clock, and others make their appearance in March giving new life to the desert, this yearly bloom contrasts with the red rocks and blues skies that we are famous for and gives the desert a look that happens only once a year. 

No matter if you are looking to kick start your physical fitness program or are looking for a once in a life outdoor challenge you will find our unique blend of outdoor recreation adventures at Red Mountain Resort to be just the thing.  Our expert guides will challenge you on every hike and leave you with a feeling of accomplishment.  You will also come away with a deeper understanding of the environment you have hiked through and why we feel such a special attachment to our desert environment. March is indeed a special time in the desert.  Red Mountain Resort and Austin-Lehman Adventures are here to help you make the most of this incredible experience!

Summer is beginning to wind down, which means fall is right around the corner!  If you’re looking for the perfect vacation to ease the transition, check out our Bryce/Zion Adventure.  Located in Southwest Utah, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks are geological treasure troves. 

 Though temperatures in Zion National Park can be in the low 90s well into September, you won’t have to worry about staying cool… hiking the Virgin River Narrows will do the trick.  Zion Canyon is 15 miles long, and winding through it is the Narrows, a stretch of the Virgin River that cuts through reddish-tan sandstone cliffs that were formed by erosion long ago.  Zig zagging in and out of the river as you hike, you’ll see waterfalls, natural springs, and hanging gardens, all while being surrounded by cliffs up to a half mile high.     

 

Bryce Canyon National Park is more like a giant crater than a canyon.  The highest point on the rim of Bryce is over 9,000 feet in elevation, while the lowest part of the park is just above 6,600 feet.  In between, the park is home to plenty of “hoodoos,” or sandstone rock formations that were created over 60 million years ago by erosion.  With high temperatures in the mid-70s in September (and mid-60s in October), you’ll be completely content hiking through the red, white and orange hoodoos, and taking in breath-taking views at the top of the park (sometimes you can see as far as Arizona and New Mexico)!

 The beauty and majesty of both Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks will leave you breathless.  Long after you return home, you will be thinking about the spectacular views, unbelievably unique rock formations, and fabulous picnic lunches provided by your excellent guides.

Hope to see you there!

Blake

Glorious red sandstone arches, vast views of cloudless skies, and moments to create memories with your family.  These are all perks of enjoying a Southwestern US Adventure Vacation with Austin-Lehman Adventures.   You will be visiting the states of Colorado and Utah viewing the grand monuments of the Wild West.  With fascinating histories and beautiful natural sculptures this family vacation will be like none other.  Also with experienced guides, perfected tour packages, and fascinating destinations, Austin-Lehman Adventures has left very little up to chance.  Take away the guesswork and let Austin-Lehman Adventures plan your vacation today.  

Your Moab Family Adventure Vacation starts in Colorado National Monument, reaching 2000 feet above the valley, home of the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Arches.  You will be able to experience the vastness of this National Monument as you raft down the Colorado River to see the sheer cliff walls, dessert plants, and abundant wildlife.  Your day starts of with a delicious breakfast at Moab’s Jail House Café, boasting the best breakfast in town!  

Afterwards you will experience Moab and why it has been declared an American biking mecca.  Astounding cliff walls, and endless views of spectacular landscapes, create a biker’s paradise to explore the views from the seemingly endless mountaintops.  The trails and loops provide endless hours of adventure as you experience the floating feeling of Moab.  To top it all off, you also get a 14-mile downhill rush along the mesa to experience the sheer heights first hand.

Arches National Park and it’s erosion over millions of years have provided some of the most awesome arches, incredible sandstone towers, and eroded monoliths.  Your visit to Delicate Arch during your Moab Adventure is the perfect photo opportunity to capture the La Sal Mountain Range and all of its glory.  Just when you feel like you have gotten enough dessert experience you can cool off again in Mary Jane Canyon. 

No adventure is quite complete in a dessert paradise like this without some off-roading by Hummer Jeep.  You will explore Slick Rock over petrified sand dunes, as the wheels of the jeep grip to the sandpaper like surfaces of the dunes.  Unwind at the end of the day with a relaxing deep tissue massage, and a feast of finger-licking fares before retreating to your comfortable bed for hours of peaceful slumber. 

At the end of each night, during your Southwestern U.S. Adventure Vacation, you will retreat to Red Cliffs Lodge, with a rugged western feel, located right along the Colorado River.  This stunning location has even been filmed in many classic movies including the John Wayne classic, Rio Grande.  Voted “Best In State” award for hotels in Utah for the year of 2012, as well as past years, this is a must experience resting location after a full day of adventure.   

Also check out some more photos on our Pinterest account at Southwest U.S. Family Adventure Arches to Moab

Your friendly Southwest lover,

Patrick

This infamous hike in Zion National Park is no ordinary hiking vacation; the trail is actually the Virginia River, the same river that has carved this unique canyon.   Pack your water shoes and dry bags as you embark into this narrow slot canyon, for one third of the hike the river extends canyon wall to canyon wall.  The sheer vertical red walls stretch for the heavens as you traverse through the murky waters, your feet navigating you over the large, round basalt rocks.

Timing is everything in the Narrows.  If the water is too high, or if the snowmelt or thunderstorms causes flash floods, the Narrows can be an extremely dangerous place, stranding you there for hours, or even days.  This is very important to consider when you are planning your Southwest Utah Adventure and when finding a guide for this section of the park.

For those you choose to take on the Narrows, the rewards are sweet.  The views are incredible, and the sense of achievement is unparalleled!

Happy Trekking,

Mindy Teini 

If you’re looking for a thrilling hike with amazing views of the surrounding landscape, look no further than Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. Formerly known as the Temple of Aeolous, this famous hike draws beginning and expert hikers for its challenging terrain, spectacular views, and ability to push hikers just a little bit above their normal comfort zone. Does this sound like fun to you? Read on!

Angel’s Landing is a rock formation standing at 1,208 feet tall, and it resides in Zion National Park in Utah. A trail was cut into the solid rock in 1926, and leads to the top of Angel’s Landing where jaw-dropping views await the hikers who take on its challenges. You will encounter “Walter’s Wiggles,” a set of 21 steep switchbacks as well as narrow paths with sharp drop-offs on the last half of the trail. For sections along the narrow parts of the trail, support chains anchored to the rock will help with your balance. The view at the top is worth the work it takes to get up there! This exciting and demanding hike will leave you reeling with want of more, and it won’t be a hike you will soon forget!

If this hike sounds like it’s right up your alley, then you’ll want to check out Austin-Lehman’s Zion tours. The combination of remarkable views, impressive trail work, and the feeling that you’re at the top of the world will make this hike an unforgettable journey. For hikes elsewhere in Bryce and Zion National Parks, you’ll want to check out our page on Utah Adventure Travel!

See you on the trails,

 

Kasey Austin

Delicate Arch is probably what most people picture when they think of Arches National Park and for good reason! This 65-foot freestanding natural arch is formed of Entrada Sandstone and has been worn away by weathering and erosion. Hiking to this landmark is a pretty decent hike, but is only about 1.5mi from the trailhead. From the trail head you can see the remains of the John Welsey Wolfe Ranch, which was built in 1888 and abandoned in 1910. Along the way you'll pass by an excellant Ute petroglyph that depics horses and a bighorn sheep hunt, as well as Frame Arch; Frame Arch is a great spot to photograph Delciate Arch. Once you get to the arch the La Sal Mountains are framed to the southeast. Arches National Park is just five miles north of Moab and is one of our hikes on our Utah Adventure Vacations. 

Now get out there and see it in "real life"

Your friendly adventurer,

Jonathan

Want to see some more photos of our Moab adventures? Check out our flickr gallery Canyonlands Photos

Considering a Southwest Adventure? Seek out nature’s playground of red rock formations, open amphithaters, and forests of green everywhere you turn. Bryce Canyon National park is a photographers paradise with wind swept rock formations and river carved slot canyons, with the sun setting on the rich red terrain you will be sure to capture photos of a life time.  Years of wind and water erosion have made this park spectacular to experience on a guided tour. You can also plan to experience one of the most scenic drives in America on All American Highway 12 viewing scenic canyons and beautiful panoramas. Don’t expect just rocks and canyons though, you also can look forward to hanging gardens, natural springs, river narrows, and captivating waterfalls.  A delight for all the senses, this is an adventure vacation package not to miss. 

Valley of Fire State Park

Part of your adventure vacation package includes a whimsical day with a picnic lunch at Valley of Fire State Park surrounded by cinder cones, natural rock bridges, and basalt ridges. Nevada’s Valley of Fire State park was dedicated in 1935, and is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. Aptly named for the formations of sandstone and sand dunes that appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays.  After a long day in the sun you can retreat to the brand new upscale hotel Wingate By Wyndham offering first class amenities.  Relax at the spa or hang out in the outdoor heated pool and enjoy the star swept sky above. 

Snow Canyon State Park

Snow Canyon, located in Southwestern Utah offers mild weather and beautiful red rock formations while soaking up some sunshine.   Snow canyon is a great location to enjoy hiking, technical rock climbing, biking and horseback riding.  Nature viewing and shooting photos of the majestic red hues and landscapes are also a great way to enjoy the day. 

Bryce and Zion National Parks

A Geological wonder created by rainwater erosion boasting colorful limestone formations from slot canyons, windows, fins and spires also known as “hoodoos”.   Grandeur look out points and interesting geology lessons all come together for a breathtaking and educational adventure.   The view from rainbow point is a great photo opportunity to capture the entire park in all its glory.  Kolob Canyon and Cedar Breaks are also locations that you will visit on your Southwest Adventure.   By hiking below the rim to Peek A Boo and Queens Gardens trail you can see the unique shapes and hoodoos formed from over 60 million years of rock erosion. The view from below the surface is a completely different experience. 

The Narrows are Zion’s premier canyon with hanging gardens with perpendicular walls decorated with trickling water, mosses, and lush plant life. The most adventurous of hikers attempt the complete hike from start to finish, which is 16 miles and requires a specific permit.  The trail runs along the Virgin River where you will be sure to trek through plenty of water, and even at some areas up to waist deep water.  Known as the most popular hike in the park and even one of the worlds best canyon hikes.  The cool trail and hiking through the river make for a refreshing adventure. 

Accommodations

Apart from relaxing your first night at the Wingate By Wyndham you will also enjoy two peaceful nights at Bryce Canyon Lodge as well as two nights at Zion Park Inn.  Bryce Canyon Lodge       remains the only in park lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park and was built back in the 1920’s, and is now even considered a National Historic Landmark.  Zion Park Inn is tucked among the towering red rock cliffs offering spectacular views, comfortable accommodations and excellent amenities. 

 

No matter what Adventure Vacation Packages you end up choosing with Austin Lehman Adventures you can always expect to experience some of the best views nature has to offer, fun and exciting adventures, comforting accommodations, fantastic tours and guides, as well as delicious foods and awesome experiences.  Book your Southwest Adventure today and come see what all the fuss is about!

Check out our Pinterest account and some more photos of Southwest Utah Adventures. 

Looking for the perfect vacation for you and your sweetie? Why not head over to the land of the red rocks on our Utah: Arches to Moab Adventure? From hiking and biking through looming, crimson rock formations to relaxing in a beautiful lodge overlooking the best rapids of the Colorado River, you can’t go wrong with this couples retreat!

Picture you and your significant other descending through the depths of the oldest rock formations in the Grand Canyon via raft! Though the Colorado River is quite chilly, a little splash from your paddle won’t hurt as the hot sun shines down on your back over the canyon rim. Prepare to get soaked as your raft careens through whitewater rapids again and again! What better way to put your adventure skills to the test than an excursion down the ole Colorado!

Take your honey’s hand as you weave in and out of the shadows created by the photographic Fisher Towers. Hiking to these unique sandstone formations will provide you with unmatched views of the Towers with a backdrop of the snow-capped La Sal range. The jaw-dropping views will leave you reeling with want for more of the same!

After long, fun days of biking along the Island to the Sky route or exploring the slick rocks of Moab via Hummer, you’re going to love the luxuries that Red Cliffs Lodge has to offer. Treating yourself to a hot stone massage or a short walk to the banks of the Colorado River will be welcome comforts after your big days of adventure! Make sure to grab a glass of wine and catch a sunset from the deck of the lodge – the colors are indescribable!

After all is said and done, you can’t go wrong with Utah as your future destination for your next couple’s retreat! You’ll experience the adventurous side of the red rocks and the romantic side of the Red Cliffs Lodge all bundled into one package for you and your other half. Take a look at all our Adventure Vacations for Couples and pick the one that fits the both of you best!

 

See you on the trails,

 

Kasey Austin

Some companies say they'll do something but never follow through. You guys follow through. Toby and Blair did too. Casually we mentioned it would be good advertising to have an ALA backpack instead of a Capital 1 bank one. Today it was in the mail. THANK YOU! You're the best. And thank you to Blair and Toby for a fantastic family trip in Utah and remembering us. Our grandchildren loved it - and them.

We'll be back again, 

Marti and Chuck Henning Utah Family | Arches to Moab Adventure

Today after being in the office all day I am really wishing I was on a cycling tour in the Southwest right about now. Specically on our Utah-Arches to Moab adventure, biking in Utah is such a neat experience. There is just something about the landscape and the bright red arches that blows your mind! It is a different world in itself, look at those characters in the photo below... thats what a great time looks like and Utah adventure vacations are the way to get that feeling where you just want to jump up and wave your hands in the air. It's hard to pick a favorite part of this trip, but for me it is biking in Canyonlands National Park and then hiking up to Mesa Arch (photo below) 

I just can't wait till I get back to Utah and get some biking done!!! Well that's it for me today, just wanted to share where I wish I was right now!

Where would you rather be? Leave a comment and let me know!

Your friendly biker,

Jonathan

The summer season is upon us, and what better way to pass the time then to embark on a trek though the wonderland provided by beautiful Mother Nature. While you could venture out to hike Patagonia in Chile, or retrace the ancient path of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you don’t even have to venture out of the United States to experience breathtaking beauty. The United States is a hiker’s playground from the sheer massive beauty of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, to the ancient forests of Sequoias at Yosemite National Park in California, or even travel back in time to the great Wild West to the Black Hills of South Dakota. For your summer travels why not take an adventure vacation in your own back yard and experience the awe inspiring sights that United States has to offer. 

Journey to the Rocky Mountain Range in Montana

To explore the world of hiking, one must venture out to the Rocky Mountains of Montana. The beautiful state of Montana is a perfect representation of untamed, natural beauty, and is simply stunning in its vast mountain ranges. Experience wildlife from grizzlies and wolves to bison and bears. Explore nature from their point of view and experience the geological wonders that bring amazing life and color to its National Parks. Experience unique adventures from roping and saddling a horse, to watching good Old Faithful erupt on cue. Hike with the family, roast s’mores, and retell old campfire stories that you grew up on. Explore Yellowstone’s countless geothermal features including Fountain Paint Pots and the Morning Glory Pool, and take a dip in the Boling River.

Visit Zion National Park in Utah

If the Wild West is not quite your style, maybe you would like to explore Zion National Park in Utah. Ranked one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic, these views will take your breath away as you hike past waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens. Zion has one of the most diverse groupings of plants in Utah, with over 900 species for you to experience. You can soak up the colorful hues of red, orange and amber during the daylight hours, and at night be surprised by the amazing clarity in the night sky. Kick back and relax as you enjoy the bright star formations in the skies, as you have probably never observed them before.

Visiting The Grand Canyon in Arizona

Looking for a hiking location with a little piece of paradise awaiting you at the finish line? Havasupai is a hidden gem amongst the vast ranges of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Accessible only by foot this is a beautiful place to explore and bask in the natural rich pools at the base of a thundering 100-ft falls. After a fairly difficult hike to the falls you will feel like you are imagining this oasis as its beauty in the arid space of Arizona doesn’t seem fit for such crystal clear waters. This Grand Canyon Vacation is also equipped with a visit to an old galena mine, hunt for fossils, a visit to a natural mineral rich whirl pool, and a stunning trek en route to Beaver falls.

  
Trekking Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Teton National Parks

You cannot possibly discuss the amazing hiking in the United States without mentioning Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. Yellowstone was declared the world’s first national park in 1872, proving that even then, people realized this beautiful gem needed to be preserved.  Take in the neon blue, 300-foot wide Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest of hot springs in the entire U.S. and the third largest in the world.  You can also experience an adventure packed whitewater-rafting excursion down the scenic Snake Water Canyon.  From hiking, to biking, to kayaking, rafting, and rodeos, Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park Vacation and Teton National Park are fantastic locations to explore some of nature’s finest views of the great outdoors.  

5 Great Items to Pack

There is no better time than now to explore the wonders of the world located in our own National Parks. Take your family to see how beautiful and diverse this country is, and how many different adventures are just waiting to be experienced. The possibilities are endless from the Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming to the red rocks of Utah, New Mexico and Arizona in the Southwest to the Coastal breezes of Alaska, California and Washington. Contact Austin Lehman Adventures as your trusted Adventure Travel Company to book a hiking tour for your next vacation.

Check out some other great photos of Domestic hiking adventures on our Pinterest

Your Friendly Travel Experts,

Austin-Lehman Adventures

A few years ago my family decided we should take a European vacation.  My cousin was living and studying in the Loire region of France and our family (3 generations!) decided we should go for a little visit.  I would never turn down an opportunity to travel, so off to France I went with the family!  The plan was to arrive in Paris, take the train to meet up with my cousin and then set out by car to tour the history rich Brittany/Normandy regions of France.  While we didn’t have a set daily agenda, we did have some hotel reservations and definitely had a list of places to visit.

 

This trip turned into nothing less than a disaster.  We spent more time getting lost, getting frustrated, finding attractions closed, arriving very late at night to our hotels and peering in the windows of closed restaurants.  We spent very little time actually relaxing and enjoying our time in France and enjoying our family vacation.  Looking back now I can find some humor in the whole thing, but that trip really got me thinking about guided vacations.  If we would have gone with a guide my grandmother would have actually had time to savor her coffee and a delicious dessert in the gorgeous villages we sped through.  My grandfather would have actually had time visit Utah Beach.  Our meals would have been filled with delicious food, smooth French Bordeaux’s and conversation rather than meals filled with zombie like stares and frustrated silence.  While we saw some amazing things on our comical European vacation, we wouldn’t have missed so many things and there would have been much more family harmony if we would have traveled with a guide.  We can finally look back on our family adventure vacation and laugh but it has taken years.  Years! 

So here are my top five reasons I highly recommend traveling with a guide.  These are lessons learned the hard way! 

Top 5 Reason’s You Should Go with a Guide

1. No Getting Lost.  We spent countless hours backtracking, looking at maps, attempting to read road signs in a foreign language and finally finding our way just in time to miss out on whatever we were trying to find.  When traveling with a guide all that is handled for you.  The guides are experts and not only do they speak the language but they know the best routes, the best coffee shops or attractions along the way. 
2. Insider Knowledge.  Whether it is pointing out some history of the area, telling a local story or simply knowing where the cleanest bathroom is located guides have the insider knowledge on local sights, culture and hours of operation. With years of experience there is no better way to travel than with an experienced guide.
3. Best Food.  While you are bound to stumble upon delicious food in many places, when traveling with a guide you know you are experiencing the best food the area has to offer.  In many cases the guide you are traveling with is a personal friend of the restaurant owner or has become friends over the years of doing business together.  You are going to get the best service, the best table, the best reservation time and the best food! 
4. More Relaxation, Less Stress. When traveling with a guide all of the details are handled for you.  You get to truly enjoy your vacation and the time with your loved ones.  It truly makes your vacation a time to relax and take it all in! 
5. New Friends.  Not only is your guide going to be your local expert, driver, daily planner but by the end of the trip they will be your friend.  Guides love what they do and they love getting to know people from all over the world.  Going with a guide will give you an experience like none other.   

You will never go at it alone again, trust me.

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

 

There is just something about the desert for me.  It is harsh, unyielding and somehow so rejuvenating.  One of my personal favorite hiking vacations is in the desert of Arches National Park.  I always feel energized, relaxed and satisfied after spending a few days amongst the red rocks and under a radiant blue sky. 

The dry desert landscape of southern Utah is rugged and sometimes seems inhabitable, yet there is an abundance of hearty plants and critters who call this park home.  I am most reminded of these when wandering the park in the spring when out of nowhere flowers appear.  It seems nearly impossible but somehow they flourish.  It is so incredible!

While there is endless exploring to be done in Arches National Park, one of my favorite hikes is along the Devil’s Garden Trail.  If you don’t have a lot of time you can do an easy two mile round trip in and out to see Landscape Arch.  This is one sandstone formation you do not want to miss on your visit.  It is the longest and one of the most impressive arches in the entire park.  It is 290 feet across and it truly seems to defy all laws of gravity.  One thing to keep in mind about Arches National Park is the impermanence of the rock formations.  They are in constant transition.  So only time will tell how long Landscape Arch will be around; I’d definitely see it sooner than later!  You can continue the entire length of the trail which is a loop just over 7 miles long.  It winds its way through some incredibly scenic terrain and takes you past 7 more impressive and less known arches.

After an amazing day in Arches, with the best adventure travel company,  I love to settle in with a glass of wine and watch the sun disappear behind the red rocks while reflecting on my incredible day.  The evenings are cool and calm and sleep comes so easily as I am eager to wake up in the desert paradise for another day of exploring.

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

In an effort to help preserve and protect our National Parks Austin-Lehman started the Preserve a Park Program . Every year since 2010, Austin-Lehman Adventures has supported US National Park preservation by selecting a recipient National Park program and donating a portion of its profits. In times of reduced Federal funding (National Park programs suffered a $101 million funding cut in the 2011 Federal budget alone), it is now more important than ever to help protect our National Parks. Last year we selected our Yosemite National Park Tours  and was able to raise $5,400 for the Yosemite Conservancy with the help of our amazing guest that booked our Yosemite tours.

The money raised will help fund 27 projects in the park this year from supporting trail crews in the Tuolumne and Merced watersheds, to restoring historic trails originally built in the 1800s, to saving bears through an expanded electric monitoring project. In addition the donations also benefit the youth in Yosemite, by brining a diverse group of young people into the park through educational, leadership, and career programs developing the next generation of stewards for Yosemite.

This year ALA has pledged a $100 per person donation to a designated non-profit organization for each guest reserving a spot on its 2012 small group Arches to Moab Multisport Adventure.

So if you want to see how our Preserve a Park Program has helped, check out our hiking vacations in Yosemite National Park or if you want to help protect and save a National Park check out one of our adventure vacation packages on our Utah Arches to Moab Adventure

Your friendly nature lover,

Jonathan

 

Introduce your kids to family adventure vacations that explore geological formations and exciting terrains.  Start your vacation by stopping by the Colorado National Monument. This park is just a primer to the next few days of fun and adventure with a mix of educational discoveries.  The Arches National Park is home to thousands of geological arches that fill the landscape. Children will be amazed learning about these prehistoric formations that have survived for millions of years.  

Indulge in a filling breakfast at Moab’s Jail House Café. This is a preparation for your trek to the vast expanse of Moab.  Get ready to be fascinated by the enormous rock structures at the Fischer Towers.  These reddish monoliths look like ancient skyscrapers.   Many mountain biking enthusiasts enjoy the terrains in Canyonlands National Park particularly in the 100 mile stretch of the White Rim Road in the Sky mesa.  The view of the La Sal mountain range from this vantage point is breathtaking.   Keep your camera handy.  The landscape provides different photogenic views as the sun shines through rock formations at different angles.  Adventure trips like these make all the hiking, biking and trekking worthwhile.

These are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy in Utah.  With Austin-Lehman’s adventure vacation packages, you experience cozy accommodations that also provide a relaxing retreat after an adventure filled day.
 

My hubby and I couldn’t be more pleased with our Moab Utah Adventure. We had the most amazing experience, and our guides, Matty and Katie, went way beyond any expectations. They were very positive and offered stellar service throughout the adventure vacation. Every day was something new and exciting, and we literally did not want to leave when it was time to go home. I especially love how the trip showcased the local and went way beyond the beaten path typically seen by most tourists. We stayed at the beautiful Red Cliffs Lodge for the entire duration of the trip, and they had such great offerings – winery, horse riding and ranch style atmosphere. Even the meals were well thought out and tastefully prepared. You’ve thought of everything to make our stay complete and we’ll be back for another Austin Lehman trip next year!

Name: Judy Bergeron
City: Aurora
State: IL
Country: USA

Austin Lehman is a class act from start to finish. I was a last minute booking on the Utah Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park trip, and they bent over backwards to make our adventure vacation work. From the office staff to guides, everyone went the extra mile to create a great experience. Everything about the vacation was perfect, and the guides were awesome! Our activities were nicely balanced with day to day biking and hiking so that we really felt like that it was a wonderful experience overall. I will definitely book our next vacation with Austin Lehman!

Name: Elena Applegate
City: New Rochelle
State: New York
Country: USA

The word “Zion” means “place of harmony and refuge,” which makes Zion National Park the perfect name for Utah’s oldest national park. Clean, fresh air and geological beauty await you at this beautiful sanctuary. And Austin-Lehman’s Adventure Vacation Packages to Utah offer the perfect escape for you and your family.

Boasting endless hiking possibilities, as well as rock structures, river-carved canyons, natural springs and waterfalls, Zion is a nature-lover’s dream. The wind-swept rock terrain is unlike anything in the country. Created by years of storms pitting ice, snow and water against rock, the sandstone walls and structures are absolutely stunning and provide the perfect backdrop to capture the many memories you will make in a single image…that is, if you can take your eyes off the scenery for long enough to reach into your backpack and grab your camera.

Even the pickiest teenager will be awestruck by the natural beauty of Zion. Families will enjoy bonding while hiking and kids will think they are in a dream as they run through nature’s playground.

Adventure Travel Companies take care of the details so you can focus on the little things…like your camera. Call today to learn more about our Family Adventure Vacations to southwestern Utah.
 

If you’re looking for unparalleled adventure vacation packages, look no further. Austin Lehman Adventures offers trips to Zion National Park, which is internationally recognized as one of the most geologically beautiful places on Earth. With its awe-inspiring display of rock structures and river-carved canyons, Zion provides travelers with natural, serene splendor and a sense of rejuvenation.

Adventure trips through wind swept rock terrain in Zion National Park allow travelers to explore natural beauty at its finest. Bring your family along for one of our family adventure vacations through Southwestern Utah and see the fantastic images that adorn your favorite travel magazines in person.

Hike past natural springs and waterfalls and check out Bryce’s Peek-a-Boo trail, giving you spectacular views of hoodoos – tall spires of rock that project from the bottom of barren basins – which the Native Americans believed would come to life to keep invaders away.

Be sure to pack your camera as Zion is truly a photographer’s fantasy. The colors that light up the sky during sunrises and sunsets are phenomenal – orange, red and yellow create a sea of magnificence above. If you’re looking for some of the finest star gazing in the United States, you’ve come to the right place. The cleanliness of the area, combined with the elevation, makes star gazing an activity too outstanding to miss.  

Call today to start planning your getaway to one of the most magnificent places on Earth.