Utah: Canyonlands, Moab, and Arches

Let Your Soul Explore!
 Oct 16 -20, 2024

Price: $2850

Unlike any landscape on the planet, the area around Moab, Utah has to be seen, felt, and explored by everyone at some point in the arc of their life. Nestled next to the mighty Colorado River and in between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab will be our home base for this adventure packed retreat of hiking, mt. biking, yoga, and soaking in the dramatic sandstone cliffs and high desert of eastern Utah.

We’ll enjoy 5 days and 4 nights alongside the Colorado River at the Red Cliffs Lodge where we will soak in the red rock cliffs while we do yoga in front of the still undammed river.

We will explore some of the over 2,000 natural sandstone arches in Arches National Park, including a sunset hike to the famous Delicate Arch. We’ll also venture into the Islands in the Sky portion of Canyonlands National Park to hike among the cliffs plunging down to the powerful Colorado and Green Rivers. We’ll also mountain bike on easy trails in the area many call the Mountain Bike Capital of the World on trails suited for your confidence and skills. And no trip to Moab is complete without practicing yoga overlooking the Colorado River, enjoying the high desert’s fall sunshine.

Highlights:

• Spending 5 days and 4 nights on the banks of the Colorado River at the beautiful Red Cliffs Lodge
• LOTS OF HIKING! Hike in Arches National Park to inspiring Delicate Arch

• Hiking the Devil’s Garden trail in Arches passing through giant fins and by 11 natural arches

• Hiking at Dead Horse Point with breathtaking views of the canyons carved by the Colorado River and passing arches, upheaval domes, hoodoos and Anastasi ruins
• EASY Mountain biking at Bar M trails, to get a unique glimpse across to Arches National Park
• Yoga on the banks of the Colorado River or in our yoga space

Additional Information:

Wind, water, uplifting, freezing and powerful rivers carved the Colorado Plateau into Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, each with a unique and powerful presence. The well-known western writer and part time resident Edward Abbey described the area as “the most weird, wonderful, magical place on earth—there is nothing else like it anywhere.”

The massive, red Entrada Sandstone layer just under the surface of the Colorado Plateau hosts 9 national parks (including Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands) and 19 national monuments (including the newest addition of Bears Ears) – just about everywhere the dramatic Entrada Sandstone comes to the surface. Our national parks for the retreat (Arches and Canyonlands) are relative newcomers to the national park system getting full park status in 1964 for Canyonlands and 1971 for Arches (however it was a national monument since 1929) but are highly celebrated for their dramatic features and landscapes.

October is an ideal time of the year to visit the area when the daytime temperature are ideal for hiking and the evenings cool down as the heat of summer begins to release its grip on the high desert. Daytime temps in October are typically 74 and the nights can drop into the low 40’s. The Colorado River calms down and becomes more approachable as it winds its way through the red, sandstone cliffs and past our lodge. This is a unique adventure in a unique and inspiring landscape. Join us to experience the wonder, ancient history and mystery of this magical land.

When does the retreat start?

Retreat starts at Red Cliffs Lodge on October 16th at 11:00 am (We pick up in Grand Junction at 9 am) 

Please have lunch before arriving, or bring something with you. We will hike from 11:30 to 4:00

What about transportation to the retreat?

We will arrange a shuttle to pick up in Grand Junction on October 16th around 9 am and head to Red Cliffs Lodge which is 1.5 hours away.

You may also see what flights are available right in to Moab and take a shuttle to Red Cliffs Lodge

What if I come in a day early:?
Most people will want to fly in the afternoon on the 15th to Grand Junction Colorado because they have more flights available. Then stay in Grand Junction that night (many reasonable hotels by the airport) *If you would like a room mate for Saturday the 14th let us know. Also some people prefer to fly in to Moab and stay the night on the 14th. This is also a great option and then you can get a taxi or shuttle to Red Cliffs by 11:00 in the morning on the 15th

The Women’s Quest shuttle will pick up on the 16th at 11 am so you have time to fly in on the 16th but you must land and get your luggage by 9. It is a small airport so flying in the day of the retreat should work if you can land by 8 am.
We cannot wait for you if your flight is delayed.
Shuttle cost is $50 each way

Departure on October 20th:

We will end the retreat around noon on October 20th. For those leaving out of Grand Junction we will have 2 vans heading back. One van will leave at 12:30 (arriving by 2)  and the other van will leave at 2:30 (arriving at 4 pm)  It will take apporcimately 1.5 hours to get to the airport

Flights out could be at 3:30 pm or later

What is the arrival/departure airport?
Grand Junction, Colorado

Moab, Colorado

What will the food be like?
Healthy organic meals.

*Please indicate any dietary restrictions; we can try to accommodate you.

Am I in good enough shape for this retreat?
Most likely! We adapt to all levels of fitness. You can choose your pace. We have a variety of trail options for walking/hiking/running/mt biking. Groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge themselves. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. Your training does not need to be a hard-core program…just get out and PLAY and BE ACTIVE several days a week.

What weather can I expect?
Daily high temperatures from 76°F to 61°F, rarely falling below 50°F or exceeding 85°F.

Daily low temperatures from 50°F to 38°F, rarely falling below 29°F or exceeding 58°F.

How might the altitude affect me?
The two major differences between altitude and sea level are decreased oxygen density and decreased humidity. The most important thing you can do to minimize the affect of altitude is to DRINK A LOT OF WATER! If you fly to the retreat, be sure you drink at least 32 oz. of water on the airplane. Avoid alcohol and get extra sleep the week before the retreat. We will ease you into activities and provide tips for adjusting to the change in altitude.

Moab is around 4,500ft so you should not experience much of the altitude

Do I need to be an athlete to attend this retreat?
No. We consider “Everyone an Athlete” and we welcome all ability levels. A variety of options are available for our walks and runs depending on each person’s comfort level. If you can, we suggest you start a training or workout program at least a few months before you come so you can get the most out of the weekend. It does not need to be a hard-core program, just get out, play and be active a few days a week. If you just can’t find the time, don’t worry, there will always be others in the same situation and the supportive staff will help you along.

What is the average age on this retreat?
We have a wide range of people who attend our retreats, from 15-70 years young. Each retreat will vary. Please contact us if you have questions about the ages on a specific retreat..

Payment Policy

Payment in full for all retreats is due 90 days prior to the retreat date.  If you do not provide payment in full by 90 days prior to the retreat you risk losing your reservation.  All deposits are non-refundable.

A 4% payment processing fee will be added to all payments made using PayPal, Stripe or Venmo.  You are welcome to send in a check or pay by Zelle to avoid this fee.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel a reservation, a full refund, less your deposit which is non-refundable, will be provided for any cancellation we receive in writing at least 91 days prior to the commencement date of the retreat.  We are sorry but we cannot refund any payments for cancellations made 90 or fewer days prior to the commencement of the retreat. 

We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest. Women’s Quest IS NOT responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in schedules or tour cancellations.

Covid-19 Policy

Cancellations by Women’s Quest:  Women’s Quest reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or reschedule any retreat due to concerns over Covid-19.  As a small company Women’s Quest is unfortunately not able to provide refunds of payments for retreats cancelled by Women’s Quest due to the Covid pandemic. This is primarily due to our financial commitments with the various retreat venues.  As a result, in the event Women’s Quest cancels or reschedules a retreat due to Covid-19 Women’s Quest will apply all payments to the rescheduled or following year’s retreat, or to any other Women’s Quest retreat of your choosing through the end of the next year after the year in which the retreat was cancelled by Women’s Quest.  Because of the unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances of the outbreak, this policy supersedes earlier policies.

Cancellations by You:  If you need or desire to cancel your reservation due to Covid-19, or failure to comply with the requirements of a negative test and being symptom free, this cancellation is subject to the Cancellation Policy above.  This is why we urge everyone to purchase travel insurance when signing up. 

 Covid Waiver and Release

This waiver, release and acknowledgement of responsibilities is unfortunately necessary during this unique time of the Covid 19 pandemic. By signing up for and or attending any Women’s Quest retreat you agree to be bound by the terms of this document. We understand these times are challenging, however, these provisions are necessary to protect all attendees and staff members of Women’s Quest.

Testing For and Symptoms of Covid 19.  Irrespective of vaccination status you are required to provide a negative test for Covid 19 taken within 3 days of the commencement of the retreat.  This test can be either a PCR test or a home antigen test.  Also, irrespective of your vaccination status, you agree you will not attend the retreat if you have any symptoms of Covid 19 immediately prior to the beginning of the trip. These symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea (these, along with symptoms outline in the following link and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control shall be collectively referred to as the “Symptoms”.) More information on symptoms of Covid 19 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Symptoms During the Retreat. In the event you develop any Symptoms during the retreat you must immediately leave the retreat and follow protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and all local regulations.  We understand this may result in you incurring significant expenses associated with separate accommodation and travel, however, you understand these expenses are not the responsibility of Women’s Quest and must be incurred by you. You agree to be fully honest with Women’s Quest staff in regard to any Symptoms you may develop and agree to comply with a request by Women’s Quest staff to depart as determined by Women’s Quest staff in their sole discretion. As provided below, this is why we strongly urge everyone to get travel insurance covering these and other expenses prior to departure.

Procedures During the Retreat. During the retreat Women’s Quest may, but need not, endeavor to practice social distancing and wearing of masks when traveling in close proximity. You agree to comply with all requests of Women’s Quest staff during the retreat related to these procedures. Any such procedures implemented by Women’s Quest are not a guaranty you will not be exposed to Covid 19 and you understand you are responsible for taking any precautions you deem necessary and providing your own personal protective equipment during the retreat. You also agree to comply with any reasonable requests by other attendees to respect their social distancing and other protective measures (“Participant Requests”.) Notwithstanding the foregoing, you are responsible to comply with all laws and regulations of the locality visited relating to protections against Covid 19.

Waiver of Coronavirus Related Illness; Indemnification. You understand that irrespective of protective measures that Women’s Quest or you may or may not take, you may be exposed to Covid 19 by another retreat attendee, a Women’s Quest staff member and or an individual to whom you may be exposed during, or traveling to or from the retreat. You agree to waive and release Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any claims, liabilities or damages you may incur in the event you contract Covid 19 at any time during travel to, attending or after attending the retreat. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any loss, liability or damages it or they may incur as a result of your failure to receive a negative test for Covid 19 prior to the retreat as provided above, attending the retreat with any Symptoms, not respecting Participant Requests, and not immediately departing the retreat if you develop any Symptoms.

Cancellation. In the unfortunate event you need to cancel your trip, cannot attend due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms prior to the retreat, or must leave the retreat due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms, Women’s Quest cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid.

Travel Insurance. As provided in this document you could incur significant personal expense in the event you contract Covid 19 or develop any Symptoms during the retreat. As such, you are strongly urged to obtain travel insurance that provides adequate protections against these risks.

Additional Waiver. This waiver is incorporated into and made a part of other waivers you agreed to in connection with signing up for the retreat. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms of any other waiver, this waiver shall govern.

Purchasing Travel Insurance

We highly, highly recommend you get travel insurance to cover your expenses and losses in the event you test positive or come down with Symptoms prior to the retreat, develop Symptoms during the retreat, or cannot return home due to Covid related issues.  We recommend getting insurance that covers the cost of your trip, medical care while at the retreat, and coverage to pay for the necessary quarantine period if you test positive or come down with Covid.  Please remember, if you have to cancel your trip in the unfortunate event you come down with Covid, test positive, or suffer Symptoms prior to or during the retreat and need to leave, Women’s Quest cannot provide a refund since we have to pay your trip expenses well ahead of time.

If you are concerned about travel and the changing environment in which we are living irrespective of your Covid status, we recommend getting travel insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason.  This coverage is more expensive, however, may provide you with the coverage and flexibility you desire.

We spoke with Allianz Travel Insurance about travel insurance primarily for Covid issues – trip cancellation, medical treatment and delay in coming home due to catching Covid.  From our understanding, Allianz does offer policies providing for trip cancellation due to Covid and extended trip interruption coverage for Covid quarantine periods, however, you should talk to them via the phone to ensure you have the coverage you need.

Irrespective of the travel insurance you get, please make sure you talk to a travel insurance agent prior to buying any insurance and make sure you have the coverage you desire and that the policy will cover trip cancellation, medical expenses and trip interruption due to Covid. 

We are providing this only as our understanding after talking to Allianz and not as a representation of what Allianz will cover.  You should do your own investigation including directly calling Allianz or any insurance provider you choose, and not rely on this overview to ensure you get the coverage that is right for you.

Check Squaremouth website, it will help you to quickly quote, compare, and buy travel insurance https://www.squaremouth.com/22393