Sol Fitness Adventures 2009 backpacking adventures include:
Redrock Backpacker: Parunuweap Canyon, Utah Back to Top
Redrock Backpacker is for the serious camper who's ready to get down and dirty by day and sleep under the blanket of the Milky Way galaxy at night. This hike will lead you through the peaceful depths of The Barracks and into the spectacular backcountry near Zion National Park.
Explore this ancient canyon and you'll soon discover how Parunuweap, "Roaring Water Canyon," got it's name. Experience for yourself the 2,500 feet deep, dark and echoing sandstone canyon walls described by John Weseley Powell of his 1870 exploration of the Virgin River. This 25 mile river hike will expose hikers to the best challenges the backcountry has to offer. Depending on recent weather conditions, hikers may swim through deep and refreshing pools of water, scramble over driftwood piles, and skirt patches of quicksand.
This trip is perfect for the exercise-minded adventurer who wants to experience America's National Parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon in their truest form - away from the crowds and off the beaten path. As a designated Wilderness Area, Parunuweap has no motorized vehicles, no campgrounds, restricted recreational access, and is a well-kept secret among locals, who escape here seeking solitude and a brush with the wild.
Redrock Backpacker, with its ancient Paiute Indian remnants, fascinating geology, variety of wildlife, and challenging terrain has something for everyone - from the novice seeking safe instruction to the experienced gear-junkie simply seeking to exist in nature.
Hiking through a river for 4 days with a loaded pack is hard work! Our expert personal trainers have designed workouts to help you get in shape for this adventure. Visit our Fitness page to order your Backpacker conditioning workout.
Timing is everything in southwest slot canyons. Start too early in the season and the snowmelt freezes toes; go too late in the summer and the monsoon season increases the risk of flashfloods. This trip is offered exclusively on three dates* to take advantage of seasonal temperatures while decreasing the likelihood of being caught in a flashflood.**
Book your private trip now for groups of 5 or more during the month of June, 2009.
May 2009 Dates TBA
Singles: $1935 - Trip plus Inn Supplement: $2,105
Couples: $3,872 - Trip plus Inn Supplement: $4,052
September 2009 Dates TBA
Singles: $1935 - Trip plus Inn Supplement: $2,105
Couples: $3,872 - Trip plus Inn Supplement: $4,052
For more information, please view FAQ here.
*Additional weekends during the months of June, September, and early October may be reserved for private parties of 6 or more.
** Itineraries may change at any time depending on weather predictions and existing conditions. We will be hiking a slot canyon which was and continues to be shaped by flash-flooding. For your safety we've selected times of year when rain fall is typically low; however this factor is out of our control. Review the Registration and Cancellation Policy carefully before signing up for this trip.
Itinerary
We recommend planning your departure carefully in case you need to leave a few days in advance to arrive on time.
Day 1 - Meet at 5 pm at The Bit and Spur Saloon in Springdale, Utah, with your gear in tow. We'll have a short pre-trip orientation meeting followed by a meet-and-greet southwest dinner. Guides will review the itinerary, inspect your gear, give safety instructions, and answer questions. Tonight, camp in the Zion Campground or upgrade to formal lodging in Springdale with an Add-On Inn Supplement.
Day 2 - Meet at 7 am at the Zion National Park Visitor's Center flagpole. Your backpacking adventure begins with a drive through the country's longest continuous tunnel, a 1930's CCC project with giant galleries for viewing the park. Today's hike is an easy 7 mile warm-up on sandy banks alongside the Virgin River as it winds its way through giant monoliths, wide canyons and into steeper red rock canyons. We'll explore little-traveled Mineral Gulch, with its narrow slot canyons carved by wind and water that undulate like red waves of an ancient sea. Tonight we'll lay out the sleeping bags in a secluded side canyon, far from civilization, and immerse ourselves in nature with a fireside meditation.
Day 3 - Rise and shine for an early start through The Barracks, where steep canyon walls streaked with desert varnish and lush hanging gardens loom hundreds of feet overhead. The terrain is more challenging today, as our trail lies submerged in the rivers' growing, spring-fed waters. We'll discover ancient petroglyphs - remnants of Paiute Indian ancestors - carved into sheer sandstone walls as well as modern mountain lion lairs. Explore the tiny waterfalls of pristine side canyon Poverty Wash. After 5 miles of wading through the river's rocky path, we'll make camp and fall asleep to the sound of Parunuweap's rushing water, hooting spotted owls, and chorusing canyon tree frogs.
Day 4 - Venture deeper into timeless sandstone walls, peer into "Fat Man's Misery's" narrow grooves and walk where world-renowned John Weseley Powell went before. Today's obstacles will cause you to dig deep within your adventurous souls. Depending on recent weather conditions, travelers may navigate log jams, skirt a small waterfall, and dodge patches of quicksand - forces that have shaped this timeless canyon for millions of years. Hike the last 4 miles of river before making the steep, rocky ascent out of the canyon to our perch high on the canyon wall above. Tonight, sleep under one of the most spectacular views of the Milky Way galaxy in the western hemisphere.
Day 5 - Bid farewell to the Virgin River and Parunuweap and make the 3 mile trek out of the canyon to Elephant Butte above. Those with phobias of heights be warned - the exit hike is steep in some places. Our Jeep escorts are waiting with a fresh lunch and a tour of sand dunes and wildflowers. This is canyon backcountry! Keep your eyes peeled as you gaze miles out into open desert -you just might catch a glimpse of an elusive mountain lion or Bighorn sheep.
We'll plan on arriving back in Springdale during the early evening; however, travel time will vary depending on the group's ability and terrain conditions. We suggest arranging travel and flights for the following day.
Note on the Itinerary
Itineraries may change at any time depending on weather predictions and existing conditions. We will be hiking a slot canyon which was and continues to be shaped by flash-flooding. For your safety we've selected times of year when rain fall is typically low; however this factor is out of our control. Review the Registration and Cancellation Policy carefully before signing up for this trip.
Inca Trail Backpacker: Machu Picchu, Peru Back to the Top
Discover the ancient world of the Inca on this once in a lifetime backpacking adventure. Our trip begins with 2 days in Cuzco to acclimate before we set off on a four day/three night trek exploring the Inca Trail with its numerous ruins and
May 24 - May 30, 2009
Singles: $2,708 ($200 supplement based on double occupancy) Deposit Amount $650 (Due upon registration)
Couples: $5,016 (Based on double occupancy) Deposit Amount $1,300 (Due upon registration)
Itinerary
We recommend planning your departure carefully in case you need to leave a few days early to arrive on time.
Day 1 - Arrive in Lima, meet the rest of the group and fly to Cuzco, capital of the Inca. At 3,300 meters (10,800 ft) in elevation, Cusco is where we'll spend a few days in order to acclimate for our hike. Today we'll visit Cuzco sites: The Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Pucapucara, Tambomachay, and Koricancha temple. Tonight we'll sleep in Peruvian authenticity at the Casa Andina Catedral hotel, 10 minutes from the city square.
Day 2 - After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the Inca prized the valley for its beautiful location and climate. Maize production was high and natural resources were abundant. This afternoon we'll shop for Incan goods in Pisac Market, named after resident bird pisaca, or partridge. We'll visit the ruins of Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, former estate of Emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region in the 15th century.
Day 3 - This is the day we set out for the trek we came for: four days and 3 nights on the Inca Trail. Today's trek will cover from Piskacuchu to Wayllabamba, with views of Mount Veronica, at an elvation of 5,720 meters (18,700 ft)! Along our hike we will visit the Llactapata archeological site. Our first camp is nestled deep in the Andes, where the ancient Incas walked.
Day 4 - Today we hike to the highest point of the Inca trail and cross the Warmiwanusca pass at 4,200 meters (13,780 ft). From this position it is possible to view various ecological zones and microclimates. Tonight's camp will be at Pacaymayo, where our porters will cook a delicious meal to refuel after the days labor.
Day 5 - The morning begins with a hike to the second highest pass on the trail at 3,850 meters (12,631 ft). Today we encounter a number of ancient ruins and archeological sites: Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Winaywayna.
Day 6 - The final leg of the Inca Trail will lead us to Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (Sun Gate). This is a view the cheaters who took the train will never see: the panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel spreads out below us. After a short hike to the ruins we'll learn about the Lost City of the Incas on a 3 hour tour. Our weary legs will get a rest on the bus ride from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, where we catch the train back to Cusco.
Day 7 - Cut loose of the reins and enjoy a day on your own to explore Cuzco's vibrant neighborhoods and shops.
Day 8 - Today marks the last day of Sol's Machu Pichu adventure. The group will board a group flight back to Lima, the capital city of Peru. Day use of a Lima hotel is provided while we take a guided tour of Lima City. We'll visit Main Square, Government Palace, cathedral, San Fransisco Monastery and its Catacombs, city Hall, and San Isidro and Miraflores. Tonight travelers will board flights for the return trip home or stay on their own in Lima.
