Summer 2018
Utah Ride – Escalante
Spend six days cycling through Southern California’s beautiful desert landscapes
About the Ride
Magnificent Desolation! Our Climate Ride Utah-Escalante trip is among the finest Southwest bike trips offered
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Torrey, UT
This carefully crafted cycling adventure spins a stunning route through the picturesque and remote Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park, including Utah State Highway 12 – arguably one of the best cycling roads in the Beehive state, and perhaps in the country. This amazing camping trip will dazzle your senses with the mysteries and vastness of the heart of Utah.
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
Climate Ride Utah-Escalante explores the beauty of Utah’s natural splendor and unparalleled National Parks and Monuments. Riding on quiet back roads and remote byways, this Climate Ride will challenge, inspire, and surprise as you pedal and connect with like-minded people dedicated to advancing sustainability.
On Climate Ride Utah-Escalante, you’ll spend five days cycling on a scenic journey that explores some of the best that the Beehive State has to offer. We’ll see inspiring scenery, stay at remote camps, visit several incredible National Parks and Monuments, and experience the thrill of touring by bicycle with a small community united by their passion for sustainability, renewable energy, and bicycles – the ultimate carbon-free form of transportation.
Our outfitter’s staff takes care of all the details, so you can focus on riding the 40-75 miles per day of carefully-planned routes on scenic roads. It’s challenging yet achievable, and you have all day to make it to the next rest stop. Meals, snacks, bike support, luggage transport, and all of the logistics are included when you reach the fundraising commitment. On the road, the Climate Ride support team is always nearby to assist you, keep you happy and healthy, and make your ride worry-free and memorable. Average temperatures this time of year are the 60s-70s during the day and lows in the upper 30s and 40s. In October, the cottonwoods will be ablaze in the yellow of fading summer. Bike rental options are available. This is a camping trip, but hotel options are also available on 3 of the 4 nights at an additional cost. More information will be available in your ride guide.
If you’re driving to the ride, we’ll meet you in Torrey, Utah. If you’re flying, we recommend flying into Salt Lake City (SLC), renting a car, and driving to Torrey (approx. 3.5 hours). On the night before the ride, we’ll meet up for a socially-distanced gathering to celebrate the beginning of this grand adventure.
Please read the FAQ below for more information. If you’re ready to sign up and ride, click above to register! Space is limited.
Riding on quiet back roads and remote byways, this Climate Ride will challenge, inspire, and surprise as you pedal and connect with like-minded people dedicated to advancing sustainability. Climate Ride charitable events bring together bright minds, breathtaking routes for all cycling abilities, and an unforgettable combination of passion and purpose. Proceeds from this event will support Climate Ride directly (no beneficiary selection for this event).
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
Torrey to Otter Creek State Park —64 Miles
Starting from Torrey, UT in the red rock region of Capital Reef National Park, our first day’s ride starts by heading westward into the Southern Wasatch Plateau region of south-central Utah. We pedal through Rabbit Valley, take a turn south in Koosharem, and follow the path of Otter Creek until we reach our destination of Otter Creek State Park at the southern end of Otter Creek Reservoir.
Otter Creek to Bryce Canyon — 43 Miles.
After a hearty breakfast, this shorter day has us riding along a quiet valley road from Otter Creek State Park through Johns Valley and past the small ghost town villages of Osiris (with the Osiris Creamery at right), and Widtsoe. With some moderate climbing early in the ride, the profile stays relatively easy for the remainder of the day until we reach Bryce Canyon National Park and our camping spot for the night. Arriving early, we’ll have the chance to explore Bryce National Park by foot or by bike.
Bryce Canyon to Boulder, UT — 75 Miles
From Bryce Canyon, we head northeast along Utah State Highway 12 – arguably one of the best cycling roads in the Beehive state, and perhaps in the country. It twists and turns and climbs and dives among the ridges, mesas, and valleys of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, a 1.9 million-acre spectacle of multi-hued cliffs and terraces, with distances that defy human perspective. At the end of the day, the oasis of Boulder awaits for post-ride relaxation and a fine dinner.
Boulder Layover Day — 24 or 34 Miles
Today we have a layover day in Boulder and two exciting rides are offered– a longer 34 mile route along the picturesque Burr Trail & Long Canyon, and/or a shorter 24 mile route to Calf Creek Falls and back. The 126-foot tall Calf Creek Falls is one of the best swimming holes in UT! So pack your swim gear and take a refreshing break in the cool, clear waters.
Boulder to Torrey — 37 Miles
On our final day, the distance is short but the challenge is big! From Boulder, we’ll ascend Boulder Mountain – and brace your self – it’s a monster 2,800-foot ascent from Boulder to the mountains with a peak elevation of 9,000-feet. From the top of Boulder Mountain, you will fly down to Torrey to end the tour. At Torrey, we’ll say our goodbyes around 1 pm.
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
Gear, Accomodations, and Meals
This is a road cycling camping trip. You will need to bring or rent a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You can rent these through our outfitter and they will be brought to camp. You can also rent a bike through our outfitter which will also be brought to you. (Rental information will be provided the Ride Guide.)
There are hotels available on every night but the first night. If you would like to book hotels, it is at an additional cost. Email info(at)climateride.org for the hotel list.
Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks are handled by our expert local guides. We serve delicious energy packed meals with lots of fresh ingredients to satisfy all tastes. We can accommodate special diets; just let us know your preferences. We do not provide alcoholic beverages but feel free to bring your own. We do provide sodas, hydration drinks, and plenty of water. If you require or prefer special snacks and electrolyte supplements we recommend that you bring them.
Travel Information
This trip will meet at up in Torrey, UT in the morning. We’ll have the exact time and location soon! We highly recommend arriving in Torrey, UT on the day before the ride and booking a local hotel room for the night. A recommended hotel will be in your ride guide.
The cycling event will end in Torrey, UT on Day 5 around 1 pm. We don’t recommend making flight plans out of SLC before 7 pm.
Cell Phone Service & WiFi
There is very limited cell phone access during this trip. Enjoy this digital detox!
What do I need to bring on the ride?
All riders need to have a bike (see below for bike rental info), helmet, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (see camping gear rental info), and a suitcase or duffle containing clothes, toiletries, and anything else necessary for several days on the road. The Ride Guide will contain a more detailed suggested packing list. The Ride Guide will be distributed to participants before the event. If you have a non-perishable personal favorite snack or electrolyte brand please feel free to bring some along!
Road bikes are required for this trip as we’ll be riding on paved roads. The most important factor in choosing a bike and pedals is your comfort. You want to be riding a bike and using pedals that you will be comfortable riding with for multiple hours a day, for several days in a row. Our local outfitter has bikes available for rent.
IF BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: Have your bike tuned up before the tour and have any worn-out parts replaced.
What kind of support can I expect on the ride?
Climate Ride has partnered with an outfitter to provide the most experienced and friendliest professional guides. We have rest stops each day with snacks and water, and on-route we have vehicle support that carries luggage, and also functions as a mobile mechanic and first aid station. You can also expect an unlimited supply of camaraderie and encouragement from the Climate Ride staff, the guides, and your fellow riders!
What does my fundraising support and why is it so important?
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising on Climate Ride Utah Escalante will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including our community scholarships for young climate leaders. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot select from the beneficiary list. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 to be raised by: | TBD |
| $1,500 to be raised by: | TBD |
| $3,000 to be raised by: | TBD |
Learn more about deadlines and transfers on our Policies page.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!