escalante canyon outfitters

if you want to experience one of the world's wonderlands, the carved sandstone canyons of Southern Utah. Grant and Sue run an amazing operation. On Day 1, their horses take your gear (and homegrown supplies) to a base camp on the Escalante, while you hike in. Each day after that you get a fantastic breakfast, pack a lunch, and hit the trail for seldom-seen side canyons, archaeological treasures, slick rock climbing, or whatever best fits the day's mood. It's hard to believe that anyone alive knows trails and passages, rocks and plants and wildlife, and recent and deep history better than Grant does, or that anyone has more enthusiasm and tact. Those who tire by midafternoon can return to camp with the cook (for us, multi-talented Jill), and the rest can saunter in to enjoy a great home-cooked dinner. I couldn't believe it when the last day came, way before I was ready.I'm not sure I should be writing this report. If word really got out (especially to sophisticated German, Swedish and Japanese travelers) it would be hard to get a spot on a trip next year!

Escalante Canyon Outfitters offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Southern Utah's high red rock desert. Grant's knowledge of the geography, history, flora and fauna is unsurpassed. Sue's planning was impeccable. The guides were great. The food superb! The hiking spectacular! This was a thoroughly enjoyable trip that I want to repeat and I highly recommend.

I titled this review "best trip ever" and that is saying a lot. I have been to some incredible places all over the world, but I think this is the one I liked the best. It's probably not for everyone - you have to like to hike and to be a little dirty. But there's no better way to see the Escalante than with Grant Johnson, who just loves this place, knows every inch of it, and takes very good care of you. We went in May, when the wildflowers were out, and it was just so beautiful. Grant and his team set up a camp by the river, stocked by horseback, and from that base camp we spent three days on some spectacular hikes. Our group of 9 or 10 guests were of all different hiking abilities but that worked fine as we split into three groups that went at different speeds. It was wonderful and I'm dying to go back.

We had an outstanding experience with ECO. It's a first-class operation. We went on a Narrows trip in May as a birthday present to ourselves. We are experienced travelers and are both fit, so we knew that we could plan our own trip if we wanted. However, we are also busy people and knew that we would have a really special trip if we chose the right outfitter.ECO turned out to be just the right thing. It's a small family-run business that prides itself on creating an exceptional experience for its clients. We had a wonderful time and really felt that they gave us a trip that we could not have organized ourselves. What's special about this company? Probably the guides and the extent to which they work to ensure that there is sense of discovery for each of the guests. Grant and his team know the Escalante area so well and are very experienced at working with guests of all ages and abilities. They are great at pushing you to try new things (like shimmying down sheer rock ledges or walking up rock faces with tiny little footholds), but at the same time supporting you and making you feel safe. I can't say enough about how good these guides are. Real professionals who are natural teachers with the sunniest of personalities. Plus they know this area like the back of their hand. We saw things and did thing we wouldn't have had the confidence to do by ourselves. ECO has a real knack for picking routes with novel experiences. Our group was on the large side, with 10 guests, of all different fitness levels. During the day we started out on a hike as a large group and then split up after lunch into 3 different groups according to walking pace and interest. Each group had a different program after lunch, but we all felt that they made us try things that we never would have done if we were by ourselves. So, why would you go on a trip like this? As I said before, you'll have a different experience with them than if you are new to the area and are going to self-guide yourself. Second, these trips are really for people who love to hike, but are sort of "over" having to carry a pack or making all the food and supplies plans themselves. The camps are set up in advance for you, and are supplied by horsepack, so all you have to do is carry your day pack and enjoy yourself. At the end of the day dinner is cooked for you and all the dishes are washed. It's quite a luxury! And a pretty reasonably priced luxury too!ECO earns high, high marks from me. Well worth your time and your money. Most of us left the canyon thinking about when we could come back for a return trip !

I have been on two trips with ECO--one in October, 2010 (Canyons of the Little Rockies) and a second in May, 2011 (Kayenta Passages). I am eager to go on more--especially Waterpocket Fold. They use horses to bring in gear so you only have to carry a daypack. They lead the hikes, prepare all the meals, and share their knowledge of the area--old timers' stories, geology, archeology. You sleep in tents. The food is outstanding, the country spectacular. I would recommend ECO without reservation.

I have been on two trips with ECO and I can highly recommend this group to anyone seeking solitude and a true backcountry experience with all the comforts and safety of a guided tour. The areas visited are remote and truly beautiful. The guides have utmost respect for safety and take special care with any guests who need extra help on the hikes. The food and camp life are trememdous. I hope to go on a third trip soon. The guides are all "locals" and they will reassure you with their confidence and skills in the back country, and will make sure you have fun.

It is a great way to see escalente, you are looked after well, tents are great, food VERY VERY good, and you need only carry a day pack. I cannot imagine attempting this yourself unless you know the area, and even then the guides can show you special trails few would know. Besides not many people can cook as well as ours did and part of the experience is meeting the others in your group.Only shortcomings was not getting started early enough which in fall resulted in coming back in the dark, and one trip was more bushwhacking than I would have chosen. These are small problems relative to the great areas that we explored and the enthusiasm of the group and guides.

I've taken two trips with these folks (2007and 2008), and each time I've been thoroughly pleased with their professionalism, organization and knowledge. I'll book a trip again with them in 2009. On both trips there were three very friendly and helpful staff for six participants. They made sure all of us received helpful attention appropriate to our respective skill and athletic abilities. Their knowledge of the geology, biology, archaeology and recent human impact of the region is exceptional. I've done a lot of hiking in the backcountry in New Mexico and Utah, and these folks are the best! I highly recommend them for anyone interested in exploring the many Escalante River canyons, Henry Mountains and Waterpocket Fold areas of Capitol Reef National Park in Southern Utah.

Escalante Canyon Outfitters (ECO) provides access to breathtakingly beautiful remote back country sites that would normally be out of the reach of most people. Their horse-supported campsites allow you to have all the little extras that make camping more comfortable, and you don't have to carry a heavy pack. Meals were excellent and there was always plenty of food to go round. The guides are patient, professional, pleasant, and have a wealth of knowledge about the natural and archealogical history of the area. They can alter the pace of the hikes to make the trip as leisurely or challenging as you desire and can accomodate individuals of varying abilities within the same group. Bottom line, this is an excellent outfit that will take good care of you.

I bid on and won a trip with them without knowing much about it. They were so helpful and fun and organized. Very well run operation. We camped near a lovely swimming hole in the river for 4 days. So nice not to carry a lot of heavy gear as they pack everything in. The food was amazing!! The warmth and fun of our group was the best thing..we all got along so well. The guides work hard to be sure that you are seeing what you want to see and tailor the hikes well . If you are super fit, go on the hikes with Grant..he is part mountain goat. Otherwise stick with Tina who is also a great hiker and cook.

These folks know the region like it is their backyard. It's a hiking trip in a region like no other. Rocks, rivers, indian ruins, views, etc. If you are thinking you would like one of their trips, don't hesistate.

Went on a trip with Escalante Canyon Outfitters in Spring 2006. They take your gear into the canyon via horses so all you have to carry is a daypack. Wonderful meals and beautiful campsite along the river in the base of the canyon. Grant, the co-owner and head guide, and the other guides were excellent. They were very professional and attentive while making you feel you had been invited into their personal world to go hiking with them. Very knowledge about the area, Indian artifacts, wildflowers and wildlife. Highly recommended.

I have been on three horse pack trips with these outfitters. Their knowledge of the Escalante Canyon region is exceptional. They know the terrain and watch after their clients with care and interest. Excellent food and a good sense of humor help make the experience memorable. The scenery is extraordinary. They brought us to great spots to camp from which we could take day hikes up side canyons. We've been with many outfitters and these folks are among the very best.