Adventure Guide 46
CONTENTS DISCOVER AN ANCIENT 4 LANDSCAPE The Amangiri Experience An Ethical Journey SELF-GUIDED ACTIVITIES 6 Slow down and take it in National Park tours Wahweap Overlook Horseshoe Bend Navajo National Monument Glen Canyon Dam Off-road adventures Lake Powell National Golf Course Lake Powell PRIVATE AIR TOURS 8 Helicopter tours Fixed-wing air tours Hot-air balloon HIKING & BIKING 26 Full-day hiking tours Half-day hiking tours Three-hour hiking tours Full-day bike tours Half-day bike tour Three-hour bike tour EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES 32 Amangiri adventures Adventures further afield Horseback riding Colorado River excursions California Condor day with the Peregrine Fund Utah s Best Friends animal sanctuary Evening programs and special opportunities Large-group activities Alfresco dining DESERT HIKING TIPS 40 NATIONAL PARKS 12 Grand Canyon National Park Zion National Park Bryce Canyon National Park Arches National Park MAPS 41 DRIVING TIMES 42 AMANGIRI ENCOUNTERS 18 Monument Valley & the Navajo Nation Paleontology at the Grand Staircase-Escalante White-water rafting on the Colorado River Boating on Lake Powell Discover the Via Ferratas 3
DISCOVER AN ANCIENT LANDSCAPE Awaken the spirit of adventure at Amangiri, in a land where iconic geology reveals millennia of history
The Amangiri Experience Thousands of square miles of untouched scenery surround Amangiri, which lies at the gateway to major national parks in the Colorado Plateau. From canyoneering and cultural insights to excursions by air, bike, boat or on horseback, guests are encouraged to discover the region their way. Long-standing relationships with local experts allow Amangiri to arrange tailor-made itineraries for every guest a bespoke approach that guarantees a creative, adventurous and fulfilling experience. Advance reservations are encouraged. To find out more about the possibilities on offer, or to create a custom itinerary, please contact the Amangiri Experience Team, who will be delighted to assist. An Ethical Journey Amangiri is fortunate to call the Colorado Plateau home, but with this honor comes responsibility. To experience the landscape in its unaltered, pristine state, guests are encouraged to travel quietly and lightly on the land. Cultural artifacts are safeguarded by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. It is illegal to remove or disturb archaeological or historic sites, or any artifacts, no matter how recent, found on public lands. It is illegal to carve into any of the rocks, on or off Amangiri property. Enjoy and learn from historical and archaeological sites, but respect these national treasures. Some are sacred to Native Americans, or are important cultural reminders of pioneer heritage. Natural objects of beauty or interest, such as antlers, petrified wood and coloured rocks, enhance the atmosphere of the backcountry and should be left for others to experience too. Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Travel quietly and do not pursue, feed or force animals to flee. Do not touch, get close to, feed or pick up wild animals. Amangiri thanks guests in advance for joining its effort to protect this fragile environment. 5
SELF-GUIDED ACTIVITIES Amangiri s property boundary encompasses 600 acres (243 hectares) on the Colorado Plateau so there is plenty to explore simply by stepping over the threshold and into the wilderness. Experience the freedom of hiking, driving or boating in complete seclusion with Amangiri s suggestions for self-guided discoveries.
Self-Guided Activities A few suggestions for spending quality time while at Amangiri. Guests are always encouraged to use the expertise of Amangiri s Experience Team, from assistance with self-guided tours of the national parks to invaluable insider knowledge of the immediate surroundings. The team is available at any time to sit down and discuss individual requirements. Slow down and take it in Enjoy the Amangiri property, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Take a leisurely walk at sunrise or sunset, and allow the long shadows and glow of the sky to envelop you in comfort and peace. Enjoy the pool; take part in daily complimentary group hikes; or stretch out at morning group yoga or afternoon Pilates. National Park tours Guests who are comfortable driving to and from the nearby national parks are encouraged to seek advice on how to best self-tour these magnificent areas. Members of the Amangiri Experience Team have excellent local knowledge and can point guests to the best places to park, catch the shuttle and beat some of the crowds, as well as advise on entrance fees. Wahweap Overlook A perfect way to wrap up a peaceful day in the desert is to take a short drive to the Wahweap Overlook. This hilltop vantage point offers a spectacular place to view and photograph Lake Powell. Horseshoe Bend This self-guided, free-access hike is located 30 minutes from Amangiri. The 0.75-mile (2.1-kilometer) trail is well marked and easy to follow. Hikers will be rewarded by the incredible thousand-foot-deep (300-meter) gorge of the Colorado River. Navajo National Monument Join a ranger-led hike and learn about the Native American traditions of the Southwest. The trail descends 700 feet (213 meters) into a canyon that is home to well-preserved cliff dwellings. Glen Canyon Dam Twenty minutes drive from Amangiri, the Glen Canyon Dam is a spectacular man-made landmark and can be toured with a Natural History Association guide. Lake Powell Guests who are comfortable driving their own boats are encouraged to seek advice from the Experience Team, who will advise on the most suitable marina. The team can also assist with selfguided kayaking, fishing and paddle-boarding. Lake Powell National Golf Course With views of Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell and the Vermillion Cliffs, Lake Powell National Golf Course provides an unparalleled golfing experience. The 18-hole championship facility offers multiple tee boxes and accommodates all levels of play. 7
PRIVATE AIR TOURS Flying this incredible landscape by plane, helicopter, or on a sunrise balloon trip is an inspiring way to discover the breadth of the backcountry. Working closely with the area s best pilots, Amangiri enables guests to grasp the scale of the terrain with an experience of Canyon Country from on high.
Private Air-Touring Options Helicopter tours Guests can depart directly from Amangiri s private helipad, discreetly located between picturesque sandstone towers. Fixed-wing air tours Amangiri s airstrip offers guests unparalleled convenience, enabling both scenic and charter flights with select carriers to depart from the property s doorstep. Weather permitting, this experience dramatically minimizes travel times to the national parks. Hot-air balloon Launching from Amangiri at sunrise, hot-airballoon flights offer extraordinary views of the property s 600 acres (242 hectares). Because launches are subject to weather conditions, Amangiri typically schedules balloon flights only in the cooler fall and winter months when the cancellation is less likely, though spring and summer flights are available by special request. Please contact a member of the Amangiri Experience Team to speak about the logistics of off-season flying.. 9
Horseshoe Bend
NATIONAL PARKS With the highest concentration of national parks in America, the breathtaking Colorado Plateau offers endless opportunity for discovery. Whether touring by air, car or on foot, Amangiri guests have access to expert in-house and local guides offering custom itineraries.
Grand Canyon National Park With two billion years of history hidden in its striking erosional forms and layers of geologic color, the Grand Canyon one of the deepest gorges on Earth never fails to overwhelm the senses. Amangiri s proximity to the canyon s South Rim offers guests lots of flexibility in viewing this wonder of the world. The North Rim is open only half the year, typically from mid-may to mid- November. With a fraction of the visitor numbers received at the South Rim, it is a less developed, more peaceful alternative, with several easily accessible viewpoints. Its altitude 1,000 feet (304 meters) higher than the South Rim also offers cooling respite from the summer heat. SOUTH RIM TOURING OPTIONS Air and Grand Canyon Association Field Institute tour This full-day excursion combines flights to and from the South Rim with a guided tour on the ground led by a highly knowledgeable Grand Canyon Association Field Institute (GCAFI) guide. Affiliated with the country s National Park Cooperating Associations, the GCAFI is a non-profit organization, and Amangiri donates a portion of the tour fee to support its work. The tour is unscripted and can be tailored to guests requirements. Transportation between Amangiri and Grand Canyon Airport is included. Journey time: 45 minutes each way by fixed wing or helicopter Amangiri private tour Amangiri s in-house guides provide private transportation between Amangiri and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, as well as expert, custom guidance within the park. The drive to the canyon is almost entirely on the Navajo Reservation, winding through a stunning highdesert landscape, arriving at the park via the less congested Desert View entrance. The tour includes a breathtaking 23-mile (37-kilometer) journey along the East Rim Drive. Journey time: 2.5 hours by car each way NORTH RIM TOURING OPTIONS Amangiri private tour Experience the blissful peace of the North Rim on a private tour with an Amangiri guide. The excursion includes private transportation to the North Rim, entrance fees, and a customized interpretive tour within the park. Journey time: 2.5 hours by car each way 13
Zion National Park Smaller in scale than the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park is home to hundreds of species of plant and animal. A deep canyon with towering sandstone walls, Zion boasts North America s second-largest freestanding monolith, the Great White Throne, and offers superb hiking and sightseeing for all ages and ability levels. Amangiri private tour Amangiri s in-house guides offer private tours of Zion National Park, tailored to guests requirements, and including transportation between the property and the park. Journey time: 2 hours each way by car Bryce Canyon National Park Defined by hundreds of pillars of sandstone known as hoodoos, Bryce Canyon is an otherworldly landscape, a maze of gorges and grottos. Numerous vistas and hiking trails make this a worthwhile day trip particularly in summer, when the park s altitude, more than 3,000 feet (900 meters) above Amangiri, offers cool respite from the high-season heat. BRYCE CANYON TOURING OPTIONS Air and Bryce Canyon Natural History Association tour Guests choosing to take a scenic flight to Bryce canyon often join this exclusive three-hour private tour led by the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association. The tour is unscripted and can be tailored to suit individual interests and ability levels. Journey time: 45 minutes each way by helicopter or fixed wing plane 14 Amangiri private tour Experience Bryce Canyon National Park with an in-house guide, who will transport guests between Amangiri and the park, and lead a customized guided tour, including a scenic flight. Journey time: 3 hours each way by car or 45 minutes each way by helicopter or fixed-wing plane
Arches National Park More than 2,000 natural stone arches fill this unique landscape, including one reaching 306 feet (93 meters) across a now-abandoned trail. Along with breathtaking views of iconic red rock formations, the various Arches offers spectacular hiking opportunities. Air and ground tour package The furthest national park from Amangiri, Arches is nonetheless easily accessible by air and offers guests the chance to spend the day there with plenty of time to unwind afterwards at the property. The package includes flights from Page Arizona, taking in Lake Powell and the Colorado River, together with a four-hour tour of the park with an Amangiri guide. The ground tour can be entirely tailored to individual tastes and abilities, and includes a picnic lunch specially prepared by Amangiri. Journey time: 1 hour each way by fixed-wing plane 15
Bryce Canyon
AMANGIRI ENCOUNTERS The Colorado Plateau offers immersive encounters beyond the purely physical. Learn about Navajo culture, join a paleontology excavation, or experience the terrain from a new perspective on Lake Powell, the Colorado River, or crossing the adrenaline-boosting via ferratas. Guests of Amangiri will find the opportunities for discovery are almost unlimited.
Monument Valley & the Navajo Nation Located on the Navajo Reservation and almost completely undeveloped, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park remains much the same as it did a millennium ago. A tour is highly recommended for those who want to become better acquainted with the culture of the Navajo, the original southwest settlers, and Amangiri has developed excellent relationships with Navajo guides. The property also has links with Goulding s Lodge, the historic trading post whose owners introduced Hollywood directors to Monument Valley in the 1930s, sparking the Western movie genre. Amangiri offers 3.5-hour private tours with Navajo guides, taking in famous features of Monument Valley, including the Mittens, Merrick Butte and the Totem Pole. Alternatively, a seven-hour tour explores the Monument Valley region and the restricted area known as Mystery Valley. MONUMENT VALLEY TOURING OPTIONS Scenic flight and ground tour Fly by helicopter or fixed-wing plane to Monument Valley before embarking on a private ground tour. Journey time: 45 minutes each way by helicopter or fixed-wing plane Amangiri private tour Amangiri s in-house guides will provide transportation between the property and Monument Valley, and accompany the tour with a Navajo guide. Journey time: 2.5 hours by car each way Navajo experiences on the Amangiri property are also available see page 37 for the Horses and History evening. 19
Paleontology at the Grand Staircase-Escalante The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the world s most important paleontology sites. Amangiri has fostered a close relationship with the Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, enabling guests to visit active dig sites accompanied by a professional interpreter. Tours include a donation to the Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, a friends group of the Monument. Fossil excavation tour This full-day tour includes a visit to Tibbet Spring Bone Bed Quarry, where the paleontologist will discuss geology, paleontology and the other natural and historic resources of this fossil-rich landscape, before instructing guests on the protocols of excavation. Guests will then take part in a scientific excavation of the site for up to four hours with lunch provided by Amangiri. The return trip includes a brief stop at the Grand Staircase- Escalante visitor center at Big Water, before departing for Amangiri. A fossil extraction tour is also available, and lasts eight hours. Introduction to paleontology tour Located within reach of 90-million-year-old marine fossils, Jurassic Period dinosaur tracks and the Grand Staircase-Escalante visitor center, Amangiri is uniquely placed to offer an excellent introduction to the paleontology work being carried out in the area. This guided tour takes three hours or half a day. Journey time: 2 hours each way by car on off-road terrain Laboratory fossil extraction experience Join the paleontological laboratory manager at the Bureau of Land Management center in Kanab, Utah, approximately an hour s drive from Amangiri. After an introduction to the lab s work, guests will receive professional training in extracting fossils from stone, working side by side with fossil experts and lab volunteers, who will answer questions and introduce visitors to laboratory procedures. This tour lasts approximately five hours. Journey time: 1 hour by car 20
Colorado River Excursions Not far from Amangiri, Glen Canyon Dam offers one of the calmest stretches of the mighty Colorado River perfect for scenic boat trips. Private river tour Beginning at the base of Glen Canyon Dam, 20 minutes from Amangiri, this half-day private trip by rubber pontoon boat takes in 15 miles (24 kilometers) of the Colorado River, with a leisurely picnic lunch beneath towering cliffs on a riverside sandy beach. Guests will disembark at historic Lee s Ferry, which marks the beginning of the river s course into Grand Canyon. Guests can choose to return to Amangiri via helicopter, with a landing on top of Tower Butte. Alternatively, guests can loop back to the base of the dam by boat. Duration: 5.5 hours including driving time Skill level: all levels Boating on Lake Powell Encompassing almost 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers) of shoreline, Lake Powell s glassy surface mirrors picturesque side canyons and secluded bays with sandy beaches a view best captured during the winter months, when the lake appears in its purest, most unaltered state. With mile after mile of pristine water to explore, it is ideal for boating activities, and Amangiri offers kayaks, open-bow sports boats, bass boats, cabin cruisers and houseboats. LAKE POWELL TOURING OPTIONS Only minutes from Amangiri, Lake Powell can be toured privately throughout the day. Tours range from two to eight hours hours in length, and are captained by guides hand-picked by Amangiri. Touring options include, but are not limited to: visits to the lake s unique side canyons and the phenomenal Rainbow Bridge, a 290-foot (88 meter) free-standing arch; an onboard picnic lunch; swimming in the pristine water; fishing; paddle-boarding, kayaking and other water sports; and photography. 21
Discover the Via Ferratas Invented centuries ago in the Italian Alps, a via ferrata ( iron road ) is a series of cables and ladder rungs, fixed to the rock face to enable the ascent of steep mountain routes. The climbs and drops can be an adrenaline ride, but via ferratas also offer an opportunity to get up close to the fascinating geology of the terrain. Amangiri offers a number of fun and challenging via ferrata hikes led by expert guides on the property s 242 hectares. Guests are provided with helmets and harnesses; climbers younger than 10 years of age will require assessment before they can climb. Stud Horse Via Ferrata up and down The Stud Horse Via Ferrata combines a scramble and technical 150-meter climb up Stud Horse Mesa, using steel rungs. No previous climbing experience is required for this ascent, but guests should be reasonably fit and have hiking experience. From the summit of Stud Horse Mesa, guests can walk the short distance to Skylight Arch to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Powell, Navajo Mountain and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Duration: 3 hours Red Line Via Ferrata with Stud Horse Mesa loop hike From the top of the Red Line Via Ferrata, guests may continue across the mesa for an offtrail hike into the most remote section of the Amangiri property. The additional three miles (4.8 kilometers) of hiking explores more isolated canyons and returns via the Stud Horse, Sunrise and Cabin Trails. Duration: 5 hours 22
Cave Peak Via Ferrata With an unmatched vertical route of ascent, a spectacular position and a summit visible from the Amangiri Pavilion, the Cave Peak Via Ferrata is destined to become an iconic southwest adventure. There are two route options for ascent and descent of Cave Peak. Duration: 3 hours Hoodoo Via Ferrata The Hoodoo Via Ferrata ascends an impressive peak, with commanding views in every direction and fascinating geology. The expansive summit allows for significant exploration, including a short slot-canyon loop hike. With two route options for ascent and descent, the via ferrata includes an 18-inch-wide (45-centimeter) suspension bridge spanning a 600-foot-deep (182-meter) gorge. Rappel training (abseiling) can be added to the climbing trip, which extends the trip by approximately one hour. Red Line Ridge Via Ferrata An exposed spine of red and white-streaked Entrada sandstone, the Red Line Ridge rises to the summit of Stud Horse Mesa and offers an exhilarating climb. To take part, guests must first climb one of Amangiri s other via ferrata routes, or be pre-approved by a guide. From the top of the ridge, guests may continue across Stud Horse Mesa for an off-trail, three-mile (4.8-kilometer) hike into the most remote section of the Amangiri property. Duration: 3 hours 23
Wahweap Bay, Tower Lake Powell Butte
HIKING & BIKING With extensive trails winding through its grounds, proximity to the remote backcountry, and an expert team of handpicked guides, Amangiri has established itself as a world-class hiking destination. Experience the incredible terrain on foot for a few hours or a whole day or bike the landscape on some of the most memorable trails on Earth.
Hiking Tours Chosen for their passion and extensive knowledge of the Colorado Plateau, Amangiri s in-house guides offer a wide range of exhilarating and educational tours. Spending time with a guide allows for an invaluable one-to-one introduction to the ecology, geology and human history of the area, as well as learning GPS navigation, map reading, rope techniques and desert travel. All activities can be customized to suit personal interests, fitness and technical skill level. Buckskin Gulch Roughly an hour s drive from Amangiri through open red-rock country, Buckskin Gulch is considered the longest, narrowest slot canyon in the world. It has two access points: Wire Pass, the easier approach; and the Middle Route, requiring a scramble to the canyon floor. The hike through the canyon, which is nearly 15 miles (24 kilometers) long, reveals ancient petroglyphs and twisted rock formations providing dramatic photo opportunities. The shady canyon floor provides a cool respite during the summer heat. 1 full day of hiking Hodge s Hideaway Always investigating new and unexplored territories, the Amangiri team discovered this wide-open, rarely visited area of slickrock, peppered with native American artifacts. With no trails, no roads, and no campsites, guests will feel immersed in remote backcountry, despite being only an hour away from Amangiri. Full-day tours are also available. Half day of hiking Thousand Pockets Navigate a sandstone landscape of spectacular domes, fins and rock sculptures on this guided hike through the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Thousand Pockets was well traveled during ancient times by the Anasazi Native Americans, who were attracted to the area s pockets of water and its bighorn sheep. A full day is required if one wishes to reach the spectacular overlook of Paria Canyon, Lee s Ferry and the Colorado River. Half day of hiking Hackberry Canyon This delightful hike up a narrow slot canyon is an iconic southern Utah wilderness experience, combining a remote setting with the refreshing gentle flow of spring water on the sandy canyon floor. Hackberry Canyon can be paired with a hike to the massive, multicolored monolith of Yellow Dome to create a full-day tour. Half day of hiking Cathedral Wash Cathedral Wash is a distinctive canyon that begins in the softer red sandstone and shale of Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and enters the Grand Canyon s top layer of grey Kaibab limestone. Silent and tranquil, the towering canyon is populated by astounding rock formations and ancient fossils, ending at the banks of the mighty Colorado River. Half day of hiking 27
Three-Hour Hiking Tours Native American Rock Art Tour A three-hour tour allows ample time to visit a magnificent petroglyph panel within Amangiri s grounds and a second panel a short drive from the property. Additional rock art panels can be added to this tour, making it a half-day outing. The tour can also incorporate Catstare, a small canyon adorned with well-preserved petroglyph panels. Resurrection Canyon A 15-minute drive from Amangiri, Resurrection Canyon is a white Entrada sandstone canyon with numerous windows, hoodoos and winding chutes. The route is ideal for photographers and anyone wishing to wander through the unique erosional features visible from Amangiri s pavilion windows. Hiking distance can be tailored to guests fitness and goals. This is a wonderful introduction to backcountry travel in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Paria Overlook The soaring precipice of Paria Overlook gives guests the chance to stand on the edge of a great canyon, taking in the vast spaces of the Colorado Plateau, without the drive to Grand Canyon or Bryce. Reached via a drive up the back of the Ferry Swale canyon, Paria commands incredible views of Grand Staircase-Escalante and the endless canyon landscape. Photography opportunities abound, along with short hikes to other jutting viewpoints. This tour can include a stop and short walk to the Anasazi Look out/pueblo Ruin. 28
Mountain-Bike Tours The Colorado Plateau is home to some of the world s best biking trails. Amangiri s in-house guides offer half- and full-day tours that will invigorate even the most experienced of riders, with tours that include transportation, expert guides and lunch prepared by the Amangiri kitchen. Amangiri uses top-of-the-line Salsa fattire bikes carbon-fiber models that are ideal for the terrain. Gooseberry Mesa With its sweeping views of Zion National Park, Gooseberry offers challenging, technical riding, and excellent single-track that weaves through juniper and pinyon trees. Full-day bike tour Alstrom Point Alstrom provides some of the most memorable, scenic, and widely photographed views of Lake Powell. Half of the enjoyment of this location is the two-hour bike trip to reach it, traversing rugged slick rock. This is not a single-track trail and provides a good challenge for the novice mountain biker. Half-day bike tour Page Mesa Rim Trail Suitable for more experienced mountain bikers, the 10-mile (16-kilometer) loop around Page, Arizona, mixes remote and urban stretches. Three-hour bike tour Rainbow Rim Trail at Grand Canyon Ideal for experienced riders, this route l offers a unique experience; it is the only single-track trail on the rim of the Grand Canyon open to bikes. Adventure Partners will guide guests on a portion of the 18-mile (29-kilometer) trail based on riding ability. Full-day bike tour 29
Canyon Point, Amangiri
EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES From canyoneering to cultural encounters, slot canyons and off-road adventures, Amangiri has developed a collection of itineraries that the whole family can enjoy. Fun and easy to customize, these special programs will ignite the spirit of adventure in participants of any age.
Amangiri Adventures Nothing makes a day of adventure more exciting than sharing it with the people who mean the most. Amangiri s collection of three-hour, on-property programs focuses on the wonders of Utah s high desert, with special pricing for up to five guests. Amangiri Scavenger Hunt Take one of the property s Kids Hunter Packs and explore the Amangiri landscape in search of unique plants, animals and tracks. Family Climb and Rappel Amangiri s on-property family rock-climbing site is the perfect place to learn climbing and rappelling skills at the core of canyon exploration. Please note: this activity will require the entire three hours allotted. Petroglyph and Ancient Culture Exploration Join an expert guide at Broken Arrow Cave, where evidence of human occupation dates back more than 6,000 years. Adventures Further Afield Amangiri is happy to create customized itineraries for families, designed to foster a deeper connection with the region. Activities include biking at Gooseberry Mesa, hiking in Hackberry Canyon, helicopter tours, Lake Powell trips and slot-canyoning. SLOT CANYONS Serene and awe-inspiring, slot-canyons are a geological marvel and easily accessible from Amangiri. Suitable for all abilities, a slot canyon tour can be combined with a helicopter tour of Tower Butte a 700-foot (219-meter) free-standing butte overlooking Lake Powell or with a Lake Powell boat tour. Slot-Canyon Hummer tour This four-hour private slot-canyon tour combines an off-road drive in a Hummer H2, departing from Amangiri with the opportunity to experience solitude in the serene surroundings of Secret Canyon. For less off-roading, a private visit to Canyon X is an alternative option. Three Canyon tour Navajo Nation Led by a Navajo guide, this 3.5-hour tour includes Rattlesnake Canyon, Owl Canyon and a choice of Upper Antelope or Mountain Sheep Canyons offering three distinct and iconic canyons of the southwest. 33
Horseback Riding For an iconic Western experience, join Amangiri s wranglers on a truly authentic ride. Amangiri ride This private ride with Amangiri wranglers, suitable for all levels, departs from the front steps of Amangiri and navigates through the property s desert backdrop. Duration: 2 hours, or longer upon request Off-property rides These intermediate-level rides meander above a maze of ridges and canyons the places where outlaws used to hide and where today s cowboys still run cattle when the high country is buried in snow. Views from the ridge include Lake Powell and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Duration: 3 hours 34
California Condor Day with the Peregrine Fund Spend a day learning about the magnificent California Condor reintroduced after becoming extinct in the wild in 1987. Today the population numbers over 400, thanks to the efforts of the Peregrine Fund and other private agencies. Amangiri has an excellent relationship with Chris Parish, the Peregrine Fund s Field Project Supervisor, who will begin the day with a presentation at Amangiri before escorting guests to a local release site, high atop the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. The tour is non-scripted and may include the opportunity to meet other wildlife biologists and observe ongoing fieldwork. A large portion of the tour fee goes directly to the Peregrine Fund to help support its conservation efforts. Duration: 7 hours Utah s Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Nestled in the breathtaking red-rock canyons of southern Utah, an hour s drive from Amangiri, Best Friends is the nation s largest sanctuary for homeless animals, providing refuge for around 1,700 dogs, cats, horses, pigs, rabbits, birds and other pets. VIP tour Go behind the scenes at Best Friends to see its work first-hand, before enjoying the vegetarian and vegan fare at the sanctuary s café over lunch with a co-founder of Best Friends. The sanctuary experience In addition to the VIP tour and lunch, guests can extend their visit with a range of activities around the sanctuary. Options include playing with puppies; taking a private dog-training session; observing a cat agility demonstration; or birdwatching at Kanab Creek. A two-hour guided hike around Angel Canyon, with its magnificent red-rock vistas, is also available. 35
Evening Programs and Special Opportunities Held throughout the year, Amangiri s ever-expanding collection of unique experiences includes Native American story tellers and dancers; astronomy presentations; outdoor movie nights; geology talks; and photography workshops. Many of the lecturers and performers can be booked privately for individual parties. Large Group Activities Amangiri is ideal for weddings, family and corporate gatherings, and other group occasions. The Experience Team will identify activities best suited to a particular group s size, interests and ability levels, offering itineraries that will inspire even the most seasoned adventurer. 36
Alfresco Dining The perfect ending to a day in the high desert is a meal prepared outside by Amangiri chefs. Horses and History This experience combines a one-hour private horseback ride, entertainment from Native American dancers and a Navajo elder, and an alfresco meal at the Chinle Tent Site Amangiri s outdoor venue, housing a traditional teepee, with lounging, dining and spa facilities, shaded by sandstone towers. In addition to the Chinle Tent Site, other dining venues include the Desert Lounge and the Fireside Pavilion. Please ask a member of the Amangiri staff for the various dining options at these locations. 37
Lake Powell
Desert Hiking Tips Hike in cooler temperatures Summer hiking presents challenges that cannot be taken lightly. Plan an early morning or evening departure to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Hiking in direct sunshine, in the middle of the day, increases the risk of a heatrelated illness. You will make better time and feel better if you use shaded rest stops often in your travels. Carry plenty of water Adequate water intake is critical for a safe and enjoyable trip in the desert environment. When planning a full day s hike, water should be the heaviest item in your pack. Some desert travelers will drink at least a gallon of water per day. While hiking in the desert heat, everyone sweats around 0.5 1 quart of water and electrolytes for every hour they walk in the heat. Eat adequate amounts Eating enough food will help guarantee you are replacing the electrolytes (salts) that you are sweating out. You will need two to three times your normal food intake to meet your energy needs while hiking. Plan your trip carefully Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Check local weather forecasts and road conditions. Summer monsoons and flash floods can make travel in narrow drainages extremely dangerous. Stick with your itinerary, and check in when you return. It is easy to become disoriented in the desert, where many landmarks and rock formations look similar. Amangiri staff members are available to offer advice or help plan an itinerary. Dress properly Protect yourself from the elements. Good hiking shoes, loose-fitting breathable fabrics with UPF protection, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. A high SPF sunscreen should be applied liberally and regularly. Desert temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in the middle of the day. In winter, dress in layers and wear warm gloves and a warm hat that covers your ears. 40
Amangiri Regional Map Amangiri Trail Map 41
Driving Times from Amangiri One Way Glen Canyon National Recreation Area & Lake Powell: 15 minutes Grand Canyon South Rim: 2.5 hours Grand Canyon North Rim: 2.5 hours Zion National Park: 2 hours Bryce Canyon National Park: 3 hours Monument Valley: 2.5 hours Navajo National Monument: 2 hours Canyonlands National Park: 6 hours Capitol Reef National Park: 6.5 hours 42