Utah: Canyonlands, Moab, and Arches
Moab, Utah
Cost: $2850
October, 2025
Do you really want to experience the Canyonlands Adventure Retreat?
Email colleen@womensquest.com to inquire for the dates.
Let your soul explore during this wonderful adventure and yoga retreat in Utah. 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, mountain 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.
Our women’s only travel group 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.
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 in Islands in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park with breathtaking views of the canyons carved by the Colorado River and passing arches, upheaval domes, hoodoos and Anastasi ruins
- EASY Mountain biking out to Dead Horse Point to get a unique glimpse across to Canyonlands and into the Colorado River canyon
- Yoga on the banks of the Colorado River or in our yoga space
Additional Information
We will witness the wind, freezing 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 perfect 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. We can’t wait for this adventure-filled yoga retreat in Utah.
When does the retreat start?
The retreat starts at 1 p.m. at Red Cliffs Lodge on October 16th. at 1 p.m. We recommend having lunch before you arrive. We recommend the Red Cliffs Lodge.
What about transportation to the retreat?
We will arrange a shuttle to pick up in Grand Junction on October 16th around 11 am and head to Red Cliffs Lodge which is 1.5 Horus away. We may also see what flights are available right into Moab.
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 roommate for the 15th, let us know.
The Women’s Quest shuttle will pick up on the 16th at 11 a.m. so you have time to fly in on the 16th but you must land and get your luggage by 11 a.m. that morning. It is a small airport so we recommend you fly in by 10 a.m. at the latest on the 16th. We cannot wait for you if your flight is delayed. The cost of the Women’s Quest shuttle is $50 each way.
Departure
We will end the retreat on October 20th at 11 a.m. and leave for Grand Junction at 12:00 p.m. and will arrive at 1:45 p.m. We recommend booking a flight for 3 p.m. or later.
What is the arrival/departure airport?
Grand Junction, 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 for this yoga retreat in Utah. 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?
On average the temperature ranges from 76°F to 50°F, rarely falling below 50°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 effect 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.
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 yoga retreats in Utah, from 15-70 years young. Each retreat will vary. Please contact us if you have questions about the ages on a specific retreat.
What if I come alone?
The majority who attend our retreats come by themselves. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends!
Payment Policy
To secure your spot on a retreat, a non-refundable deposit is required:
- $500 for domestic retreats
- $1,000 for international retreats
Single room reservations may require an additional $200 deposit. Reservations cannot be held without a deposit.
Full payment is due 90 days prior to the retreat. If payment is not received by this deadline, you may lose your reservation. For bookings made within 90 days of the retreat, payment in full is required at the time of registration.
Payment Options:
- Avoid fees by paying via check or Zelle.
- Payments via PayPal or Stripe incur a 4% processing fee.
Cancellation Policy
- 91+ days before the retreat: Refund of payments (minus your deposit).
- 90 or fewer days before the retreat: Payments are non-refundable.
Women’s Quest reserves the right to cancel retreats with insufficient participant interest. In such cases, all payments will be refunded; however, Women’s Quest is not responsible for personal expenses, such as airline tickets, due to schedule changes or cancellations.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending or completing the retreat.
Travel insurance is particularly important in the event you:
- Need to cancel due to illness or injury (including testing positive for COVID-19).
- Require medical care during the retreat.
- Face trip interruptions, delays, or unexpected quarantine requirements.
We suggest a policy that covers:
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Medical expenses
- Quarantine costs
For maximum flexibility, consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy, which provides additional peace of mind. While this type of coverage is more expensive, it offers the most protection for unforeseen changes.
To compare and purchase travel insurance, we recommend using Squaremouth, a trusted platform to find the best policy for your needs.https://www.squaremouth.com/22393
Before purchasing any policy, consult a travel insurance agent to ensure it meets your coverage expectations.