Footprints741006
Sep 2021
Short Version: As the title says, just book with Neil already! This trip was very flexible, luxurious and fun! For those of you who think you could do the park on your own (I was guilty of it), think again. You will be so glad you went with a consummate professional who knows, and loves the parks just as much as his guests.
Long Version: Having previously been to Zion and Bryce, my dad and I wanted to go to go on what he considered a "once in a lifetime" trip. So, I searched and stumbled upon Desert Solitude. From the first meeting with Neil by phone, he was extremely considerate in learning more about what we wanted to do and our hiking abilities. Fast forward, we chose the 2-day package with Neil to see Arches and Canyonlands.
Neil picked us up in SLC in his customized luxury vehicle- um, we are talking AC/heated seats here! From there, we headed to the parks. P.S. He drives very careful so do not worry!
Neil knew all the ins and outs of the two parks and to avoid the crowds, we ended up flipping the original itinerary. That allowed us to see Canyonlands first. It was quickly apparent that Neil knew his way around the parks because if it was me driving on my own, I would make the wrong turn in the park and have to take the 5-8 hour route detour!
After some light hiking in Canyonlands (light because of my dad's medical conditions), Neil gave us our first "extra"/"bonus"- going down the rugged dirt path down the Canyon, as opposed to the paved trail everyone went down. This was by far one of the best experiences we've had and it really gave us a different perspective of the park.
From there, we went back to the hotel, freshened up, had dinner (with Neil) and Neil took us out at night for a second bonus- stargazing. WOW, WOW, WOW. Growing up in NYC, my dad had rarely been able to see the stars at night in an open dark sky and Neil made this one chance, a reality. It was truly special and something we will never forget.
After stargazing, we saw dinosaur tracks (Neil provided us with flashlights- like I said, he has everything in the car), and we finished the night with some fun off-roading! City folks like us have never experienced that.
The next day, we went to Arches and did an incredible number of hikes, all adjusting to how my dad and I felt. Neil had walking sticks for us in case we needed it and also helped take some amazing photos for us. He knew all the secret spots and I am ecstatic to have beautiful photos with no one in the background! I am so excited to frame these!
After some long hikes, we were treated to our second hot lunch. We are not talking cold cuts here but grilled steak and veggies! Delicious!
After lunch, we did a few more small hikes and Neil drove us back to SLC and boy am I glad he did- we were wiped after the hikes!
SO, all in all, this was an incredibly tour that was customizable, packed with extras (definitely not your 9-5 tour) and a trip of a lifetime! While this may be a trip of a lifetime for my dad, I cannot wait to return to Utah and travel with Neil again.
Please, please, please consider this tour. You will get so much more out of it with an experienced guide. By the end of it, Neil will be more than a guide, but a lifelong friend.