Boulder Mail Trail Backpack Trip
Learn to backpack. Off trail navigation skills. Camp in the desert.
The Boulder Mail Trail is a stunning entry into the world of desert backpacking. On this 4-day trip we will navigate across slickrock using rock cairns, sleep among juniper trees, and hike down into the depths of the famous Death Canyon. This roughly 16-mile thru-hike takes us across a high desert plateau that was historically used to transport mail between the towns of Escalante and Boulder, Utah. All humans welcome.
Questions? Check out our FAQ below
Boulder Mail Trail Backpacking
April 14—April 17, 2023
4 days. 3 nights. $1295
Plus applicable taxes & fees.
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April 14—17, 2023
We begin our time together with a pre-departure meeting in Salt Lake City the evening of 4/13.
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Originates from: Salt Lake City, UT
Location of trip: Escalante, UT
Accommodations: Tent Camping
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Base Trip Cost: $1295
Deposit: $300*
*Plus tax and fees at checkout
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Style: Backpacking; we will carry all of our camping equipment and food with us.
Level of difficulty: 4/5
We will be backpacking between 4-7 miles each day. The elevation change and exposure on day 2 makes this trip mildly challenging.
Please plan to train with 25-30lbs of weight, prior to attending this trip. We suggest light strength training and cardio with resistance.
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Explore the historic Boulder Mail Trail
Backpacking 101 seminar built in
Optional side hike
Custom OM swag
Learn land navigation without a trail
Stunning night sky views
Delicious camp meals
Desert sunsets with new friends
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There is a two person minimum requirement for all trips.
If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests.
We make the final determination for these trips 4-5 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.
Need a different date?
Trip Details
April 14—17, 2023
Join a community of outdoor enthusiasts to backpack, learn wilderness skills, and camp in the desert.
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All transportation to and from the trailhead
All meals, snacks, and post-hike fizzy drinks!
Custom OM swag
Small group experience
Professional wilderness guides who are certified first responders and knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna
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70L backpacks
Sleeping bag
Inflatable sleeping mat
Tent
Group kitchen
Toilet kits
First Aid Kit
Emergency Communication Device
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Day 0: Arrive to your hotel in SLC and settle in. Pre-departure group meeting at 5p. Location will be announced.
Day 1: Drive to Boulder, UT trailhead, 4 hours 15 minutes. Final pack-up at trailhead and hike 5 miles to our first camp. Set up camp, mingle, and enjoy the night skies.
Day 2: Rise early today for a short “pack packing” seminar with your guide. Travel approx 3.5 miles to our next camp. Explore the famous Death Canyon on our way!
Day 3: Today we will wake to coffee and sunrise colors on the Boulder plateau. First, we will have a map reading skills session and optional side hike adventure. After, we venture further across the desert to our final nights’ camp.
Day 4: Today we descend off of the plateau and gain sweeping views of the Escalante River corridor. We backpack our final 4 miles and enjoy a trailhead lunch. Back to SLC after this and possibly a group dinner.
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Airport transportation to Salt Lake hotel
Alcohol
Clothing & personal toiletries
Water bottles and headlamp
Trekking Poles
Guide Gratuity (10-20% of trip cost suggested)
Terms & Conditions:
A deposit of $300 is required at time of booking to secure your space. Full payment is required 30 days before departure date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancel 61-90 days prior to trip: Full refund, less deposit
Cancel 31-60 days prior to trip: 50% of trip cost is refundable
Cancel 0-30 days prior to the trip: 100% trip cost is non-refundable
We highly suggest purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment
COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols
High touch, communal surfaces will be sanitized frequently
Any dishes used will be cleaned with hot water, soap, and bleach
All gear will be cleaned after each trip in accordance with current CDC recommendations
Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be available throughout the trip
Guide prepared meals will follow proper food handler's rules and regulations
Guests are asked to stay home if they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms
What our clients are saying
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Jeff S
“I am so glad I went on one of their trips. I did not have any camping experience, but Traci and her staff taught me the ropes. I had no idea sleeping outdoors could be so much fun. The stargazing was spectacular.”
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Gayle
“Escalante trip was absolutely flawless! It was about adventure in the Spooky Slot canyon, friendship around the campfire, mindfulness during yoga, and amazement of astrology information and much more.”
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Chris Z
“A delightful experience with friendly, knowledgeable guides, great food, and camaraderie. Traci and Constance were a pleasure to be around. Cannot top this!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I fly in and meet my guide?
This trip originates in Salt Lake City, UT. Please make arrangements to fly in and out of SLC. We will be having a pre-departure meeting in person, at a centralized meeting spot in downtown Salt Lake, the night prior to our start date.
What are the temps in this area when we are going?
Daytime average highs are 64* and nighttime lows are 34*. Click here for NOAA weather for Boulder, UT.
I have never been backpacking, can I still attend?
Yes, however we highly suggest you strength train and do cardio with an incline and resistance. Your guides will help you pitch your tent, give you pro-tips for hiking, and will be available during the whole weekend. We aim for this to be a safe environment for learning and camaraderie.
Is this a co-ed event? Can I attend with a partner?
Yes this is a co-ed event. No matter how you identify, you are welcome. Feel free to sign up with your partner, friend, sibling, etc
What should I bring for hiking clothes?
We suggest packing a variety of layers (re: puffer, fleece layer, tights, knit hat, shorts, gloves). Layers can be shed as the day warms up. Poly-blends and wool are great for hiking as they wick sweat away from the body.
How many people are attending this trip?
Our guest list has 6 spaces. First come, first served.
How do I train for a backpacking trip?
You can strength train with free weights and do cardio with an incline. Go on hikes in your area, gradually adding weight to your pack and increasing mileage.
What time do you drop us off in Salt Lake at the end of the trip?
We aim to conclude all trips on our final day between 4:30—6:30pm.
I can no longer attend the hiking retreat, what is your cancellation policy?
Cancel 61-90 days prior to trip: Full refund, less deposit
Cancel 31-60 days prior to trip: 50% of trip cost is refundable
Cancel 0-30 days prior to the trip: 100% trip cost is non-refundable
Should I purchase travel insurance?
We 100% encourage you to purchase travel insurance! Things happen, and we want to make sure your investment is protected.