Comfort
Whilst on the trail you camp in large, comfortable two-man tents with camp beds and mattresses provided. You should take your own sleeping bag, or you can rent one with the outfitter (see dates and prices). Everyone's participation is expected when it comes to set up and break down camp.
There is limited access to water on the trail, there will be some water accessible to wash but not every night. A toilet tent will be set up.
This is a vehicle-supported trip.
You can charge certain devices on the generator, but this is shared between all riders.
Meals
The food is always abundant and of very good standards for a camping trail.
- Copious breakfasts with a choice of sweet and savoury options
- Picnic lunches
- Hot meals at dinner (meat, potatoes or pasta, vegetables and salad).
Water and lemonade will be available at Camp.
Alcohol is not provided but you are welcome to bring your own drink. Please note Utah is a Mormon state and alcohol is not readily available. Your hosts, Justin and Mel Heaton, are Mormons themselves and do not drink.
Please make sure to advise us in advance of any dietary requirements you may have.
Climate
The climate is that of a mid-latitude desert with relatively moderate temperatures. Annual temperatures average 20°C.
- June and May are very dry and hot (15-35°C, sometimes 35°C+) with cool nights.
- Summers (June-September) are long, hot and sunny (c. 30°C). Nights average 10-15°C. A few showers and the occasional thunder storm are possible.
- Expect extremely hot weather in Las Vegas - up to 45°C in the summer.
Tips
Tips are compulsory in USA. They are included in the cost of the ride. Expect to leave a tip at restaurants and bars in St George.
Packing list
Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
- Warm hat for cold nights when camping
Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper (and a spare in case one gets wet)
- Warm and waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year and the evenings can be cold
- Swimming costume - for swimming/bathing in rivers/hot springs
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Thermals
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
- Waterproof over trousers
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps as an extra layer against inclement weather. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Waterproof shoes/boots can be useful for abundant dew in the mornings or when it rains
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for moving around the camp in the evenings
- Several pairs of warm, thick socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding. Waterproof gloves can be particularly useful
Nightwear
- Sleeping bag. You need at least a comfort factor down to minus 5 celsius, but would recommend at least minus 8 or 10 celsius
- Sleeping bag liner - silk, cotton or fleece - adds an extra layer
- Pyjamas or tracksuits or thermals for sleeping in
Other useful items
- Towels - camping ones will both dry and pack more easily
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Water bottle (there is no opportunity to refill water at lunch so bring 4L)
- Swiss army knife
- Biodegradable wet wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it with
- Small plastic bags for rubbish
- Ear plugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
- Zipbags to preserve fragile items from dust or rain
- A pair of leather laces could be useful to tie a jacket behind your saddle.
- Power bank
Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets if you feel you will need them
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
Our Recommendations
- We recommend you bring your own enamel/reusable cup on this trail, to avoid over use of paper cups. The local team uses proper cutlery and plates, but non reusable cups.
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided.
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Please take your rubbish home with you. There are no recycling facilities, so take your used batteries, aerosols etc back home and dispose of them appropriately. Try to leave excess packaging material at home before travelling
- If you prefer travelling in a "light way" please choose a biodegradable soap or washing powder/liquid.
In your hold luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- Swiss army knife (or equivalent)
