Short Break
Stargazing and geology in Moab, Canyonlands and Arches national parks: US
Next trip 6 days from 7 May 2027
Prices from US $5,995
Booking information
7 May 2027 鈥� 6 days for $5,995 per person.
Register for 2028 and we will contact you when confirmed details including dates and prices are available.
Journey into the heart of the south-western US on a carefully timed adventure that coincides with the new moon, when the desert skies turn truly dark and the stars shine with exceptional clarity. By day, explore the immense power of deep time etched into the landscapes of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park, and by night, join New Scientist‘s Leah Crane for guided stargazing sessions and walking seminars that illuminate the desert sky, as she shares expert insights into astronomy, cosmic phenomena and the scientific stories behind the stars.
Along the journey, discover remarkable adaptations of plants and animals that thrive in this high-altitude, arid environment, revealing the delicate balance of life in one of Earth鈥檚 most extreme yet breathtakingly beautiful regions. From dramatic overlooks where desert landscapes stretch endlessly to the horizon, the sense of scale 鈥� both terrestrial and cosmic 鈥� is out of this world.
By day, your expert guide will lead in-depth exploration of the region鈥檚 geology, ecology and cultural history, revealing how deep time, climate and erosion have shaped the dramatic landscapes of the Colorado plateau. From ancient rock formations and resilient desert ecosystems to Indigenous rock art and long-standing relationships between land and sky, each day offers layered insight into this extraordinary environment. As night falls, the journey continues with New Scientist‘s Leah Crane, who will guide evening stargazing sessions under new-moon skies, where the desert鈥檚 natural darkness reveals a spectacular view of the cosmos.
Your base in Moab is a rustic yet luxurious lodge set along the tranquil banks of the Colorado river, a vital lifeline through the high desert. Surrounded by towering red rock cliffs and expansive desert vistas, this peaceful retreat offers modern comfort by day and front-row access to pristine night skies 鈥� the perfect setting to end each evening beneath a canopy of stars.
In partnership with Natural Habitat Adventures.
Itinerary
This itinerary has been carefully planned, but this type of travel requires a degree of flexibility. Local conditions, weather, transport or other unforeseen circumstances may require changes to the programme. Natural Habitat Adventures experienced tour leaders will manage any changes on the ground, and while every effort will be made to operate the tour as described, the itinerary may be amended where necessary.
Day 1: Arrive in Grand Junction and meet the group
Arrive in Grand Junction and make your own way to Hotel Maverick.
A once-humble railroad hub and ranching outpost in western Colorado, Grand Junction has flourished into an agricultural centre and vibrant university town renowned for its farm-to-table fare, abundant microbreweries and nearby Palisade wineries. It鈥檚 also a gateway to adventure, especially for the scenic Utah desert that lies nearby.
If you arrive before 1pm, there will be the opportunity to join an optional guided tour to Colorado National Monument, one of the state鈥檚 best kept secrets. Although it is filled with stunning red rock canyons and monoliths like the better-known national parks in the region, the monument remains less visited than its more famous neighbours. Following the scenic 37-kilometre Rim Rock Drive, you will climb more than 600 metres in elevation. Completed in 1950, the winding two-lane road features three historical tunnels carved through solid rock, with scenic pullouts and commanding views of sweeping canyons, the lone sandstone tower of Independence Monument and the distant peaks of the Rocky mountains.
Your adventure officially begins this evening with a welcome dinner with your expedition leaders and fellow travelers.
Day 2: Colorado National Monument and continue to Moab
From Grand Junction, travel west through Colorado National Monument, following the scenic Rim Rock Drive through towering sandstone monoliths, deep canyons and sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. Continue to Moab, a gateway to the vast Colorado Plateau, where millions of years of erosion have shaped its distinctive mesas, canyons and red-rock formations.
Visit a dinosaur track site and hike across the slickrock to see fossilised footprints preserved in the rock, providing a tangible link to the region鈥檚 prehistoric past. Later, arrive at Red Cliffs Lodge, set beside the Colorado River beneath towering canyon walls, with the dramatic Fisher Towers and Castle Valley providing a spectacular backdrop.
Day 3: Survey the Colorado Plateau from Island in the Sky
Explore the remote Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, a vast red-rock wilderness shaped by the Colorado and Green rivers over millions of years. Hike among the distinctive sandstone spires and across slickrock, with a chance to see ancient rock art before continuing to viewpoints overlooking the Colorado River.
Return to Red Cliffs Lodge for a sunset beside the river, then, after dinner, turn your attention to the night sky. Away from artificial light, the desert offers exceptional views of stars, planets and the Milky Way, with our Expedition Leader helping to identify constellations and explore the science behind this spectacular celestial landscape.
Day 4: Canyonlands National Park, Needles District and dark sky stargazing
Explore Canyonlands鈥� Island in the Sky district, a vast mesa rising 1,000 feet above the surrounding desert and offering spectacular views of the Colorado and Green rivers. Hike to Mesa Arch, where the sandstone span frames sweeping views towards Buck Canyon and the La Sal Mountains, before visiting ancient rock art near Seven Mile Canyon, including the distinctive 鈥業ntestine Man鈥� pictograph and images of bighorn sheep.
Continue to Dead Horse Point State Park, where layered canyons and mesas surround one of the region鈥檚 most dramatic viewpoints. From 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, look across the sculpted landscape of Canyonlands as the river winds through the desert far below.
Day 5: Walk among more than 2,000 sandstone arches
Explore Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches shaped over millions of years by erosion. Water, wind, ice and temperature changes have gradually sculpted the park鈥檚 Entrada Sandstone into an extraordinary landscape of arches, fins and towering rock formations.
Start early with a hike to Delicate Arch, the park鈥檚 most recognisable formation, as the rising sun illuminates the surrounding red-rock landscape. Continue exploring the park鈥檚 trails with our Expedition Leader, before visiting ancient petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls by ancestral Puebloan people, offering a glimpse into the region鈥檚 human history.
Day 6: Follow the Colorado River from Moab to Grand Junction
Begin with a quiet sunrise walk along the Colorado River before following the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway towards Grand Junction. The winding route traces the river through dramatic canyon country, passing Castle Valley and the distinctive Castleton Tower and Fisher Towers, whose sandstone formations change colour in the morning light.
Cross the Colorado River at historic Dewey Bridge, a former 1916 suspension bridge, before continuing to Grand Junction. If time allows, explore the town independently before your onward journey.
FAQs
Where does this tour start and end?
This short break begins and ends in Grand Junction, Colorado. There will be a welcome dinner beginning at 6pm on day 1. Please note for anyone arriving before 1pm on day 1, you will have the option of joining a guided scenic driving tour of Colorado National Monument with opportunities for short walks along the way. You may depart Grand Junction any time after 12.30pm on the final day.
How fit do I need to be to enjoy this tour?
This adventure requires a moderate degree of physical fitness to get the most out of your experience. While not every day, you should be able to walk at least 5 kilometres unassisted on dirt and rock trails with potentially uneven terrain and inclines, and possibly muddy or slippery surfaces at altitudes up to 2000 metres above sea level. For those seeking more intense activity, there may be opportunities for longer hikes, sometimes up to 10 kilometres.
Each day may also include short walks ranging from 300 metres to 1.5 kilometres. Most of the trip takes place in an arid desert environment, and the sun can often be intense. Our days generally start quite early and are very full of activities, including a few long drives. While travellers aren’t required to participate in all activities, should you opt out of the day鈥檚 scheduled activities, we cannot always guarantee that alternatives will be available.
To see Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, you must be able and prepared to walk on a steadily inclining trail, with varied terrain, over the course of 5 kilometres (round trip) and 150 metres of elevation gain.
On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single Expedition Leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides.
What will the transport be like?
The transport used on this short break is a customised van that is exceptionally comfortable and equipped with either a pop-top roof or wide roof hatches that open for unimpeded sightseeing and photography. Designed for exploring America’s national parks, they offer the best of both necessities: an expedition-ready exterior and a spacious, luxurious interior for the ultimate in comfort. They will never operate at full capacity, so you will get a window seat plus plenty of room for your personal belongings.
What is the stargazing like in Moab?
This tour has been scheduled to coincide with the new moon, when the absence of moonlight provides the darkest possible skies for astronomical observing. The desert landscapes of Moab, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are internationally recognised for their exceptional night skies, with Canyonlands designated as an International Dark Sky Park. The region’s dry climate, high desert elevation and minimal light pollution create superb conditions for viewing the Milky Way, planets, star clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies. While the itinerary has been planned to maximise opportunities for outstanding stargazing, clear skies can never be guaranteed, and cloud, wind or atmospheric conditions may occasionally affect visibility on some evenings.
What will the weather be like in Moab in May?
Spring days are generally mild to warm (18-28掳C/65-82掳F) with cool nights (10-18掳C/50-65掳F). However, changeable conditions should be anticipated, with rain or snow possible, and a wind- and waterproof jacket is recommended.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Dietary requirements due to serious medical conditions or strict personal restrictions can be met, with ample notice, but must be adhered to during the trip.
Is this suitable for solo travellers?
All of our tours, cruises, expeditions and weekenders are perfect for solo travellers. If you want your own room, you will need to pay a solo supplement for this tour. However, if you are happy to share a room with a fellow guest of the same sex, we will do all we can to match you with another guest so you don’t have to pay the solo room supplement.
Booking information
Booking administration
This tour is operated by our trusted partner Natural Habitat Adventures on behalf of New Scientist Discovery Tours. Their dedicated specialist team will be your main point of contact from booking until you return home, handling your reservation, payments, travel documents, pre-departure information and any questions about your tour or travel arrangements.
Highlights
- Explore the stunning landscapes of Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, and Colorado National Monument
- Timed around the new moon for the darkest skies, perfect for expert-guided stargazing
- Arches and Canyonlands are designated dark sky areas where you can see thousands of stars and even planets with the naked eye
- Discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems, from arches and canyons to desert fins and mesas
- Learn about the life-giving Colorado river, which carved the sandstone plateau and sustains desert life
- Witness sunrise and sunset paint the desert in golden hues and dramatic shadows
- Enjoy a quieter experience, timed to avoid crowds and savour the region鈥檚 natural splendor
- Maximum of 13 guests
Meet the expert
Leah Crane
Leah is the physics and space reporter at New Scientist, covering topics ranging from private space flight to cosmology and quantum mechanics. She received her physics education at Carleton College in Minnesota and now lives in Chicago, Illinois. Before joining New Scientist in 2016, her work had been published at outlets including SpaceNews, Eos, Smithsonian and Symmetry. She writes New Scientist’s monthly space newsletter, Launchpad.
Natural Habitat Adventures tour leader
Your journey will be guided by an expert tour leader from Natural Habitat Adventures, renowned for its scientific expertise and dedication to environmental stewardship. These tour leaders are not only naturalists and biologists but also environmental educators who possess a deep understanding of geological systems and the intricate workings of our planet.
Each guide undergoes specialised training and has access to exclusive scientific resources provided by the World Wildlife Fund鈥檚 team of leading researchers. Many hold advanced degrees, such as master鈥檚 or doctorates, in fields like geology, wildlife biology and environmental science. However, their selection is not solely based on academic achievements; their exceptional communication skills, engaging personalities and passion for sharing scientific knowledge are equally important.
Their enthusiasm for the natural world is engaging, sparking curiosity and awe as you explore diverse ecosystems together.
What’s included
- Five nights’ accommodation on twin share basis
- Services of Natural Habitat Adventure’s professional Expedition Leader(s) and assistants throughout
- Walking seminars covering geology and palaeontology
- Guided dark sky stargazing by Leah Crane
- All meals from dinner on day 1 through to breakfast on the final day
- Talks and walking seminars
- All activities and entrance fees
- All taxes, permits and service fees
- 24-hour support
What’s not included
- Travel and medical evacuation insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities
- National park fees (non US citizens)
- Visa/ETA (if applicable)
- Single supplement – $995 USD
Accommodations
Hotel Maverick, Grand Junction
Located on the campus of Colorado Mesa University, this stylish boutique hotel combines contemporary comfort with a modern Western aesthetic. Bright, thoughtfully designed rooms feature premium bedding and modern amenities, while facilities include a fitness room, outdoor pool and hot tub. The rooftop restaurant, Devil’s Kitchen, serves creative regional cuisine alongside panoramic views, making it an ideal place to relax after a day of exploration.
Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab
Set on the banks of the Colorado River just outside Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by dramatic red sandstone cliffs. Spacious, southwestern-inspired rooms feature modern comforts, many with views of the river or Castle Creek. The lodge also offers a welcoming lounge, a riverside restaurant and a seasonal outdoor pool, while its commitment to sustainability includes solar-heated facilities, water conservation measures, recycling initiatives and a focus on locally sourced produce and materials.
Please note: If required for reasons beyond our control, we reserve the right to substitute alternative accommodation of equal or higher quality or adapt the itinerary if required.