Exploring Escalante

Leaders: Wayne Ranney
Dates: April 4–8, 2011 (5 days / 4 nights)
Cost: $1550 Members / $1600 Nonmembers
Difficulty: Easy

Cost includes transportation, hotel (double occupancy; add $300 for single lodging), and lunches. All other meals are an additional expense.

The colorful, expansive mesas and buttes of Canyonlands National Park and delicate rock formations in Arches National Park will serve as the backdrop for this venture into discovering the powers of Mother Nature at work. Geologist and MNA Trustee Wayne Ranney leads day hikes (usually 3 miles or less round trip) through this slick rock country around Moab, Utah, as we explore the geology and natural history of this spectacular part of the country. Adventures will begin and end from the comforts of the Gonzo Inn (serving complimentary continental breakfast). Lunch and snacks will be provided; dinners are an additional personal expense.

Banner photo by Meghan McDowell.

About the trip leader

Wayne Ranney’s passion for Southwest geology took root during his years as a backcountry ranger in the Grand Canyon. His association with MNA began in 1978, as a research assistant in the Geology Department. In 1982, he joined the Ventures program. Read more…

Hear what past trip participants say…

“Beautiful country with expert and enjoyable interpretation by our leader, Wayne Ranney. Wayne makes learning fun and inspires more study.” —C.R.

“I have long known how knowledgeable Wayne is about geology, but I was impressed with his knowledge of the history, archaeology, and other areas of natural science of the area: plants, animals.” —P.T.