Desert DAWN provides explorations of the deserts and canyons surrounding the Escalante River within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and of Boulder Mountain within the Dixie National Forest, all of which are located in the scenic landscape of South Central Utah. Our program is available in several formats: Open enrollment courses; Family Courses; Private Excursions for individuals, families, groups or organizations; and Day Hikes.
Open Enrollment Courses
Hiking the Escalante River with Classic Trail Camping Gear.
Imagine the life of the scouts, explorers or pioneers of the 1800’s. They knew the land well enough that it was home to them. They needed little in the way of accoutrements to live happily in nature. They were true naturalists. Desert DAWN’s courses strive to teach about nature in a way that it becomes home instead of “wilderness” or the “outdoors.” We employ similar levels of technology as those early scouts, explorers and pioneers.
Our courses addresses the woodcraft camping skills of Pack Craft, Knife Craft, Fire Craft, Shelter Craft, Map and Compass Navigation and Camp Craft.
The Trail Crafter series of courses focus on the woodcraft skills used while traveling in nature.
The Camp Crafter series of courses focus on the woodcraft skills used while in a base camp.
The Naturalist series of courses focus on the the art of observing and understanding nature.
Family Courses
The Escalante canyons provide plenty of opportunity for family hiking and exploration.
Sharing nature with our families is an excellent way to be together. Nature is one of the few places that we can leave the distractions of daily life behind and enjoy being a family. We put together a journey that fits the abilities and needs of everyone in the family. Good old fashion camping, hiking and nature discovery is the theme for the journey and in the evening we flavor this with campfire meals and the most ancient of evening entertainment – stories and song around a campfire. Learn more about our Family Courses or a Custom Family Excursion.
