Backcountry Safaris: Capitol Reef & Jackson Hole Adventures - Salt Lake City, UT

Backcountry Safaris: Capitol Reef & Jackson Hole Adventures

Salt Lake City, UTmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

Half-day to full-day, depending on tour

Fitness Level

Good fitness required for hiking and winter activities; most Jeep and wildlife tours are accessible with minimal physical demand.

Overview

Backcountry Safaris guides you from Capitol Reef’s dramatic sandstone folds in Utah to the wildlife-rich valleys of Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. Their expert-led tours unlock hard-to-reach views and intimate wildlife encounters for all seasons.

Details

Backcountry Safaris offers immersive adventure tours that vividly capture the rugged spirit of Utah’s Capitol Reef and Wyoming’s Jackson Hole region. Based out of Torrey, Utah, this outfitter threads together a variety of private, guided experiences that range from off-road Jeep excursions to wildlife safaris and multi-day hikes. Here, the striking landscapes of Capitol Reef — including Cathedral Valley, Temple of the Sun, and the Waterpocket Fold — come alive with geological drama sculpted by layers of Navajo sandstone, deep canyons, and expansive desert plains. These tours offer travelers access to Remote, rarely visited vistas beyond the main park corridors, revealing the vast scale and layered history of southern Utah’s parklands.

Moving north, Backcountry Safaris expands its reach into the iconic Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. From the iconic curves of Yellowstone’s Upper and Lower Loops to Grand Teton National Park’s rugged spires and wildlife-rich valleys, their private and public tours offer an intimate window into alpine mountains, shimmering lakes, and abundant wildlife. Seasonal winter safaris spotlight species such as elk, bison, and wolves against snow-dusted backdrops, while summer expeditions might pair whitewater rafting with purposeful wildlife viewing.

What sets Backcountry Safaris apart is their deeply knowledgeable, patient guides who understand the rhythm of the landscape and prioritize visitor experience over pace. Off-road vehicle tours in Capitol Reef enable access to backcountry wonders where the geology tells stories hundreds of millions of years in the making. In Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, the combination of private tours and specialty excursions—like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or e-bike trips—brings an adaptive edge to adventure that works for all seasons.

The company’s commitment to safety and education ensures each trip connects visitors with the land’s history, natural science, and wildlife behavior—in ways that feel authentic and unhurried. For travelers seeking a raw, insightful encounter with two of the West’s most spectacular landscapes, Backcountry Safaris offers a diverse portfolio of trips that deliver both awe and expertise.

Adventure Tips

Bring plenty of water

Desert tours in Capitol Reef can be dry and hot; carry at least two liters per person.

Layer up for variable weather

Temperatures can swing dramatically in the mountains and desert, so dress in breathable layers.

Prepare for dusty, rugged terrain

Jeep tours in Cathedral Valley involve bumpy roads—wear sturdy shoes and sunglasses to keep dust at bay.

Respect wildlife distances

When on Winter Wildlife Safaris or rafting combos, maintain a safe viewing distance to avoid disturbing animals.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Grand Wash Trailhead for lesser-known canyon views
  • Fruita Historic District orchards in Capitol Reef

Wildlife

  • Bighorn sheep
  • Trumpeter swans in Yellowstone

History

Capitol Reef National Park protects one of North America’s longest monoclines, the Waterpocket Fold, formed over 50 million years ago.

Conservation

Backcountry Safaris emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact and supports local conservation initiatives across both Utah and Wyoming landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Sunrise
Golden hour
Sunset

Best Viewpoints

  • Temple of the Sun overlook
  • Cathedral Valley rock formations
  • Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton

What to Photograph

Sandstone arches and fins
Mountain peaks
Wildlife encounters

Recommended Gear

Hiking boots

Essential

Sturdy boots provide necessary support on rocky and uneven terrain.

Water bottle or hydration system

Essential

Essential for staying hydrated during desert and mountain tours.

Layered clothing

Essential

Allows for comfort across fluctuating temperatures throughout the day.

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Essential

Shield yourself from intense sun exposure, especially in open desert and alpine areas.

summer specific

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