San Rafael Swell, Utah Training adventure August 25-28, 2026

Join us on the trail and experience the San Rafael Swell as few ever do; slowly, deliberately, and in the company of those who value the journey as much as the destination.

At first light, the San Rafael Swell glows. Sandstone catches the sun and holds it. Walls and ridges turn the color of fire. From above, the Swell looks like a rumpled blanket of stone drawn across the desert. From the trail, it feels like an endless a maze of canyons, mesas, and hidden corridors shaped by rare but powerful flash floods that surge through the Swell, moving rock and earth in moments before disappearing again into silence. In August, the Swell typically warms into the mid-80s. By night, the desert exhales, cooling quickly into the mid-50s, leaving camps quiet, comfortable, and wrapped in clear desert air beneath the stars.

This landscape rewards preparation and experience. The San Rafael Swell is spectacular, but it is also remote and demanding, with long stretches beyond cell service, technical sections that require careful judgment, and conditions that can change quickly. That is why this trip is guided. Dave and Scot have already scouted the route, mapped contingencies, and planned for the unexpected. They carry all necessary recovery gear and have the experience to handle the challenges that occasionally come with deep backcountry travel. Participants do not need to bring specialized equipment or worry about logistics. Just have a capable vehicle, camping gear, food, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to learn.

For four days we move through this remote fold of central Utah. Roads fall away. Time slows. The modern world loosens its grip. The route follows old tracks and natural passages, winding through terrain that shifts constantly, wandering through narrow canyons opening into broad basins, and steep climbs easing into long overlooks. At times, the land opens suddenly, revealing vast drop-offs and sweeping views into what many call the Little Grand Canyon, a chasm of layered stone that stills conversation without effort.

The past appears quietly here. Petroglyphs etched into rock faces, their meanings lost but their presence unmistakable. Cabin ruins sit low against the land, gray and weathered, as if trying not to be noticed. Farther on, the rusted remains of old uranium mines mark a brief, restless moment in the Swell’s history, when people came searching for what lay buried and left when the land refused to give more.

The trail itself demands participation. Tires slip into cool water at shallow crossings. The route narrows, then tightens, and attention becomes currency. Some sections ask patience. Others ask commitment. The Swell has never been easy, and it has never needed to be. Near the end of one long stretch, a Depression-era bridge spans a wash, still standing after decades of wind and flood. Built by hand, it endures. We stop. We look. Then we move on.

Along the journey, the desert offers an unexpected kindness—a natural spring tucked among stone and cottonwood. Green and alive, it feels almost out of place here. People linger without realizing why, letting the quiet do what it does best.

One day, we leave the vehicles and walk into a narrow slot canyon. For an hour, the walls close in. Light softens to gold and red. Footsteps echo. The air cools. The Swell’s age is felt in the body, not captured by a lens.

At night, camp settles into firelight and low voices. Without artificial glow, the stars take over, bright enough to cast faint shadows on the ground. The desert cools. The Swell exhales. Sleep comes easily.

By the final day, the land has done its work. The horizon feels wider. When the trail finally releases us to pavement, it does so reluctantly, dirt still clinging to boots and tires. We turn south and follow the road toward Capitol Reef, where red cliffs rise gently and orchards line the valley where we find a soft landing after days of rocks, ruts, and dust.

That evening, we settle into quiet accommodation at the edge of the park. A simple comfort that marks the journey’s close and is part of the experience itself. Hot water runs. Clean clothes appear. The body rests. As the sun slips behind the cliffs, we gather for a final meal together, trading stories from the trail, laughing at the unique moments that solidify new friendships and memories.

It is a different kind of silence here, but just as meaningful. The Swell has been left behind, yet it stays with you in the dust, in the rhythm of the days, and in the understanding that the journey was complete because it ended well, shared with people who were strangers when it began and friends by the time it was done.

An Adventure and an Open Classroom

This journey is also a working classroom.

Each evening we will gather around the fire for Treats and Training. We will serve dessert, and we’ll pull back the curtain on how a trip like this is planned and led. We discuss route selection, weather strategy, risk management, navigation, contingencies, gear decisions, and the quiet judgment calls that you never notice. You’ll hear how we think, how the land shapes every decision, and why experience matters as much as equipment.

And if that’s not what you’re here for? No problem at all. You can simply follow, relax, and enjoy the adventure knowing every detail is already handled; routes chosen, escape plans mapped, weather monitored, camps set, and decisions made. This trip works equally well as a learning experience or as a fully supported adventure. You can still enjoy the treats though!

Pricing & Logistics

This trip is priced at $1,943 per vehicle (not per person), similar to our four-day course pricing. The cost is all-inclusive and covers breakfast at the Day 1 morning briefing, as well as resort lodging and a group dinner on the fourth night after we come off the trail.

This route is remote, and we will reach pavement late on Day 4. For safety reasons, we do not want participants attempting a long drive home that evening. The included lodging allows everyone to rest, clean up, and have a memorable group dinner before heading home on the morning of Day 5.

To keep the experience safe and manageable, participation is limited to 10 vehicles. We will take registration on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can go on this trip?
This trip is open to graduates of The Driving Company (TDC) courses. If the trip does not fill by April 30, 2026 we will open this trip up to anyone by making the private page on our web site public and announcing it on Facebook. 

2. Why pay for a guided trip instead of doing it on my own?
Because this route isn’t just scenic—it’s remote, technical, and occasionally unforgiving. We’ve already done the scouting, planning, and risk management so you don’t have to. And you will get training on how to plan overlanding trip of your own.

By coming with us, you get:

• Leaders who know this exact route and its hazards
• Expert navigation and decision-making
• Satellite communications and contingency planning
• Experienced problem-solvers if something breaks or goes wrong
• All necessary recovery gear carried and managed by Dave and Scot
• We went through the permitting process and paid the fees (which includes a      requirement for $2 million in insurance.)

You don’t need to worry about logistics, safety, or “what ifs.” You just show up, drive, learn, and enjoy the adventure.

3. Can electric vehicles (like Rivians) do this trip?
At this time, no. The route is too remote and too long between services for current EV range capabilities. This adventure requires a traditional gas- or diesel-powered 4WD vehicle.

4. Can I bring a friend or family member?
Yes! Pricing is per vehicle, not per person, so you’re welcome to share the adventure with a passengers or co-pilots. And your passengers do not have to be TDC trained.

5. What kind of vehicle do I need?
You’ll need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle in good mechanical condition. A stock 4WD SUV or truck is fine.

6. What should I pack for the trip?
At a minimum, you will need:

• Camping gear (tent, sleeping setup, etc.)
• Food and drinks for the days on the trail
• Personal clothing and toiletries

7. How challenging is the trail?
The route is considered moderate, with a mix of easy driving and more technical sections. Scot and Dave will be there the entire time to guide, coach, and assist as needed.

8. What if I need to cancel?
If you cancel and we are able to fill your spot from the waiting list, you’ll receive a full refund. If we cannot replace your vehicle, the trip cost may be forfeited due to advance planning and our fixed expenses.

9. What’s the weather like in August?
Typical daytime highs are in the mid-80s, with nighttime lows in the mid-50s. Conditions are generally comfortable, but participants should be prepared for normal desert temperature swings.

10. What about bathrooms, showers, and amenities?
This is primarily a remote camping adventure. Facilities on the trail are primitive. On the final night, your lodging at the resort (which is included in the price) has full amenities so everyone can clean up, relax, and finish the trip in comfort.

11. Will I need to bring a gas can?

The trail length is about 200 miles. Since every vehicle is different, you will need to decide this. At about the half way point, there will be an opportunity to jump out for gas. Although doing so will be a big detour, take away from your trail time, and it potentially split the group. 

12. What will I learn on this training adventure?

• Trip Planning: Understand how to find trails and select locations based on season, weather, and terrain, and how to design a route that balances adventure and safety. 
• Navigation & Mapping: Learn to use GPS tools and maps for effective navigation on off-road trails. 
• Environmental Responsibility: Embrace Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on nature and respect the environment. 
• Leadership & Group Management: Discover the essentials of group roles, communication protocols, and safety planning. 
• Trail Insights: Gain knowledge about the geology, history, and environmental factors of the region. 
• Pre-Trip Preparation: Learn how to prepare for an expedition, including gear checklists, safety plans, and communication strategies.

13. Suggested itinerary for getting there from the Bay Area: 

Getting There

Sunday August 23: Depart home and head to Las Vegas, baby!

Monday August 24: Depart Las Vegas and head to Green River, Utah (about 6-hour drive.) Overnight at hotel or camp near Green River.

On the Trail

Tuesday August 25: 7:30 am morning breakfast meeting: Location in Green River to be announced.

Friday August 28: We arrive at Capitol Reef Resort in the evening. Clean up and group dinner (group dinner included in the price.)

Depart for Home

Saturday August 29: Depart for home.