If you’ve already had a chance to visit Cougar Ridge, you know just how many exciting on-site activities await you. If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat—there’s truly something for everyone at Cougar Ridge.
Enjoy some fun family competition at The Grand Lodge’s bowling alley or game room, or outside on the sand volleyball court. Add a little learning to your vacation with a course on photography, woodworking, or beer and wine making. Relax in the hot tub or swap stories around a campfire beneath a blanket of stars. Don’t forget to make time to visit with our resident farm animals during your visit, too!
But while there’s plenty to do on-site, those looking to adventure beyond Cougar Ridge during their trip have plenty to choose from as well. Keep reading to learn 7 off-site outdoor adventures to enjoy during your next visit to Cougar Ridge.
1. Off-Road Jeep Tours
Want to explore Utah’s second-largest national park from an entirely new angle? Why not try an off-road Jeep tour. On a guided tour with Sleeping Rainbow Adventure, your experienced guide will take you to parts of Capitol Reef National Park that few visitors ever get to see. You’ll rumble over rocky landscapes and go beyond the trail heads and overlooks for incredible views of the park’s backcountry.
There are a variety of types of tours to choose from, including half and full-day tours. Plan your tour departure at sunrise or sunset to see the red rock landscape come even more alive with color.
2. Fly Fishing
If you’re planning your first visit to Southern Utah, you might think that it’s all dry deserts and rocky national parks. But what many visitors don’t know is that you can still cast a line during your visit.
Fly fishing on the Fremont River, as well as several high-elevation lakes in the region, is another popular off-site activity to enjoy during your visit to Cougar Ridge. With Fremont River Guides, fishermen and women of all experience levels can try their hand at casting a line for wild trout. This fly fishing guide service has exclusive access to more than 10 miles of private water on the Fremont River, making for an exclusive and quiet experience. Don’t worry about bringing your own gear; everything you need for a day on the water is provided for you.
3. Go Canyoneering
Hiding throughout the region are dozens of stunning slot canyons. But while there are a few that you can hike in and out of, exploring most of these requires a canyoneering adventure.
Unless you’re an experienced canyoneer with your own professional gear, it’s best to explore some of these incredible slot canyons on a guided tour. Excursions of Escalante offer full-day adventures that’ll take you through slot chutes, have you rappel down pour-offs, and more. Each tour provides all equipment you’ll need, as well as lunch and snacks during your day.
4. A Private Nature Yoga Class
Want to get your zen on during your next vacation? Why not say “om” in a landscape that’s certain to inspire some inner calm?
Sleeping Rainbow Adventures offers private yoga classes for anywhere from 1 to 8 guests at a time. Your private, certified yoga instructor will help to tailor the class to your group’s experience level and interests. You can enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating sunrise flow, or get your sweat on with a Vinyasa flow.
5. Take a Guided Hike with Llamas
While taking a relaxing walk around Cougar Ridge, you may just spot our resident llamas grazing in their field. But while these animals can’t go on a day trip with you, just a short drive away, there are some that will.
On a tour with Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas, guests can take a day hike or overnight trek alongside a llama. They’re more than just a trail companion; they’ll carry your gear for you! Llamas have long been bred to carry heavy loads at high altitudes and across rocky landscapes, making them the perfect companions for your Southern Utah adventure.
Planning Your Perfect Itinerary with Cougar Ridge
Cougar Ridge can be both the perfect basecamp for those looking to explore Torrey, Utah, Capitol Reef, and other attractions, as well as a destination all its own. Consider adding one of these exciting off-site adventures to your itinerary. Or, spend your trip taking in the many amenities available at Cougar Ridge, both at The Grand Lodge and in the private Villas. Better yet, add a couple of days to your next trip to give yourself time to enjoy a mix of on-site and off-site activities.
Ready to start planning your own ultimate adventure at Cougar Ridge? Now is a great time to book your summer 2022 adventure in Southern Utah. Book your stay today to guarantee your choice of dates and start planning your perfect vacation.