Torrey: Cosmic Ashtray, Devil’s Garden, and Cedar Wash Tour

Discover Utah’s Unique Rock Formations with a Guided Tour from Torrey

The Torrey: Cosmic Ashtray, Devil’s Garden, and Cedar Wash Tour offers an engaging 7-hour exploration of some of southern Utah’s most striking natural features. Priced at $800 per person, this small-group adventure is ideal for those eager to see geological wonders like the Cosmic Ashtray, Devil’s Garden, and Cedar Wash Arch. The tour includes hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off, making the experience convenient and hassle-free.

This guided off-road trip is perfect for adventurous visitors who want to witness surreal landscapes with minimal planning. While the tour involves some moderate to strenuous hiking, it provides an excellent way to discover remote, photogenic sites without the need for extensive self-navigation. It’s important to note that children under 8, pregnant women, and individuals with mobility issues are not suitable for this journey.

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Key Points

• 7-hour guided off-road tour in southern Utah from Torrey
• Includes pickup and drop-off at hotels or Airbnbs in Torrey, Boulder, and Escalante
• Visits three major sights: Cosmic Ashtray, Devil’s Garden, Cedar Wash Arch
• Balanced mix of short hikes and scenic viewing opportunities
• Small group setting limited to 4 participants for personalized attention
• Suitable for active adults with moderate physical fitness, not recommended for children under 8 or those with mobility challenges

Starting Point and Transportation Logistics in Utah

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Torrey, Boulder, or Escalante, with specific meeting points including the Escalante Visitor Center parking lot (noted by the large lizard statue) and the Anasazi State Park parking lot for Boulder stays. Off-road transportation is included, providing access to remote sites that are otherwise difficult to reach by regular vehicles.

The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, with a maximum of 4 participants. This setup allows for flexibility and close interaction with the guide, who leads the way through Utah’s rugged landscapes.

The Cosmic Ashtray: A Surreal Sandstone Formation

The Cosmic Ashtray, also called the Cosmic Navel or Island in the Sky, is the first major stop. Located in the Escalante region, this formation features a massive circular depression surrounded by vibrant Navajo sandstone in shades of orange and red. Its isolated ‘island’ of rock appears as an ashtray when viewed from above, thanks to wind erosion over millions of years.

Reaching the Cosmic Ashtray involves a short but challenging hike, often starting from the Egypt Trailhead. The terrain is relatively steep and requires navigation through unmarked terrain, making it suitable for those with moderate physical fitness. The landscape is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset, when the colors of the rocks are most vivid and photogenic.

This site is especially popular among adventurous hikers and photographers seeking a surreal view that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Its remoteness adds to the sense of discovery, making it a memorable highlight of the tour.

Exploring Devils Garden’s Unique Rock Sculptures

Next, the tour progresses to Devils Garden Outstanding Natural Area, a natural playground filled with distinctive rock formations. Visitors encounter towering hoodoos, natural arches, and balanced rocks carved over millions of years by wind and water. The area’s vibrant orange and cream-colored sandstone creates visually striking scenes.

Notable features include Metate Arch, a delicate natural arch perfect for photos, and Mano Arch, a smaller but captivating formation. Unlike the hiker-heavy sites, Devils Garden is largely accessible without strenuous activity, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Photographers particularly appreciate the whimsical shapes of the formations, and families or casual explorers can enjoy easy walks among the scenic structures. The area’s vivid sculptures stand out as a must-see for anyone interested in Utah’s geological artistry.

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Cedar Wash Arch: Secluded and Photogenic

The tour concludes with a visit to Cedar Wash Arch, a natural sandstone arch carved into the region’s cliffs. Unlike more crowded known arches in Utah, Cedar Wash Arch offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with solitude. The graceful span of the arch stretches across a scenic desert landscape, framed by rugged terrain, junipers, and pinyon pines.

Reaching Cedar Wash Arch requires about a half-mile round-trip hike. The trail is not steep, but terrain can be uneven, so proper footwear is recommended. The moderate difficulty makes it accessible for those with average fitness levels, and the serene environment provides a perfect moment to soak in the scenery.

This stop provides a calm ending to the day’s adventure, allowing visitors to reflect on the stunning vistas and capture memorable photographs of the arch against Utah’s natural beauty.

The Experience of the Guide and Group Dynamic

The tour is led by experienced guides who speak English, Russian, and Italian, ensuring a multilingual experience. With limited to 4 participants, the small group size fosters a personalized and flexible journey.

Guides are knowledgeable about the geology, history, and natural features of each site, enhancing the overall value of the trip. Their expertise helps visitors understand the formation processes and cultural significance of the landscapes, making each stop both visually stunning and educational.

Practical Tips for the Tour Day

Guests should bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water, given the exposed desert environment. The hikes involve uneven terrain and some steep sections, so proper footwear is essential. Smoking is not allowed on the tour, maintaining safety and cleanliness.

Since the weather can impact the schedule, the tour might be rescheduled or canceled in case of bad weather. The moderate physical activity required means it’s best suited for travelers in good health, with no mobility impairments or pregnant women.

Value and Booking Flexibility

At $800 per person, the tour combines luxury access to remote landmarks with personalized guided attention. The inclusion of hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off adds significant convenience, especially in this rural part of Utah.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility makes it easier to plan this adventure confidently, knowing that weather or changes in plans are manageable.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour appeals most to adventurous adults with a moderate fitness level who love scenic hikes and powerful geological sights. It’s especially suitable for photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking unique rock formations in a small-group setting. The remote and pristine nature of the sites means it’s less suited for families with small children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts on the Cosmic Ashtray, Devil’s Garden, and Cedar Wash Tour

The 7-hour guided adventure from Torrey offers an immersive look into some of Utah’s most extraordinary geological features. With small group sizes and expert guides, visitors enjoy a personalized experience that combines scenic drives and manageable hikes. The Cosmic Ashtray provides a surreal, sci-fi-like landscape, while Devils Garden presents an array of sculpted rock formations that captivate every photographer.

The serene Cedar Wash Arch offers a peaceful finale, rounding out a day full of visual marvels. While the tour involves some physical effort and unmarked terrain, it rewards those willing to explore Utah’s remote beauty.

This experience provides a meaningful way to see Utah’s hidden terrains in a comfortable, guided environment—ideal for travelers eager for adventure and spectacular scenery in one package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 8 years due to the moderate hiking and terrain challenges involved.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water. The terrain can be uneven, so proper footwear is important.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexible planning options.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the hikes involve uneven terrain and some steep sections; thus, it is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or pregnant women.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby