Utah: private camp adventure

Exclusive insight into this adventurer’s playground

Having pioneered the most ambitious luxury camp experiences throughout Utah, we know best how to create exclusive escapes amongst this state’s geographic drama.

Think front-row views of this year’s solar eclipse from a 3D-printed observatory, heli lunches atop Tower Butte itself and bespoke tented setups among Hunts Mesa’s otherworldly topography.

And, after getting your adrenaline fix heli-canyoneering, rafting on the Colorado River and with jet-ski races on Lake Powell, we’ll create a boutique bolthole just for you. In among stays in world-leading lodges, enjoy nights under the stars with luxury tents and theatrically lit parties.

All images and footage on this page has been taken on past Cookson Adventures trips

A region iconic for its red-rock formations and deep, plunging canyons, America’s desert state is the perfect canvas for a bespoke, off-the-grid adventure. And, this year, Utah’s carved-out rocks and sun-soaked gorges are the perfect backdrop to the ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse. It’s an experience we’ll elevate in true Cookson fashion, perhaps toasting it with sommelier-selected vintages or in the company of top astronomers.

In Utah, the Mars-like landscapes are best explored by air. Bringing in a helicopter means special access to remote pockets that few have the chance to see. That could be discovering stratified slot canyons far away from the crowds of the Narrows or scaling the mile-high monolith of Tower Butte to enjoy a unique lunch, surrounded by nothing but sweeping desert views.

Of course, high-octane activities also really shine here. Take on narrow canyons by bike, sweep out across desert dunes on ATVs and scale epic via ferrata climbs set some 400 foot in the air. Then, try out a full spread of watersports on the sprawling oasis of man-made Lake Powell.

While off-grid, there’s no need to compromise on indulgence. We’ll elevate your experience with your very own tented camp that’s created just for you, from personalised private-chef dining to dedicated wellness facilities. It’s all set to exclusive views of Monument Valley’s monoliths or water-side vistas around Lake Powell. And, you’ve the option of combining it with a world-class desert lodge, complete with the likes of private-pool pavilions.

Solar eclipse

This year provides the rare chance to witness a ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse phenomenon. With our knowledge of Utah’s most extraordinary landscapes, we can take you to an exclusive viewing spot, set well away from the crowds. It’s all elevated with the likes of top astronomers and your own private camp, created entirely from scratch in the desert wilds.

Unique dining setups

From remote mountain picnics to a dramatic, yet decadent, butte-top seated dinner, we know the very best spots – complete with sweeping 360-degree views – for the ultimate in private dining experiences.

Desert camping

Bringing a slice of luxury to Utah’s dramatic outdoors, head off grid to stay in a custom camp set up exclusively for you. Our previous creations include an isolated lake camp and a tented setup in the wilds of Monument Valley. Expect everything tailored entirely to you – think king-size beds and private-chef dining, perhaps elevated with a helipad-topped houseboat or a telescope for stargazing in some of the continent’s darkest skies.

Utah by air

Exposing the sheer enormity of this red-rock region, take in Utah’s otherworldly landscapes from the air. Fly high by heli above Monument Valley’s steeply sloped buttes or try an empowering yoga lesson, set to the high-alpine peaks of the Uintas Mountains.

Adventure playground

Here, adventure is woven into every element. It could be rappelling down vertical rock faces, racing across the dunes in ATVs or saddling up for high-octane mountain bike rides through narrow canyons and arch-studded parks. We can even take you rafting down the Colorado River, where white-knuckle rapids lie excitingly in wait.

Lake Powell – adventure on water

With plenty of toys to hand, it’s all about the on-the-water fun at this sprawling desert lake. Speed on jet skis and speedboats around meandering passageways, glide out by e-foil across the water, and navigate a series of special waypoints on a personalised ‘Amazing Race’ around the lake.

Epic hiking and climbing

From gentle hikes through Utah's big-name national parks to scaling a 400-foot-high via ferrata to swinging your way along a series and Burma bridges, enjoy a taste of suspended adrenaline as you take on Utah’s towering canyons. We know the best hidden spots.

Cultural encounters

Complete with a side of campfire lounging and s’mores, spend enlightening evenings in the presence of a Navajo medicine man, swapping stories of spirituality, ancient language and learning traditional customs as you go.