'Southwest Sampler' packs a lot of adventure into short amount of time

Sometimes it's easier to squeeze in a quick summer getaway. Here's one that's short and sweet: The Moab Adventure Center in the red-rock town of Moab, Utah, offers the Southwest Sampler. Over four days and three nights, guests explore Arches National Park and hit the water for a float on the Colorado River. In Arches, named for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, there's a half-day guided tour and hike among the spectacular red-rock formations. Later in the day, guests hop into sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicles for a guided Hummer Safari into more of the rugged back-country. Two days' rafting on the river will encounter relatively mild Class I and II rapids. Guests can let the guides handle rowing an oar boat or they can be part of the paddling crew on paddle boats. Inflatable kayaks are also available so guests can take turns paddling on their own. The river trip includes one night of camping alongside the river. The trip is priced at $685, double occupancy, for ages 16 and up and $590 for ages 5-15, with a minimum age of 5. There's limited air service into Moab, so other options are Grand Junction, Colo., about a two-hour drive, or Salt Lake City, about a three and one-half-hour drive. Info: http://tinyurl.com/y9hblt57