Course Area

The Green River, where the rafting section of your course takes place, flows through Desolation Canyon. Adorned with spectacular rock formations, ancient Indian ruins and abandoned ranches, the landscape eventually gives way to the earthy bluffs of Gray Canyon, creating a sudden contrast of scenery for the last 25-miles of the canyon. Switch to backpacks and explore the La Sal Mountains, known for their groves of aspen, scrub oak and incredible views into Canyonlands National Park and the Four Corners area. Hidden lakes dot the valleys, and peaks in the La Sals range from ten thousand to just under thirteen thousand feet.

Course Description

During the river section, most of each day is spent learning to recognize and navigate various obstacles and hazards in the river. Your instructors will introduce you to the most important elements of wilderness lifestyle: environmental stewardship, outdoor cooking, first aid, natural history of the river canyons, and rafting skills. You and your companions will work to become a team, maneuvering your raft through Class II – III rapids. Between rapids are flat-water sections where you build your skills and muscle. As you travel the river, you will stop along the way to explore side trails, canyons, and historic or geologic points of interest. These hikes will take you through rough terrain to incredible, remote places that are only accessible by river travelers. The hikes can be long and rigorous, but are always well worth the effort. In the mountains, you will backpack high passes, descend into lush valleys and work your way over rugged, rocky terrain. You will typically travel four to six miles each day, carrying all of your food and equipment in backpacks, as you learn and practice the basics of mountain navigation. The altitude and exertion present a real challenge, but the sense of accomplishment, increase in fitness and rise in self-confidence are your rewards.