|
Boulder Outdoor Center Online Raft Trips
|
Our
33rd Year!
|
|
|
Boulder Outdoor Center Online Raft Trips
|
Our
33rd Year!
|
|
*On 3-day San Juan River trips there is a Bureau of Land Management Special Area Fee
of $12 per person. On 4-day San Juan trips there is a Bureau of
Land Management Special Area Fee of $18 per person.
You can search all the trips that we offer: GLEN CANYON NAT'L RECREATION AREA The first time I went down the San Juan was with a group of boatmen. It was hard to read the map because the scenery was so amazing . . . the water was moving so fast. It made us dizzy because our heads were busy snapping from one side of the river to the other to see the next scenic attraction. Dee Holladay, Holiday River's 1975 Reconnaissance Trip Pound for pound, the San Juan River is the fastest moving river in the United States, dropping an average of eight feet per mile. Sandstone and limestone walls frame the narrow canyon as the river snakes through the countless goosenecks for which it is famous. Today the river borders Navajoland, although it was once the home of the ancient pueblo civilization. Scores of ruins and petroglyphs line the canyon walls. The San Juan, with a lot of small rapids, is especially known for sand waves which appear to rise from nowhere due to shifting sand on the bottom of this fast moving stream. These make for a particularly thrilling ride in an inflatable kayak. It was on the San Juan that commercial river running began in 1938 when Norman Nevils began operating trips from Mexican Hat through the Grand Canyon. SAMPLE ITINERARY One of the advantages of a river trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups on the river. This typical itinerary illustrates a four-day trip on the San Juan River. We also offer a three-day trip on the San Juan that follows Day 2 through Day 4 of the four-day itinerary below. Day 1: Meet group in Blanding, Utah then we're off on a 30-minute scenic ride to the put-in point - Sand Island. Float down to lunch near River House Ruin, one of the best preserved ancient pueblo dwellings in the Southwest. Camp near Comb Ridge, the 600-foot edge to the enormous Monument Upwarp. Day 2: Pass through the village of Mexican Hat before traversing the famed Goosenecks of the San Juan. Take an optional hike to the 1894 prospector cabin of Walter Mendenhall. Enjoy frequent sightings of Great Blue Heron that seem to lead the way into the labyrinth. Camp in the heart of the Goosenecks. Day 3: This morning we can hike the Honaker Trail, all that remains of the "1892 gold rush". The reward for those who put forth this 1200-foot vertical effort is an unforgettable view of Monument Valley. A good day to stop at a pristine beach and check out 300 million year old fossils, remnants from another eon. Government Rapid and a "siesta" at Slickhorn Gulch highlights this day. Slickhorn Gulch is one of the premier side canyons along the Colorado System with fern grottos and swimming pools. Day 4: Fast water drops you into Lake Powell after passing Grand Gulch Primitive Area; then we continue across the lake to the take out at Clay Hills Crossing. You will transfer to a two-hour scenic van ride back to Blanding, Utah.
Bugs, snakes, etc. are generally no problem. In fact, the lack of pesky insects is one of the reasons wilderness camping on the river is so pleasant. Any river trip, however, is subject to an occasional localized insect hatch. During these hatches (most common in June) mosquitos can be bothersome. Be sure to bring long sleeve clothing and repellent. Insect repellents that contain "deet" are by far the most effective during heavy hatches, but are also suspected of causing various health problems. Citronella-based products (skin-so-soft) work only in light hatches. We rarely see any snakes, but if the thought of them bothers you, try sleeping on the beaches or in a tent instead of rocky or bushy areas. Hiking is a highlight of the trip, however, it is strictly an optional activity. There are many interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done in durable sneakers or lightweight hiking boots. Remember that hiking and other activities vary widely pending time, and what other plans are ahead for the day on the river. Medical emergencies: Our guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid supplies only. REMEMBER to bring your own prescription medicines. ALERT our guides to any medical problem you might have such as diabetes or allergic reactions. Wilderness expeditions are a long way from hospitals, doctors, and pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical care are uncertain, and protracted. In case of evacuation and/or medical treatment beyond first aid, expenses incurred are the responsibility of the participant. Beverages: We provide ice water, lemonade, two sodas per day per person and ample cooler space. If you choose to bring any specialty sodas and/or alcoholic beverages, we have no problem taking whatever you want to bring - within reason. Don't bring beer, wine coolers or sodas in glass containers. Wine packaged in a box is ideal. Mark beverages that you bring so they are packed on your boat. In Utah, wine or liquor is not sold after 7:00 p.m., before 11:00 a.m. or on sundays and holidays. Alcoholic beverages are not available in Blanding, so will need to be purchased prior to your arrival. There is no liquor, wine, beer, or wine coolers sold or served in Blanding, Utah The BOC store has what you need for this trip and can ship your order out quickly.
If you are flying, you can fly to Salt Lake City located 310 miles northwest of Blanding, Utah. From there you can rent a car, take a shuttle with Bighorn Express (888-655-7433), ride a bus, or fly in a light aircraft to Blanding, Utah. If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, please ask your Holiday Expedition reservation agent. When you arrive in Blanding the day before your trip, there will be a
pre-trip orientation meeting at 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) in the Super 8. Your trip leader and other members of the crew will give you a short orientation on all aspects of river travel. At this time we will issue your waterproof bags and answer any questions you may have. Beginning of the trip: On the morning of your trip, plan to arrive promptly at 7:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) at the Super 8. We will then take a 30-minute van ride to Sand Island (4–day) or a one–hour van ride to Mexican Hat (3–day), where we will transfer to the boats and start the trip. After the trip: We will disembark at Clay Hills Crossing where you will travel by van back to Blanding, Utah. Our expected time of arrival back at the Super 8 is 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRIP, OUR GREEN RIVER HEADQUARTERS NUMBER IS: 435-564-3273 (OR) LEAVE A MESSAGE AT THE COMFORT INN'S FRONT DESK. Refund Policy  |
|
| Mailing: 2525 Arapahoe Avenue Suite E4-228, Boulder, CO 80302 • 303-444-8420 • info@BOC123.com • ©2013 Boulder Outdoor Center |
By
the late 1870's, the Mormons had colonized virtually every corner of Utah
before pushing the boundaries of "Zion" southeast to the isolated
canyons of the San Juan River. It was on the San Juan that Norman Nevills,
a pioneer of commercial river running, began his first river trip with
a new bride and a boat built from outhouse planks.
San
Juan weather: In May, June and July the daytime temperatures
are 80 to 100 degrees, with nighttime temperatures 50 to 75 degrees.
This is the time of year that swimming in the river becomes a popular
activity. This seems warm but remember the humidity is very low.
There will be an abundance of sun, so bring a hat and plenty of
suntan lotion and/or sunscreens.
We
meet for your trip in Blanding, Utah. If you are driving, your car can
be left at the Comfort Inn in Blanding. Departure time is 7:00 a.m. (Mountain
Time), and so it is important that you attend our pre-trip orientation
the night before your trip.
