top of page

Spend four days learning how to kayak with the Canyon Country Discovery Center. We begin by addressing safety concerns, followed by paddle strokes and boat control. The San Juan River is an ideal classroom for first-time whitewater kayakers. We have 27 river miles to practice catching eddies, peeling out and ferrying across the current. Along the way we will take in one of the classic river canyons of the West, visit archeological wonders, and spend nights camped under one of the darkest skies in the United States.

DATES: TBD

COST: $1025 with KAYAK, $700 if you bring own + TAXES AND FEES

Group Size: Minimum: 8 Maximum: 10

​

2 Nights/3 Days: Starting and Ending in Durango, CO

​

INCLUDED: Skilled and professional guides, transportation to/from Bluff, expert staff, all meals from dinner on day 1 through lunch on day 3, a modern raft to carry gear, personal waterproof dry bag, personal flotation device (pfd), camp chairs, permit fees, and river transfers.

 

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare, pre- and post-trip accommodation, sleeping gear, trip insurance, and personal items.

​

Sleeping package rentals are $15/person for tent only, or $30/person for tent and sleeping bag/pad.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

(Itinerary subject to change based on weather, wind conditions, etc.)

Day 1: Arrive at Durango, CO by 3:00 pm at Four Corners Whitewater to fit boats and gear. River guides will provide a brief orientation and dinner in town.

​

Day 2: We will leave Durango around 8 am and head to a beautiful reservoir north of the San Juan River to practice boat control, different paddle strokes, and wet exits. Rolling practice will be available to intermediate kayakers. Following this flat water session we will head down to the Sand Island boat ramp for dinner, more instruction, and camp at Sand Island campground.

​

Day 3: Today we launch in our kayaks, along with a gear raft carrying overnight needs. We'll have a chance to get comfortable while bouncing through small rapids and taking in the beauty of the canyon. We'll camp at one of any number of sandy riverside campgrounds and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the guides.

​

Day 4: Enjoy a final day floating on the river and practicing the skills learned so far. There will be opportunities to study ancient fossils and revel in the twisting geology of the Monument Upwarp. River section ends in Mexican Hat with a shuttle back to Durango by 7:30 pm.

​

Activity Level: Level 3 - Requires fitness adequate for hikes of up to 3 miles round-trip, willingness to camp along the river, explore silence and readiness to participate in a group-oriented setting.
Note: Activities may vary based on water levels, weather, and educational opportunities that may arise.

GETTING HERE

Airport

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), Durango, CO

Boutique Air offers flights to Cortez, CO

 

Accommodations

Multiple hotel/motel options are available in Durango, CO.

 

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for the duration of your trip. A travel protection plan can help cover your non-refundable travel payments should you cancel a trip because of a covered illness or injury.

bottom of page