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.
This country is a Mecca for the lover of slick rock, precious Indian cultural sites, and warm-water rapids. Your guide can lead you through side canyons to swimming pools, or to the canyon rim for an endless vista of Monument Valley, the landscape synonymous with the "John Wayne Western".
Flowing faster than any other river we run, the San Juan has scores of small rapids. In addition, sand waves caused by shifting sands on the river bottom add several spontaneous roller-coaster rides to the 83-mile trip. For those who like a lot of action, we bring inflatable kayaks which shift the San Juan's modest rapids upscale to high adventure.
Trip Detail:
- 2008 Departure Dates:
(4-Day)Thursdays May 8 through June 12;
(3-Day) Fridays May 2 through June 6;
- Minimum Age: 5;
- Level: Easy;
- Meeting Place: Blanding, Utah 7:00a.m.
Tour 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. Includes: (L),(D);
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. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
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. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
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. Includes: (B),(L).
Testimonials:
“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
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
San Juan River Rafting (4 days): $735.00;
Group/Youth: $675.00/$635.00;
San Juan River Rafting (3 days): $655.00;
Group/Youth: $605.00/$555.00;
Deposit: $300 per person;
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.
Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservatoins. A full refund will be made if such is the case.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Utah
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Native Americans
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