By the late 1870s, 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 slickrock, prehistoric Indian ruins, and warm-water rapids. Your guide can lead you through side canyons to polished limestone 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 that Holiday runs, the San Juan has scores of small rapids. In addition, sand waves caused by shifting sands on the river bottom add several spontaneous rollercoaster rides to the 83-mile trip. For those who like a lot of action, Holiday can bring inflatable kayaks, which shift the San Juan's modest rapids upscale to high adventure.
Trip Details
Duration
3-4 Days
Location
San Juan River
Season
May - June
Trip Type
Paddle & Oar
Nearest City
Blanding or Moab, UT
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Utah, United States
Rated Classes
I-II
Guest Capacity
4-25
Minimum Age Limit
5 Years
Distance Traveled
83 Miles
Inflatable Kayaks
Available with instruction provided.
Hard Shell Kayaks
No rentals available. Experienced kayakers may bring own boat.
Additional Activities
Swimming, Off River Hiking/Exploring, Volleyball, Horseshoes, Wildlife Viewing, Historic/Native American Sites
Dining
All meals provided starting with lunch the first day through lunch the last day.
About Liquor
BYOB for Evening
Rates
$575.00 - $755.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
3-Day: $675, Group Rate: $625, Youth Rate: $575 4-Day: $755, Group Rate: $695, Youth Rate: $655 $12 per person BLM fee (3-day) ** $18 per person BLM fee (4-day)
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Trip Itinerary
SAMPLE ITINERARY : This itinerary illustrates a four-day trip on the San Juan River. The three-day follows Day 2 through Day 4.
Day 1: Meet group in Blanding, Utah then you're of on a half-hour scenic ride to the put-in point at 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 the Great Blue Heron that seem to lead the way into the labyrinth. Camp in the heart of the Goosenecks.
Day 3: This morning you can hike the Honaker Trail - all that remains of the "1892 gold rush". The reward for those who put forth this 1,200-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 highlight 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 continue across the lake to the take out at Clay Hills Crossing. You will transfer to a two-hour van ride back to Blanding, Utah.
This Package Includes
Full course meals starting with lunch the first day ending with lunch the last day.
Transportation to and from the meeting point.
Qualified guides.
Necessary equipment like lifejackets, waterproof bags, etc.
Reservation Policy
A deposit is required within five days of making a reservation; balance is due 60 days before your trip begins.
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. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to trip date, Holiday Expeditions will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
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