Lower San Juan River Rafting Trip

Sample Itinerary

The night before your trip:

Please plan to attend our pre-trip meeting at the Arch Canyon Inn in Blanding, Utah, at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time. This is when we’ll issue your dry bags for the trip, giving you plenty of time to pack in the comfort of your hotel. We’ll do some quick introductions and make sure that everything is ready to go for the following morning.

Day 1:

Good morning! Meet us back at the Arch Canyon Inn at 7:00 a.m. for the one-hour scenic ride to the put in near the small town of Mexican Hat, Utah. Our first stop on the river could be an optional hike to the cabin built in 1894 by prospector Walter Mendenhall, one of many whose dreams of riches were dashed by the San Juan. We’ll descend into the famed Goosenecks of the San Juan, watching for the great blue herons that appear to lead the way into the labyrinth. We’ll pullover for camp. Learn how to fire line your bags off the boats and then your guides will give you an orientation to river camping. Set up your camp and then kick your feet up and listen to the river while your guides cook up a feast. Fall asleep cozy in your tent, or right on the sand underneath a dark starry sky.

Day 2:

The morning starts early with hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and a scrumptious breakfast to fuel you up for the invigorating hike up the Honaker Trail. This trail is a relic 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 – don’t forget your camera, or just take a mental photograph! We’ll push off into the swift current and meander along with the river through the layered canyon rocks, play in good, clean mud, and run through Ross Rapid. Embrace river life as you set up camp this evening and experience another riverfront meal, making memories with new and old friends alike.

Day 3:

Another glorious morning on the river. After a filling breakfast, we’ll push off to float downstream. Today we’ll watch out for the Government Bird Rock, perched on the canyon wall, our signal that Government Rapid is approaching. Later in the day we’ll wander up Slickhorn Gulch to a hidden grotto and swimming hole. Make certain to scrub off in the river before hiking to the pool—sunscreen and other chemicals on our skin disrupt the fragile ecosystem of the freshwater pool. We’ll make camp and enjoy one last river dinner at the mouth of one of the iconic side canyons along the lower river. By night three, you’re a regular river camping pro! Celebrate feeling accomplished as your camp set up and comfort become more familiar.

Day 4:

One final “HOT COFFEE!” call to wake you up, and one final camp pack up. But don’t fret, the final day still has lots to offer! Golden morning light reflecting on sandstone walls usher us downstream, past Oljeto Wash and into the sandbar-studded upper reaches of Lake Powell – a place that is constantly changing these days. We’ll dodge and weave our way to the take out at Clay Hills Crossing, soaking up the last precious moments of river time. We’ll load up the boats and gear before loading ourselves into the vans for the two hour drive back to Blanding, Utah. Our expected time of arrival in Blanding is between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. Say a final goodbye to your new river friends (and guides!), and carry these memories with you, until the river calls you back again.

One of the advantages of our San Juan River trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, seasonal water flows, weather, campsite availability, and courtesy for other groups on the river. This sample itinerary illustrates a 4-day trip on the San Juan River.