Upper San Juan River Rafting Trip

Holiday’s three-day upper San Juan River trip is all about calm water and archaeology. Raft through the improbably uplifted rocks of Comb Ridge and into a flowing desert oasis. Visit sacred riverside cultural sites that have stood for millennia. Surround yourself with the stories left behind by the people who have called the river home for thousands of years. Walk past ancient indigenous cultural sites, contemplate rock art, and imagine yourself as the latest in the long legacy of humans to explore this area.

You’ll camp out in a wonderland of red rocks and nature while our guides take care of all the details. They’ll row the boats, cook the food, and provide expert interpretation about the history and nature around you. This is a perfect trip for families with young children, or people looking for a gentle introduction to rafting. It’s also fun for inflatable kayaks! A trip on the upper San Juan river is the best way to experience the culture and scenery of the Four Corners. Three days provide just enough time to unplug and leave still wanting more.

 

Featured Review:

“This trip was among the best we’ve taken in the last decade. We decided to make this a reunion trip with a few couples from earlier times in our lives. It was a great decision and allowed us to become reacquainted in an atmosphere that was both intimate as well as beautiful. Your guides were truly facilitators of our enjoyment in every possible facet of the experience. Kudos to Holiday River Expeditions for putting in the hard work that allows people like us to step outside of our daily lives into such an incredible environment.”


It is with great respect that Holiday acknowledges that the upper San Juan has been home to the Diné (Navajo), Hopi, Pueblos & Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people since long before our present day society existed. The river forms the northern boundary of the modern-day Navajo Nation. We are deeply appreciative of the relationships that we have built with the tribe. You can learn more about our land acknowledgements here.
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Trip Overview

  • Type:

    Rafting

  • Location:

    San Juan River - Four Corners Region

  • Length:

    3 Days

  • Dates:

    May–June

  • Meet at:

    Desert Rose; Bluff, UT @ 7:00 pm (night before the trip), and 7:00 am day of trip

  • Difficulty:

    Beginner

  • Min. Age:

    5

  • Prices:

    Adult - $1,150
    Youth - $1,060 (18 & under)
    Senior - $1,060 (65 & older)
    Group - $1,060 (10 or more)
    + $22 BLM fee

  • Deposit:

    400

Highlights

  • Explore Ancestral Puebloan cultural sites and incredible geology
  • Classic southern Utah desert environment
  • Warm water and mellow rapids: good for kids and inflatable kayaks
  • Gourmet meals prepared for you fresh riverside
  • Shorter trip duration accommodates busy schedules

Rates & Dates

Itinerary

The San Juan River flows west out of the mountains of the same name in southwestern Colorado, and quickly gains speed as it passes through the Four Corners and into southern Utah. Our three-day upper trips begin at Sand Island, near Bluff, Utah. Float into the heart of the Monument Upwarp and on to the take out at Mexican Hat, Utah.

Sample Itinerary

Night Before

Please meet at the Desert Rose Resort and Cabins in Bluff, Utah, at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time for a pre-trip meeting. We’ll give you your dry bags and do a quick orientation so that we can be prepared for a speedy departure the following morning.

Day 1

Meet back at the Desert Rose at 7:00 the next morning for the short ride to the Sand Island put-in. These upper reaches of the river are covered with signs of the more than four different indigenous cultures that have lived in this canyon over thousands of years. Pictographs, petroglyphs, and hand-carved steps are visible along the canyon walls.

Spend the night near “River House,” an incredible Ancestral Puebloan dwelling site showcasing the elegant design of their ancient civilizations. Enjoy exploring from camp, relaxing to the sounds of the river, or start up a beachside game of volleyball while your guides set up camp and prepare a delicious meal for you.

Day 2

Bask in the early morning sun as it creeps down the canyon walls. Enjoy some hot coffee or tea while your guides whip up breakfast before another enthralling day on the river. Push off the beach this morning and float alongside Comb Ridge, one of the longest geologic uplifts in the region, then follow the river as it cuts into the ridge’s heart.

Prince’s plume and tufted yucca wave at you from talus slopes as you careen through winding canyons and Four Foot and Eight Foot rapids before resting for the evening near Limestone Draw. Another camp evening lets you soak in the last rays of sunshine as you enjoy some quality time with your travel group – celebrating your time together and making new friends and memories!

Day 3

This is a breakfast you won’t want to miss! Watch in awe as your guides prepare made-to-order omelets served right off the griddle. Break camp and float by the iconic “Mexican Hat” rock formation, a precarious hoodoo with a striking sombrero-like shape. Enjoy your last few hours with the river and its wildlife before arriving at the boat ramp in Mexican Hat where we will meet our vans for the 45-minute drive back to Bluff, Utah.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary intended to provide one example of a three-day trip on the upper San Juan. Itineraries may vary based on campsite availability, weather, and seasonal water flows in May and June.

floating in the san juan river

Wilderness river trips are changeable by nature. Please understand that this is only a sample itinerary, intended to give an idea of how your time will be spent on the river. You may have the opportunity to do all of the above activities, or you may have a variety of other memorable and exciting experiences. Holiday’s motto is “Go With the Flow”, and we encourage you to arrive with an open mind, a flexible attitude, and an appetite for adventure!

F.A.Q.

Weather & Water

We float the San Juan in the spring, before the heat of the summer arrives. Highs will reach the low 80’s and lows will get down into the 50’s at night.

The Upper San Juan River is a mellow stretch of mostly flat water with some small Class I-II rapids.

Boat Options

We facilitate this trip with oar rafts, which means the guide will row and our passengers get to relax on the tubes. We will also bring along inflatable kayaks and stand up paddle boards for those interested in a little autonomy.

Camping & Meals

The campsites here are primitive in nature featuring gorgeous views and typically a hiking trail to wander down.

All of the meals on your trip will be prepared fresh by your guides. Lunches are generally sandwiches, wraps, or salads, and you’ll be amazed what we can whip up for breakfast and dinner!

Trip Rating

This is a beginner level trip, ideal for first-timers and small kiddos. This is also a great trip for those interested in hiking to archaeological sites.

Private Charter Trips

Charter your own private Upper San Juan River trip with a group of 16 or more! To learn more, head to our Private Group Charter page here.

Cancellation Policy

It is good to understand our cancellation policy before booking your trip. You can find it here.

Reviews

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Holiday River Expeditions
Average rating:  
 19 reviews
 by Vicky L

Best guides ever. I loved this trip. Five stars all around!

 by Craig C

Talley and Maggie are great! Loved the relaxed pace. Good variety of camp/river/hiking time.

 by Brenda M

most relaxing river trip I have had. Guides were great.

 by Cecilia D

it was a joy to be in the capable hands of our cheerful and generous guides, Tallie and Maggie. We loved our time in and on the water, and the fabulous hikes.

 by Anne B

Very smooth and efficient. I loved having fresh food throughout the trip. All the guides were wonderful — friendly, helpful, extremely competent.

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