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RIO GRANDE, Texas
 The legendary Rio Grande - flowing through some of the most beautiful and desolate desert canyons on the continent - is truly one of America's premier wilderness rivers, and a true classic of the American Southwest. Forming the long, wild Texas/Mexico border, cutting through the intensely rugged Big Bend Country, the Rio Grande was not fully explored in its entirety until very late in the nineteenth century. Today it is still regarded as one of the nation's last real frontiers. For 15 years we have run what is known as The Lower Canyons - the most isolated and spectacular section of all. Flowing eastward out of Big Bend National Park, through intensely rugged desert terrain, the river is first characterized by massive buttes and peaks rising off the desert flats, which eventually give way, to the Rio Grande's most commanding feature; the succession of canyons - miles of sheer, subtly hued walls, at times thousands of feet high. Wild horses and burros roam side canyons; vultures, falcons and hawks fly overhead.
Essentially a mellow trip, placid water and easy current alternate with short, somewhat technical rapids, Class II, virtually all of which are runnable. Whitewater technique, especially solo paddling and poling, has always been our specialty. Given the proper coaching, most people can be taught to run whitewater gracefully and skillfully within a few days' time. We run the river at optimum season - late March through April is "springtime" in the southwestern desert. Cacti are flowering and the climate is perfect; fairly hot and dry, with an abundance of sunshine, no bugs and perfect swimming. Highlights include dramatic hikes up adjoining bluffs and side canyons, bathing in natural hot springs, and Southwestern cuisine. Campsites reflect the diversity of the landscape; each one is different - seemingly more beautiful than the last. Although tents are provided, many just simply choose to sleep under the stars. The Lower Canyons, photo by Dane Goins
SAN JUAN RIVER, Utah
 The San Juan River flows from the San Juan Mountains in Colorado to the Colorado River in Utah. We offer a seven-day/six-night canoe trip through the San Juan's spectacular 300 million-year-old canyons. Putting in at Bluff, Utah, we will paddle 85 miles on the fastest flowing river in the U.S. Despite its speed, this is a Class I-II run with a couple of short Class III rapids, which will be lined or carried.
Guests may want to consider a longer stay in the area. This "Four Corners" area of Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico is rich in geologic and historical sites, many within driving distance of Grand Junction and Moab. The Arches National Park is a must see just outside of Moab and deserves a full day of exploring.  More information on the parks may be found at www.nps.gov.San Juan River, photo by Stan Bullard
Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, photo by Mike Patterson
VERDE RIVER, Arizona
The Arizona Wilderness Act of 1984 established a portion of the Verde as Arizona's first WILD RIVER; at the same time, another portion was designated as Arizona's first SCENIC RIVER.
 The Verde is very small and technical and is suitable for experienced paddlers only with many Class II rapids, and a few Class III that require lining.This trip is on a beautiful green desert riverway with many types of cacti, including the famous and protected Saguaro (sah-wah'-ro) cactus seen in the old western movies.
Shadows on the Verde, photo by Marsha Withers
Mike poling on the Verde, photo by Dane Goins
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