Guests will make arrangements to arrive in Grand Junction, Colorado, at least one day prior to the trip start, and we will meet that evening at the hotel to review the trip and answer any questions you may have.

The morning of Day 1 we will drive the scenic route to Moab, Utah to be outfitted with life jackets, paddles, etc. and pick up our canoes and provisions. After lunch at the Bluff put-in, we will paddle a short distance to the famous Kachina panels displaying ancient petroglyphs, which have been studied by archeologists and cultural historians from around the world. Day 2 we will hike to River House, Anasazi ruins circa 1000 AD, then paddle to Chinle Wash to explore ancient cliff dwellings. We are fortunate to be able to see these ancient remains close up, and ask all visitors to treat them with a great deal of respect.

Day 3's paddle first takes us through impressive, colorful geologic anticlines. A hike up the ridge affords spectacular views of Mexican Hat, Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods. We finish the day at Mendenhall Loop camp. Day 4 we paddle through the famous Goosenecks - three tight loops 1.5 miles long through canyons over 1,000 feet high - and camp at the Honaker Trail site. Constructed as a mule trail for gold miners, it traverses the canyon wall up to great lookouts of the river. The high plateau was originally the floor of an ancient sea and marine fossils are evident. After a full paddle on Day 5, we set up camp at John's canyon, and take off to the swimming holes atop the plateau. Day 6's lunch stop includes a side canyon hike up Slickhorn Gulch where spring runoff flows through a series of cascading pools. We can perhaps swim in a natural pool or have a shower under the falls. We may be also able to hike Moonlight Canyon and then camp at one of the last sites within the high canyon walls. On Day 7 we takeout at Clay Hills, just upstream from the confluence with the Colorado River at the infamous Lake Powell. Following lunch, our shuttle takes us back to Moab, then to Grand Junction for our farewell dinner. Guests may fly home the following day.

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.

The Wilds of Maine can also make arrangements for longer river trips. Adding an additional day or two gives more time for side canyon explorations.