Ari Bruns
Prepare for a memorable 16-day whitewater journey as you paddle through some of the last wild rivers in the West and the Desolation Canyon Wilderness Area. This adventure takes you through Dinosaur National Monument, where you’ll navigate Class III rapids and enjoy beautiful scenery that compares to the Grand Canyon. Discover scenic day hikes and relax at peaceful beach campsites. It’s more than just a river trip—it’s a chance to learn new skills, take on leadership, and experience personal growth along the way.
Designed for 14-15-year-olds, this course allows you to dive into the wild, learning the ins and outs of river travel while building essential life skills. Whether you're a beginner or already have some experience, you’ll gain hands-on skills in rafting, cooking meals on camp stoves, and assessing risks in the wilderness. Along the way, you’ll develop confidence, leadership, and teamwork as you navigate both the river’s rapids and life’s challenges.
In June, the Yampa River, one of the last major undammed rivers in the Colorado River system, will be your wild playground where you’ll experience a river as nature intended—free-flowing, powerful, and full of life. With 42 miles of the Yampa’s untouched waters and 85 miles through Desolation Canyon on the Green River, you’ll paddle, float, and immerse yourself in one of the most pristine and remote landscapes in the world.
In July, starting in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, you’ll experience towering walls adorned with striking rock formations and vibrant shades of green that defy the harsh desert surroundings, creating an awe-inspiring contrast that feels almost otherworldly. From there, you’ll travel through the Gates of Lodore – the first major canyon faced by John Wesley Powell and his crew during their legendary 1869 expedition. From the moment it begins, the river plunges through a labyrinth of fiery red slot canyons, vast valleys, and vibrant cliffs draped in lush emerald evergreens and wild brush—an exhilarating journey into a stunning, untamed wilderness!
As you face the challenges of the river, you’ll also discover what it truly means to be a leader. Forge deep friendships, push past your comfort zone, and develop a connection to the natural world that will last a lifetime.
Photo credit: Manuel Aguilera
Photo credit: Lauren Bally