An incredible multi-activity traverse of the Colorado Plateau that rafts the length of the San Juan River then leaves the boats behind to hike up majestic Grand Gulch, one of the most stunning canyons in the West. Add a rich cultural learning and native arts experience in a Hopi Pueblo and it is no wonder this program is the first to sell out each year.

• Jump into a pristine pool in a hidden side canyon.
• Steer your raft safely through Ross and Government Rapids.
• Discover the prehistoric survival secrets of “The Basketmakers” while hiking through one of the richest archeological regions in the world.
• Get your hands dirty building and mudding a traditional stone oven with the Hopi.

Raft the length of the San Juan River
Only this group rafts both the upper and lower sections of the San Juan River, learning essential river skills and the history of the region along the way. Sit in a silent underground kiva and feel the weight of prehistory. Sketch the art of the ancients etched into the canyon wall. From the archaeologically rich country of the upper section, with its wind-sculpted rocks and sandstone walls, you will enter the remote “Goosenecks”, a sinuous canyon untouched by man, cutting deep into Cedar Mesa. Finally, tie up the boats at the remote entrance to spectacular Grand Gulch, the staging point for the next stage of our expedition.


Backpack Grand Gulch through Cedar Mesa Primitive Area, Utah Leave the boats behind and put on your boots for a weeklong trek through one of the richest archeological regions in the world. Pass by towering cliffs and rock arches, inviting pools in intimate side canyons, weird “hoodoos” and desert flowers blooming in the shade of overhangs. Smooth canyon ledges offer ideal hiking paths. See an eagle soaring, or a bighorn sheep silhouetted on the cliff wall, but no trace of modern man. Instead, find the legacy of the prehistoric peoples that inhabited this place: a rock art panel, a deserted dwelling high on a cliff, or a silent ceremonial kiva underneath the earth. To finally exit the canyon and meet the vehicle at the road is a surreal experience.


Cross-cultural service in the Hopi Nation, Arizona
Next, we gather our service tools and head to the Hopi Nation in Arizona, where families welcome you into their community. Work side by side with Hopi youth to build a “Piki house” bread oven, whitewash the walls of a village plaza in preparation for a Kachina Dance, or maintain the spring-fed traditional gardens. Watch the skilful hands of a Hopi artist decorate a hand-made pot, then create your own art piece to take home and treasure. Learn firsthand how these people proudly maintain their traditions, while embracing modern life.