Digging deep into any positive experience brings rewards that often exceed expectations. CRP is an action-packed journey into some of the most wild and beautiful backcountry in North America. Traveling as an essential part of a small group, you'll have fun while meeting challenges together. Your Deer Hill leaders support you and your expedition team on this fun adventure.

Canoe the Redrock Canyons of the Colorado River

The rivers of the Colorado Plateau have eroded sheer rock into a landscape of rugged contours and rich colors. The stretch of the Colorado River that Deer Hill has chosen for this canoe expedition allows for time to learn key canoe techniques. In this stunning southwestern landscape, you rig an expedition canoe, "read" river currents, and communicate signals that are specific to the art of canoe travel. There are side canyons to explore on foot, and sandy beaches for campsites.

Engage in Community Service in the Navajo Nation

Next, we head for the land of the Diné, the Navajo. Since 1990, Deer Hill groups have lived and worked with Navajo families on projects important to their way of life. Build a shade arbor, hoe a cornfield, or repair a sheep corral. You gain more than you give from these gentle people. Local artisans share with us their mastery of silversmithing and weaving. Additionally we may be invited to witness traditional ceremonies.

Mountain Bike in Aspen Forests

Once showered and packed up from your canoe expedition you take to the aspen trails for two full days of mountain biking on a new 27-speed bike. This is such a fun way to experience the backcountry with new friends and sleep under the stars of a summer sky.

Backpack in the Lizard Head Wilderness

You are now ready for that backpack and cool mountain air. Pitch your tent in alpine meadows, and cook and bake meals you never thought you could. Stand on top of a 13,000-foot peak, looking 100 miles in every direction. Clear streams, abundant wildlife, and meadows of wildflowers are common, yet inspiring sights in this area.

	Day 1 Arrival and orientation at Deer Hill Basecamp Day 2 Pack for river and service expeditions; depart for Utah Day 3 Arrive at the Colorado River; canoeing instruction and practice Days 4-6 Self-supported canoe expedition Day 6 River take-out; showers, laundry, swim in Moab, Utah; camp under desert stars Day 7 Travel to Navajo host family; set up camp, prepare for service Days 8-11 Service and art projects with the Navajo people Day 11 Return to Deer Hill Basecamp; volleyball, swim in the Deer Hill pond, home cooked meals! Day 12 Pack food rations, issue mountain gear, stove & tent instruction Days 13-15 Mountain biking in the aspens near Moab Day 16 Morning bike ride, afternoon pack for backpacking trip and hike into campsite Days 16-21 Backpacking, peak ascent, solitude in the San Juan Mountains Day 21 Return to Deer Hill Basecamp; swim, laundry, home-cooked meals Day 22 Phone calls home, sweat lodge ceremony, banquet and Circle Day 23 Breakfast, farewells, departure