Canoe River Canyons

Gliding along Utah's San Juan River, you meander through a landscape of red rock spires and sheer canyon walls. Look for mule deer, bald eagles, and bighorn sheep, which are common here amidst this protected terrain. Hear echoes bounce off pristine canyon walls that define the ancient geology of this area. On the San Juan, you maneuver your canoe through rapids and relax over slower currents.

Live with Hopi Families

On vast mesas in northern Arizona, the ancient Hopi people open their homes to you. For several days you live in their close-knit pueblo community, in adobes standing side by side as they have for centuries. During the day you work with Hopi youth building a traditional bread oven or tending a cornfield. On the weekend, with relationships built while sharing community service, Deer Hill participants may have the privilege of attending Kachina ceremonies, which are normally restricted from public view.

Ascend 13,000 Foot Peaks

You next experience the challenge and rewards of trekking through aspen and spruce wilderness until you reach timberline.  Careful to choose an environmentally sound spot to set up camp you and your tarp mates make home amidst fields of wildflowers. Beneath towering Colorado Rocky peaks, you learn to gauge mountain weather, hike off-trail with map and compass, and cook high-altitude pizza. Life is good living the simple joys of being outside and sharing adventuresome experiences with new friends. Then, with a strong heart and mind, you attempt to summit Grizzly Peak and Engineer Mountain - 13,000-foot peaks! Catch your breath at evening Circle, and reflect upon the day and the beauty of summer in the Colorado Rockies.

	Day 1 Arrival and orientation at Deer Hill Basecamp Day 2 Pack for river and service expeditions; practice canoeing strokes in the pond Day 3 Arrive at the San Juan River; canoeing instruction and practice Days 4-7 Self-supported canoe expedition Day 8 River take-out; showers, laundry, mail in Bluff, Utah Days 9-13 Service and art projects with the Hopi people Day 13 Return to Deer Hill Basecamp; volleyball, swim, laundry Day 14 Pack food rations, issue mountain gear, stove & tent instruction Day 15 Travel to San Juan Mountains; begin backpacking expedition Days 16-22 Backpacking expedition in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado Day 22 Return to Deer Hill Basecamp; laundry, swim in pond, delicious meals! Day 23 Phone calls home, sweat lodge ceremony, banquet, Circle Day 24 Breakfast, farewells, departure