River And Mountain Adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Dates: July 6– July 26 (21 Days)

Activity List: Rafting and inflatable kayaking, introductory backpacking, peak ascents and Navajo culture  and service

Arrive and Depart: Durango Airport (DRO) or Deer Hill Basecamp, Mancos, Colorado

“I was blown away by how much fun it was! The guides were absolutely amazing and funny, the activities were awesome, and I felt very safe. The food was better than I have at home, and so gourmet for camping. I learned so much about rafting, the Navajo people, and the Ancient Puebloans, but I also learned that I could do stuff I never knew I could. I will always remember how gorgeous this area is, and all my new friends at Deer Hill. These memories will last for the rest of my life.” Nikki, Placerville, CA

Day 1

Arrive at Deer Hill Basecamp for your orientation and trip preparation.

Day 2

Get to know your group and leaders, and prepare for your first activity. Pack up for the river expedition and service project.

Days 3-6

Depart for launch site near Bluff, Utah. Safety talk. Launch for a 3-night river trip on the upper stretch of the San Juan River. We’ll camp on sandy riverbanks while we review river skills and practice Leave No Trace camping. Short day hikes to side canyons and overlooks.

Day 6

Finish our river section. Deer Hill support staff meet us with mail, fresh fruits and vegetables and gear for the upcoming service project on the Navajo Reservation. Showers at a local pool.

Day 7

Travel to the Navajo Reservation where we meet our host family, set up our camp in their backyard (near our service site) and review our service work plan.

Days 8-12

Help on the Navajo Reservation with a service project (e.g., rebuilding a traditional Hogan, reconstructing fencing along an elderly family’s ranch land or building a shelter for baby sheep). Our host family also teach us about Navajo traditions. Traditional arts or craft projects (e.g., sand painting or weaving) may be included.

Day 12

Return to Deer Hill Basecamp for swimming in the Deer Hill pond, volleyball, hot showers, and a fantastic meal!

Day 13

After a rejuvenating break, we’ll pack gear and food rations for our backpacking trip and learn how to use a backcountry stove and set up our tents.

Days 14-19

Depart from Bear Creek trailhead into the high La Plata Mountains near Durango, Colorado for a backpacking expedition. The group will attempt to summit Mount Centennial.

Day 19

Return to Deer Hill Basecamp for swimming, hot showers, and a fantastic meal!

Day 20

We unpack our bags, return gear and clean up from our trip. We conclude the trip with a Deer Hill-style sweat lodge ceremony and celebratory end to our adventures. Finish the day with an outdoor barbecue banquet, including ice cream sundaes, and a photo slide show.

Day 21

After breakfast at Basecamp, we say our farewells and head home to our families.

“Climbing Centennial Peak wiht an alpine start and the great views was amazing, and I loved camping along the Colorado River, but, building a tipi in Navajo was just unbelievable.” Charlotte, Boston, MA