Four Day San Juan River Journey from Sand Island to Mexican Hat
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate fitness level, comfortable with all-day outdoor activity including paddling and short hikes.
Overview
Join historian Andrew Gulliford for a unique 4-day San Juan River experience, exploring ancient ruins and wild landscapes from Sand Island to Mexican Hat. Disconnect, explore, and savor every moment of this remarkable journey.
Four Day River Journey - Sand Island to Mexican Hat w/Andrew Gulliford
Recommended for ages 6+ • 4 Days, 3 Nights / 80 Hours • Up to 25 People
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About This Adventure
Experience a transformative 4-day journey along the San Juan River with PhD Historian Andrew Gulliford. Disconnect from modern life as you savor cowboy-style meals, explore ancient Puebloan ruins, and witness breathtaking sunsets. This unique adventure combines history, nature, and camaraderie, creating unforgettable memories under a starlit desert sky.
Enjoy 4 days in the scenic beauty of the San Juan!
About
Journey into the past for 4 days, immersed in the timeless solitude of the San Juan River, led by PhD Historian Andrew Gulliford. Four days allows you to truly disconnect from the modern world and take a step back in time. Savor delicious cowboy-style meals on the banks of the San Juan, as the setting sun paints the canyon walls with vibrant hues and a million stars emerge above. Explore hidden ruins and ancient rock art panels, remnants of the ancestral Puebloan culture, accessible only from the river’s edge. Dr. Guilliford will bring to life the stories and history of the San Juan, revealing the rich tapestry of human presence that has graced these lands for centuries.
Recommended Age:
6+ years old (Call us if you have younger explorer)
Included
- Rafts
- Inflatable Kayaks
- PFDs
- Small Dry Bag for personal items needed in the day
- Large Dry Bag for Sleeping bag and Clothing
- 3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- Snacks available throughout the day
- Professional Certified Guides
- Transportation to and from the river
What to bring
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Compact sleeping bag, sleeping pad and a small lightweight tent. Sleep kits also available to rent for $30/person. (+$15 for a private tent).
- RAINGEAR. Hooded rain jacket and pants. (hopefully it stays in the bottom of your drybag, but sometimes it does rain in the desert)
- Warm pajamas.
- Gloves & knitted hat that covers your ears. (nights in the desert may get cold)
- Shorts and short sleeved shirt or t-shirt.
- River sandals or tennis shoes that can and will get wet!
- Lightweight hiking boots
- A filled personal water bottle or canteen for hiking and night use. A one liter bottle is suggested
- Any medication you must take regularly
- Sunscreen and bug repellent
- Towel, comb/brush, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, chapstick, sunscreen and/or sunblock
- Visor or wide brimmed hat or cap
- Sunglasses with tie on strap
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Optional Items:
- One or two carabiners (great for clipping water bottle to your PFD or boat)
- Small daypack for hiking
- Small Binoculars
- Bandannas (keep cool by dipping them in the river)
- Lotion
- Garbage bag for dirty clothes
- Camera
All items must fit in your two dry bags. Large Dry Bag has a 16” Diameter and is 25” Tall. Small Dry Bag has a 6.5” diameter and 19” tall.
Adventure Tips
Pack Lightweight, Waterproof Gear
Bring water-resistant bags and quick-drying clothes to keep your belongings safe from splashes and unexpected rain.
Carry Sufficient Water and Snacks
Although meals are provided, having extra water and snacks on hand can keep you energized throughout the day.
Wear Sun Protection
Use sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing to guard against intense desert sun exposure.
Respect Archaeological Sites
Observe all posted rules to protect ancient Puebloan ruins and avoid touching fragile structures.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bighorn sheep
- Great blue heron
History
The San Juan River corridor features numerous ancestral Puebloan ruins, reflecting thousands of years of human history in the region.
Conservation
Wild Expeditions promotes Leave No Trace principles to preserve the fragile desert ecosystem and protect archaeological sites along the river.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moab
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Dry Bags
Protects your gear from river water and unexpected splashes.
Wide-Brimmed Hat
Provides necessary sun protection during long daylight hours.
summer specific
Layered Clothing
Allows adjustment for temperature changes from warm days to cool evenings.
all specific
Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Supportive footwear for exploring shoreline ruins and trails during stops.