Paddle through Utah’s San Juan River and explore a thousand-year-old cliff dwelling on this unique private adventure. Experience history and nature combined for an unforgettable day.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness to paddle 8 miles and manage some hiking over uneven terrain during site visits.
Wildlife
History
The cliff dwelling explored on this trip dates back approximately 1000 years and provides insight into the ancestral Puebloan culture that once thrived here.
Conservation
Efforts focus on protecting ancient sites and minimizing human impact to preserve these landscapes for future generations.
Wild Expeditions
Paddle through Utah’s San Juan River and explore a thousand-year-old cliff dwelling on this unique private adventure. Experience history and nature combined for an unforgettable day.
Wild Expeditions is an adventure outfitter based in Bluff, Utah, offering guided trips across the San Juan River, Bears Ears National Monument, and surrounding canyon country. The company provides half-day and multiday experiences including stand-up paddleboard and kayak expeditions on the San Juan River, private Bears Ears hiking tours with 4x4 transport, Valley of the Gods sunset drives, and UTV excursions to River House Ruin.
Additional offerings include canyoneering in Fry Canyon, an introductory Bears Ears tour, a 3-day trail running retreat, vehicle shuttles between Mexican Hat and Clay Hills, and a four-day river journey from Sand Island to Mexican Hat led by PhD historian Andrew Gulliford. Many trips combine paddling, short hikes, archaeological site visits, and scenic 4x4 or Hummer rides to remote cliff dwellings and rock art.
Trips list professional guidance, provided gear, and tailored itineraries for private tours; multiday journeys include backcountry-style meals and historic interpretation. Wild Expeditions operates from Bluff, Utah, with access to the San Juan River corridor, Comb Ridge, Cedar Mesa, Fry Canyon, and Valley of the Gods. The operation emphasizes access to sites not reachable by standard vehicles, including UTV routes and Moki Dugway drives. Visitors can choose single-day options such as half-day SUP and kayak floats or more immersive options like the Sand Island to Mexican Hat river expedition. Trip durations range from 3-hour excursions to multi-day river journeys, with private itineraries and shuttle logistics available directly.
Base Location
Bluff, Utah
Gateway to Bears Ears & San Juan River
Tours Offered
11 Trips
Half-day to multi-day adventures
Private Options
Custom Itineraries
Private 4-hour to multiday tours
Special Experiences
Historian-led trip
Four-day river journey with Andrew Gulliford
Choose a half-day paddle, a private Bears Ears hike, or a multi-day San Juan River journey — check availability and book now.
Wear water-friendly footwear
Choose shoes that can get wet and dry quickly since you’ll be kayaking and exploring rocky riversides.
Bring sunscreen and a wide-brim hat
Utah’s desert sun can be intense; protect your skin and eyes during river paddling and the 4x4 ride.
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Carry enough water to stay hydrated during paddling and off-road driving in warm weather.
Follow Leave No Trace principles
Respect ancient sites and natural surroundings by not touching the rock art or leaving waste behind.
Lightweight kayak paddle
Facilitates efficient paddling during the river portion of the trip.
UV-protective hat
Protects your face and neck from intense sun exposure during hours on the river and off-road.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the physical activity and heat.
Sturdy hiking shoes with grip
Provides traction and comfort when exploring cliff dwellings and rocky terrain.