San Juan River from Sand Island to Mexican Hat paddling for 3.2 days below Bluff, UT.
October 13 – 15 (or 16), 2022
This will be an ACA-sanctioned outing/event which requires EITHER ACA membership OR a $10/person insurance fee. The trip is a series of 3 days through interesting geologic formations with 1 class II+ (or III- based on water levels) rapids that we will scout, and a couple of class II rapids. We plan to see most of the petroglyph sites and ruins, including the Butler Wash Panel, the Desecration Panel area, River House, Chinle Wash, and the Mule’s Ear Diatreme geologic area.
We will purchase the Navajo Nation’s backcountry hiking and camping permits at $45 for 3 days to allow access on the left bank. This along with $12 in BLM fees will mean that a check for $57 to me will be needed very soon. We will decide whether to pay $75 per car for the shuttle or do it ourselves.
I will need to let go of any of the 15 slots that we did not fill 3 weeks ahead of the trip so that I can get some of my money back. Note that helmets, floating painters, floatation bags, throw rope and bailing devices are needed and we are hoping for 700-2000cfs and good weather.
Most of us will camp October 12th (night before our launch) at Sand Island and enjoy the petroglyphs there. Depending on how quickly we cover the 27 total miles, some of us will stay on the Navajo side the 3rd river night with great views of the Mexican Hat formation and others will paddle out the final 4 miles.
Contact Karen A. [email protected] now to get details and to sign up.