San Juan River Trips
SUU Outdoors has been running river trips for over a decade and is a licensed outfitter and guide on the San Juan river in Southeast Utah. We pride ourselves on providing high quality river trips that have a special emphasis on outdoor education both for university groups and other groups outside our organization.
We have had the opportunity to take hundreds of SUU students on river trips throughout the years and many students have reported that it was one of the most impactful experiences of their college career. Students can sign up for our river trips each semester through our Trips and Adventures Program and various academic classes also incorporate river trips into their curriculum such as ORPT (Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism) and Geology classes.
We aim to get students out on the river as much as possible. We value the connections that are made on river trips and look forward to every trip that we get to spend in this world-class environment. Allow us to share this beautiful area with you and witness the magic that is the river!
Lots to Explore
SUU Outdoors offers a variety of options to meet your interests and budget, with all-inclusive 3, 4, 6, and 7 day river trips to both the Upper San Juan and Lower San Juan Rivers. Contact us for more details on pricing and available dates.
Trips Include:
- Professional guides
- Excellent river-side meals
- Quality rafting equipment
Upper San Juan River
Enjoy 27 river miles both by raft or kayak taking on rapids such as Four Foot, Eight Foot, and Ledge rapids! Hike to both ancient Native American ruins and rock art as well as other historical sites. This trip allows participants to experience a very unique landscape and observe the diverse ecosystem of the Upper San Juan River.
Lower San Juan River
Be inspired with a sense of awe as you paddle the 57 miles of the Lower San Juan canyon. Hike through deep side canyons like Oljeto and Slickhorn or travel back in time as you hike through the limestone rock layers on the historic Honaker Trail. And don’t forget about the whitewater of Government, Twin Canyons, and Ross Rapids!
Customer Testimonials
"I really loved this trip and felt super included by all the leaders."
-Emily
"I loved the whole experience! I think the people that were hired as our tour guides are just awesome people and I felt not stressed on or off the river because everyone was so knowledgeable."
-Alex
"I absolutely love the culture that these trips create."
-Jaylee
Example Menu and Itineraries
These lists are examples only. Each trip's menu and itinerary may vary, and are slightly customized to each group. Menu alterations can be made when necessary for dietary requirements/restrictions.
Day 1
Breakfast
- Muffins/Pastries
- Fruit
- Yogurt
Lunch
- Veggie Flatbreads
- Chips
- Fruit
- Cookies
- Appetizer
- DipCarrots
Dinner
- Grilled Bratwurst
- Baked Beans
- Grilled Veggies
- French Fries
- Salad
Dessert
- Cheesecake
Day 2
Breakfast
- French Toast
- Bacon
- Fresh Fruit
- Coffee/Tea/Orange Juice
Lunch
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
- Chips
- Apples
- Snacks
Appetizer
- Green Olives
- Mini Dill Pickles
Dinner
- 4-Cheese Tortellini w/ Pesto and Toasted Pine Nuts
- Caesar Salad
- Toasted Garlic Bread
Dessert
- Smores over the Fire
Day 3
Breakfast
- Breakfast Burritos w/ all the Fixins’
- Fresh Pineapple
- Coffee/Tea/Orange Juice
Lunch
- Pasta Salad
- Cookies
- Fresh Fruit
- Chips
- Appetizer
- Chips and Salsa
- Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Drink
Dinner
- Chicken Fajitas
- Refried Beans
- Dessert
- Peach Cobbler
Day 4
Breakfast
- Breakfast Sandwiches w/ Bacon, Eggs, Hash Browns, and Cheese
- Fresh Fruit
- Coffee/Tea/Orange Juice
Lunch
- Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
- Chips
- Cookies
- Fresh Fruit
Day 1
The trip starts out at the Sand Island Boat Launch near Bluff, UT. We take a short hike to experience the beautiful Lower Sand Island Petroglyph Panel and discuss the human history of the San Juan. After having a river safety discussion, we push off to enjoy the river in tandem kayaks or rafts. We will make a few stops along the way for lunch, enjoying other short hikes such as Butler Wash petroglyph panel, and other areas of interest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as wild burros, hawks, beavers, and much more!
We eventually will find a spot to set up camp followed by some downtime before dinner. Evenings are spent enjoying each others’ company, recounting the adventures of the day, and in the cooler months, enjoying some time around the campfire.
Day 2
Breakfast is served! Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or orange juice. Time to pack up and see the magnificent River House Native American Dwelling. This hike ranges from 1-2.5 miles where we get to enjoy ancient dwellings, pictographs, petroglyphs, ancient granaries and pottery, and for the motivated hikers, retracing the steps of the Mormon Pioneers up to the top of San Juan Hill for unsurpassed views of the San Juan river corridor and surrounding geologic wonders.
After hiking and enjoying lunch, we will soon be entering the lower canyon, enjoying a new landscape while navigating rapids such as four foot, eight foot, and ledge rapids. Camp is waiting for you to kick your feet up or play some games in the sand. There is no better way to top off the day with dinner in the canyon, followed by some of the darkest skies in the world!
Day 3
Breakfast on the river - does it get better than this? After enjoying breakfast, we get ready to push off for another great day on the river. Soon enough we’ll be floating by the famous Mexican Hat rock formation. After enjoying a wonderful morning on the river, we will eventually find ourselves arriving at the Mexican Hat boat launch where we finish our journey. We will all enjoy lunch together before making our way home - already thinking about when we can take our next trip on the river!