Trip Report: San Juan River Trip
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San Juan River Trip By Cindy Spangler |
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| BOATING | 04/10/2025 | Class II- |
| The sheer joy of floating down that majestic river was infectious! The gentle rocking of the raft, the camaraderie with my fellow travelers, the sun warming my skin, and the constant anticipation of what lay around the next bend - it was all incredibly fun. It offered a unique perspective, allowing us to access remote areas and witness the canyon walls slowly unfold in a way that hiking simply doesn't allow. The pace was also different - a beautiful blend of active paddling and relaxed drifting, encouraging a slower, more contemplative appreciation of our surroundings. The San Juan River carves its way through a breathtaking canyon, revealing layers upon layers of ancient rock in hues of red, orange, and buff. Towering sandstone cliffs rose dramatically on either side, sculpted by millennia of wind and water into fantastical shapes - arches, spires, and intricate patterns that seemed to tell stories of the earth's history. Along the riverbanks, we saw lush riparian vegetation - willows, cottonwood trees with their rustling leaves, and vibrant green grasses contrasting beautifully with the arid landscape beyond. Navigating the small sets of rapids definitely added a thrill! We attempted this in low flow and took our two rafts for walks rather than a paddling. While not extreme, they were enough to get the adrenaline pumping and required us to work together, paddling in unison to stay on course. Overall, the trip was incredibly well-organized. The logistics of food, gear, and transportation were seamless, allowing us to focus on enjoying the experience. |
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