San Juan River Raft, an educational tour focusing on natural history, ancient peoples, and geology - MNA Ventures program.

San Juan River Raft

Leader: Don Keller
Dates: June 1–6, 2012 (6 days / 5 nights)
Cost: $1,600 members/$1,650 nonmembers
Difficulty: Moderate

Cost includes transportation from MNA, meals, and permits.

Enjoy six days of summer fun, stimulating learning, and camaraderie on the San Juan River of southeast Utah, exploring the canyon of this lively desert river along its free-flowing reach from Bluff to Mexican Hat and on down to Clay Hills at the head of the Lake Powell San Juan arm. Outstanding Basketmaker rock art and Pueblo cliff dwellings, historic trails and pioneer routes, and deeply carved canyon formations and side canyons highlight this 83-mile run of river relished by explorers of all ages. In this warming season, the desert mornings are great for hiking, the afternoon sun invites a cool swim, and the starry night and full moon form a magic backdrop above sandy beaches and towering canyon walls. Join archaeologist Don Keller and the seasoned crew of Adventure Discovery Tours on their home river for this adventure by oar rafts and inflatable paddle canoe.

Banner photo by Deidra Strom.

Don Keller strives to help participants understand the landscapes, the resources they contain, and how these resources have been used over time to create human settlement... Read more…

“Trip was well-planned and visits to sites were very interesting. Don adds much to the enjoyment of the trip…I thoroughly enjoyed it.” —J.S.

“Creative menus…impressive anywhere — Lisa, Ann, and Don (experts all) saw to every eventuality — our physical needs, transportation, food, sanitation, etc., as well as our hiking strengths and weaknesses — without a single lapse. Learning from consummate instructors/ambassadors for the museum really is a privilege.” —C.U.