Welcome to your river adventure! We design our trips to provide you with an opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally in the stunning surroundings of Colorado and Utah.
From mellow, relaxing river floats to heart-stopping whitewater adventures, you will form life-long friendships and come away with a set of new skills.
Specialty care on- and off-the-river, to include trained guides, crew, adaptive equipment, and transportation.
Guides and crew are knowledgeable in specialty care required by our clients.
High ratio of guides/crew to passengers, as high as needed.
Slower trip pace and individualized programs that cater to your unique needs.
Trip designed to provide therapeutic and/or educational value.
Priced inline with your economic means.
We don't offer vacations, joy rides or party boats. Oh sure, you can make it your vacations, enjoy the ride, and celebrate the places often shown on the National Geographic channel. What you make of the outdoors and the amazing experiences on the river will be up to you. We will simply be there to provide the venue, the safety net, and to assist you in meeting the challenges of the river and the outdoors. Whatever that challenge might be for you. We will also feed you, make beaches accessible for wheelchairs, take the time to sync with you and to enjoy your view of life, provide custom toilets (and help you use them ), carry you where you can't get on your own, and provide other adaptations that make river rafting and kayaking enjoyable for everyone. Regardless of your physical or intellectual ability level, you will be an equal partner on the trips with us.
The outdoors is a great equalizer, and its challenges will provide you with an opportunity for self-exploration, building self-confidence, and increasing independence. We design our trips to provide you with an opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally in the stunning surroundings of the high desert of western Colorado and eastern Utah. We hope that you will come away from our trips with a set of new skills in basic river running... and life. This is going to be your trip and we encourage you to make the most of it. Our amazing volunteer guides have some serious experience in guiding people outdoors. Use them, because just like you, they do this because they want to, not because they have to.
Therapeutic Value
We think that outdoor activities have a therapeutic value for everyone, especially for people with disabilities. Rafting, kayaking and paddle sports offer an incredible opportunity for adapting to each individual's strengths.
Besides the fact that all these activities are a great exercise, they also provide the opportunity to bring people together and spend time in a beautiful environment.
Who Is Running These Trips?
Experienced and knowledgeable volunteer river and outdoor guides from Colorado Discover Ability will take you on the river adventure. These licensed river guides specialize in adaptive outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Our river trips are designed to challenge people through self-discovery of their own abilities.
In short, we are inviting you to get outside to test your emotional and physical barriers, to get independent, and to build self-confidence. Do it in an amazing environment with people that will challenge you and treat you as an equal partner in the outdoor adventure. You've done it and seen it before? Then come outside and play again. You can never get tired of the incredible outdoors in Colorado and Utah.
Corn Lake (Clifton) to Blue Heron (24 Road, Grand Junction)
The Colorado River, between Corn Lake (Clifton) and Blue Heron (Redlands Parkway), is called the Urban Route by locals. This stretch of river is full of wildlife, yet close to town. There are eagles, Blue Heron rookeries, ducks, geese, beavers, and deer crossing the river. This is a fairly flat stretch of river, where you can kick back and relax. At the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado, past the 5th Street Bridge, kayakers surf the wave during peak water flow.
This day trip takes about 4-6 hours without much paddling, and can be shortened to about 4 hours if paddled all the way. The trip time varies depending on stream flow and winds.
Rapid Classification: I & II
Length: 10 miles
Time on the river: 4-6 hours
When: May through August
Blue Heron (24 Road, Grand Junction) to Fruita
A relaxing float from Blue Heron Park on the west side of Grand Junction (24 Road) to Fruita State Park will take you through some spectacular scenery unknown to most locals. A local float with views of the Colorado National Monument runs through the Canadian Goose flyway and a series of small rapids. With easy access and a short shuttle time this trip is perfect for morning to mid-day starts. This stretch of Colorado river offers plenty of good swimming on hot days.
Rapid Classification: I
Length: 9 miles
Time on the river: 3-4 hours
When: May through end of August
Upper Colorado River
Pumphouse to State Bridge on upper Colorado River
The Pumphouse access marks the start of the Pumphouse Run, Colorado's second most popular stretch of river. Here, below Gore Canyon, the Colorado reverts to a moderate and pastoral character, winding for the most part through a shallow, semi-arid valley sparsely mantled in sagebrush, juniper, and pinyon pine. Two short mini-canyons -- carved from the same dark bedrock as Gore -- and a wealth of big waves at high water provide some scenery and excitement.
Colorado's most popular raft trip offers a great mixture of moderate rapids as well as relaxing, intermediate water. The fast water begins about one mile downriver at the entrance to the upper gorge. Precambrian gneiss, schist, and granite rock make up Gore Canyon and Lower Gore Canyon. This geologic layer is nearly 1,800 million years old, made of metamorphosed shale, sandstone, and limestone deposits. Uplifting of the formations and downcutting by the river created the canyons.
We run the Pumphouse to Radium stretch (4 miles) on the first day, camp at, above or below Radium camping area and continue to Rancho Del Rio (6 miles) on the second day. We can also alter our plan and float all the way to State Bridge (additional 3.9 miles).
Rapid Classification: III (beginner whitewater)
Length: 15 miles
Time on the river: 8-10 hours
Shuttle time from Grand Junction (getting to and from the river): 3 hours on each end of the trip
When: May through August
Pumphouse to Catamount on upper Colorado River
We can extend the 15-mile Pumphouse run into a great, quiet and a beautiful area below the State Bridge.
Rapid Classification: I-III (beginner whitewater)
Length: 31 miles
Time on the river: 8-15 hours
Shuttle time from Grand Junction (getting to and from the river): 3 hours on each end of the trip
When: May through August
Ruby-Horsethief Canyon on the Colorado River
This is a relaxing float into clean, clear desrt landscape.
If you are looking to experience the dramatic scenery of the Colorado River without the crowds, head with us to the Ruby-Horsethief Canyons section. Located in west central Colorado and eastern Utah, this 25-mile, Class I-II float travels through the breathtaking scenery of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA). McInnis Canyons NCA is remarkable for its diverse landscape ranging from salt bush desert to the spectacular canyons of the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness area. Although there are sections of easy rapids, for the most part this section of the Colorado River caters to those who are looking to enjoy lazy days and nights camped on sandy beaches under the big western sky.
As we travel down the river, sandstone cliffs tower overhead and side canyons off the main stem offer superb hiking for those wishing to add some variety to their trip. Further down, Black Rock Rapid offers a bit of excitement for those looking for a challenge. We camp along the broad, sandy beaches just down from the Black Rock Rapid. These popular beaches can accommodate several groups at once. The relative ease, fantastic scenery and abundant hiking opportunities makes this section ideal for inexperienced boaters and people looking for an outing on one of our country's most storied rivers.
Our trip through Ruby/Horsethief Canyons begins at Loma, Colorado and ends at Westwater, Utah. This stretch of the river runs along the northern boundary of the 75,550 acre Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. The trip includes beautiful red rock canyons, 1.5 billion year-old uplifted metamorphic rock known as the "Black Rocks", and an abundance of wildlife to include bald eagles, peregrine falcons and if you're lucky you might catch sight of the reintroduced desert bighorn sheep. Day hikes into one of the many side canyons provides opportunity for solitude and exploration. NOTE: The railroad runs parallel to the river for much of the trip. Trains often sound their horns, day and night.
Rapid Classification: I and II
Length: 25 miles
Time on the river: 8-12 hours (depending on water levels and winds)
Shuttle time from Fruita to Loma: 15 minutes
Shuttle time from Westwater to Fruita: 1 hour
When: May through October
Facilities: Toilets at Loma boat launch. Toilets, tables and camping available at Westwater Ranger Station, UT.
Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River
Often called a miniature Grand Canyon, this 17-mile segment of the Colorado River has it all: a stunningly beautiful wilderness canyon and a world-class whitewater. Hidden away in eastern Utah is Westwater Canyon, which offers an exceptional whitewater rafting trip as the Colorado River begins the last leg of its journey to Lake Powell. The water current becomes notably swifter as it is forced into the descending and narrowing channel of Westwater Canyon. It is here that your trip offers the thrill and challenge of running some of the best white water Class III-IV rapids in the region.
The Rapids of Westwater
There are eleven named rapids within Westwater Canyon that range in difficulty up to Class IV. The first two are Wild Horse and Little Dolores (a.k.a. Little D). The most significant rapids lie within a two-mile stretch of the inner canyon, formed by pre-Cambrian metamorphic rock. Rapids here include (in order): Marble Canyon, Staircase, Big Hummer, Funnel Falls, Surprise, Skull, Bowling Alley, Sock-It-To-Me, and Last Chance. The rapids that give people the most trouble are Funnel Falls, Skull, and Sock-It-To-Me.
Escalante to Whitewater on the Gunnison River (27.2 miles)
This can be a one- or a two-day trip by combining two consecutive runs.
Escalante Canyon to Dominguez Canyon on Gunnison River
The Gunnison River, between the Escalante and Dominguez Canyons, offers a very scenic and gentle float. The river flows through beautiful slickrock canyon country interspersed with small ranches and fruit orchards.
Attractions:
About two miles downstream of the Escalante put-in is a large cave about a half mile from the river on river left.
Another mile downstream is a class II rapid. At high water a whirlpool about 100 yards in diameter forms at the top of the rapid.
The river passes through fruit orchards on the bottom of the canyon. In the fruit orchard section there is a small boulder dam with a clear chute on river left.
About 9 miles downstream from the put-in at Escalante is an abandoned two-story log cabin on river left.
Petroglyphs can be found by hiking up Dominguez Creek canyon.
Cottonwood stands in the area hold Great Blue Heron rookeries and the area is an April breeding ground for Canada Geese. The Gunnison River is a unique thread of life through these desert canyons, providing habitat for many threatened and endangered species. Eagles nest in the cottonwoods. Brought back from the edge of extinction, peregrine falcons soar along the cliffs in Dominguez Canyon where you might also see some of the reintroduced Desert Bighorn Sheep. If you are lucky and stay alert you might be able to spot beavers.
Accessibility:
Escalante boat ramp, where we put-in, is wide, easy and accessible for people on wheelchairs.
Bridgeport take out is narrow, swampy, with enough space for two kayaks or one raft at a time. There is no beach, just a small opening in the shrubery and tall grass. Narrow, uneven trail under a rail bridge and steps that lead to the parking lot present a real challenge for people in wheelchairs. Large rafts need to be deflated to fit under the rail underpass or carried up the steep hill and over the rail tracks.
Rapid Classification: I and II
Length: 13.2 miles
Time on the river: 4-6 hours
Shuttle time from Grand Junction (getting to and from the river): 1 hour on each end of the trip
When: May through August
Bridgeport to Whitewater
Beautiful scenery surrounds this quiet part of the river as it flows through sandstone canyons. Halfway through the trip the scenery changes to high desert rolling hills and cliffs. If you are lucky and stay alert you might be able to spot Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles and beavers. You will definitely see many birds, among them a Great Blue Heron.
Accessibility:
Whitewater take out has enough space for two or three kayaks (or one 18-foot raft) at one time. A steep trail to the parking lot mandates assistance to people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Rapid Classification: I
Length: 14 miles
Time on the river: 4-6 hours
Shuttle time from Grand Junction (getting to and from the river): 1 hour on each end of the trip
When: May through middle of August
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area on the Gunnison River
Currently Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plan for Gunnison Gorge provides for no allocations specific to adaptive organizations. The BLM Uncompahgre Field Office in Montrose has informed us in April 2010 that it will propose a pilot program to allow adaptive organizations a limited number of river trips through Gunnison Gorge. We will post all updates about trips for adaptive organizations on this page.
This 2-day adventure through the Gunnison Gorge in western Colorado is located at the downstream end of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The Gunnison Gorge combines a classic whitewater adventure with world-class trout fishing in a remote wilderness. Spectacular 1200 ft. vertical canyon walls of granite, limestone and sandstone are the norm as you challenge Class III-IV rapids deep below. Bighorn sheep, river otters, beavers and even mule deer can be seen alongside the river.
This 14-mile stretch of gold medal trout water has been nominated for "Wild and Scenic River" designation. It also receives expanded protection as a National Conservation Area. Here, below the many dams of the national park, the clear green water slips between spectacular towering black granite cliffs, dropping first into glassy pools and them plunging into foaming rapids.
Getting to the river requires an easy mile-long hike down a narrow trail; people unable to walk on their own, the boats and group gear are brought into the canyon on horseback. Others will need to carry own personal gear down the trail to the "put-in". The hike in is rewarded with dramatic canyon scenery, picturesque views and remarkable solitude. Each day has a mix of exciting whitewater and calm water float time. Our camp for the night will be on a sandy or grassy bench where you take a hike up toward the rim, or enjoy the world-class fishing, or just kick back and watch the river flow by.
Only two groups of twelve people per day are permitted to raft the Gunnison Gorge, assuring you a quality wilderness experience. Hiking, fishing, swimming and testing our skill in the rapids are all part of what makes the Gunnison River a favorite for people seeking challenge and a connection with the Colorado wilderness.
Rapid Classification: III and IV
Length: 13.5 miles
Time on the river: 5-7 hours
Shuttle time from Grand Junction (getting to and from the river): 2 hours on each end of the trip
When: June through September
Gates of Lodore - Dinosaur National Monument on the Green River
Colorado Discover Ability can occasionally guide river trips through Dinosaur National Monument under "Special Populations" permit, which comes out from the private boaters allocation. Special Populations permits are granted through a lottery system and permit applications must be submitted between November and February. After February it is possible to obtain a permit only if there is a cancellation of the existing permit. Due to a very high demand for this trip, cancellations are very rare.
Trips guided under Special Populations permit are on cost-sharing and non-revenue generating basis. On a typical, 4-day adaptive river trip through Gates of Lodore the cost per person is about $240, to include CDA's river and camping gear, adaptive equipment, permit application fee, licensed adaptive river guides with an appropriate ratio of guides/crew to clients, and transportation. As with all CDA river trips you may qualify to join a trip at a much lower cost through our scholarship program.
A boat trip through one of Dinosaur's river canyons can be the experience of a lifetime. Here the Green river has carved three spectacular gorges: Lodore Canyon, Whirlpool Canyon and Split Mountain Canyon. Starting at river level the canyon walls of Lodore soar dramatically to over 2,500 feet high in just two miles.
This is a remote, pristine wilderness in the heart of Dinosaur National Monument, Utah. The Gates of Lodore is a classic desert raft trip, replete with awe-inspiring geology, expansive sandy beaches, great side hikes, and multiple challenging Class III and Class IV rapids.
The river is fast and technically challenging. We will use big oar boats, paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks on this trip and there are rapids to tackle every day.
Rapid Classification: III and IV
Total Length: 44 miles
Trip Duration: 4 days
Shuttle time from Grand Junction (getting to and from the river): 4 hours on each end of the trip
When: June through September
Colorado Discover Ability occasionally runs river trips through Dinosaur National Monument under Special Populations Permit issued by the National Park Service at Dinosaur National Monument. The staff of National Park Service at the Dinosaur National Monument has been instrumental in creating opportunities for rafting for people with disabilities.
Grand Canyon on the Colorado River
Experience Colorado River Rafting in the Grand Canyon National Park. Aboat trip through the Grand Canyon is for many people a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This grandest of canyons, cut into ancient rocks by the force of the Colorado River, offers spectacular scenery, incredible geology, and an array of plants and animals - mule deer, bighorn sheep, eagles, herons, falcons, cactus, and wildflowers will delight photographers. Side canyons, with deep emerald pools and magnificent waterfalls, are magical places to explore on your Arizona vacation.
Whether you come for the thrill of rafting the rapids or for the quiet still water, rafting trips offer unforgettable sights and memories you can see no other way. It is a place where you will find fun, laughter, friendship, peace and tranquility with other people like yourself.
Watch a video filmed by one of the participants in CDA's Grand Canyon trip in 2003.
Volunteer guides with Colorado Discover Ability are at the heart of our river trips. They come from all walks of life but all share the same passion for the river, the outdoors, and the challenges they present. They'd love to share those experiences with you, regardless of your ability level. All of our river guides have hundreds or thousands of miles of running river trips behind their belts.
All of our river guides and the river crew have the expertise and the experience in making the outdoors accessible and safe for all participants. And they think it is important to provide fair access to the great outdoors for people with disabilities. Now, don't think that this means that they will replicate a 5-star hotel experience for you. Not at all. They will simply make you an equal partner on the river adventure, would it be a one-day float through town or a two-week trip through Grand Canyon.
These large, 18-foot long rafts are powered by a single guide sitting in the middle on a metal frame and using a set of long oars. We will use these rafts to carry gear as well guests who are unable to paddle or kayak. Of course, all guests are invited to lounge on our big boats but once they are onboard they become a working crew at guide's disposal. :-)
Paddle Rafts
Paddle rafts are maneuvered by the paddling teamwork of four to seven paddlers sitting on the side tubes and using canoe paddles. The guide steers and navigates from the back of the raft, giving paddlers instructions on when and how to paddle. Prior to reaching the most challenging rapids the paddle raft crew might practice flipping the raft upside down, flipping ("righting") the raft right side up while in the water, and rescuing fellow paddlers. The guide will teach the basics of guiding this raft to all crew and will let crew members guide the raft through some of the rapids.
Inflatable Kayaks
A few guests will be given an opportunity to navigate the rapids in inflatable kayaks, nicknamed "duckies." The guides and the crew will teach you the basics of "reading" the river, its features and how to have fun on the river in an inflatable kayak. You may choose to pair up with another person or go solo. We will teach you how to self-rescue in case your duckie flips and you might have to demonstrate the self-rescue skill before you will be allowed to paddle through major rapids.
NON-SWIMMERS & LIFE JACKETS
Many of our participants cannot swim. We provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (Type V) designed to float you face-up in whitewater or calm water. Personal floatation devices are required to be worn at all times.
Only the guides can give an "OK" for guests riding in big oar boats to remove life jackets in designated flat water sections of the river. Guests in inflatable kayaks and paddle rafts must keep the life jackets on at all times.
Prices are set by the Program Director and the CDA's River Program Manager based on the individual's or group's ability to pay for a specific trip. While our costs to launch adaptive river trips are higher than river trips operated by the commercial outfitters, our mission is not to generate revenue from every trip but to provide outdoor therapeutic experience to every person with a disability regardless of her or his ability to pay for the trip.
Our single-day trips through town (Grand Valley, Palisade to Loma, CO) are typically about $40 per person. Our overnight river trips cost about $70 per person, per day. When you let us know your needs and the specifics of the trip, we will discuss with you the actual cost of running the river trip and your price for the trip. As with all our programs, scholarships are available based on the funds available to us.
We can also help you write a mutual grant with us for your desired trip.
No matter your ability, we'll adapt our crafts and the camp sites to fit you and to allow an intimate outdoor experience. We won't just take you along for a ride—it's your trip and you'll be engaged in all aspects of the trip. We also have specialized gear to make natural, undeveloped areas accessible to all.
Given the special and diverse needs of our guests the ratio of guides/crew to guests will generally be 1:4 and as high as it needs to be for individual guests. Our rivers trips are staffed with volunteers who have a wide range of outdoor expertise and experience working with people who have disabilities.
WHEELCHAIRS AND ACCESSIBILITY
From adaptive seating systems for the rafts to special mats that allow wheelchairs to move around sandy beaches, we innovate to make the outdoors accessible to you. While our primary goal is to provide you with an opportunity to face the physical and mental challenges of the outdoors, you can also count on our adaptive innovations to make it possible for you get out there to face those challenges. Sometimes you will use your guides as the "adaptive equipment" who will enjoy helping you get through the obstacles and showing you the alternate ways of eliminating physical and mental barriers. Combination of adaptive innovations, problem solving and teamwork will make the outdoors accessible to all.
MEDICATIONS
If you are concerned about storing your medications in a dry bag you may give them to your guide for storage in a dry box or a cooler on the oar boat. Please secure your medications in a Ziploc bag and clearly label with your full name and the names of the medications before asking the guide to store them in a cooler or a dry box.
SERVICE DOGS
Service dogs are welcome on our trips. Please be kind to our gear and trim your dog's nails prior to the trip unless you'd like to be on the boat that will sink from punctures. Your service dog will be required to wear a K-9 life jacket, which will be provided to you if requested ahead of time. The dog will have to remain under your supervision while on shore so as not to disturb the local wildlife or so the dog doesn’t get eaten by the local wildlife. All dog poop must be collected and deposited in the portable toilet.
SMOKING
We ask that you refrain from smoking while in the raft, kayak or a tent. If you must smoke while on the river, let the guide know that you need a smoke break, paddle to the shore and smoke a few feet away from the raft or a kayak. There is always a serious fire danger in the outdoors. When smoking shake hot ash into the river. When you are done smoking douse the cigarette butt with river water and hand it to your guide or place it in a trash bag.
"RECREATIONAL" DRUGS
This should be obvious without saying, but it must be said: no legal or illegal drugs are permitted, period. Insubordinate guests will be left behind on a rock in the middle of a major rapid (local wildlife needs food, too).
LITTER
We will carry out all of our trash and whatever other trash we may find as we travel down the river or at the camp site. We appreciate your assistance in keeping the river and the camp sites clean and beautiful. We leave the campsites and the places we visited in a better shape than we found them.
SINGLE-DAY RIVER TRIPS
MEALS
We provide lunch if requested when scheduling a trip. Special diets can be accommodated upon request. Bring your own snacks if you like snacking in-between major meals.
DRINKS
We wil have plenty of lemonade and water to drink for everyone. Feel free to bring your own favorite, non-alcoholic drinks in metal or plastic containers, which we will store in coolers. Guests who have been drinking alcohol prior to the trip will not be permitted on the river trip.
BATHROOM BREAKS ON THE RIVER
All liquid human waste must go in the river (no peeing on shore, please). All solid human waste will be deposited in the portable toilets carried on the oar boats. Ask any guide to setup a toilet for you if you must go while on the river. They will peel away from the group and setup a toilet for you in privacy on shore. Alternately they may give you a special bag for depositing solid human waste.
MULTI-DAY RIVER TRIPS
MEALS
We provide fresh, hearty meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day. Special diets can be accommodated upon request. Bring your own snacks if you like snacking in-between major meals.
DRINKS
We wil have plenty of lemonade and water to drink for everyone. Feel free to bring your own favorite drinks in metal or plastic containers, which we will store in coolers. We do not provide alcohol on our trips, and alcohol is not permitted while on the river. You may bring alcohol for consumption in camp but it must be in plastic or metal containers (no glass). Guests who have been drinking prior to the trip will not be permitted on the river trip. A trip leader or CDA's Program Manager may decide to make specific trips alcohol-free, depending on the circumstances of the trip.
BATHROOM BREAKS ON THE RIVER
All liquid human waste must go in the river (no peeing on shore, please). All solid human waste will be deposited in the portable toilets carried on the oar boats. Ask any guide to setup a toilet for you if you must go while on the river. They will peel away from the group and setup a toilet for you in privacy on shore. Alternately they may give you a special bag for depositing solid human waste.
TOILET SETUP AT CAMPSITES
There is no plumbing or electricity at the camp sites that we will use on the river. We will use portable toilets, to include a platform with railing for additional support or to assist in transfer from a wheelchair. We may also provide a multi-position open raised toilet seat. We will bring multiple toilets with us on the trip if you need to use one for an extended time.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
You may wash in the river using a bio-degradebale soap/shampoo and use drinking water for brushing your teeth. We will also setup a hand-washing station for cleaning soiled hands and provide hand sanitizers to keep you and others healthy.
SLEEPING & SHELTER
We will provide 2- and 3-person tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags if you don't have them.
MEALS ON THE RIVER
WASHING DISHES
PORTABLE TOILET WITH ADDITIONAL RAILING (click to enlarge)
PORTABLE TOILET WITH ADDITIONAL RAILING (click to enlarge)
PRIVACY TENT FOR THE TOILET (click to enlarge)
GET ON THE RIVER (INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS)
Browse our Calendar of Events for trips that are already scheduled and let us know if you'd like to join an existing trip. If you represent a group of 5 or more people simply schedule your own trip.
Let us organize a river trip that fits your calendar, budget and goals. Our trips are customized to fit the needs of the individuals and groups, and are designed to provide safe and impressive outdoor experience. We provide complete logistical support for your trip, event planning and administration, and all gear needed to run short and extended river trips, to include:
experienced adaptive guides (experienced in technical aspects of river running and specializing in outdoor recreation for people with physical and intellectual disabilities)
18', 16' and 14' guided oar boats and paddle rafts
inflatable kayaks
life jackets
watertight bags
adaptive equipment
all meals, snacks and drinks
coolers and ice
camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, etc.)
campsite arrangements
transportation
While our costs to launch adaptive river trips are higher than river trips operated by the commercial outfitters, our mission is to provide outdoor therapeutic experience to every person with a disability regardless of her or his ability to pay for the trip. Prices start at $40 per person for day trips and $70 per person per day for multi-day trips.
How to Design a River Trip
Check out the river runs offered by CDA and imagine how specific trips would fit your or your groups' goals and needs. Write down those goals, the desired dates and the recreational and/or therapeutic value you'd like the trip to deliver. We can run single-, to- or multi-day trips on the Colorado, Green, Gunnison and Yampa rivers. You can mix-and-match the activities for your trip. For example, for a multi-day outdoor experience we could schedule a river trip and some other outdoor activity in-between the rafting days or on either end of the river trip.
You can also skip altogether looking at our specific river trips and consult with us about a trip that would meet your goals. With over 10 years of experience in running trips for people with disabilities, we will design the length and intensity of the trip as well as address safety concerns based on the trip goals and ability levels.
Planning your trip as far in advance as possible is crucial because we might be already committed to other trips and some of the permits are difficult to obtain on a short notice.
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