BLACK CANYON CANOE

Our group will spend several days paddling along the calm section of the Colorado River just south of the Hoover Dam. As we move up the river, the valley turns to a canyon with walls towering vertically above. We might see an occasional Bighorn Sheep, and what is left of the silver and gold mines of the area. Unique experiences on this trip include camping on the river next to hot springs, the opportunity to explore a sauna cave, and visiting the heated waterfall in Gold-strike Canyon. You will learn valuable paddling skills used to navigate the river’s many currents while traveling upstream, and you will also enjoy being able to float along the waters on your way back down.

The Trip

As one of the most amazing paddling trips in the west, this flatwater stretch of the Colorado River is perfectly suited for beginners.  We will get a chance to experience numerous heated streams, pools, and waterfalls throughout our time in the canyon and while not paddling, we'll be eating delicious food, and telling stories under the array of desert stars. Each day you will travel from beach to beach along the river in your canoe, gliding through the emerald green waters of the river and seeing the remnants of old abandoned mining operations. Besides learning how to paddle, you will also develop your outdoor cooking, navigation, and Leave No Trace skills. These skills may seem specific to the wilderness, but you'd be surprised how helpful they can be in every-day life. In spending time on the river with your fellow Wilderness Orientation participants, you will develop a sense of community and will discover how to face the many challenges of the river as a member of a team.  This experience will help you prepare for the many obstacles you will encounter once you begin your stay at UC San Diego.

Course Area -  Black Canyon

Black Canyon is one of the most amazing places to canoe in the west. This section of the Colorado River is best known for its numerous mineral hot springs that emerge from the crevices of the canyon walls. And because we will be camping along the river, we will have several opportunities to visit these natural, hot mineral waters. The heat of the Arizona summer is impressive, but it’s something that can be complemented with a dip in the chilly Colorado River. And if warm air and cool water aren’t enough to convince you, the emerald green caves and coves will surely take anyone's breath away. This is one of our most awesome trips, and for that reason it will fill early, so register soon.

Sample Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Meet at the Outback Adventures Office / Rental Shop by 10am. Check out your gear and then drive to Willow Beach. Camp along the Colorado River.

Day 2-5 – Paddle along the Colorado River and enjoy the hot springs of the Arizona Desert! Drive back to campus on day 5 for trip cleanup and a celebration dinner. Camp at Outback Adventures for the final night.

Day 6 - Breakfast, Closing Ceremonies, Depart 10am. Plan flights no earlier than 12pm (noon).

Physical Demands

Canoeing is a unique skill to master and can be very tiring. As you will learn before you get on the water, you must use your core muscles to execute proper paddling form. This may take minutes or days to master, depending on your skill level. The heat of the Arizona desert in August is nothing to take lightly. Wearing proper sun protection and staying hydrated by drinking lots of water are essential to maintaining your well-being on this trip. Luckily for you, though, you can cool off any time you want in the waters of the Colorado River!

*We are more than willing to work with participants who may require adaptive solutions. Please call the Director for more information at a minimum of 30 days in advance of the trip start.

Registration Fee Info 

Registration fees cover transportation from UCSD to the trip destination, instruction, most food and all group gear (tents, cooking equipment, canoes, first aid supplies etc.). Participants provide personal equipment on the trip packing list, most of which can be purchased or rented at Outback Adventures. We also offer financial assistance awards ranging from $200 to full coverage for first generation college students, students from low income families, international students, and out of state students. If you believe you qualify and would benefit from this financial assistance, please apply early.

If the cost of this trip is prohibitive to you, please reach out to us. We do not want financial barriers to stop anyone from participating in our programs.

Cancellation Policy - please review the trip cancellation policy before registering for Wilderness Orientation.