Dominguez Escalante Kayaking
Full day Kayak river trip
Difficulty: Beginner
Duration: 7 hours (including shuttle, instruction and tour)
Length: 10 miles
Included: Guides, transportation, all equipment, locally sourced river side lunch
Visit: waterfall
Requirements:
Kayak - Ages 10+ for solo kayak, 6+ to ride in a tandem kayak
Stand Up Paddle Board - Age 10+. Must be able to stand or kneel for 3 hours
Raft - Ages 3+
Options: Join the trip in an inflatable Kayak, stand up paddle board, or guided raft
Season: April-October
Meet Time: 8:00 am
Full Day Rates: $165 per person
Kayaking in Colorado Canyon Country
Spend a full day immersed in stunning desert scenery, as you paddle through the heart of Dominguez & Escalante National Conservation Area. We will float the calm, tranquil waters of the Gunnison River which flow peacefully through this ancient landscape. These 800 foot deep canyons are home to big horned sheep, collard lizards, and elk.
Our day begins at Honey Rock Landing, one of the few orchards hidden in the canyon depths. If we are luck we may get a tour of the orchard, and an opportunity to pick fresh peaches. Upon launching, you will be awed by the wind-sculped canyon walls, and utter solitude of our natural surroundings. At mid-day we will take a break at the beach, where your guides will prepare a local, farm fresh lunch featuring organic ingredients sourced from North Fork Valley farms and orchards. Before our day is through you will have an opportunity to hike to a waterfall and bathe under its cascading waters. At the end of our day we will load into an air-conditioned van and ride back to Hotchkiss, reflecting on the peace and natural beauty we found in Dominguez & Escalante National Conservation Area.
Kayak
Single, or tandem kayaks are a great way to explore Dominguez Escalante NCA. Our stable inflatable river kayaks are easy to master. After a little instruction you will be confidently splashing through the gentle waves and calm waters of the Gunnison River. This kayak tour is appropriate for beginners of all ages.
Stand up paddle
For stand up paddle boarders, this scenic river tour begins with instruction. Before launching you will spend 30 minutes with our professional instructors both on land and in the water learning basic SUP and river running skills. Once you are confident on your board, your instructor will guide you through a nature-made, desert water park, which has become the top-rated stand up paddle tour in Colorado.
Unlike most rivers in Colorado, the Gunnison especially suited to stand up paddle boarding. The river is calm enough for beginners to get their bearings, warm enough to enjoy a dip, and exciting enough for adventurers of all ages. The small waves, and beginner level river features along the way can be enjoyed standing, kneeling or sitting on your paddle board. By the end of your tour, everyone in your group will have the opportunity, and ability, to stand up through these small features. There is not another river in Colorado like the Gunnison
Raft
For the ultimate relaxing day on the river book your tour in a guided raft, the perfect option for families.
michelearrieta, Trip Advisor
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