Gunnison Gorge NCA River sup
beginner stand up paddle river trip
Difficulty: Beginner
Requirements:
Stand Up Paddle Board - Age 10+. Must be able to stand or kneel for 2 hours
Kayak - Ages 10+ for solo kayak, 6+ to ride in a tandem kayak
Raft - Ages 3+
Included: Guide, instruction, transportation, all equipment, no added rental fees.
Options: Join the trip on a stand up paddle board, inflatable Kayak or guided raft
Season: May-October
ultimate colorado river sup experience
Just outside the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is the ideal Colorado destination to learn the art of river SUP, discover a scenic rafting journey, or enjoy a family kayak adventure. Take in warm Colorado sunshine, crystal clear water, and breathtaking scenery as you float through the most inviting river canyon in Colorado.
On this tour, we paddle through calm water, deep canyons and beginner level river features. These picturesque canyons are home to great blue heron, big horned sheep, deer, elk, and bald eagles. Along the way we will watch native trout swim right underneath us in these gold medal fishing waters. From start to finish we will be immersed in continuous views of red, yellow and orange canyon walls, the West Elk Wilderness and the Grand Mesa.
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 Gorge NCA is 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 Gorge NCA.
Kayak
Single, or tandem kayaks are a great way to explore the Gunnison Gorge NCA. Our stable inflatable river kayaks are easy to master. After a little instruction you will be confidently splashing through the gentle waves of the Gunnison River. This kayak tour is appropriate for beginners of all ages.
Raft
For the ultimate relaxing day on the river book your tour in a guided raft, the perfect option for families. See Scenic Float option to book.
Half Day:
All the instruction, plus 5 miles of down-river fun. We break half way for snacks and a delicious local beverage. A complete river SUP, kayak or raft experience, that leaves plenty of time in the day to visit the vineyards and orchards of the North Fork Valley.
Duration: 4 hours (Including shuttle, instruction and tour)
Length: 6 miles
Included: Snack and beverage
Meet Times: 9:00 am
Half Day Rates: $97 adults, $94 age 12 + under
3/4 Day:
Our half day trip plus lunch, and a hike to Eagle Rock Shelter, at 13,000 years old, this is the oldest archaeological site in Colorado!
Duration: 5 hours (including shuttle, instruction and tour)
Length: 6 miles
Included: locally sourced river side lunch
Visit: ancient petroglyphs
Meet Time: 10:00 am
3/4 Day Rates: $119 adults, $114 age 12 + under
Full Day:
Spend the whole day immersed in nature on our full day trip. Explore the petroglyphs and ancient dwelling of Eagle Rock Shelter. Includes a river side lunch featuring ingredients from local North Fork Valley farms and orchards, plus four extra miles of down-river fun!
Duration: 7 hours (including shuttle, instruction and tour)
Length: 10 miles
Included: locally sourced river side lunch
Visit: ancient petroglyphs
Meet Time: 9:00 am
Full Day Rates: $129 adults, $124 age 12 + under
Perfect activity for hot summer days!
“This was the first time my wife and I had paddled on moving water, and we went from wobbly-legs to splashing through class-II rapids during our tour. The river is a mix of steady flowing water punctuated by small rapids. The rapids never felt dangerous, and you can always drop to your knees if it gets too intimidating. Or just fall off! The water was the perfect temperature on a 84˚ day! One of the highlights is a stop to go see the oldest archeological dig in Colorado.
Western Slope SUP was one of the friendliest, cleaners outfitters I've seen. They have excellently maintained boards and equipment, and their staff is very knowledgeable and courteous. It's also very reasonably priced to boot! This is a new shop, and so it won't remain a hidden gem for long! Go book now!”
The Sepps, Trip Advisor
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kayak trips near the black canyon
Soak up warm Colorado sunshine while splashing through the scenic canyons and clear, cool waters of the Gunnison Gorge NCA. Perfect for beginners or experienced river runners.
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Family rafting does not get better than this. Float the scenic canyons of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, swim in its crystal clear waters, and splash through beginner class I/II whitewater rapids.
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