Do you want to make new friends before classes start? Do you enjoy the outdoors? If you answered YES to either of these questions, then our Peak River Trip is for you. This is a multi-day river trip in which students will float during the day and camp outside next to the river under the stars.
Register today!
The trip is:
For more information, review the tabs below or contact Colt Fetters at 970-247-7293 or cfetters@fortlewis.edu.
When: August 22-25, 2022 Where: San Juan River - Upper section from Bluff to Mexican Hat, UT Number of students: 20 Student cost: $350
These trips are open for all experience levels.
Participants are responsible to bring appropriate clothing and footwear. Please contact us if you have questions.
Financial Assistance:
Substantial financial assistance is available for those who qualify. To apply, please complete the registration process, including the financial assistance application. This will hold your space on the trip. We will review applications on a rolling basis. You will be notified no later than June 15 if you qualify for assistance.
**Cancellation Policy**
Bring clothes for on the water that can get wet, and warm comfortable clothes for at camp – it can get chilly at night, and sometimes it rains in the desert!
Individual camping equipment is not provided but can be arranged. Fort Lewis students can check equipment out free of charge.
Will there be a place for me to store all my things while on the trip?
Yes, you will be able to drop off any belongings not needed for the trip at your residence hall during your assigned time (to be announced).
When should I arrive?
How do I get to campus from the airport?
If you provide us with your flight information, we’ll pick you up at the airport for free.
Is there a place for me to stay on Sunday night?
Yes, if you’re arriving on Sunday, students may “camp out” in the Student Life Center.
Will I be back in time for New Student and Family Orientation?
Yes, we return to campus by Thursday evening. This is perfect timing for checking in to New Student and/or Family Orientation.
When and where can I meet my family upon returning?
Any family or friends joining for move-in or Orientation can meet you upon your return and after equipment clean-up. Campus return times will be in the late afternoon on Thursday. You will be notified of your return time prior to Peak beginning.
How many students are on Peak?
All groups consist of 20 incoming students and several student leaders.
If I’m over 21, can I bring marijuana or alcohol?
No, even if you can legally use either of these substances, neither are allowed on Fort Lewis College events.
What do I need to bring?
You are responsible for your personal clothing and footwear. Please download the packing list for all required personal equipment.
What if I don't have my own equipment?
OP has a full equipment room where you will be able to check out items such as backpacks, sleep bags, sleeping pads, etc. You are responsible for your personal clothing and footwear. See the packing list for more information.
Can I use my own pack/tent/etc.?
Yes, you are welcome to use any personal gear you wish (providing it is approved by your trip leader), but you will be responsible for any personal equipment you choose to bring.
Do I need to bring my own food or water?
No, we will provide food from Monday's lunch through Thursday's lunch. We will also provide water treatment systems when we’re in the field.
Can I bring my own pack?
Yes, but your pack must be at least 70 Liters and meet our staff approval, as you will have to fit food and group gear. Our rental packs are 90 Liters.
Should I bring my cell phone or emergency beacon device?
What will the weather be like?
The weather can range from 70 degrees and sunny, to below freezing temps with rain and snow. Please read the packing list thoroughly to be prepared.
How far are we rafting?
The total route length is 27 river miles, with 4 days to cover this distance.
Environmental and Cultural Protection
The desert rivers of the southwest are a beautiful and fragile landscape which require care during our visit. A moments carelessness can have an impact on the environment that will last a lifetime. In addition, there are many sites and remnants of the land’s ancestral people that deserve special respect. Every FLOW program begins with the acknowledgement that the land and waters on which we gather are the ancestral lands and territories of Nuchu (Ute), Apache, the Pueblos, Hopi, Zuni, and the Diné Nation. We think it is important to provide this acknowledgment because the narratives of this land and region have long been told from one dominant perspective, without full acknowledgment of the tribes who lived on this land. While visiting cultural sites it is important to stay on established trails, and do not touch or deface petroglyph/pictograph panels or climb on archeological structures. The removal of artifacts such as pottery shards is illegal.
Specialized toilets, kitchen equipment, and fire pans and blankets are provided to minimize our impact on the river corridor. FLOW guides will instruct participants regarding Leave No Trace procedures for food and human waste, fires, camping and hiking.
Small Craft
Small crafts such as inflatable kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and pack rafts are welcome on most FLOW programs. Several inflatable kayaks and stand up paddleboards will be available to use during the trip.
Parking
Overnight Parking is permitted in the north end of the stadium lot.
Standard Operating Procedures
What will we be eating on trip?
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?
Yes, we are able to accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions and allergies. You may note these requirements in the registration process.
Can I bring my own snacks?
Yes, if you have a special snack you want to have, you’re welcome to bring it.
River Miles: 27 Nights on the river: 3
The San Juan River from Sand Island to Mexican Hat travels past numerous historical archeological, and geologic sites including ancestral Puebloan ruins, petroglyph panels, abandoned mines and buildings, red rock canyons and formations.
Travel from Durango to Sand Island Boat Ramp (2.5 hours). Upon arriving at the river, the group will put-in on the river and camp a couple miles downstream.
The San Juan winds past numerous historical and archeological sites as it travels past Butler Wash. The highlight of these sites is the River House, a large ancestral Puebloan ruin. After Comb Wash, we enter San Juan Canyon. A few class II rapids dot the canyon as the red rock walls tower above.
As we leave San Juan Canyon we enter the Mexican Hat Syncline. The river meanders 7 more miles to the take-out at Mexican Hat.
With a quick morning float, we will arrive at Mexican Hat takeout. After a quick load-up in the early-afternoon we will start the three- hour drive back and arrive in Durango by late afternoon.
They are:
For more information on our leaders and leadership program, visit the Student Outdoor Leadership (SOL) website.