Explore the magnificence of the San Juan River with Ancient Wayves!

The mystical waters of the San Juan River carve through ancient rock layers creating a colorful landscape of immeasurable beauty.

Float by spectacular geological wonders such as the Mexican Hat and Goosenecks that are best seen from the river.

This river radiates Indigenous heritage! Remnants of ancient villages are scattered along this river dating back thousands of years. This river has provided life to this desert region since time immemorial. Its powerful flow carries ancient stories of the Indigenous people and native wildlife.

What better way to explore this river than with guides who are connected to the region through ancestral heritage and are knowledgeable and fun!

We provide guided river trips on sections extending from Montezuma Creek to Clay Hills, Utah.

*Upper Canyon section: Sand Island to Mexican Hat

*Lower Canyon stretch: Mexican Hat to Clay Hills

Maximum number of guests: 25

Sand Island to Mexican Hat, UT (3-day river adventure)

~ Adult: $948
~ Youth (17 yrs. & younger): $840
*Sales tax will be added upon booking.

The "Upper Canyon" is a fantastic stretch of the San Juan River that has vast history and immeasurable beauty.

Launch point: Sand Island boat ramp

Take-out point: Mexican Hat boat ramp

Food:

* Tasty full course meals will be prepared in spectacular kitchen settings by our multi-skilled guides who rock the kitchen with their camp-cooking skills. Like coffee in the morning? There's nothing better than sipping a cup of "cowboy coffee" alongside the beaches of the San Juan River.

Hiking:

* There are awesome hiking trails along this stretch of river. These "side-hikes" vary in length, the longest being approximately 2.5 miles in length. We'll trek to see beautiful views of the landscape and to visit spectacular archaeological sites.

Tour inclusions:

* Sleep gear (tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad)

Below are several 2025 "launch" dates open to booking:

* March 28

* April 5

* June 6

* June 21

* July 12

* August 1

Mexican Hat to Clay Hills, UT (4-5 days)

~ Adult: $316 per day
~ Youth (17 yrs. & younger): $280 per day
*Sales tax will be added upon booking.

The "Lower Canyon" section:

Experience the magnificent "Lower Canyon" stretch of the San Juan River. A region of serenity and pure beauty.

Rapids:

* Along this stretch are three rapids (Gypsum, Twin Canyon & Ross) rated class II and a class III rapid called Government.

Hiking:

* There are several areas in the "Lower canyon" where hiking is possible. The historic "Honaker Trail" is a switchback trail that provides fantastic views and a close-up look at the canyon's mesmerizing geologic history. At the Slickhorn confluence is an area of scenic wonder and has several trails. Other areas where hiking is possible is at the marvelous Grand Gulch confluence and within the Oljaito wash.

Old Swinging Bridge to Sand Island (Single-day paddle adventure)

$219 per adult (age 18 and over)
$198 per youth (ages 11-17)
$116 per child (ages 6-10)
*Sales tax will be added.

This unique adventure begins with a short hike to a majestic archaeological site on the Navajo Nation. After this short hike, we'll begin our float which is approximately 7.5 miles in length. Along the way we'll stop for a scrumptious lunch with a splendid view. During the float, we'll make an additional stop to see more remnants of an ancient thriving civilization that existed approximately 1200 years ago. We'll "take-out" our vessels at the Sand Island Boat Ramp where we'll be able to view ancient petroglyphs on the Jurassic walls of patina.

Montezuma Creek to Sand Island (2-day river adventure)

Adults: $632
Youth (17 yrs. & younger): $560
*Sales tax will be added

This one-of-a-kind adventure begins upriver near the small community of Montezuma Creek on the Navajo Nation. Float through a land of wonders amongst a landscape that has extensive history of ancient inhabitance.

Camp one night under the desert stars and taste Indigenous foods prepared by your Indigenous guide.

Mexican Hat to Clay Hills (6-day river adventure)

Adult: $1,896
Youth: $1,680
*Sales tax will be added.

2024 trips: Contact us to find out our launch date availabilities.

This 57-mile stretch of the San Juan River is a grand wonder in Southeast Utah. We'll launch from Mexican Hat and immediately be immersed in the magnificence of this ancient landscape. Canyon walls reaching heights of more than a thousand feet provide splendid views as you float through lands filled with native wildlife and plant life.

During this river trip, we'll explore the mysticism of Slickhorn Canyon, Grand Gulch and Oljaito Wash where at each place we'll camp.

Sand Island to Mexican Hat (4-day river adventure)

Adult: $1,264
Youth: $1,120
*Sales tax will be added upon booking.

We'll guide you along this stretch of the San Juan River known as the "Upper Canyon". Launching point is at the Sand Island boat ramp and the takeout is at the Mexican Hat boat ramp.

This magnificent river trip will cover 27 miles over 4 days (3 nights).

Taste local flavor as your guides prepare you hearty meals during the adventure.