The San Juan River in southeastern Utah has its headwaters in the lofty San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. Some of its waters are impounded behind Navajo Dam but in the spring, early June at 4000+ feet elevations, the river runs free with its waters primarily coming from the Animas River. In the canyon country below Bluff, it picks up speed and trips over rills and rapids as it continues to an eventual demise in Lake Powell below Clay Hills. From Bluff to Mexican Hat sand waves can build at a moment's notice. These roller coaster rides are unique to the San Juan and their regularity makes for excellent fun. The river has eighty-four miles of fast moving intermediate whitewater from Bluff to Clay Hills with several rapids of class III intensity.
The Sand Island put-in is located in southeastern Utah near the town of Bluff on US #191. The closest towns for airline connection are Grand Junction or Cortez, Colorado. Public transportation from either city to Bluff is problematic, so participants must coordinate their personal vehicle usage or arrange rental vehicles to reach this remote location. The vehicle shuttle from Bluff to the Clay Hills take-out is a couple of hours each way, most of it on state highways.
The river section below Bluff is renowned for its Indian petroglyphs and ruins. We hike to most of these sites. Below Mexican Hat, we'll explore the Goosenecks, Honaker Trail, John's Canyon, Slickhorn Canyon, Grand Gulch and many other interesting attractions. The trip can be done in five days or less but when a rigging and vehicle shuttling day is included, a seven day trip is about right. A shorter 1-2 day trip can be done from Bluff to Mexican Hat.
Originates @ Bluff, Utah.
Grand Gulch
River Lunch
