River and Rocks Adventure
Teen / 11 days / June 17 - 27
Canoe and Canyoneering in Utah
$3,325 per person
Trip Overview
This adventure is designed for teens seeking a journey that blends excitement, skill-building, and personal growth. Our trip begins in Salt Lake City, Utah, where participants will meet before heading south to Green River. After camping at the State Park, we'll paddle through the stunning Labyrinth Canyon, where the desert landscape and peaceful waters offer the perfect setting for teamwork and learning new paddling skills. As the days unfold, teens will gain confidence in navigating the river’s gentle currents and enjoy breathtaking views of red cliffs and desert sunsets. Next, we’ll dive into canyoneering, exploring slot canyons and pushing personal boundaries with activities like rappelling and rock scrambling. After a refreshing break at a vacation rental to recharge, we’ll wrap up the journey with one final night near Salt Lake City. This trip promises unforgettable moments, lasting friendships, and new skills that will stay with participants long after the adventure ends.
Trip Details:
Ages 13-17 | No Experience Necessary
Cost: $3,325 per person All-inclusive, except for travel to and from Salt Lake City, Utah
*Registration is open nationally - limited spaces available!
Lodging: Enjoy camping in shared tents throughout the canoe expedition. After we will share a vacation rental near Hanksville, Utah where we will canyoneer nearby. One night prior to departure will be in a hotel near the airport.
Transportation: Our group will travel together from the airport pick up back to the airport on the last day in a 15 passenger van or similar vehicle.
Gear Provided: We have your personal camping gear you will need as well as the paddling and canyoneering equipment necessary for a safe and fun experience. For personal clothing items, we will send you a packing list.
Meals & Snacks: From dinner on Day 1 through Breakfast Day 11, we have delicious kid-friendly, healthy meals. We can accommodate for dietary needs as well.
Paddling: This is a flat river without whitewater rapids. Guides will teach students how to paddle their tandem canoes efficiently and effective. No experience is necessary.
Canyoneering: This is a unique activity in the area and the best way to explore terrain that is off the beaten path. The technical equipment (ropes, hardware, and harnesses) will be used to get us into areas that hiking and scrambling are not available. We will be supported by expert canyoneer guides that have explored the canyons frequently.
The Guides: Two experienced and medically trained Breakwater guides will be with the group to ensure a safe, fun, and meaningful experience, offering support every step of the way.
Rappelling into the canyon.
The Labyrinth Canyon, Green River, Utah.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly into Salt Lake City, Utah, early in the day and be picked up by your guides. The group will drive together to the town of Green River. The state park will be our first campground for the evening. Everyone will get oriented to gear, each other, and the adventure that awaits them.
Day 2 - 6: Canoeing Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River is a journey into the depth of the beautiful red canyon walls. Over 5 to 6 days we will paddle 68 miles. Each night staying in a new space along the river. Stopping to swim and explore along the way and each day bringing a new view to us as we move our way down river. Games, side hikes, fireside chats, and more as everyone immerses themselves into the desert landscape.
Day 7: Today the group will take off the river and head to the Hanksville area of Utah. Here we have a little home to get cleaned up in and rest in a bed vs a tent! We will do laundry, take showers, and get ready for our canyoneering.
Day 8 and 9: Canyoneering! These 2 days of the trip will be spent exploring some of the vast and numerous slot canyons in the area. We will get the opportunity to rope up and lower down to parts of the desert that few get the opportunity to see and experience!
Day 10: After thoroughly exploring this landscape of Utah, it is time to prepare for our departure. On our drive North we have a few more stops along the way to see. Landing in the city to check into our hotel around 4 p.m. Packing our clothes back into our suitcase and having a celebration dinner we will say our goodbyes.
Day 11: Guides will deliver and support students to their flights from SLC Airport from 6 - 10 a.m. Anyone who is continuing onto the next trip will road trip with the guides to Montana!
Explore Utah with us and see the wild west!
FAQs from the parents!
1. How much supervision will the teens have during the trip?
Teens are supervised by our experienced guides throughout the entire trip. Guides are present during all activities, including meals, hikes, and campsite downtime. While we encourage independence and exploration within the group setting, safety and supervision are always our top priorities.
2. What’s the group dynamic like, and how do you foster a positive environment?
We focus on creating a supportive and inclusive group environment. Icebreaker activities on the first night help everyone feel comfortable, and our guides are skilled in fostering teamwork and respect throughout the trip. With a small group size, we prioritize relationship-building to ensure everyone feels connected and valued.
3. What happens if my teen gets homesick or struggles socially?
Our guides are trained to handle emotional challenges like homesickness or difficulty integrating into the group. We check in regularly with each teen, provide encouragement, and create opportunities for open communication. We also involve the group in fostering a supportive community, helping teens feel comfortable and included.
4. What happens in the event of bad weather?
We closely monitor weather conditions throughout the trip and adjust the itinerary as needed to ensure safety. Our gear is designed for a range of weather conditions, and we’re prepared with backup plans for activities. If necessary, we’ll adapt to indoor or alternative settings without compromising the overall experience.
5. What steps do you take to minimize environmental impact?
We adhere to Leave No Trace principles, teaching teens how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This includes packing out all waste, minimizing campsite impact, and using eco-friendly practices during activities. We also incorporate discussions about conservation to inspire stewardship of Yellowstone’s incredible ecosystem.