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Colorado
River
Colorado River Canoe Trips
— Explore the desert by canoe!
The Colorado River marks the
California-Arizona border. Canoe this great southwestern river
and discover its role in our lives while you observe the river's
rich bird and mammal populations. This ribbon of life flows
through the driest desert in North America. The colorful history
of the miners, ranchers and people who lived along the river is
an exciting aspect of this trip.
Arid lands and water transfer
systems are part of the American west and integral to
understanding the politics of Southern California.
By the end of the
trip, all students will have mastered the art of handling a
two-person canoe.
 |
| A canoe trip
with Naturalists at Large promotes a sense of accomplishment in all students. Through
cooperation everyone works toward a common goal. Students
discover how plants and animals thrive in this seemingly
inhospitable environment. |
Here's what a Naturalists at Large
Colorado
River trip offers:
- Study the unique natural history
of the Mojave or Sonoran desert.
- Explore current environmental
and political issues associated with the river.
- Observe first-hand a major water
source for Southern California.
- Foster group cooperation.
- Learn a new skill: canoeing
through the desert!
Canoeing on the
Colorado river is best from October to early June, as the
climate is very similar to Palm Springs. The river current moves
at a leisurely pace allowing ample time for viewing the
landscape and exploring interesting areas. Three different river
sites are currently available for trips:
Lower
Colorado: Picacho State
Park, Cibola
National Forest, and Imperial
National Wildlife Refuge - Four to five days along the Lower Colorado. Pass through two National Wildlife Refuges and historic Picacho State Park, site of one of southern California's largest and oldest gold mines. The Lower river offers
great bird life as well as numerous side lakes for exploration. Though this section is appropriate for middle through
high school students, it can be adapted for students as young as
seventh grade. The best times to visit this section
of river are October through mid-May.
Upper Colorado:
Willow Beach and
Lake Mojave
- Spend four to six
days canoeing past the towering cliffs of Windy Canyon into the broad reaches of Lake Mojave. This is a wilderness
trip, as we are completely self-contained. A perfect trip for middle or high school students. Best dates are mid-September
through May.
Topock Gorge
- A three- to four-day journey through spectacular Topock
Gorge into Lake Havasu. A day exploring the fascinating Topock Marsh can be included in this trip. It's a strenuous
paddle through Topock Gorge, making this trip best for high school age students. The best dates to visit are October
through May.
Students will be in situations which require them to work
together toward common goals such as canoe handling and other
chores. They will develop the individual skills necessary for
safe travel on a Class 1 (no rapids) river. Themes include
Mojave or Sonoran desert ecology (depending on the river section
you select), riparian habitats, and the geologic history of the
Colorado River.
Help your students to better understand the West with a Colorado
River canoe trip. |
