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Geology and Energy on the Colorado River

Float by majestic walls of red sandstone and granite sculpted by water through millions of years and ponder the power of the treasured resource beneath you. Geologist Bob Raynolds will explain how water formed these stunning canyons and how rivers like the Colorado have been harnessed and controlled to provide energy. Camping along the river’s banks and exploring a deep box canyon will leave you awed by the immensity of geologic time.

This spectacular canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, including Ruby and Horsethief Canyons, features majestic walls of red sandstone and offers some of the best canoeing in Colorado. The river is gentle with occasional small Class I+ rapids to add spice to the journey (Class I is easy and Class V is difficult). Roads do not bound this portion of the river and the steep-walled canyons are accessible only from the river, giving the area a true wilderness setting.

You’ll be amazed at stands of shiny granite sculpted by water through the ages while paddling or floating in your life jacket past the remnants of ancient metamorphic rock, called Black Rock. Camping along the river’s banks and exploring a deep box canyon will leave you awed by the immensity of geologic time and the silence of the wilderness. This is BIG COUNTRY and a geologist’s paradise. Many of our educational classes focus on this area. This stretch of river near Grand Junction, CO, is ideal for canoeing.

Details

River
Colorado River Canoeing

Rating
Beginner; Ages 6+; Kids Prices 6-12 yr.

Trip Length
3-Day

Hiking
Yes

Trip Availablity
Open to Public

Theme
Geology

Quicklinks

• Itinerary
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• Map
• What Makes It Fun
• FAQ
• Our Guides
• Fun Things To Do In The Area

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