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Gunnison River Canoeing: Nature's Adaptations -- River to Desert with Denver Botanic Gardens

Aug 4 - 6, 2017

Trip Fees

Adult

$420

Kids

Discount*

Student

Deposit**

$100

** Deposits must be made per person.

For additional information such as itinerary, what to bring, maps, etc., Adult Only logo see "QUICK LINKS" on right sidebar.

Partnered with Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG). You must sign up through DBG Click Here or call 720-865-2580, or Email registrar@botanicgardens.org. DBG members price $420, nonmembers $450. Option to become DBG member and get discounted price.

While canoeing, camping, and hiking along the scenic waters of the Gunnison River, learn, explore and create with your facilitator, Karen Caddis. Karen has 25 year's experience in biological and geologic field studies, including wetland delineation/mitigation and special status wildlife and plant species surveys. We’ll investigate the natural environment of the river and desert and learn how human, plant, and animal life in these special areas have adapted to this unique environment. During our explorations, we’ll investigate the river’s vegetation, including hopefully spotting some populations of rare plants found only in this region. We’ll be inspired by our natural surroundings to create arts and crafts using plants as our inspiration, and will try some of the edible plants found in the area. We will also spend time learning how local native cultures used the plant life found in the area. Join us for an ecological exploration on one of the West’s most beautiful classrooms, the Gunnison River. Partnered with Denver Botanic Gardens this trip is open to the public.

Canoeing in Colorado on the Gunnison River will spark your sense of adventure with opportunities for hiking and exploring, floating in your lifejacket and camping along the river’s edge. During this Colorado canoe trip covering 31 miles, you will be dwarfed by high walls of red sandstone and shale deposited during the age of the dinosaurs. These canyons in the Colorado Plateau are truly magnificent and not soon forgotten. Massive cottonwoods stand on many river bends supporting the huge nests of blue herons, hawks and eagles. You may hike into Dominguez Canyon, Colorado’s newest designated Wilderness Area, one of the most beautiful stops on the river. Hiking into the canyon will reveal deep, cool swimming holes, waterfalls and many ancient Indian petroglyphs (rock art panels).