Expedition Packrafting Course - Beginner/Intermediate

Expedition Packrafting Course - Beginner/Intermediate

Whether you're new to packrafting or looking to take your skills deeper into the backcountry, our Expedition Packrafting Courses combine expert instruction with unforgettable wilderness travel. These multi-day adventures are designed to help you build confidence on the water while exploring some of the most remote and scenic corners of the Southwest.

Get 10% off your adventure with the coupon code: TripOutside10!

Dark Canyon & Colorado River Course

This 5-Day Expedition Packrafting course includes one day of skills training on the Animas or Colorado Rivers, plus three days of remote backcountry exploring in the canyonlands of Utah. Beginner packrafters will access a remote part of the Colorado River through the lower portion of Cataract Canyon. Starting at the Sundance trail we hike a relatively easy trail along the canyon rim, then descend the rough and steep Sundance trail (a 1200 vertical foot drop) into Dark Canyon.

Known for clear flowing water, ancient ruins and remote hiking, Dark Canyon forms at the Western Flank of the Blue Mountains and flows through the Bears Ears National Monument for close to 40 miles before merging with the Colorado River in the Glen Canyon National Rec Area. Our hike will take us through the lower section toward the Colorado River with one camp along the way. Once we exit Dark Canyon it’s a 30-mile paddle out on the Colorado with two nights camping on the river.

Animas & Dolores River Course

This 4-day Expedition Packrafting course includes one day of skills training on the Animas River in Durango, plus three days on the Dolores River (section TBA depending on river flows). Paddle up to Class II rapids on the Animas, Dolores and/or San Miguel rivers.

Duration & Availability

4-5 Days. Each day is a full day, from about 10:00 am to 4/4:30 PM.

We typically offer several course sessions throughout the summer. If you're curious about current dates or interested in customizing a course to fit your schedule, just click “Reserve” to fill out a quick inquiry form, and we’ll be in touch with all the details.

Location / Where to Meet

Courses begin in either Durango or Mancos, Colorado, where you'll meet your guide for a training day on the Animas or Colorado River. From there, we head into the backcountry for 3 days of remote travel—either in the canyonlands of Utah or along the Dolores River (depending on course selection and river flows). Most participants drive or fly in and rent a vehicle, but up to two people may join us in Mancos to carpool to the Utah start point if needed. We'll coordinate shuttle logistics together as a group.

Ages & Requriements

No packrafting experience required. But basic backcountry skills are necessary. Can you cook your own food and set up your own tent? If so, this course is for you.

This is an Expedition Packrafting course, so we’ll have 1-2 Zoom meetings prior to the course, plus the night before the course to discuss and plan the logistics for this trip. We also use this time to answer any questions you have.

If you’re not sure you are experienced enough for this course, please visit our blog post, "What Level Packrafter Are You?"

Location / Where to Meet

We expect most people to either fly and rent a car or drive to the put in/start point to meet us on the first day of this trip. However, up to two people can meet us in Mancos, and we can carpool together to Utah if that is most convenient.

What's Included

• Experienced packraft instructors
• An open packraft
• PFD, paddle, & helmet,
• Permits and camping fees
• Backcountry sanitation kit
• All meals for the backcountry portion of the trip: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

Not Included

• Meals on the first training day or if you choose to dine out.
• Drysuit
• Whitewater-specific boat
• Lodging
• Shuttling
• Adult beverages

You will need a drysuit for at least the first day of this trip. Rent drysuits locally at 4CornersRiversports.com (they only have four), or get a 15% discount if you order them online at BackcountryPackraft.com (we will give you the discount code once you pay your deposit).

We also do not provide whitewater boats. However, we have four total whitewater boats to rent for a small fee of $30 per day: one small Wolverine, one medium Wolverine, one medium Gnarwhal and one large Gnarwhal. Please visit the Alpacka Raft sizing guide to determine which boat is right for you.

Though we do not provide transportation, we will work together on the shuttle logistics.

What to Bring / Wear

You’ll need to bring your own drysuit, personal camping gear, and appropriate clothing for both river travel and backcountry camping. For a detailed packing list, check out the FAQ section below.