Expedition Packrafting: Multi-Day Packrafting Courses

Expedition Packrafting Courses - Multi-Day Backcountry & International Adventures

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.

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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 Courses

These 4-day Expedition Packrafting course include 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.

International Expedition Packrafting Courses

Take your packrafting and backcountry skills to the next level in some of the most remote and stunning regions of the world. Our international expedition courses combine advanced paddling instruction with backcountry travel, logistical planning, and cultural immersion. Destinations include Patagonia, Chile, and the rivers of Chiapas, Mexico, where participants navigate glacial lakes, Class II–III rivers, and rugged wilderness with expert guides.

These courses are designed for confident packrafters with solid backcountry experience and river skills. You’ll practice expedition planning, navigation, and group management while exploring truly wild landscapes. Exact locations, logistics, and prerequisites vary by year and course - check in with us for details.

Women’s Expedition Packrafting Courses

Take your packrafting and backcountry skills further on a women-only expedition designed for adventurous paddlers. These courses combine river training and backcountry travel on some of Colorado’s most scenic rivers, from mountain forests to desert canyons. You’ll practice advanced paddling, self-rescue, and expedition planning in a supportive, all-women environment, while enjoying incredible wildlife and remote landscapes. Exact river sections and logistics vary by season and snowpack, and details will be provided with your course materials.

Advanced & Custom Expeditions

For experienced packrafters and backcountry adventurers ready to push their skills further, we offer advanced and custom expeditions. Whether you want to tackle challenging whitewater, refine your backcountry skills on a multi-day trip, or are dreaming up your own expedition, we’ll work with you to turn it into a reality. Our expert instructors provide hands-on guidance in technical paddling, river reading, expedition planning, and group management so you can confidently explore new horizons.

Duration & Availability

Length varies by course. 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, and offer international expeditions in December - March. 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

Exact meeting locations will be provided with your course materials. 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 the trip.

Ages & Requriements

Participants should have basic backcountry skills, including the ability to camp, cook, and carry personal gear. Packrafting experience is recommended or required for multi-day or advanced courses, though some beginner expeditions provide introductory river training. You should be comfortable paddling Class I–II rivers and able to perform self-rescue techniques; advanced courses require Class III+ competency. Good physical fitness, comfort in remote wilderness, and the ability to work safely as part of a group are essential. Exact prerequisites may vary by course; please contact us if you’re unsure of your readiness.

These are Expedition Packrafting courses, 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.

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
• Airfare
• Adult beverages

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.