San Juan Adventure Trip

Today we head out right from camp for a spectacular hike to the base of the Lizard Head tower. We will take our time as we make our way deep into the protected Lizard Head Wilderness Area.
We will discuss the concept of federally designated Wilderness Areas, championed by conservationists like Mardy Murie, who believed we should keep some places protected in their natural state, ‘untrammeled by man.’
We will travel through the pristine forest as we work our way above the treeline to a lunch spot with an incredible view. The bad news—it will be 3 miles up to get there. The good news is it will be 3 miles down to get back!
Once we return, the guides are likely to produce the biggest bowl of fresh guacamole you have ever seen!
Mileage: 7.5 mile hike

On this day, we head down from the high peaks to explore some fun forest trails near McFee Reservoir in the Dolores River valley. Here we will find some great options for biking, hiking, and swimming.
The Boggy Draw trail system is the perfect place to relax by the water or cruise around on the well-built trails.
In anticipation of our visit to Mesa Verde National Park tomorrow, we will visit the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument Museum for an amazing introduction to the Ancestral Puebloans who lived here nearly 1,000 years ago. We will visit some structural foundations and see artifacts that tell the story of their ancient lives.
Mileage: 15-20 miles biking

Mesa Verde National Park covers an area of some 4,000 archaeological sites and over 600 spectacular cliff dwellings. The Ancestral Puebloan people lived here for more than 700 years.
Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Square Tower are the largest and most complete ancient cliff dwellings in the United States.
We will join a Ranger-led tour to get the inside scoop on these magnificent structures. These multi-story villages, built entirely within natural sandstone alcoves, showcase a sophisticated understanding of engineering and craftsmanship.
In the late afternoon, we will head back to our camp by the water for some stand-up paddle boarding before dinner and sunset.
Mileage: Ranger guided tours

On our final day, we leave camp and make our way to the Animas River put-in north of Durango.
Here, we will have a choice between paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks for fun in these exciting Class II and III rapids.
The historic steam train to Silverton runs along the river banks for part of the journey, adding a unique historical backdrop to our float.
We will stop for lunch on the river banks and pass right through the town of Durango before finishing on the calmer southern section, where a relaxing float wraps up our week in the San Juan Mountains.
Mileage: Guided rafting trip