Roaring Fork Day Trips - Camp Series

Roaring Fork Daily River Trips

Single Day trip for individuals, groups, and familes

June - August, 2012

Adaptive Adventures (AA) is aColoradobased Not-for-Profit with a fourteen year history of providing adapted outdoor recreation opportunities for people who are routinely excluded from participation in outdoor activities due to factors such as physical disability, injury, and social or economic challenges.  Providing services to people and families living with physical challenges has been a core element of our Whitewater Rafting Program for the past decade.  Our client base includes youth, adults, and veterans.  Our venue is on rivers in the westernUnited States, primarily inColorado and Utah.

Roaring Fork River:  Day Trips

The Roaring Fork River is quickly becoming one of the countries last free flowing rivers.  Its journey starts atop the Continental Divide near Aspen, Colorado.  Eventually it snakes its way into the Colorado River almost seventy miles away in Glenwood Springs.   The river meanders through some of Colorado’s most spectacular sights and breathtaking scenery.  On any given day you can see everything from 14,000ft peaks to Bald Eagles and much more

We can customize our trips on this river according to the needs of our guests.  The trips can be as short a one hour, or all the way up to a full day, six-hour trip.   None of the sections that we offer are more than class III rapids, which makes this a perfect river for people with ranging disabilities or for people who are not as comfortable with high consequence rafting.   

               Section 1.  Woody Creek to Basalt:  (Class III)

This is the most advanced section that we offer on the Roaring Fork and is usually only runnable in early summer.  This trip is around 12 miles and usually runs about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.  We offer this trip only to our most able guests, as it requires rigorous paddling and much physical effort.   Trips on this section will usually start in mid-morning and be done just after lunch

               Section 2.   Carbondale to Glenwood:   (Class II+)

This section is geared for everyone in the entire family.  It is what we like to call “the nature float”.  This is due to the incredible scenery and wildlife that you will see on this section.  This trip runs around 19 miles and usually between 3 and 4 hours.  It is a fairly tame section with a little bit of white water near the end for the thrill seekers.  This trip typically begins in the morning and is done around lunch.     *Great for Fishing as well!!

               Section 3.   Iron Bridge to Glenwood:    (Class II+)

This section is very similar to the Carbondale to Glenwood trip but in half the time.  It is designed for the groups that want to raft but don’t have a lot of time.  This section runs about 9 miles and usually is between 1 to 2 hours through beautiful country side and historic Glenwood Springs.

Who:  Children, Adults, and Wounded Warriors and their family members.  The program is designed to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities, as well as auditory and visual impairment. Children as young as 10 years old are welcome

What:  A classic western river trip format will be utilized.  Floating down river in rafts will provide access to a true wilderness environment while providing the ability to serve individuals who have mobility or other restrictions.  An educational component will also be included by providing exposure to the culture and geography of the area.

Transportation:  Participants are responsible for their own transportation.

Weather:  Expect hot and sunny conditions with thunderstorms possible.

Mobility:  Individuals with mobility limitations are welcome on this trip but the ability to assist with rescue in the event of falling out of a boat is essential.  Participants must be able to roll over and sit up without assistance.

Medical Care:  The AA staff is Wilderness First Responder trained and experienced within the wilderness setting.  This allows the staff to respond to typical medical situations that arise on wilderness trips.  Participants considering this trip should be stable in their personal medical condition and able to be away from advanced medical care for several days.  Typically, participants who have entered a long-term orientation to their care and condition are suitable for this type of trip. Being able to tolerate exposure to heat and sun is critical for this trip.

Personal Care:  AA is recognized for its ability to work with people who would be excluded from participation in standard outdoor trips and will provide personal assistance for our clients.  This can be assistance with; transfers, mobility, daily living skills such as dressing, eating and bathing.  Because this is a river trip, bathing is possible whenever one wishes by cleaning up in the river.  Using soap is fine, so staying clean, if a bit sandy, is easy.  During July, getting in the river will be very pleasant.

Toileting:  On river trips all solid human waste must be contained and transported out of the river corridor.  An approved human waste transport system, (basically a rocket box fitted with an internal tank and a toilet seat) called a “groover”, will be used for this purpose.  Participants must be able to sit on the groover with minimal assistance and have the ability to clean themselves after toileting or have a family member available to assist with post toileting cleaning for participation in this trip.

Food:  All food will be provided by AA. Usually consisting of lunch and/or snacks and drinks on the river.  A standard healthy and American diet is planned.  Expect vegetarian options, tasty meals and deserts and lots of cold drinks.  Alcohol is not allowed.

Personal Gear:  Participants must bring their personal cloths and gear.  Because we will be rafting through a semi-desert environment during the summer heat, what you’ll need to bring is minimal: cloths to jump in the river in, protection from the sun, shoes that can get wet and stay on your feet while swimming, casual clothes to wear around camp.  Rain gear can be provided by AA.

Cost:  $50 per person. Scholarships available.

To get more information or to apply for this camp please call or email Chris at 1-505.690.9103 or email: chris@adaptiveadventures.org