Description:
The “Lower” Colorado River, just north of Yuma, Arizona is your path. We will float past desert mountains, visit an old miners cabin, and cook with Dutch oven. While on the river we’ll eat lunch on an improvised raft and relax along sand bars. Your canoe will carry all your necessities from beginning to end, 32 miles downriver, over a flat water section of the Colorado River. On the first river day, you’ll receive a thorough introduction to paddling; the rest of the day is dedicated to your mastering of skills while on the water. The river environment is nothing short of remarkable, a place of reflection and relaxation, it is so quiet that you can hear someone a quarter mile away at normal voice! We often have the pleasure of seeing amazing migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife along the river’s edge. After a good dinner and nights rest we’ll glide back onto the river. Our last day of paddling will come to a close when we are buzzed by watercraft signifying our return to the hustle and bustle of Lake Martinez. This is a great trip for first time canoe-campers with a sense of escape!

Brief Itinerary:
Depart SDSU at 5:30pm. Arrive at Walter's Campground at 10pm. We will be on the river early Saturday morning, paddle 16 miles down river, and camp on a sandy beach! Early Sunday morning, we will paddle 16 miles to Martinez Lake Resort, Depart by 4pm, and arrive back at SDSU by 9pm. River days will be spent paddling, floating, and exploring historical points of interest.

Pre-Trip Meeting: More Info
Pre-Trip Meetings are required and are held the Monday, the week of your trip, from 6-7pm in the AMC rooms, right outside the ARC. You will meet the leaders and other trip members, as well as cover all details such as weather, the menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, etc.).

Click to enlarge.

Weather:
The Colorado Desert is the western extension of the Sonoran desert that covers southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. Common habitat includes sandy desert, scrub, palm oasis, and desert wash. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and moist. The daytime highs/lows for the month of October are 90/64. November’s highs and lows are 77/52.

Plants and Wildlife:
One of the greatest aspects of canoeing is that it is a silent mode of travel. With such stealth, your chances of witnessing wildlife otherwise unseen, are vastly improved. Some of the wildlife that past trip members have seen are Bighorn sheep, coyote, burro and owls. Some people may be fortunate enough to glimpse rare animals like the flat-tailed horned lizard, tarantula, prairie falcon, and California leaf-nosed bat. Other species inhabiting the Colorado Desert range from Yuma antelope, bobcats, raccoons, and thrashers. *Source: http://ceres.ca.gov/geo_area/bioregions/Colorado_Desert/about.html

Cost Includes:
Aztec Adventures leaders, round trip transportation, two breakfasts, one dinner with dessert, all group camping and canoeing gear, campsite and entrance fees and complete personal camping equipment outfitting (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, camp chair, rain gear, dry bags, etc.).

Cost does not include: Two road meals.

Food:
We hope you will be amazed (as many of our trip members have been) by some delicious dishes we will prepare together. Examples of common dinner meals include: lasagna, chicken pot pie, enchiladas or chili and cornbread; for breakfast, we offer granola, oatmeal, fruit, muffins, pancakes and fried potatoes; desserts include brownies, cakes, and of course, s’mores. Please let your leader know if you have any dietary restrictions, as we can usually accommodate them.

Camping/Lodging:
Toilet facilities are available on Friday night and Saturday morning at the campsite and canoe launch. Our river campsite will have portable toilets, picnic tables, and campfire ring, but no runnning water. Aztec Adventures will provide drinking water along with the rest of the group gear. Full facilities will be available Sunday at the take-out restaurant.

Health and Physical Conditioning:
Paddling a canoe can be very strenuous for some because it requires the use of the entire upper body—not just one’s arms. All trip members must be confident in their swimming ability as there is always the possibility of a capsize. In addition, trip members will be carrying canoes and other gear up and down the river bank and launch ramp. From now until the trip begins, we highly encourage you to get in shape.

Risks, Hazards and Safety:
River temperature varies year round (60-80° F). Extended time in the water due to capsized canoe can lead to hypothermia (lowering of body's core temperature). Other hazards include heat illnesses, dehydration, motorboats, high winds, desert plants and animals (rattlesnakes and scorpions are often observed on trips), and other campers and canoers (campsites are sometimes crowded on weekends). Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment, however, while they may be able to treat injuries, they cannot always prevent them.

This trip is designed for people who are self-motivated and want to make the most of their Colorado River experience. Plan on being a contributing member of a group of 12 or less. The leaders will often need to make decisions based on the needs of the group—not the special needs of one individual. This is a group experience and everyone is expected to help with all the camping tasks such as: cooking meals and clean-up, setting up camp, and organizing gear. DRUGS & ALCOHOL WILL NOT BE PERMITTED AT ANY TIME DURING THE TRIP. We invite you to come on this trip to enjoy the sights of the Chocolate Mountain and the company of your fellow trip members.

Phone:
(619) 594-6958

Email: aztecadventures@sdsu.edu

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