AAVE's Boot Saddle Paddle Summer Camp

DAYS 1-2:
You will be met upon arrival at the airport gate by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check, to assure that you are prepared for the diverse, demanding and remote regions we explore, we load up and head off! During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained and the process of growing together as a group begins. As we travel through Flagstaff we gather supplies for our backpack and drive to the rim of the Grand Canyon where we camp for the night.

DAYS 3-6:
Our trip begins with an early wake-up to beat the heat. We hike by flashlight into the magical Havasu Canyon. The sun rises casting glimmers of red light on the walls around us. We reach the bottom early to set up camp, relax, and swim. We have plenty of time to swim in the blue-green tropical lagoon that awaits us at the bottom. The Supai Indian have lived here since the 1300's and their name literally means "People of the Blue-Green Waters." The Colorado River is a destination worth hiking toward and we get the chance to do just that. Although the heat can be intense we spend the day hiking in and out of water and are rewarded with a refreshing swim once we are back at the famous Havasu Falls.

DAYS 7-8:
We take an opportunity to give back and learn a little about Native American culture during our service project on a Navajo Ranch. We work closely with several Navajo families on their ranch for a unique cultural experience. Your positive attitude and commitment to a day of hard work will make this a worthwhile opportunity for all involved. In the evening we work side by side with the families to cook a traditional dinner and we share our evening meeting with them to learn more about their culture.

DAYS 9-10:
We spend the next two days exploring Mesa Verda National Park. A visit to the historical Anasazi cliff dwellings and ruins that were inhabited 1400-years ago is a flash back in time. We head deeper into Mesa Verda toward our campsite and take a night to relax and recover from our backpacking trip.

DAYS 11-15:
We saddle up for a real Western adventure as we are introduced to our horses and begin a four-day horse packing trip into the West Elk Wilderness. On our four day horse pack trip, Dellis Ferrier & his wranglers teach us to ride western saddle and how to care for our horses. Supplies and equipment are carried to our backcountry base camp on pack mules. Our days are spent following winding trails up into the high country where panoramic views unfold over every ridge. At night we camp near Curecanti Creek, where Rainbow Trout are plentiful. At day's end we gather around a camp fire for a home cooked meal and to watch a Colorado sunset.

DAYS 16-20:
We travel to Highline Lake State Park to get ready for our whitewater adventure. We begin our three day river trip on a stretch of calm water, perfect for acquiring the skills needed to maneuver our rafts and inflatable kayaks. Every bend in the Colorado River stuns the senses as we move through Westwater & Ruby Canyons and float from Colorado across the border into Utah. Going with the flow, we drift beneath sandstone towers and paddle turbulent rapids that carve through Precambrian rock formations. There is plenty of white water, sunshine, sandy beaches, wild life, water fights, as well as time to discover intriguing geology, petroglyphs and ghost mining cabins. Once off the river, we continue on to the Canyonlands region, a magical landscape sculpted by centuries of wind and water. We visit Moab, Utah and Arches National Park, home to the world's largest concentration of natural stone openings. We take a spectacular hike to watch the sunset over Delicate Arch.

DAYS 21-23:
The grand-finale to our awesome summer is a backpack in the Uintas National Forest. We practice "Leave No Trace" camping ethics including proper campsite selection and how to travel safely in the backcountry. Amazing views and wild terrain surrounds us. The hike will be challenging but moderate enough to assure success for all. On the last day we hike out, travel to our camp, clean all of our gear and enjoy our last evening together.

DAY 24:
Wake early and head to the airport to hug goodbye and wonder where AAVE could take you next year?!?!

Price Includes:
Two CPR and First Aid Certified AAVE leaders; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff and all hotels or hostels.

Price Doesn't Include:
Flights to/from Phoenix or Salt Lake City; optional gratuities, extra snacks and souvenirs.

This itinerary is a sample outline of the program highlights. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. This diverse itinerary is our framework for a summer of exhilaration and adventure. Get your mind and body set. Activities are planned using years of experience with your highest expectations in mind.

We appreciate the importance of this decision and want you to be as informed as possible! Please phone 800 222 3595 or email us with questions, to receive 2007 references or to make a reservation.

We look forward to having you join us!