ITINERARY
BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON RIVER

The Gunnison Gorge offers exciting Class III and IV rapids in an extremely narrow canyon. We negotiate these in either paddle powered rafts with 5 or 6 passengers or oar rafts with 2-3 persons, and carry all camping gear with us to a remote campsite. Releases from Crystal Dam insure good water flows throughout the summer.

Both the two and three day trips allow plenty of time for hiking scenic side canyons, trout fishing and enjoying unspoiled camping. The Bureau of Land Management limits passengers to a group size of 9. This means an uncrowded wilderness experience for you.

This is a rugged and beautiful area. The only access to the river at the start of the trip is via a steep 1 mile long trail that descends from the canyon rim. You will need to hike down this trail to the river carrying your personal gear in a waterproof bag with shoulder straps (provided by ADRIFT). All personal gear must fit into this bag and should not exceed 30 pounds. Rafts and other boating gear are carried down the trail earlier on horseback.

Fishing in the Gorge can be excellent, with both rainbow and brown trout. Best season is July through September. Fishing is restricted to flies and lures, the number and size of fish that can be kept are limited. We urge you to catch and release. A Colorado fishing license is required and it along with a wide assortment of flies can be purchased at the trip meeting place.

Adrift provides all rafting related equipment, guides and meals from first day to last day lunch. If you have any dietary or medical restrictions please inform us. Afternoon summer temperatures range from 75 to 95 with lows between 40 and 50. May and early June trips can have cooler temperatures.

Day 1:
8:30am - Meet at the entrance to store at Gunnison River Pleasure Park, located east of Delta, Colorado off CO Hwy 92. Clients on their own for breakfast prior to meeting Adrift guides. Come with your river bag packed. Shuttle from store to put-in. Hike just under one mile down to river. At river trip leader provides a safety orientation and then you start rafting through Gunnison Canyon. Lunch and dinner provided. Camp at road-less wilderness site in canyons. Chance for trout fishing at camp.

Day 2:
Morning provides a leisurely breakfast and an opportunity to fish and explore the canyon more by foot. The afternoon encounters more rapids and Bighorn Sheep spotting up the canyon walls. Unique geology is abound.

Day 3:
Rafting on Gunnison River through the best rapids of the trip, with a scout at Cable Rapid. After lunch optional short hike to waterfall. You float back to the river trip takeout at the Pleasure Park around 4pm and you can load into your car. Breakfast and lunch provided.

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

We meet you at the Gunnison River Pleasure Park and Campground, east of Delta, Colorado at 8:30am the morning of the trip launch. To get to the meeting place drive a total of 14 miles east of Delta on paved CO Hwy 92. You will pass through the small town of Austin. After the town look for the brown campground sign on the south (right) side of the highway. If you reach the town of Hotchkiss you have gone too far east. At the campground sign turn right and go 1/2 mile on a gravel road to the Pleasure Park. Upon arrival you will be issued a duffel bag to pack your gear into, and you will be transported by van to the put-in. The trip ends the next day at the Pleasure Park about 4:00pm. If you have last minute problems call our office (800) 824-0150 or the Pleasure Park at (970) 872-2525.

RESERVATION POLICY

A $200.00 per person deposit is required for all reservations. The Trip Balance is due 30 days prior to departure. If you must cancel, your deposit and other payments (less a $25 per person cancellation fee) will be refunded if notification is received before 60 days. For cancellations made within 60 days, but before 30 days, full refunds will be made on any deposit (less $100 per person cancellation fee).

Cancellations made within 30 days of your trip departure date are non-refundable.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you must cancel, your deposit and other payments (less a $25 per person cancellation fee) will be refunded if notification is received before 60 days. For cancellations made within 60 days, but before 30 days, full refunds will be made on any deposit (less $100 per person cancellation fee).

Cancellations made within 30 days of your trip departure date are non-refundable.

RESPONSIBILITY

Although Adrift makes every effort to ensure a safe trip and we have an excellent safety record, whitewater boating, hiking and wilderness travel involve some risks. Physical challenges and risks are inherent in rafting and are the reason why people seek this kind of adventure. You elect to participate in these activities at your own risk. Adrift Adventures, Inc. and its agents are not responsible for injuries to participants, personal gear that gets wet or broken, or for travel delays. Trip and/or medical insurance is recommended. You must be in good health. All participants are required to sign an acknowledgement of risk prior to departure. Please have each participant in your group sign and return a separate acknowledgement of risk form at least 30 days prior to departure.

Although it has very rarely happened, Adrift Adventures reserves the right to cancel a trip due to extremely high or low river levels or an insufficient number of reservations. In this case your trip payments will be refunded in full.

TRIP BEVERAGES

We do not provide soda or alcoholic beverages on the trip. However, there is no problem bringing your own soda and libations. No glass bottles! If you bring wine or liquor, please bring it in cans or put it in a plastic bottle to avoid broken glass. No liquor is sold on Sundays in Colorado. Whatever you purchase you will need to carry down to trail to the river.

AREA ACCOMMODATIONS

Some convenient lodging options are: 1) camping at the Gunnison River Pleasure Park and Campground (small camping fee). Phone: 970-872-2525; or 2) staying in a motel in Delta, such as the Sundance Inn (303) 874-1000 or the Comfort Inn (800) 228-5150 or 3) camping is available at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument and at private campgrounds in Delta.

AREA TRANSPORTATION

The most convenient arrangement for guests flying into the area is to fly into Montrose, CO airport, located 16 miles from Delta. There are car rentals available at the airport, or if prior arrangements have been made, we can often provide complementary Montrose airport pickup and transportation to the meeting place. At trips end you can be dropped off at the Gunnison Pleasure Park or Montrose airport. For those guests driving, it is about 6 hours from Denver or 6 hours from Salt Lake City to the meeting place.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

River trips can be strenuous for some persons and they are located in remote areas a long distance from medical facilities. It maybe necessary for some persons to check with their doctor about going on the trip. Our guides are trained in First Aid and CPR. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU NOTIFY THE ADRIFT TRIP LEADER BEFORE PUTTING ON THE RIVER ABOUT ANY PERSONAL HEALTH CONCERNS, such as diabetes, special medication, allergic reactions to insects or food or anything else, that may affect your ability to participate in the river trip. If you have special dietary or other requirements we will be happy to try and accommodate you, but please notify us at least one week in advance of trip launch.

THE PLEASURE PARK STORE

At the Pleasure Park store you can purchase sunscreen, t-shirts, hats, river guides, cold pop, film, gifts.

GENERAL INFORMATION

AT THE MEETING PLACE AND PUT-IN

At the meeting place we will load your packed river bag into the shuttle vehicle. The shuttle ends at the Chukar trail head. Here you hike down hill to the river put-in where the rafts, boating equipment and food have been carried by horseback the day prior. The "put-in" is river language for the launch site. Here the Adrift guides will load your personal bags on the rafts. Next, the trip leader will give an orientation on safety and trip policies.

LIFE PRESERVERS

Life preservers (or PFD's) are the most important safety factor on your trip, and MUST BE WORN AND BUCKLED AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE RIVER. They are provided to you by Adrift. This is a strictly enforced company policy and park regulation. For your safety, PFD's should fit tightly so it will support you in the water. A loose jacket may even come off in the river. Be sure an Adrift guide checks the fit of your PFD. Keep track of your PFD at all times and note the unique number on it. It's your "friend." Since river currents are often swift, children must wear a PFD while playing in or near the river, and PFD's must be worn by everyone while swimming.

PERSONAL SAFETY AND HYGIENE

You should be extra safety-minded on this trip because you are a long ways from hospitals, doctors and pain medicine. In the interest of your safety and others on the trip we ask that you consider the following:

· WASH YOUR HANDS- ALWAYS wash your hands before every meal, before entering the kitchen, and after using the toilet. Bacteria can spread rapidly through a group if you do not wash your hands. A hand wash station with soap is provided at each meal and camp.

· USE THE TOILETS- At camp and during the day a portable human waste toilet is provided. When at camp the toilet or "groover" is setup in a private spot to allow depositing feces, toilet paper and tampax. Please do not urinate into the toilet, or drop foreign objects, such as applicators, food or packaging into it. Since there is only one toilet, please use the facility quickly. For your safety and others on the trip, and to protect park resources, please use our toilets. If you must go "Number 2" during the day outside camp, we have a "day groover" with all the necessary items. Ask a guide for directions.

Please urinate INTO THE RIVER, or into a separate pee or "sunshine bucket" near the toilet, but NOT INTO THE TOILET. It is very important not to urinate in the toilet, around camp or behind rocks for three reasons. One, research has shown that urinating into the river is the safest method of disposal because urine is usually sterile and decomposes rapidly in moving water. Two, urinating in the toilet creates so much volume that the toilet becomes too heavy to carry out. Three, low rainfall does not "wash away" urine and camping areas can begin to smell.

· HELP IN THE KITCHEN- New state health regulations do not allow guests to assist the guides in preparing meals. So just enjoy your free time. But please wash your own dishes and utensils, and if you wish, you can help guides with washing pots, etc.

· SUNBURN- Sunburn is a BIG health concern, because it can make your trip miserable. It is very easy to quickly get a burn at this altitude and dry climate. Keep covered with sunblock, hat and/or clothes.

· WEAR SHOES- Walking around at camp without shoes can be hazardous because there are sharp rocks, cactus and sticks. The most common injury on a river trip, and one subject to infection, is a foot injury.

· DEHYDRATION- Drink a lot of water, much more than you would at home. Dehydration is a subtle but very common problem on desert river trips. This is because of the low humidity and your elevated activity levels. Signs of dehydration are few urination, afternoon headaches and lethargy. You'll be moody and unhappy if you get dehydrated. Drinking alcohol can promote dehydration.

· NEVER DIVE INTO THE RIVER- You can often not tell the depth of the river, so never dive head first. Avoid a serious neck injury.

· ALCOHOL- If you wish to drink, do so in moderation.

· WATER FIGHTS- Water fights can be fun, but they can also result in injuries. They can quickly become violent and dangerous. Therefore, we discourage wild water fights, and jumping from boat to boat is not allowed at any time. Please respect others who desire to stay dry and peaceful.

· Keep in mind that this is a wilderness river trip. You will be active during the day and should be in good physical condition. Good conditioning helps you enjoy your river trip even more.

HELP US PROTECT THE FRAGILE RESOURCES ENCOUNTERED IN YOUR ADVENTURE

You will be traveling in a spectacular, but fragile national conservation area/park. This is a protected area, and as such we try very hard to keep adverse impacts to park areas we visit to a minimum. Help us make our programs responsible and sustainable travel. Prior to the launch of your river trip Adrifts guides will give you more detailed information and techniques for keeping impacts to a minimum. But here are a few things to consider before you arrive.

1. Off trail hiking can cause erosion, and it can take up to 50 years for fragile soil coverings to fully recuperate. So please stay on designated trails.

2. The Indian rock art can be easily damaged. Touching the rock leaves a film of oil on them, which speeds up the deterioration process. So, please do not touch rock art.

3. A substantial number of other people may use your campsite after you leave. With this level of use the disposal of human wastes can be a problem. So Adrift has developed a sanitary system for carrying out human waste. Please use our portable toilets.

4. Adrift is proud of our efforts to recycle and conserve materials we use on the trip. Please help us in these activities.

5. Make sure your children and other members of your group do not remove anything in the park. Thanks.

WHAT TO BRING

Space on rafts is extremely limited and personal gear must be carried down, so don't bring any unnecessary items. Bring comfortable loose fitting clothes that can get wet. You are issued a quality watertight duffle bag with padded shoulder straps for your gear prior to the launch. Please limit your gear to 25-30 pounds. There is one large water-proof ammo can for cameras on an oar boat. There are no water-proof cans on paddle rafts or kayaks, so you may wish to bring your own, or buy special gear bags. Adrift Adventures is not responsible for articles that get wet or broken. NO GLASS BOTTLES, please. We advise buying beverages in cans or transfer to plastic bottles if you bring wine or liquor. Eating utensils and plates are provided. Excess travel baggage should be stored in your vehicle or with your motel. Please do not bring electronic games (like Game Boy) on the trip, as they greatly distract other children and yours from appreciating the natural beauty of the canyons.

Tents, sleeping bags and pads are NOT provided, but can be rented (bag and pad-$15; and a two person tent-$15) at the Adrfit store. If renting, notification is needed at least one week prior to the launch.

PERSONAL GEAR CHECKLIST

__ small backpack type tent

__ compact sleeping bag; sleeping pad; groundcloth

__ fleece, wool or pile sweater

__ small binoculars (carry at own risk)

__ rain suit or poncho (it CAN rain, this is important)

__ small towel and washcloth

__ long pants (for camp)

__ flashlight with extra batteries

__ sunglasses with tie strap

__ swimsuit and/or shorts

__ hat or visor

__ suntan lotion and chapstick

__ insect repellant

__ t-shirts and long sleeve shirt (order official Adrift t-shirts)

__ wool socks

__ waterproof camera, camera and film (carry at own risk)

__ water bottle with securing device

__ eye glasses with securing system, like Chums

__ camp shoes (DRY shoes other than river shoes for hikes or for comfort)

__ rafting sandals or river shoes like laced tennis shoes that can get wet

__ toilet articles (toothbrush, comb, biodegradable soap such as Ivory)

__ plastic bags for wet or dirty clothing

__ cash for beverages and guides accept gratuities for a job well done.

__ Colorado state fishing license (for fishers only)

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

After your Adrift guides meet you each person is given a waterproof duffel bag, called a "personal bag." All of your personal items, such as sleeping bag, tent and clothes, must fit in your personal bag. Once personal bags arrive at the put-in they are given to guides and are not accessible until camp. Items which you will need during the day should go into a small day pack and at the put-in transferred a large waterproof duffel bag, called the "day bag," which is available for everyone on a raft. Prior to the launch the Adrift Trip Leader will instruct you on how to pack and close personal bags. Make sure you can properly close your personal bag or it will leak. Carry beverages, water bottle and special food items to the launch site in a small day pack and a guide will store them for you.

The night before the trip set aside what you'll be wearing on the river the next morning. Take time to pack everything on the Personal Gear Checklist. Pack all items for camp in your "personal bag." Items which we recommend being placed in the "day bag" include; sunblock, camera (carry at own risk), raincoat, light rain coat, and river guide or books and canteen. It is very important to fill your canteen prior to leaving the Pleasure Park, as there is not water at the start of the hike.

"WHAT DO I WEAR ON THE RAFTS IN THE REGULAR SEASON?"

Daytime temperatures in the regular season (Mid-June, July and August) are often in the 90's, but a brief rain shower and rapid splashes can quickly cool you off. While on rafts most people wear shorts and/or swimsuit, a t-shirt, tennis shoes or river sandals that stay on when they get wet, and sun screen/block, with a rain coat readily available in the boats day bag. If you wear long pants for sun protection we recommend a fast drying fabric like nylon. We advise against cotton blue jeans because they stay wet and cold all day. Call us if you have questions!

FISHING

This section of the Gunnison is well known for it's trout fishing. Your Adrift Adventures trip is not a fishing oriented river trip, however, there are many opportunities to fish while at camp in the evening and early morning. Generally, the rafts are maneuvering and moving quickly during the day and there is little chance to fish from rafts. In order to maintain the quality of the fishery the following state fishing regulations apply on the Gunnison River:

- Colorado fishing license and trout stamp required.

- Fishing by artificial flies and artificial lures only.

- All brown trout between 12 and 16 inches in length must be returned to the water immediately.

-The bag, possession and size limit for brown trout is 4 fish, 12 inches in length or less OR 3 fish less than 12 inches in length and 1 fish 16 inches in length or longer.

-All rainbow trout caught must be returned to the water immediately.

GRATUITIES

Our guides work hard to provide you with the best possible river trip. If you feel that their service has been extraordinary, we suggest a gratuity of 10-15% of the trip price. This can be given to the Trip Leader who will then distribute it equally among the crew. As with all tipping, this is of course optional and solely at your discretion