HOTCHKISS RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Paddle the Gunnison: A Day Among 800‑Foot Canyons in Dominguez & Escalante
A full‑day SUP and kayak float on the serene Gunnison River through Dominguez & Escalante National Conservation Area — a practical guide to what to expect, what’s included, and how to prepare.
Paddle the Gunnison: A Day Among 800‑Foot Canyons in Dominguez & Escalante.
This full‑day outing threads calm waters through the Dominguez & Escalante National Conservation Area, where the Gunnison River carves 800‑foot canyons and provides habitat for big horned sheep, collared lizards, and elk. Operated as a fully outfitted SUP and kayak experience, the trip balances slow, scenic floating with close encounters with a stark desert canyon landscape.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Towering 800‑foot walls
The float passes through sheer canyon sections cut by the Gunnison River; these vertical sandstone and shale walls define the character of the day and frame long stretches of quiet paddling.
Desert creatures along the banks
Expect to see regionally characteristic species—big horned sheep, collared lizards, and elk—using river corridors and canyon ledges as you float past.
Fully outfitted, guided floats
Guides provide instruction and equipment — SUPs or kayaks, PFDs and helmets — plus transportation to and from the river so you can focus on paddling and viewing the landscape.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Over an eight‑hour full‑day float, participants drift the calm Gunnison River beneath high canyon walls. The pace is deliberate: short instruction and launch, long stretches of quiet paddling or drifting, periodic stops for rest and viewing, and guided navigation back to the take‑out — all delivered as a fully outfitted experience with guides, transport, and safety gear.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits best
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Full‑day float: 8 hours total on the full‑day trip.
Bring sunscreen, a water bottle, hat, sunglasses with a retainer, and securely fitting sandals. The operator provides guide, instruction, SUP or kayak, transportation to/from the river, PFD, helmet, and wetsuit/booties/splash‑top if necessary.
Full‑day float rate: $150 per person; there is a four‑person minimum for bookings.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Dominguez Escalante SUP + Kayak full‑day trip?
The full‑day float runs approximately 8 hours.
What does the trip cost?
The full‑day float is $150 per person.
What gear and safety equipment are provided?
The tour includes guide and instruction, SUP or kayak, transportation to and from the river, PFD and helmet; wetsuit, booties and a splash‑top are provided if necessary.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a water bottle, hat, sunglasses with a retainer, and securely fitting sandals.
Is there a group size minimum?
Yes — there is a four‑person minimum for the full‑day float.
What wildlife might I see?
Participants may see big horned sheep, collared lizards, and elk along the canyon and river corridor.