Whitewater River Expedition - 16 and 17 only

Spend 16 days paddling and rowing 130 miles through three iconic sections of river in Utah’s canyon country. You’ll learn to read whitewater and navigate rafts and kayaks through Class I-III rapids, sleep out on sandbars under the stars, and build community with other like-minded 16- and 17-year-olds.

Photo credit: Lauren Bally

You’ll start at the NOLS River Base in Vernal, Utah, learning basic kayak strokes and how to rig oar rafts that carry all your gear. Once you’re on the Green River, you’ll progress through a variety of skills like eddy turns, peel-outs, ferries, and scouting rapids. Your experienced instructors will teach you to manage risk and make decisions as conditions change. You’ll paddle kayaks, row oar rafts, and work as a crew on paddle rafts—building the skills to handle each craft in moving water and challenging rapids.

Photo credit: Lauren Bally

Between the whitewater, you’ll set up comfortable river camps under towering canyon walls and learn about the geology and human history that shaped Dinosaur National Monument millions of years ago. Expect variable weather—intense sun, possible thunderstorms and cold water. Not every day will feel easy, but the river will reward you with stories to share for years to come.

You’ll leave with newfound paddling skills to run whitewater confidently and leadership experience that translates beyond the river.

Photo credit: Lauren Bally