Gunnison River Gorge - Pre-Trip Information

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Wilderness Aware
1-800-462-7238
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Please share with everyone in your group. If you have any questions or need additional information call us at 1.800.462.7238.

DEPARTURE and RETURN TIMES
Please arrive 30-45 minutes before your trip departure time -

WHERE TO MEET
Gunnison River Pleasure Park - 1-888-782-7542 From Delta, take Highway 92 east for 14.2 miles (you'll pass the small town of Austin after 6.9 miles). Turn right onto the dirt road (LN 2810) just after mile marker 14 when you see the sign for the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and the Gunnison River Pleasure Park. Drive the short distance down the hill and turn right into the large parking lot where you'll see your guides and a Wilderness Aware van. The guides will show you where you can leave your vehicle for the duration of the trip.

We suggest you use a Colorado state map and plan for delays.

Directions to your meeting point at Gunnison River Pleasure Park

Check the road map link above. Road Map- Gunnison River Area

WHAT TO BRING

• Swimming Suit and/or Shorts (no jeans or sweats)
• Sunglasses with Securing Strap
• Waterproof Sunscreen
• Hat or Visor
• Booties (available to rent) Tennis Shoes or Sandals (no flip-flops or Crocs)
• Fleece Jacket or Synthetic Insulating Layer
• Splash Jacket (available to rent - an alternative to a wetsuit in July and August)
• Wetsuits (available to rent - recommended in May and June or if you get cold easily)
• Cash for Souvenirs and Tipping Your Guide
• Water Bottle (If you don't want to share)

CAMP GEAR

• Warm Sleeping Bag / Ground Pad (available to rent)
• Nylon Tent (available to rent)
• Warm Jacket
• Rain Jacket or Poncho
• Lightweight Boots or Tennis Shoes
• Change of Clothes and Small Towel
• Toiletries
• Headlamp or Flashlight
• Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes
• Favorite Beverage (Beer or Soda)
• Favorite Book or Toy

Be prepared to carry your own personal gear down a mile long trail to the put in.

WE PROVIDE

• Meals from Lunch on the First Day Through Lunch on the Last Day
• Lemonade and Water with Meals and Hot Drinks in Camp
• Personal Overnight Storage Bags with Backpack Straps - 3.2 cu. ft.
• All Kitchen & Group Camping Equipment
• Transportation Back to Your Car at the End of the Trip
• Professional Guides
• Rafting and Safety Equipment
• Portable Chemical Toilets
• Lots of Fun!

AVAILABLE RENTALS

• Wetsuit - $10/day (booties free with 2-day rental)
• Splash Jacket - $5/day
• Wetsuit Booties - $5/day
• 2-Man Tent - $17/trip
• Sleeping Bag w/ Ground Pad - $15/trip
• Self-Inflating Ground Pad Only - $4/trip

ORIENTATION: Prior to boarding your raft, you will receive a complete safety orientation.
WATERPROOF BAG: We will issue you a backpack style waterproof bag to pack your personal gear in. The bag is 3.2 cubic feet (about the size of a duffel bag). You will carry your own waterproof bags and personal liquor / drinks down a trail to the put-in, which is approximately one mile. Please let us know in advance if you have physical limitations to carrying your own bag. Group camping gear and boats are carried to the river on horses the day before your trip.
LIABILITY RELEASE: Everyone will be required to sign a liability release form prior to trip departure. Youths not riding with their parents will need to provide a copy of our youth liability release signed by one or both parents. You can download a copy of our liability release downloaded here.
RIVER TIME: The first day of the trip we are usually on the water by 10:30-11:00 am. The following days we are usually ready to be on the water by 9 am. We pull into camp between 3:30 and 5 pm, depending on water levels and amount of playtime. During the day we will pull over to scout rapids, eat lunch, and explore points of interest.
MEALS: We provide fresh hearty meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day. Special diets can be accommodated upon request. Remember we provide only lemonade and water. If you would like to bring your own drinks in metal or plastic containers, please feel free. We will provide a place to carry them.
CAMPING CONDITIONS: All campsites are primitive-no plumbing or electricity. We provide a portable chemical toilet for use in camp. You may wash in the river.
TIPPING: Tipping is appropriate, particularly if you have received exceptional customer service. If you believe that a tip is appropriate we recommend an average tip of 10%-20% of your trip cost. We always appreciate hearing from you so that we can recognize extraordinary customer service and we also appreciate hearing from you if you feel that there are areas that we can improve upon. We strive to exceed your expectations!
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: We do not provide alcohol on our trips, and alcohol is not permitted while on the river. On multi-day trips you may bring alcohol for consumption in camp but it must be in plastic or metal containers (no glass). Guests that have been drinking prior to their trip will not go on the river and will not receive a refund.
NON-SWIMMERS: Many of our participants cannot swim. We provide U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices designed to float you face-up in whitewater. Personal floatation devices are required to be worn at all times.
DAY GEAR: Each raft will carry a waterproof bag for your rain gear and small items that you may need during the day.
DRINKING WATER: We carry drinking water on each raft. If you don't wish to share with others, feel free to bring your own water bottle.
SOUVENIR T-SHIRTS AND HATS: These items will be available for sale at the conclusion of your trip.
ALTITUDE: You will be rafting at altitudes between 5000 and 6000 feet. Most people don't have serious problems here, but shortness of breath and dehydration are possible. Come a day or two early to acclimatize yourself if you can. We recommend that you drink plenty of water during your stay.
FISHING: Feel free to bring fishing gear! If there is space on an oar boat, you may fish from the raft even if you aren't on a "fishing only" trip. You may also fish at lunchtime and in camp. A lightweight rod is best for these 6-22 inch trout. 4-6 lb. test line is best. Bring several lures, as they tend to snag out of reach occasionally. Old standby lures include silver and brass colored #1, #2, or 1/6 oz. "Blue Foxes" and "Mepps" brands. You will need a Colorado fishing license, available at sporting goods and hardware stores. Licenses can be purchased for terms of 2 days or more.
LITTER: Please keep in mind that on our trip we will carry out all of our trash and whatever other trash we may find as we travel down the river. We appreciate your assistance in keeping the river clean and beautiful.
PREGNANCY: We cannot take you rafting if you are 3 months or more pregnant. This is for your own safety and that of your unborn child.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel more than 10 days prior to trip departure, we will refund all of your deposit less a $50/person cancellation fee; if you cancel less than 10 days prior to trip departure, there is no refund. We reserve the right to reschedule, move or cancel any trip due to insufficient reservations or poor water levels.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: Allows you to cancel all or part of your trip up to 48 hours prior to departure without penalty. The cost is $9.00/person/day. If you must cancel with less than 48 hours notice, but more than 24 hours before departure, we can issue a gift certificate good for next year's season. Insurance must be purchased for every member of the group at the time of your deposit.

Reserve your Gunnison River Whitewater Rafting Adventure NOW! Space is Limited. Click Here... or CALL: 1.800.462.7238

Wilderness Aware Rafting • PO Box 1550 Buena Vista, CO 81211 • Toll Free: 1-800-462-7238 • Phone: 719-395-2112 • Email: rapids@inaraft.com