New Meetup: Petroglyph Hunting on the Gunnison River - October 17-18

Announcing a new Meetup for Front Range Paddlesports Meetup!

What: Petroglyph Hunting on the Gunnison River

When: October 17, 2009 7:30 AM

Where: (A location has not been chosen yet.)

Fall trip down the Gunnison River to search for Petroglyphs.

Gunnison River
Escalante Access to Whitewater
28 miles class II

Hardshell boats only, solo boats must be at least 14', tandems 16' . Trip participants are responsible for their own gear including BLM approved toilet.

The Gunnison River below Escalante flows through low desert canyon, ancestral home of the Freemont and Ute tribes. We'll be paddling this section with the intention of exploring some of the side canyons looking for petroglyphs. The first day we'll cover roughly 20 miles on the water, in addition to side excursions, camping below Big Dominguez. Sunday will be a shorter trip, allowing time to look up some shorter canyons while still getting off the water before 11:30.

Trip participants are responsible for their own gear. Shorter boats and inflatables are welcome to get in on our shuttle, but will find the trip a bit long compared to faster boats.

Boats must have supplemental floatation, ie floatbags or waterproof bulkheads. All boats must carry a spare paddle. PFD's must be worn while on the water. End lines should be attached both bow and stern to assist in tying off to steep shorelines (they also help with rescue if you flip).

No pets. Fires are not allowed.

More information on this section of river can be found online at:

BLM Webpages http://www.blm.gov/co...

Jerrys River Guide http://home.mesastate... http://home.mesastate...

Contact me directly to register and to get logistics information.

An optional hike up Big Dominguez Canyon is planned for Friday October 16th. We won't spend much time in that canyon while on the river, but can drive right to it the day before to hike and explore.

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com...