Grades 8 – 12
Rio Grande, TX
Remote and mysterious, the Rio Grande defines the border of Texas and Mexico. The river has cut thousands of feet deep into the earth’s crust, revealing the mysteries of the earth’s formation and thousands of years of human history. This expedition holds unparalleled opportunities for exploration by canoe and by foot. We will follow this beautiful wild river through the remote desert country without seeing any signs of civilization between our put-in and take-out.
Ahead of us are 83 miles of wilderness paddling through canyons and rapids, as well as miles of hiking and exploring the desert, the heat of the desert sun and chill of the desert nights, and the comfort of the fire in the evening. On the expedition there will be plants and animals to marvel at. We will see geologic features revealing millions of years of the Earth’s history, and remnants of the human past from ancient and more recent history. In the evenings, there will be cozy camps on sandy banks and singing around the mesquite fire.
Day 1
We will meet you in the evening at the train station in San Antonio, Texas. We will load the van and a car and drive through the night.
Day 2
Early morning will find us at Heath Canyon Ranch. Here we will set camp close by the river, get our canoes and equipment, prepare for the expedition, and learn paddling techniques and safety.
Day 3-9
Our 8-day journey down the river begins. Ahead of us are 83 miles of wilderness paddling through canyons and rapids, as well as miles of hiking and exploring through the desert, the heat of the desert sun and chill of the desert nights, and the comfort of the fire in the evening.
Day 10
We will arrive at our destination in the afternoon. Here we will spend our last night camping under the stars before beginning our drive back to San Antonio early the next morning.
Day 11
To reach the road from our take-our location, we will first drive 23 miles through the desert on a rough path – an adventure in itself! We will arrive in San Antonio in the early afternoon with just enough time to visit the Alamo for an important lesson in American history. Evening will see us to the famous River Walk and enjoying a celebration dinner. We will spend the night at a hostel or hotel.
Day 12
Goodbyes and departure in the early morning.
