NAU Outdoors River Adventures
Our River Adventures Program is designed to help learners take their education outdoors, to the inspiring water sheds of the Southwest, with an emphasis on education, safe boating techniques, and minimum impact practices. Rivers visited include: the Colorado, the Salt, the San Juan, and the Verde. Instructors and guides dedicate themselves to providing an outstanding experience, where the river is more than a backdrop, but a key aspect of the journey. The Southwest rivers are rich in opportunities for adventure and growth. River trips offer whitewater, beautiful beach camps, ancient Puebloan dwellings and artifacts, fossils, astounding petroglyph panels, wildlife, and spectacular views. NAU Outdoors offers multi-day rafting trips lasting anywhere from three to eight days. River trips are wonderfully unique in that the experience can be tailored to the specific needs of each group.
Groups may request their trip dates in advance and select the trip length, number of participants, and indicate any special needs. Other variable features include use of inflatable kayaks, day hikes to remarkable archeological and historic sites, selection of campsites, and the trip focus or theme.
Custom Program Formats
A program can be designed to meet a wide variety of desired outcomes, and formats are based on the unique needs of each group. River trips might be an appropriate venue for groups to fundraise, teambuild, offer coursework, and seek adventure and relaxation.
Teambuilding Retreats
Groups may wish to select a teambuilding retreat to focus on the communication, conflict resolution, or teamwork. This program format utilized adventure-based activities, such as games, traditional challenge course initiatives and debrief, sequenced trust activities, and a cooperative style of trip implementation. Participants learn the basics of river running in order to safely travel the desired length of the San Juan, and in the process engage in problem solving and cooperative group work exercises that result in a safe and enjoyable experience, the development of more meaningful interpersonal relationships, and a greater connectedness to purpose in the group. A series of brief pre-trip meetings will enable our teambuilding specialists to assist in the identification of desired outcomes and strategies for programming that will afford groups the opportunity to build community. For more information, or to request a date or estimate, please contact NAU Outdoors at nauoutdoors@nau.edu or call 928-523-3229.
Academic Programs
Any NAU academic program wishing to implement curriculum involving boating on the may contact NAU Outdoors with desired dates, trip length, number of students, and specific course needs. Our program will handle all logistics including travel, equipment, sleeping arrangements, food and food preparation, and licensed staff. The academic program provides curriculum, instruction, and any special equipment that is not a standard need. Academic programs should schedule trips well in advance to ensure students time to register for courses. Contact NAU Outdoors with questions or to schedule a program at nauoutdoors@nau.edu or by calling 928-523-3229.
Recreational Programs
NAU Outdoors offers river trips as part of our regular semester schedule of events. Elective credit for participation in these courses is optional, and all are welcome to register. Fees for these programs include transportation, food, boating equipment, instruction and licensed guides. Participants can rent camping equipment if needed at a reduced rate from NAU Outdoors.
Custom recreational river trips can be scheduled by any group by contacting NAU Outdoors with the desired trip date, length, number of participants, and special needs. To request a date or receive a quote on a trip, contact NAU Outdoors at nauoutdoors@nau.edu or call 928-523-3229.