Cisco to Professor Valley – School Program

A serene outdoor educational experience for your school

Cisco to Professor Valley is perfect for large groups. This outdoor educational trip for schools is filled with opportunities for hands-on learning. The banks are lined with cottonwood trees and other riparian vegetation offering a prime area for scientific exploration. The Colorado river tightens up and offers legendary views of the La Sal Mountains and Fisher Towers as well as fun, splashy rapids. On Cisco to Professor Valley, you don’t have to worry about breaking up your group. This is the only stretch of river that can accommodate groups larger than 25 and students as young as 5th grade!

Educational Opportunities

Riparian zones are critical to the health of the high desert and the communities that live around them. This stretch contains an abundance of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, River Otters, Beavers, and Bighorn Sheep. Our Naturalist Guides will help your students discover and learn about plant and animal adaptations and the incredible biodiversity of this ecosystem.

Location:
The Colorado River: Cisco UT, to Professor Valley, UT
Date:
Call 435 259-7750 for availability
Duration:
3 days and 2 nights
Group Size:
15 - 40 participants
Age Range:
5th Grade and older
Cost:
$415 per student
Challenge:
Level-
?

This is how we rate the challenges you might face on a CFI trip.


Level 1 - Easy

  • Low level of physical activity, minimal movement required
  • 0 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking or walking 0-2 miles per day

Level 2 - Moderate

  • Medium level of physical activity, some movement required
  • 1-4 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking up to 4 miles per day
  • Flatwater or mild whitewater rapids

Level 3 - Active

  • Medium or high level of physical activity
  • 1-5 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking up to 5 miles per day
  • Class I - III whitewater rapids

Level 4 - Challenging

  • High level of physical activity
  • 1-6 nights spent camping or in the field
  • Hiking 5 or more miles per day
  • Class IV whitewater rapids
CFI's Essential Eligibility Criteria outlines specific challenges that you may face on CFI trips. Please consult the EEC for information on responsibilities of participants.
Notes:
  • Great for large groups!
  • Price includes a BLM Special Area fee of $2
  • Program fee does not include gratuity. Our educators work extremely hard and appreciate getting tipped.

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Trip Narrative

This stretch starts in Cisco, Utah and ends in Professor Valley, Utah.

The first part of this trip braids through the wide Colorado River floodplain as it flows away from the historic town of Cisco. Students are treated to wide open landscapes and excellent bird sightings. Despite the popularity of river running in the Moab area, this stretch still remains little used. CFI guides will run investigations, activities, and games all designed to connect students to themselves, each other, and to this breathtaking landscape. 

After a full day of rafting and activities, we will stop at a riverside beach and set up camp, cook a delicious meal, and spend quality time as a group. The second half of the trip takes your group under the historic Dewey Bridge, through the iconic Postcard Alley, and past the Fisher Towers toward the Moab Daily. Here, the canyon walls tighten up, and the water gets faster. At certain water levels, students are treated to a trip down the Moab Daily stretch of the Colorado. The Moab Daily features fun splashy rapids, large beaches, and scenic views. 

The continuation of this trip through the Moab Daily depends on water level. Call CFI for up to date conditions.

FAQ

Some people say food is the most important part of the adventure. On all our overnight trips, CFI will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a morning and afternoon snack, and an appetizer before dinner. If you have a dietary restriction or food allergy, note it on your medical form so we can best prepare.

Depends on the trip. As a general rule, CFI provides all group gear related to fully outfitting your trip. Specialized gear like PFDs, wetsuits, dry bags, educational materials are all provided by CFI. Additionally, we take care of all kitchen and dishware needs. 

Find out more about trip specific packing.

Most importantly, a willingness to slow down, connect to your surroundings, and experience the moment. Additionally, participants are required to bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, personal clothing, medication, and other essential personal items. Many gear items are available for rent. Reach out to us if you are interested in seeing a trip specific packing list, or learn more about trip specific packing here.

CFI provides options to rent gear:

  • Two person tent: $30 / trip
  • Sleeping bag: $20 / trip
  • Kid sleeping pad: $7 / trip
  • Adult sleeping pad (paco pad): $15 / trip
  • Package deal: Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and one tent per two people: $40 / trip

For any CFI summer camp, gear rentals are free!

Every CFI guide has either a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification. Your trip leader will have a Wilderness First Responder certification. Anyone working with youth has passed a background check, and shuttle drivers are insured with clean driving records. Backcountry trips carry In-Reach satellite communication devices for emergencies. All guides have been evaluated by Canyonlands Field Institute as possessing the judgement, skills, and disposition required for mitigating risk in the field. 

As technology grows more and more invasive by the day, CFI promotes connection to what matters. To achieve this, all school and youth programs are unplugged and students are not permitted to bring electronic devices. Not only is there rarely cell service, devices are a distraction to our ability to connect to the present moment. On Private Group Trips or Adult Seminars, the use of devices is permitted but discouraged.

CFI works hard to ensure a positive experience for all guides and participants. Because of the unpredictable nature of outfitting, we have created a series of policies so maintain our ability to manage risk in the outdoors.

For critical information regarding cancellations, deposits, and other participant responsibilities, please view our trip policies page or contact us with any questions.

Thanks for asking...We know this can be an awkward subject. The fact is, our guides work extremely hard and appreciate getting tipped! 

On school trips tips are greatly appreciated. 

On an adult or private trip, an industry standard is for each customer to tip $25 per day.

If you wish to include a gratuity, cash is preferred, but sending a check or a payment to CFI's Venmo: @canyonlandsfieldinstitute is also a great way to thank your guides for their hard work.  Tips are always pooled and distributed.

Need to Know

  • CFI staff are trained educators and guides with first aid and CPR certifications. Back-country trips carry satellite communications devices.  
  • All cook and dishware, meals, snacks, and river gear are provided by CFI. 

See related School Programs

The Lower San Juan River – School Program

Labyrinth Canyon Canoeing – School Program

Upper San Juan River – School Program

Ruby-Horsethief Canyon – School Program

Professor Valley Field Camp – Student Program
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CFI is a non-profit organization and fees are not taxed. By choosing CFI, you are supporting our efforts to provide lifechanging outdoor experiences for hundreds of children per year.  Scholarships are available on an as needed basis.