Labyrinth Canyon Canoeing – School Program

Outdoor Education in the ideal backcountry of Labyrinth Canyon

This incredible stretch of the Green River is ideal for student groups looking to increase their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. While working together in two person canoes, students are exposed to beautiful surroundings and diverse natural history. This 68 mile stretch of remote wilderness provides a classroom that keeps students asking questions.

Traveling in a canoe gives students the ability to participate in all aspects of multi-day wilderness expeditions through field studies, river skills, navigation, camp life, and hiking. CFI instructors generate an inclusive learning environment and no prior canoe or camping experience is necessary.

Outdoor Education for Leadership and Community

Traveling in canoes is both challenging and rewarding for students. With limited space, students take on an equal share of packing and carrying community gear while learning to work together as a team with their canoe partner. The flatwater of Labyrinth affords students the ability to build these skills slowly under close supervision, while also giving students the space and independence to grow as leaders in the community.

Location:
The Green River: Green River, UT to Mineral Bottom, UT
Date:
Call 435 259-7750 for availability
Duration:
5 days and 4 nights
Group Size:
15 – 20 participants
Age Range:
6th Grade and older
Cost:
$795 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:
  • Program fee does not include gratuity. Our educators work extremely hard and appreciate getting tipped.

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Trip Narrative

The Labyrinth Canyon stretch of the Green River goes from Green River State Park to Mineral Bottom boat ramp. Before launching, student groups often arrive the day before their trip to explore Green River and camp at the Green River State Park.

The first few days of Labyrinth are spent navigating the braded streams in a floodplain environment. Students are treated to wildlife sightings, sweeping birds, and diverse plant ecology. Students will also spend the first day or so developing new paddle skills. Throughout the trip, guides will teach your group how to paddle, rig a canoe, and even self rescue in case of a flip. 

Once we have our river legs, we will continue further into the area surrounding Canyonlands National Park. The walls will tighten up, and we will truly enter the Labyrinth! Over the course of the expedition, your group will learn to work as a team to navigate the river’s twists and turns while practicing backcountry skills like cooking, rigging a canoe, and setting up camp.

Labyrinth Canyon is rich in both wildlife and human history. Hidden within the side canyons are traces of previous historical explorers like Dennis Julien, and the one-armed John Wesley Powell. Though a combination of educational activities, side hiking, and adventure, your students will come away from this trip with a newfound appreciation for science and connection to nature. 

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.

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.  

See related School Programs

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The Lower San Juan River – 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.