In 1969, OARS became the first exclusively non-motorized rafting outfitter authorized by the National Park Service to run trips on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Today OARS caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes. Each year the company contributes to conservation organizations around the globe via voluntary donations and annual fundraising events, and in partnership with their guests, OARS has contributed more than $5 million in donations and fees toward the preservation of the environment and to various conservation initiatives since the company’s inception.
Now, OARS announced it will launch Hidden Canyons, a collection of one-of-a-kind adventures that celebrates the historic John Wesley Powell Expedition, which journeyed down the canyons of the Colorado River and its tributaries 150 years ago. OARS is the only outfitter that holds permits to every leg of the famous journey, but unlike early expeditions, these trips include top-notch guides and equipment, impressive meals, and hassle-free camping.
The offering includes five historical destinations to check off your paddling bucket list:
Flaming Gorge — Utah
Brilliant red hued cliffs and crystal clear waters await on this scenic stretch of the Green River in Utah. Packed with splashy, no-stress white water, excellent swimming and trout fishing, a Flaming Gorge rafting trip is fun for the whole family. One- to three-day trips begin at $99.
Gates of Lodore — Colorado
Launch your own expedition into Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado. This laid-back adventure through a maze of scarlet slot canyons not only offers scenery that rivals Grand Canyon, but also boasts fun whitewater, gorgeous side hikes, fossil discoveries, and beach camping at its best. Three-, four- or five-day trips begin at $774.
Desolation Canyon — Utah
Discover your own wild adventure in Desolation Canyon. Fly into a wild and remote land of towering cliffs that rival Grand Canyon, tackle 50+ exciting whitewater rapids, and relive a piece of Wild West history in this true hidden canyon that beckons modern day explorers. Five-day trips begin at $1449.
Cataract Canyon — Utah
Float through dramatic canyons and hike into the heart of Canyonlands National Park. This legendary Colorado River rafting trip for adventurous beginners and thrill seekers takes you into the wild and untamed heart of Canyonlands National Park before concluding with a dramatic scenic flight that retraces your journey. Four- or six-day trips begin at $1549.
Grand Canyon — Arizona
Grand Canyon: It’s the ultimate river trip and one of the most sought after travel experiences on the planet. Travel into the unknown and unplug from the outside world to take in unmatched scenery, epic hiking, legendary whitewater, and mind-boggling geology and historic sites. Five- to 18-day trips begin at $2491.
OARS invites you to chart your own adventure into the West’s Hidden Canyons at www.hiddencanyons.com.
