Camping & Dining

Camping & Dining

Castle Valley Overnight

Meals

Camping along the Colorado River is no place to skimp on meals. Honestly, they’re probably more important than your days off the river!

Mornings begin with continental items such as fresh fruit and hot beverages followed by a cowboy breakfast straight off the skillet. Lunches can be personalized as you build your own deli sandwich and wraps. They’ll come with sides of chips, veggies, dip, and cookies.

Dinner starts with simple refreshing appetizers ranging from caprese salads to cheesy goodness chips and queso. You can expect a classic and delicious main course like freshly grilled steak, perfectly cooked salmon, and flavorful pasta.

Desert may be gooey brownies or cakes baked in a dutch oven, to the staple of s’mores galore. Timing for each meal, except breakfast, will vary depending on river flow, side hikes, availability of places to stop, etc.

Feel free to bring your favorite snacks along, especially if you have kids, to stay energized along the way. Keep your munchies with you in your “carry on” dry bag or in another waterproof pouch.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

Vegetarians, vegans, gluten or dairy-free, and any other dietary restricted eaters have no fear! We can accommodate your needs. Just be sure to provide it in your trip registration we send you before the trip!

Keep in mind that our meal plans are based on the fact that we are in a wilderness setting. Meals are prepared over a campfire and stove, and we don’t have access to fresh ice on the trip.

For those with any food allergies, please bring your own personal snacks that work with your needs.

Pita and veggies meal

Hiking

Hiking

You will have time to explore the beauty of the canyon on side hikes, some guided and some on your own. Bring sturdy hiking footwear and clothing for these incredible journeys.

Drinking Water

Drinking Water

Hydration is one of the most important things on a backcountry desert adventure. We will provide plenty of drinking water that is always accessible on the boat and at camp. A refillable water bottle, along with your amazing memories, come as a keepsake from us at Mild to Wild.

BATHING

BATHING

The best camping options in Durango from National parks to private campgroundsIn line with protecting and caring for our rivers, please bring biodegradable soap to bathe. If you would like to rinse off your biodegradable soap, it is preferred that you do so at least 200 feet from any of the rivers and streams. If this makes no sense, its because even biodegradable soap disrupts and damages algae and other marine life of the river. Feel free to bring a solar shower.

Portable Toilet

Portable Toilet

Portable Toilet We love our rivers and natural lands, so we don’t make a litter box out of them. We pack out all solid human waste with a portable toilet (groover) that is set up each day at camp. The guides will find an easy to access and secluded spot for the toilet at each camp, usually with an amazing view! We make sure you have privacy at the groover with a two toned paddle that is kept a good distance away to signal when someone is in the bathroom.

Women Specific Concers

Women Specific Concerns

We recommend you come prepared for your period even if you aren’t expecting it. There will be tampons and pads provided that are meant for backups, but please bring your own. You can use Ziploc bags to store feminine products while on the river and then dispose of them in the groover once at camp.

Cannabis

Cannabis

The use of medicinal or recreational marijuana is illegal on federal lands, so we ask that you abstain from bringing any on your trip.

Fires

Fires

Our trips travel through dry, arid climates that often have threats of fire or air quality impacts due to fire. If you have asthma, air conditions during the dry months are something to consider when picking your trip and packing. We may change the logistics of our trip due to fire conditions in the area.

Guns

Guns

Our managing agencies prohibit firearms on the trip. Leave any firearms at home.

Electronic USE

While on the river, we are mindful of the impact we have on the environment and other people around us. Music and drones can be disruptive to the calming experience of the river. Please bring headphones if you want to listen to music, it will ensure you’re considerate of those who appreciate nature’s symphonies.

We encourage you to enjoy this escape phone-free, but understand you may want to have it with you. Use it on the river at your own risk and be aware that there will be no cell service during the trip. You may consider purchasing a waterproof case for your phone or camera.

If you do plan to bring electronic devices you may want to bring spare power sources such as solar for them.

 

COMMUNICATION WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD

On the river we have limited communication with the outside world, it is a great space to enjoy your escape from the hustle and bustle of our constantly connected lives. Our guides will carry a satellite communication device in case of an emergency.

Beverages & Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol is not permitted on the rafts, but feel free to crack a cold one at camp! Please purchase your alcohol in moderation and prior to your trip meet time.

Keep in mind that we need to be respectful of other guests on the trip who may not consume alcohol, and remember that we don’t carry glass containers on the river!

Physical Preparation

Rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and just being outside, in general, can take a lot out of anybody.

Let us know of any physical limitations in advance of your trip so we can work with you to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.

Plan Your Trip

FAQ

Castle Valley Rafting
Got questions about our Castle Valley trips? We have answers!
Castle Valley FAQs

Camping & Dining

Castle Valley Rafting
See what's for dinner and learn more about our camp setup!
Camping & Dining

Itinerary

Castle Valley Rafting
See what we get up to and how the days flow in Castle Valley!
Itinerary

Map & River Log

Castle Valley Rafting
Check out a general map of Castle Valley and the detailed river log with it!
Map & River Log

Packing Guide

Castle Valley Rafting
Check out what we provide and what to bring for yourself in Castle Valley!
Packing Guide

Weather & Rapids

Castle Valley Rafting
How's the weather and the water in Castle Valley? We'll tell you!
Weather & Rapids