CB32 Program Banner

High School

Utah Southwest Canyons – Whitewater Raft & Canoe

Raft exciting rapids, find peace while canoeing calm waters, and spend each night sleeping under starry skies. Every day on the river you’ll find adventure, confidence and courage.

Scholarships

Learn about scholarship opportunities.

Savings Plan

Use a 529 College Savings Plan.

Schedule a Call
See Available Dates & Apply

Utah

CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a simple, stylized drawing of a canoe in blue against a black background. The canoe is depicted with curved lines outlining its shape, and there are horizontal lines inside the canoe to suggest its structure or design. The style is reminiscent of a basic illustration or icon, with a focus on clear, recognizable shapes rather than detailed realism. Canoeing
  • The image shows a blue inflatable boat outlined in a sketch style against a black background. The boat has a rounded shape with what appears to be a seat or support structure inside. There are also some ripple-like lines underneath, possibly indicating that it is in water or suggesting movement. The style is simple and illustrative. Rafting

Setting & Location

  • Desert
  • The image shows a stylized, pixelated scene of nature. Two tall, slender pine trees frame a view of distant mountains. A body of water, possibly a lake or river, is visible in the foreground, reflecting the scenery. The color palette is limited, with a dominant dark blue against a black background, giving the image a retro, digital aesthetic. River
  • airplane Course Start Location: Grand Junction
  • airplane Course End Location: Grand Junction

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

Session Details

2 sessions are available for this course

Chat with the Customer Success Team

What You’ll Learn

On Outward Bound expeditions designed for young high schoolers, students do exciting things with new friends, build confidence, and discover you’re capable of more than you know! You’ll have fun, work on your willpower and crush right-sized challenges – together.

What You'll Do

Paddle through rapids then swap your raft for a canoe on calmer waters. Each day you’ll learn more about navigating the river and practice being the captain and crew of your boat.

Where You'll Be

Magnificent red rock walls, riverside beaches, abundant sunshine, and endless opportunities to take a dip in the river. Your desert oasis awaits in Utah's canyon country!

Why It Matters

You belong here! Outward Bound is a unique place to try new things, make friends, and discover your strengths. Your crew will be there to support you as you navigate challenges and celebrate wins. Have an unforgettable adventure and learn skills that’ll last a lifetime!

/

CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Better Together

What if you learned how to boldly forge meaningful connections while confidently developing your own sense of self?

Educational Approach

Two Week Courses for Ages 14-16

Crewmembers engage in unique activities, forging skills to thrive! Sounding their own voices – and considering others’ – they have time to try new ways of working together in a supportive environment. Connecting in moments of harmony and productive struggle, they ask themselves big questions like: “Who am I, who are YOU, and how can we best get along?”

Risk and Reward

At a time when it really matters you and your crew will balance taking healthy risks as  you face challenges together. You voice is important to your crew’s success! You’ll own that voice and learn from the perspectives of your crewmates while you navigate towards your goals.

Connection and Care

Your unique personality is valued! You and your crew will practice the communication skills necessary to make everyone feel safe and, cared- for while working together.

Shared Success

This is a great opportunity to learn how your actions and words have an impact on other people. On this adventure, you’ll work through challenges and celebrate wins together.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Each day will be a chance to have fun and build confidence on the river. You’ll get to experience the river on both a 6- to 8-person raft and in a 2-person canoe. Each day, you’ll set up shelter on sandy shores and cook as a crew. Calm waters will offer the chance to swim and explore canyon hikes. Swift water will bring adventure and challenge. As you grow your new skills, you’ll take on more leadership to chart your daily path and be the captain of your boat. Among adventure-filled days will be time to slow down to enjoy nature and connect with your crewmates.

/

CB39 Table Feature

Sample Itinerary

Every day you’ll paddle, enjoy stunning views of red rock canyons, camp on sandy shores, and laugh often.

Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.

Swipe on table below to view more.

Let's Go

+ -
Course Start Start your journey by meeting your crew, repacking your gear, and getting familiar with the course area. Instructors will guide you through what to expect, what you will learn, and introduce skills to keep you comfortable in the backcountry.
Rafting Grab a paddle and learn to work as a team to navigate whitewater rapids. Your Instructors will teach you paddle techniques, navigation, teamwork, and backcountry camp skills. There will be opportunities for day hikes to learn about the cultural and natural history of the region. You’ll take on "Leader of the Day" roles, helping guide your crew through each day’s goals. Calmer water will offer ample opportunity for swimming in the river.
Canoeing Take your newfound paddle skills to a whole new setting. Learn to navigate the river in a 2-person canoe. Over time, you and your crewmates will take more responsibility to chart your daily path and set up camp along sandy shores.
Solo & Final Challenge Embark on a personalized final group challenge designed to test the skills you’ve learned in teamwork, leadership and outdoor adventure. You also might have the chance for a Solo experience, quiet time spent relaxing on your own, anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours, with Instructors nearby for support.
Course End Celebrate your accomplishments during a final pin ceremony. Share what you’ve learned and experienced before heading home with new skills, friendships, and memories.
CB27 Pull Quotes

This COBS course has connected me with complete strangers in some of the most meaningful and genuine ways.

Student

I was not prepared for how this experience would truly change my way of thinking. I feel like I have adopted a growth mindset as a direct result of this journey.

Student

An amazing course with fun at every turn.

Student

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?

+ -

You do not need to be an experienced swimmer to join us. You should be comfortable swimming short distances while wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Many participants find that their comfort and confidence in the water grow naturally during the course. Plus, our Instructors will be there to encourage you every step of the way.

Will I have my phone on course?

+ -

This course is a totally phone-free adventure! Although some students are hesitant about this at first, many reflect on their experience as a well-needed break from screens and social media. No phones means more time to be present with nature and your crewmates too.

Can I get mail on course?

+ -

Yes! You will have the opportunity to receive letters from friends and family during transfers, resupplies and at the end of the course. If you’re worried about getting homesick, letters are a great way to feel connected with your loved ones while you are away.

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
Back to Top

Sign Up for Updates from Outward Bound

+ -