Join us for CCA’s inaugural overnight river camp fundraiser: Catalpa Camp-Out. With two options to participate, by hiking or boating, at our private education property on Ruby Horsethief you will get to support CCA financially and make memories on the river with us via a fully guided trip!
What you need to know:
When: Saturday, October 18th 9am-Sunday, October 19th, midday. Expect two full days on land/water.
Where: Boat-in ticket holders will meet at the Ruby Horsetheif boat launch in Loma, take-out at Westwater, and shuttle back to Loma together.
Hike-in ticket holders will meet at the Rabbit Valley Staging Area to carpool to Knowles Canyon and begin the ~4 mile hike to Catalpa as a group led by CCA staff.
What: This is an adults-only, 21+ event.
Boat-in participants (only 8 seats available) and staff will travel approximately 27 miles on the Colorado River in CCA rafts, while hike-in participants and staff will hike approximately 3.6 miles, arriving at Catalpa for an immersive overnight camp-out under the stars. Catalpa Camp is CCA’s private inholding educational camp along the Ruby Horsethief stretch of the Colorado River in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. We will share and engage participants in what makes Catalpa Camp so special, as well as help make an impact in developing the Catalpa Perimeter Trail.
Hike-in participants will be led by CCA staff from the Knowles Canyon Campground down to Catalpa Camp.
Important information on the hike: The hike in is 3.6 miles one-way and will involve hiking on sand, gravel, and rock. The trail will ascend 127 feet and descend 477 feet. Most of the descent will occur in a wash and involves a brief period of exposure on angled slickrock. Other hazards include uneven terrain, one railroad crossing, and possible stepping over a barbed wire fence. We recommend those choosing this option to be capable of lifting their knees to a 90 degree angle, feel confident navigating uneven ground, and able to carry approximately 30 pounds (your clothing and personal items for an overnight stay, enough water for the hike in, and personal camping gear, if needed) in these conditions.
All participants: CCA will provide lunch both days, an elevated river dinner, alcoholic and N/A beverages, snacks (for the hike out), water, tools (for perimeter trail raking), and transportation back to put-in.
Please note: Boat participants should bring their own PFD (if you own one), tent/camping gear, but these can be provided if necessary. There is limited space at Catalpa, therefore all participants will ride in CCA boats together; personal boats will not be allowed on this trip. Hikers should be prepared to carry water for the hike in, clothes, and personal camping gear (tent, sleep bag/pad). All meals will be provided so no stove or kitchen gear is required.