What to Expect on a
Guided Canoe Day Trip
On the St. Vrain River
Your Experience
Our goal is to offer you a life-affirming guided float amongst the cottonwoods, in silence and awe of the diversity of wildlife. You will have space to relax and find your connection with the river and nature as you guide your canoe down the St. Vrain east of Longmont, just north of Denver. Canoeing and kayaking are activities that can provide therapeutic benefits to those who partake in them.
How to Get There
The address of the parking lot is: 11169 E I25 Frontage Rd, Firestone, CO 80504
Click here for Google Maps Directions to the Meet Up Point
Here are the Map Coordinates to set your GPS (40.162684387947344, -104.97669848294878)
We generally meet on the Starbucks patio. After our rendezvous, we will drive a short distance to our put-in site.
From Denver: Follow I-25 North to CO-119 in Weld County. Take exit 240 from I-25 N. Go east on 119 and take a left on the I-25 Frontage Road. The plaza containing the Starbucks will be just after this on your left.
From Ft. Collins and points north: Follow I-25 South to CO-119 in Weld County. Take exit 240 from I-25 S. Go east on 119 and take a left on the I-25 Frontage Road. The plaza containing the Starbucks will be just after this on your left.
From Longmont or Boulder: Take CO-119 (Diagonal Highway) northeast through Longmont to Firestone. Go under I-25 and take a left on the I-25 Frontage Road. The plaza containing the Starbucks will be just after this on your left.
The River’s Path will provide all of your river gear (canoe, canoe seat, life jacket, & paddle). We also provide dry bags for your belongings.
We ask that participants bring the following personal items:
- Non-cotton clothes
- Shoes that can get wet
- An extra layer for warmth in case the weather changes
- Raincoat
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hat
- Snacks & Lunch
- Water bottle
- Camera and binoculars would be good too! (Please remember that if these are not in the dry bag they can get wet.)
On the Journey
Floating: The St. Vrain river is a Class 1 float trip. There will be no rapids or rough water.
Will I Get Wet? Your feet will definitely get wet and muddy. There is always a possibility of getting totally wet if your canoe happens to flip over. The river is generally quite shallow, so you will likely be able to stand up right away- flipping over isn’t a big deal! We will help you out if this happens – you are in good hands!
There will be plenty of opportunities to swim as well, as long as the weather is warm enough! Our head guide Lauren tries to get wet as often as she can, because it’s fun!
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. However, you should feel comfortable with water. You will be wearing a life jacket at all times and if you are nervous, you can ride with the guides.
What If I Have Never Canoed? That’s OK! Our guides will teach you everything you need to know. There will be a learning curve but you’ll be feeling competent in no time!!
Am I Too Young? Too Old? We enjoy guiding kids from 5 to 15 as long as there is a responsible adult chaperone. On the other end of the spectrum, our guides are experienced taking people of all ages including many in their 70s and even 80s. As long as you are mobile enough to walk from the car to the canoe and get into the boat, we can take you!
Will I See Any Wildlife? Yes! Most likely, we will see bald eagles, hawks, blue herons, and great horned owls. We may also see snapping turtles, mink, beavers, raccoons, fox, or coyote. It’s an amazing experience to see such a multitude of species so close to home!
After the Journey
Going on a guided wilderness canoe trip brings all kinds of benefits. Many of our previous canoers have said that the experience:
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Being surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city can help you relax and reduce your stress levels.
- Increased sense of connection: Being in the wilderness can help you feel more connected to the natural world and to your own sense of self.
- Improved mood: Spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity can increase the release of endorphins, which can improve your mood and make you feel happier.
- Enhanced mindfulness: The slower pace of life on the water and the lack of distractions can help you become more present and mindful.
- Greater sense of accomplishment: Completing a new experience like a guided canoe trip on the St. Vrain can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem.
Overall, a guided wilderness canoe trip can provide an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of modern life, reconnect with nature, and gain a sense of peace and fulfillment.