Bluff to Mexican Hat Rafting on the San Juan River

This section of river contains many archaelogical sites and a handful of class II rapids. It makes a nice 2 or 3 day trip or you can combine it with the other sections for a longer trip.

At Sand Island, the San Juan River is wide, braided and slow moving. The river runs through open country full of rock art, archaeological sites and other evidence of prehistoric inhabitants. You'll see beautiful Navajo sandstone cliffs stained with desert varnish.

Near mile 7 the San Juan cuts through Comb Ridge and the Mule Ear Diatreme. At mile 9, The San Juan River changes dramatically as it cuts into alternating red and gray rock layers. The river becomes narrower, swifter, and rockier as 800 foot high canyon walls close in. This is where you'll find the class II rapids.

At mile 20, the river emerges from the deep canyon and once again you are in open country. However, the surrounding terrain is now redrock and remains as you make your way towards Mexican Hat.

Detailed mile by mile descriptions of this section of river can be found in the two San Juan River guide books shown to the left.