Participant pre-trip information for the Chocolate Mountains canoe outing!

2. Welcome to the Chocolate
Mountains Pre-O Adventure!
Can you believe that in a few short weeks you will canoeing down the
Colorado River in the Chocolate Mountains! You will have an
opportunity to explore this beautiful area on the border of California
and Arizona. This will be an amazing opportunity to meet new friends
and make lasting connections while in the backcountry!
In order to ensure you are best prepared for our upcoming adventure
we have included important information in a short presentation. After
reviewing, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.

3. Questions Answered
 What can I look forward to?
 What is the schedule?
 What will I eat?
 Where will I sleep?
 What will the weather be like?
 What do I need to bring?
 What skills and experience do I need?
 What are Outdoor Adventures policies?
 What are the risks?

4. Some Highlights!
Canoeing in this
beautiful environment!

5. Cooling off from the hot
sun by swimming in the
cool Colorado River!

6. Seeing beautiful
sunsets and
sunrises from on
and off the river!

7. Itinerary
 Day 1: Sunday, August 24th
 Check in at Outdoor Adventure office at 9am. Move in to your dorms. Meet
back at OA at 1pm. Get to know your guides and fellow adventurers.
 Depart for the Chocolate Mountains and camp along the banks of the
Colorado River.
 Day 2
 Get an early start so we can have paddle school before loading the canoes
and setting off down the river.
 Days 3&4
 Continue down the river paddling and floating.
 Explore old historical sites and nearby lakes.
 Day 5: Thursday, August 28th
 Get on the water early so we can get to our final destination by lunchtime.
 Return to USD by 6pm.

8. What about food?
 All meals Sunday through
Thursday will be provided.
 Food will be absolutely
delicious!!
 If you have any dietary
preferences or restrictions,
please let us know so that
we can accommodate.

9. Where will I sleep?
 In this tiny, little cabbin 
 JUST KIDDING! We will
provide 3 or 4 person tents for
you to sleep in.
 We will be camping at various
campsites along the Colorado
River.
 There are pit toilets (permanent
porta potties) in the
campgrounds as well as a
water spigot, but no toilets on
the river while we are paddling.
 There are no showers!

10. What do I need to bring?
 Please refer to the detailed
packing list that outlines what
to bring.
 Some equipment will be
provided by OA if needed:
 Headlamp
 Sleeping bag/pad
 Raingear (pants and
jacket)
 If you need to rent equipment,
please fill out the Travel and
Gear form also attached to
this email and send it back to
us.

11. What is the weather like?
 During August, the average daytime temperature in the
Choclate Mountains will be over 100 degrees! YIKES!!
 But do not worry! We will be in or near the river most of
the day so you can always take a quick dip. Also make
sure to drink LOTS of water.
 We are hoping for perfect conditions, but must prepare
for much less than perfect!
 There is a slight possibility that it may get chilly at night
so please bring a warm layer just in case. Layers will
allow you to adjust throughout the day as conditions
change.

12. What skills do I need?
 No previous experience is necessary. We will make
the most of our time and some days will be more
challenging than others.
 Be prepared to paddle up the 15 miles each day.

13. Participants’ Expectations
 Active group participants.
 Help out with tasks: setting up camp, cleaning, packing
and unpacking the canoes, minimizing environmental
impacts, assisting other participants, and travelling as a
group.
 Create an inclusive atmosphere.
 Listening to the guide’s instructions (especially when
there is risk involved).

14. Leave No Trace
 On every Outdoor Adventure trip, we abide by the principles of
Leave No Trace. They are an integral part of our program and
we ask each participant to do their best to follow the seven
principles:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

15. Risks and Hazards
 Although the Chocolate Mountains are not far from the
nearest hospital, we will be paddling in remote areas
on our day hikes and need to plan accordingly.
 There are a variety of risks and hazards associated
with outdoor recreation in this area. Specifically, heat
exhaustion, heat stroke, sun burn, dehydration, and
animal encounters are some of the risks to prepare for.
 Weather is something we will be constantly evaluating
and adjusting for. Trip members must make conscious
effort to stay safe.

16. What about drugs and alcohol?
 Illegal drugs and alcohol are never allowed on trips,
nor being under the influence.
 Prescription medications are required. Please make
sure you bring them in the original bottle with the
physicians name on it.

17. Craving More Pics?
 Here are some pictures from our
past trips:
 https://www.flickr.com/photos/us
doutdooradventures/sets/72157
637579163635/
 https://www.flickr.com/photos/us
doutdooradventures/sets/72157
627952635199/

18. Questions or Concerns?
Please don’t hesitate to call or email us
619-260-4709
outdooradventures@gmail.com
www.sandiego.edu/oa

19. We look forward to
exploring the Chocolate
Mountains with you!