TOUR WEST WRITERS RETREAT

A minimum $500 cancellation fee per person will be assessed for all cancellations.

• 61–90 days prior to departure: $500 cancellation fee; remaining amounts are refundable.
• 60–31 days prior to departure: 50% of the total tour cost is forfeited.
• 30 days prior to departure through the day of the trip: The entire tour cost is forfeited.
• No-shows: The entire tour cost is forfeited.

We are firm with this cancellation policy and strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Travel insurance may help reimburse you for covered expenses if you must cancel due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

This policy applies on a per-person basis.

Daily Writing With Sean Prentiss

Each day on the river, Sean will lead an approximately one-hour writing session.

These aren’t writing classes where you have to worry about grades, grammar, or getting it “right.”

They’re invitations to pay attention.

You might be encouraged to write about something you see, a memory that surfaces unexpectedly, a person who has shaped your life, a sound you’ve never really noticed before, or what it feels like to be somewhere completely removed from your normal routine.

Writing prompts may include:

• Nature and observation.
• Personal memories.
• People and places that have shaped us.
• Adventure and uncertainty.
• Solitude.
• The idea of home.
• The changing landscape.
• The stories we carry with us.
• What we notice when we finally slow down.

You can write privately or participate in group discussion.

There is no experience required, and you never have to share anything you don’t want to.

The goal is simply to notice more and give yourself time to put some of those thoughts into words.

Evenings With Sean

After dinner, we’ll gather together for approximately 30 minutes to an hour of stories and conversation with Sean.

Evening programs may touch on Edward Abbey, Finding Abbey, the history and character of the American West, wilderness, writing, adventure, and Sean’s own experiences as a writer.

There may be laughter.

There may be good questions.

There may be stories you’ve never heard before.

And there will hopefully be a few moments when everyone simply looks around and realizes how lucky we are to be sitting together in the middle of canyon country.

One of the most memorable parts of a river trip is what you don’t have.

There is generally no cell service and no electricity along the river.

For a few days, the usual notifications, emails, schedules, and demands of everyday life can wait.

Instead, you get the river.

You get the canyon.

You get sunsets.

You get stars.

You get conversation.

And you get time.

We encourage guests to embrace the opportunity to disconnect from technology and be present in the experience.

If you have a medical device that requires electricity or have a specific need to communicate with someone at home, please contact the Tour West office before your trip. Our guides carry emergency communication equipment, and we will discuss what options may be available for your individual needs.

In the event of a serious emergency, evacuation from the river may involve a rescue boat, helicopter, or other appropriate means depending on the circumstances.

Come Prepared for Change

Desert weather doesn’t always follow the forecast.

A warm, sunny day can change quickly, and rain or thunderstorms can develop with little warning.

Temperatures can also vary considerably between daytime and nighttime.

Your packing list is designed to help you prepare for these changes. Bringing the recommended layers and rain protection will help keep you comfortable when Mother Nature decides to change the plan.

Keep Your Eyes Open

Canyonlands is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, and you never know what might appear around the next bend.

Possible sightings include:

Birds

• Golden eagles.
• Peregrine falcons.
• Canyon wrens.
• Ravens.
• Screech owls.
• Other desert and river birds.

Mammals

• Desert bighorn sheep.
• Deer.
• Beavers.
• Smaller desert animals.
• Black Bears (rare but we have seen a few)

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but part of the fun is learning to look—and listen.

If insects tend to bother you, consider bringing lightweight long sleeves and pants, insect repellent, and a head net.

Before the trip, please:

• Complete required Tour West registration forms.
• Sign the required liability waiver
• Review the Tour West packing information.
• Tell us about dietary restrictions and food allergies.
• Let us know about medical needs 
• Bring the personal gear listed on the packing list.
• Follow the safety instructions provided by our guides.
• Respect other guests.
• Respect the natural and cultural resources of the parks and river corridor.
• Be willing to pitch in around camp.
• Come ready for changing weather and wilderness conditions.

And most importantly:

Be present.

Put your phone away.

Look up.

Listen.

Write something down.

Talk to someone you’ve never met.

Watch the sunset.

Let the river set the pace for a few days.