Alpacka Raft’s blog featured a group trip down the Ruby Horsethief section of the Colorado River. Over May 13–14, 2026, the group ran the stretch spanning western Colorado into Utah as an overnight, one-night trip.
Packrafting scenes have become more visible on social media in Japan too, but Alpacka Raft’s own blog offers a rare window into the American packrafting scene built around the sport’s originator — worth a look for that alone.
Day One, Paddling Into a Sandstorm
Day one covered 17 to 18 miles en route to camp at Black Rocks. An unexpected windstorm and sandstorm hit along the way, whipping the river into whitecaps that looked like they were flowing backward. Most of the group paddled Chinooks and Aleutians (the latter built for flat water), with others on Mules and Gnarwhals. Clothing was Ibex goat wool; packs were Hyperlite Mountain Gear.
Camp at Night, a Mirror at Dawn
The evening was spent sharing beers and Gastro Gnome meals under the stars. By morning the wind had dropped, and the group set out on water gone still as a mirror.
The post was written by Emily L. Doig, with photos by Braden Gunem.
Related Link
→ Alpacka Raft blog: “Two Days on the Ruby Horsethief: An Overnight Packrafting Escape on the Colorado River” https://www.alpackaraft.com/blog/ruby-horsetheif-trip
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