Montezuma kids and parents spent a brisk Saturday rafting down the Upper Dolores River as part of an effort to get young people outside.

The trip was organized by the city of Cortez, the Dolores River Boating Advocates and the Montezuma Inspire Coalition, which aims to connect youths to the outdoors through educational programs. The coalition operates under the Montezuma Land Conservancy.

“We really have a unique environment,” said Rosa Dimon, recreation supervisor with the city. She added that although she grew up here, there are many beautiful spots she didn’t know about.

Dimon said the coalition, which hopes to make opportunities like rafting more accessible, hopes to teach young people to preserve the landscape and “Leave No Trace” behind them.

Montezuma Inspire was awarded a three-year, $1.8 million Greater Outdoors Colorado grant, which has helped fund the trips.

The Dolores River Boating Advocates is one of the groups that belongs to the coalition, and served as a logistical liaison between the city and Mild to Wild rafting company, which guided the trip. In particular, DRBA used their relationship with the company to secure a discount, and Sam Carter, program and outreach coordinator with DRBA, provided educational river expertise to the rafting participants.

Fifteen children and parents turned out Saturday, a day that saw splashes of sunshine and snowfall.

The trip was guided by the Durango-based Mild to Wild Rafting company, which provided rafts, lunches, life jackets, and transportation from Dolores to the West Fork put-in just off Colorado State Highway 145.

The group’s first raft trip of the year was April 27.

ealvero@the-journal.com