Issue 194: Huemul Circuit

Plus: Gates of Lodore, Desert Lions and more.

Author

Amanda Zeisset
May 09, 2025

 

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

  • Paddling: Gates of Lodore

  • Hiking: Huemul Circuit

  • Wildlife Encounters: Desert Lions of Namibia

 

 

PADDLING

Green River Rafting through the Gates of Lodore

Photo: Oars

Rafting the Green River through the Gates of Lodore is one of the most iconic multi-day whitewater adventures in the American West.

It starts off with a bang—the river squeezes between these two massive rock walls that look like something out of a movie, marking the entrance to Lodore Canyon. From there, it’s a few days of paddling through jaw-dropping scenery, fun rapids, and peaceful stretches that make you feel like you’re completely off the grid.

The rapids are exciting but manageable, with names like Disaster Falls and Hell’s Half Mile that sound scarier than they are, though they definitely keep things interesting. In between, there’s time to float, swim, and just take it all in.

The canyon walls change color as the sun moves, and every turn reveals something new—a hidden beach, a cool side hike, or a herd of bighorn sheep watching from above.

At night, you camp on soft sand under wide-open skies. It’s quiet, remote, and ridiculously beautiful. There’s usually time to explore, find ancient rock art, or just sit back and stare at the stars.

Whether you’re into whitewater or just want to unplug and be out in nature, a trip through the Gates of Lodore delivers on all fronts. It’s the kind of adventure that’s equal parts fun, peaceful, and awe-inspiring.

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ADVENTURE FIX GO

New for 2025: Great White Shark Diving Expedition

We’re beyond excited to offer a truly rare kind of adventure—one that only happens once.

This December, join a one-time-only expedition off the southern coast of Australia that brings you face-to-face with the ocean’s most powerful predator: the Great White Shark.

And you won’t be alone.

Rodney Fox—the original shark diving pioneer whose real-life story helped inspire Jaws—is stepping back on board to lead this trip in celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary. Retired from running expeditions, this is your only chance to join him on the water, hear his stories firsthand, and dive into the legacy he helped create.

And that’s just the beginning.

Legendary NatGeo wildlife photographer Amos Nachoum will also be on board, offering hands-on coaching to help you capture the raw power and beauty of Great Whites in their natural habitat.

This Great White Shark Diving expedition aboard the MV Rodney Fox is more than a dive trip—it’s a front-row seat to shark diving history.

Here’s what to expect:

  • 6 full days of diving at the Neptune Islands and Dangerous Reef—during the best time of year to see multiple Great Whites

  • World-exclusive access to the Ocean Floor Elevator Cage (the only one on Earth), descending 20 meters for surreal up-close encounters

  • Small group experience: just 9 guests total, with plenty of cage time and no long rotation waits

  • Personal photography mentorship from Amos Nachoum

  • Stories, insights, and shark lore from Rodney himself—on deck and underwater

📅 December 4th to 13th, 2025
🌊 Beginner-friendly
🎟️ Just 9 spots available

If you’re a diver, photographer, or just someone with a passion for the wild—this is the kind of trip that doesn’t come around twice.

 

 

HIKING

Huemul Circuit

The Huemul Circuit near El Chaltén in Argentine Patagonia is not your average trail.

This four-day loop covers around 40 miles (64 km) and takes you through some seriously wild and remote landscapes—think glacier views, crazy mountain passes, and big stretches of untouched wilderness.

The first day isn’t too bad, just a long hike through forests and open valleys until you reach the first campsite at Laguna Toro.

But from day two on, things get real.

You have to cross rivers (one with a pulley system!), scramble up windy passes, and navigate some pretty sketchy terrain. The views from Paso del Viento are insane. You're looking straight out over the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.

This isn’t a beginner’s hike, you need to be confident with a map and compass and ready for any kind of weather. But if you’re up for an adventure and don’t mind getting a little uncomfortable, the Huemul Circuit is seriously epic.

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WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Desert Lions of Namibia

Desert-adapted lions in Namibia are something else.

They live way out in the dry northwest—places like the Skeleton Coast and Kunene Region—where there’s barely any water, it gets insanely hot, and food’s hard to find. But somehow, these lions have figured out how to survive.

They’re not a different species, just regular lions that have learned to live in extreme desert conditions.

They’ll walk over 30 miles (50 km) in a night to find prey, go days without drinking water, and even hunt seals along the coast—seriously.

It’s wild how well they’ve adapted.

But there aren’t many of them left, and sightings are rare.

You can see them on safari, but it’s not like spotting lions in Kruger or the Serengeti.

These ones roam huge, unfenced areas and are hard to find. Some safari guides work with researchers who track the lions with GPS collars, so you’ve got a better shot, but even then, it takes time, patience, and a bit of luck.

You might spend a whole day following tracks through dry riverbeds before you even catch a glimpse.

Still, even if you don’t see a lion, the experience is epic. The landscapes are unreal, and you’ll probably see elephants, giraffes, oryx, and other desert wildlife. It’s a real off-the-grid adventure, and when you do see a lion out there, it’s unforgettable.

 

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QUICK FIX

 

 

THE COMPASS

Where in the World

Wanna flex your adventure geography skills? Guess where this pic was snapped!

Stumped? No worries. The answer is at the end of this email.

 

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“1N73LL1G3NC3 15 7H3 4B1L17Y 70 AD4P7 70 CH4 NG 3”

Stephen Hawking

 

I’d love to hear what you think of this issue, scroll down to the poll to let us know.

Until next time…

Keep exploring,

-Amanda

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how we can help you plan truly unique adventure trips:

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