In all, there are 60 named class II and III rapids. Then, for the following 58 miles, the canyon walls constrict, insects become much less of a problem, and the rapids come at the pace of one or more a mile. From late-May through July, the mosquitoes can be absolutely ravenous. It’s during this part of the journey, you’ll be glad you brought along your insect repellent. However, it can be done a few days more quickly, or increased to 12 or more days for boaters who want to experience all this run has to offer.ĭuring the first 26-miles of the run, be prepared to relax and enjoy the serenity and scenery of the flat water stretch, typified by wide-open skies and surrounded by desert canyon country and towering cliffs. Of historical note, notorious outlaws, including Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch, found refuge here.įor most river runners, the average time to complete this 84-mile journey, from the put-in at Sand Wash to the take-out at Swasey’s Landing, just north of the town Green River, is six to seven days. ![]() Prehistoric evidence abounds throughout the run, ancient Fremont petroglyphs and pictographs are found within short hiking distance from the river's edge. Desert bighorn sheep, elk, deer, black bear, mountain lions, and many other species call this canyon home. At its deepest point, this canyon rises 5,000 feet from the river to the unseen Tavaputs Plateau overhead. In 1869, John Wesley Powell led an expedition through Desolation Canyon to chart these unknown wilds, an area still considered to be one of the most remote places in the lower 48. Standing proudly atop the podium as one of Utah’s premier multi-day river trips, Desolation Canyon serves up a delectable cornucopia of experiences, scenery, rapids and geologic and anthropological interests to delight river runners, from strong beginners to seasoned veterans. Many guides and outfitters offer trips on the Green River Daily. ![]() Green River State Park makes a great base camp. A short hike from the river's edge leads to ancient petroglyphs, evidence of the area's prehistoric residents. Keep an eye out for desert big horn sheep, which roam the surrounding cliffs. All the while, there are just enough rapids to keep you on your toes. A great run for first timers and families, it's mellow enough to include floating, paddling, and water play. Fantastic desert, canyon country scenery surrounds the entire float. This 9-mile section of the Green River begins at Nefertiti Access Point, flows through Gray Canyon, and concludes at Swaseys Boat Ramp. And remember, temperatures are most ideal in summertime in the spring, there are higher water levels with bigger rapids, but colder water in the fall, the water is warmer, but flows at lower levels. Inquire with the Bureau of Land Management for more information. If you do decide to stake out on your own, permits and advance planning are often needed. Just remember, you’re on “river time” and little else matters while you’re out there, whether it’s a few hours or several days. Whomever you choose, they will generally provide all of your equipment, a shuttle service, and expert knowledge and stories about the river and surrounding landscape. ![]() ![]() River trips can become logistical Olympics, so make your life a little easier by hiring a commercial outfitter ( try our guides and outfitters search). From its beginnings in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming to its terminus at the confluence with the Colorado River, this waterway winds hundreds of miles and provides the perfect spot for an abundance of recreational activities. Fun for families, couples, and solo explorers, the West’s iconic Green River beckons to be discovered.
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