Green River Rafting in Desolation Canyon Wilderness

Green River rafting through Desolation Canyon is the "perfect" river trip. There is plenty of action for those who want it, and absolute relaxation for those who don't! The class II and III rapids are exciting in a small paddle raft or an inflatable kayak, but fairly tame if you ride aboard an 18-foot rowing rig. The off-river hikes are awesome..but if you would rather not participate, you can stay behind on the beach and take a swim, play in the sand, or enjoy a siesta in the shade of a friendly cottonwood tree. Highlights of the trip include beautiful rock art panels left by ancient canyon residents, turn-of-the-century pioneer homesteads, and even a whiskey still from the prohibition era. Campsites are comfortable and inviting, with big white sand beaches and groves of cottonwood trees for shade. We often see mule deer and big horn sheep along the river bank. There are also many varieties of birds, including great blue herons, Canada geese, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. Children as young as 8 years of age will have a great time in Desolation Canyon. But don't let that fool you! Adults and teenagers love this trip, too!

Green River rafting through Desolation Canyon is a totally delightful outdoor adventure. With deep canyons, colorful scenery, interesting off-river attractions, and more than 60 class II-III rapids, it's obvious that this is a premier river journey. The rapids are fun and exciting, but not overly difficult. This makes it a good trip for younger children, first-time rafters, and for people who want an outdoor vacation that offers a balance of excitement and relaxation. We generally use our 18-foot row rafts on this expeditions, but individuals who prefer a greater challenge can help paddle a small 6-person raft or take a turn their own individual inflatable kayak.

These Green River rafting expeditions begin in the town of Green River, Utah, with a scenic charter flight up the Green River to Sand Wash where the rafts are launched. This 30-minute flight in a small single-engine plane provides a bird's eye view of the canyon and gives you some perspective on the size and dimensions of the Green River Wilderness Area.(Drive in options are available for those who do not wish to fly)

Each day we spend some of our time hiking and exploring off river. In many places along the Green River there are prehistoric ruins and rock art panels dating back to 900 A.D. We also see evidence of a more recent human activity, including whiskey stills from the Prohibition Era and prospectors dilapidated old cabins. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch used to trade horses at the now-abandoned McPherson Ranch on the way to the Wyoming frontier. And then there's the old Rock Creek homestead, which was still a working ranch into the 1940's. The stone house, tools, and implements conjure up a picture of self-sufficient living far away from the nearest town.

Because of its rich Western heritage and its unique natural wonders, Desolation Canyon along the Green River has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark. All that and a great river trip, too.

SPECIAL EMPHASIS RAFTING EXPEDITIONS

Multi-Generational, No Child Left Inside, Earthway Education and Gluten Free River Trip

Multi-Generational Rafting Trips

Rafting Desolation Canyon on the Green River is a great choice for a mult-generational vacation. It is hard these days to find a vacation for grandparents, parents, and kids all to enjoy, but our rafting trip down Desolation Canyon is the ticket. Here is why: First off, this trip offers something for everyone. You can paddle all-day, play in the sand, float in the river, hike, or relax and read a book while the guides do the work. Secondly, this is a vacation that your family will talk about forever. Your family will have the undivided attention of each other and all of your meals and activities will be planned out. Thirdly, it will develop an appreciation of the natural world and importance of protecting wild places and open spaces. Lastly it is affordable, CRATE offers great youth rates and group discounts. So don't wait. Get the whole family together and lets go rafting!

No Child Left Inside

Research has now shown that getting young people outdoors is a great help in easing attention deficit disorders. "Nature-Deficit Disorder" was a term used by author Richard Louv to describe what is happening to young people who are disconnected from the natural world in his book "Last Child in the Woods." Louv linked this lack of nature to some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as ADD, rising rates of obesity, and depression. At Colorado River & Trail Expeditions we feel that it is very important to get kids outside and away from the computer screens. It is important for our youth to experience the natural world so they will appreciate it and protect it. Our Green River rafting trips through Desolation Canyon are a great place to develop this trait and we offer vastly discounted rates for kids.

Earthway Education Expeditions

Our Earthway Education Expeditions expand the length, focus, and participatory elements of the Desolation Canyon river trip to offer a more in-depth learning experience. Although each expeditions has a particular focus, the basic intent of the Earthway program is to teach participants about ecology through information they collect in the field. This program promotes questioning and enhancement of personal environmental ethics and philosophies, and encourages self-discovery and appreciation through active participation in all aspects of the river trip, such as paddling the raft down the river and helping with camp chores. For more information about these expeditions call our office or send us an e-mail. We love to work with groups, summer camps, schools, church groups, boy scouts, girl scouts, families, and individuals.

Gluten Free River Trip

Many of our rafting guests have allergies to wheat products and/or celiac disease, and request "gluten free" meals. Rather than deprive our gluten free guests of the type of foods that contain wheat, we have been preparing separate meals for them with gluten free products. During the 2013 rafting season, we are going to operate a totally gluten free river trip down the Green River through Desolation Canyon. The dates of the trip are June 25-29, 2013. Anyone can sign up. It's not limited to folks with celiac disease. We will use our regular outstanding menu, but in place of any product that is made from or contains wheat, we will be using an alternative product. Bread, cakes, noodles, rice, sauces, and so forth, will all be gluten free. If you or anyone you know has been reluctant to go camping or take a river tour because of a gluten intolerance, tell them about this wonderful river trip! Not only will they not have to worry about their food, they will experience one of the best river adventures in the west! Please call our office for more information.