Trip Details
Green River through Desolation Canyon

ARTA provides the following:

You are responsible for:

Where to Stay:

Lodging before and after the trip is good at the Best Western River Terrace, 435-564-3401 or the Holiday Inn Express Green River, 877-863-4780. Camping is available at the Green River State Park just south of town, 435-564-3633, or at the United Campground, 435-564-8195.

How to Get There:

Flying:

SkyWest/Delta Connection and Continental Airlines serve Grand Junction, Colorado, about 100 miles east of Green River. Transportation is available between Grand Junction and Green River by renting a car or using Greyhound. You can also charter a flight with Slickrock Air Guides 435-259-6216. Transportation in Green River should be arranged with your motel. The River Terrace has been accommodating in the past.

Driving:

Green River, Utah is located just east of the junction of U.S. Highway 50/70 and State Highway 24 in eastern Utah, about 175 miles southeast of Salt Lake City and 100 miles west of Grand Junction. The Best Western River Terrace is located at 880 East Main Street in downtown Green River. Vehicles will be left at the airport during the trip.

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Additional Information:

About the River:

The Green River starts its journey on the slopes of 13,800 foot Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming and travels almost due south for nearly 700 miles before joining the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. The waterway is remote and vast, traversing some of the least inhabited country in the west.

Our journey takes us 83 miles through one of the most isolated stretches. Desolation and Gray canyons are rugged, austere, and starkly beautiful. Wide sweeping bends in the river form majestic amphitheaters which clearly display the rugged, dramatic cliffs of the neighboring Tavaputs Plateau. Complimenting the starkness is a sublime and colorful beauty waiting to be discovered. Long, thin ridges of red and orange, talus slopes dotted with evergreen juniper and pinyon pines, and the white and gray cliffs provide a colorful and ever-changing palette for discerning eyes.

Equally colorful is the history of the area. This is a region overflowing with tales of Native Americans, Old West ranchers, and infamous outlaws. Petroglyphs and clay figurines, abandoned homesteads, and the ghosts of Butch Cassidy and his Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, (who hid in the many side-canyons and traded horses with the locals), are current reminders of this fascinating history.

The warm water and moderate rapids make this a great trip for learning the skills of paddling yourself through whitewater. Our trips are designed around small inflatable kayaks, paddled independently by one or two people. Novices as well as seasoned river runners will find enjoyment in paddling themselves down the Green.

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Types of boats:

On our Green/Desolation trips we offer two types of boats in which to ride:

Oar rafts are 18 feet long, carry all of the overnight gear and up to 5 guests. They are rowed by a guide using oars attached to a metal frame. Guests ride in the front, hang on through the rapids and relax in the calm stretches.

Inflatable kayaks are 10 - 12 feet long and are paddled by 1 or 2 people using double-bladed paddles. They are fairly stable, require no previous experience, and allow you to feel the thrill of independently paddling the river.

Please note that we do not guarantee space in inflatable kayaks. We will bring a lot, but if there are more people who wish to ride in these boats than there are spaces, we will rotate so that everyone gets a chance to participate.

Meals:

ARTA meals are well-balanced and consist of quality foods with fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. The guides double as camp chefs and the menu includes a wide variety of dishes. Lunches usually consist of hand-foods and are served picnic-style at riverside stops. Dinners and breakfasts are cooked over an open fire and often include tasty Dutch Oven baked treats. If you have special dietary requirements or are celebrating a special event during the trip, please let us know in advance.

Drinks:

ARTA provides fruit drinks at meals. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor with your dinner, please bring your own in unbreakable containers, (beer and soda in cans, wine and liquor in plastic bottles). Due to weight and space restrictions on the flight to the launch site, we ask that you limit the amount of canned drinks to a moderate amount (one or two six-packs per person).

Camping:

Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. There is usually a central kitchen and campfire area and guests pick out spots in the surrounding area to pitch their tents or lay out their sleeping bags. We will provide portable toilet facilities. Dinner is served in the evening and the campfire is often kept burning into the night for music and story-telling.

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Weather:

The weather along the Green River is usually sunny and hot with highs in the 90's during the day and lows in the 60's at night. The sun can be intense for those not used to it and lightweight cotton clothing, (old dress shirts, surgeon's suits, etc.), and sunscreen along with a wide-brimmed hat should be worn. The water temperature is cool in June and warm in July and August, but always provides a refreshing way to cool off. Wet, loose-fitting clothing and a wet hat provide natural air conditioning and help keep you cool. Rain, usually in the form of short thunderstorms, can occur at any time and good rain protection for both day and night (rainshell and tent) are advised. Desolation Canyon often experiences strong, afternoon winds, (always upstream), and our time on the river reflects this - expect early morning departures and early afternoon arrivals in camp.

Wildlife:

Mule deer inhabit the canyons and on occasion a big horn sheep is seen. Beaver are seen along shore and the birdlife is plentiful. Hawks, golden eagles, Canadian Geese, falcons and a wide assortment of smaller birds are commonly seen.

Fishing:

Fishing in the Green River is not very good. There are two notable sidestreams, Ranch Creek and Range Creek, where we may stop and have an opportunity to fish for small trout. A Utah fishing license is required and should be obtained in Green River before the trip. Ultra-lightweight spinning or dry fly gear works best. Bring the minimum in a sturdy case.

Travel Insurance:

Because life is full of surprises, we suggest you consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance for your trip. Trip cancellation, evacuation, baggage loss and other coverages are available for between 4% and 11% of your trip cost. You can get more information at www.travelinsure.com; please enter ARTA's Participating Organization Number (215296) at the top of the enrollment form.

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Gratuities:

We want you to feel like a guest in our home; tips are never expected. But, if you feel that your guides did an outstanding job, a post-trip gratuity is a flattering way to let them know. Tips should be based on your satisfaction, your financial means and your attitude about tipping. They have ranged anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the trip cost, (with the occasional recommended book or coveted hat thrown in). It is customary within ARTA to give the tip to the Lead Guide who will distribute it equally amongst all of the staff. And thank you very much.

More Information?

If there are any questions we haven't answered, please feel free to contact us. Our office staff enjoys telling folks about our trips, so don't hesitate to call 800-323-2782.

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