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 them?selves down the Green.
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, we ask that you limit the amount of canned drinks to a moderate amount.
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.
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:
We recommend that you purchase short-term travel insurance that provides trip cancellation and medical coverage for you and your family. Please request a Travel Insurance packet from ARTA if you have not already received one.
Gratuities:
Guide Gratuities: We want you to feel like a guest in our home and tipping is never expected. It is certainly appreciated, however, and is accepted as recognition of an outstanding trip or exemplary service. Normal tips range from 5% to 10% of the trip cost and are usually given to the Lead Guide who splits them equally among the entire crew.
Whether and how much you tip should depend on your satisfaction with the guide service, your financial means, and your feelings about tipping in general.
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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