Additional Information:
About the River:
The Green River begins on the slopes of 13,804 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 and includes some of the most scenic desert canyons of the west.
One of these is the canyon of Lodore; named by Andrew Hall in 1869, who was reminded of the Robert Southey poem: "The Cataract of Lodore". Here, the Green cuts through the red rock of the Uinta Mountains and the cliffs rise up to dramatic heights. So impressive is the entrance to the canyon that Hall's travelling companion, Major John Wesley Powell, called it the very "Gates of Lodore". Once through the gates the whitewater begins, and exciting rapids such as Disaster Falls and Hell's Half Mile provide plenty of action.
But our visit to Lodore Canyon has many other attractions. We will hike at some intriguing side canyons with cool springs and lush green vegetation; we will visit overlooks that provide sweeping views of the river; and we will view ancient Native American rock art. Lodore Canyon itself ends where the Yampa River joins the Green at Echo Park, just over halfway on our journey. Our trips continue on past Steamboat Rock and into the beautiful Whirlpool Canyon, then on to Rainbow Park and Split Mountain Canyon where more rapids, such as Schoolboy, Moonshine, and S.O.B. ensure an exciting finish to the trip.
Types of boats:
On the Green River we offer three types of boats in which to ride:
Paddle rafts are 14 feet long and carry 6 paddlers who actively paddle through the rapids and down the river. Everyone has a paddle, sits on the outer tube of the raft and follows the commands of the paddle guide who sits in the rear.
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 paddle rafts or inflatable kayaks. 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. Paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks are only available at appropriate flows and with sufficient interest.
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.
Weather:
The high desert country of the Green River enjoys daytime temperatures in the 80's and 90's, cooling off into the 60's at night, with occasional thunderstorms. There is ample shade at camps and lunch stops, however while we are on the rafts, the sun can be direct. Sunblock and lightweight cotton clothing (such as surgeon's outfits) will help you to avoid sunburn and a hat and bandanna will help keep you cool. Although the Green River flows through arid country, it does rain. We recommend that you bring good rain protection for both the day and night (rain shell or jacket and tent). The water temperature is chilly in June, but warms up pleasantly by late July and August.
Wildlife:
Bighorn sheep and mule deer inhabit the Green River canyon and occasionally we spot them along shore or while hiking. Birdlife is fairly abundant and we usually see hawks, falcons, geese and a wide assortment of smaller birds. Bring a small pair of binoculars and your camera.
Fishing:
Due to the flow fluctuations and water clarity, fishing in the Green is not that good; however Jones Hole Creek, where we arrive on the third day, has very good fishing opportunities. A valid Utah license is required and can be obtained in Vernal prior to the trip. Light spinning or fly gear works best, (artificial lures and flies only); please bring the minimum and protect your rod in a sturdy case.
Local Attractions:
Dinosaur National Monument contains one of the largest concentrations of Dinosaur remains in the world. The Visitors Center has a museum, where you can touch real dinosaur bones, and a quarry, an active paleontology site where ongoing work can be observed. Also within a day's drive of Vernal are Canyonlands and Arches National Parks as well as Flaming Gorge Recreation Area.
Suggested Reading:
The Green/Lodore trip takes place within Dinosaur National Monument and there are numerous books available about the area. Some of the more interesting ones are Buzz Belknap's Dinosaur River Guide, The Doing of the Thing by Vince Welch, et al and Explorations of the Colorado River by Major John Wesley Powell, (detailing his historic 1869 first exploration). These and other books about river running are available online through amazon.com or in Vernal at Bittercreek Books on West Main Street.
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:
We want you to feel like a guest in our home. Tips are never expected, but are always appreciated when given in recognition of outstanding service. The normal tip amount ranges between 5% to 10% of the trip cost.
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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