Home / Specialty Trips / Geology - Desolation Canyon - Green River Learning Rocks Geology – Desolation Canyon – Green River Length 5 days Meeting Point Green River, UT Difficulty Class III (beginner) Minimum Age 6+ years Starting at $1,799 per person. Book Now Geology – Desolation Canyon – Green River Trip Details Packing Guide Schedule & Pricing Starting at $1,799 per person. Book Now Overview Float through time on a Geology River Trip; where our expert guide brings the canyon walls, ancient layers, and stories of Earth’s past, to life. This year, our seasoned veteran Dave Cook has decided to tour Desolation Canyon. This wonderful 6 day trip winds through some of the deepest canyons in Utah, providing excellent opportunities for rapids, rocks, and relaxation. We are so honored and lucky to have Dave Cook with us again. He’s been provided excellent learning opportunities on our trips for over 10 years! Dave knows tons about rocks and deserts, history, hiking, and John Wesley Powell. And he likes to share all that knowledge in a fun and accessible style. Even if you don’t think you are even remotely curious about geology, Dave is sure to find something to get you to think about. And once you start, well, we’re sure you’ll have a lot of questions. These trips are built like our standard river journeys. With all the rafting, campfire meals, swimming holes, and wild beauty you expect, but elevated by the presence of a professional geologist. Whether we’re running through Weber sandstone, exploring red rock walls, or tracing volcanic and glacial history, you’ll gain a new lens for landscape. Known For Utah's deepest canyon to raft Group Size 10-20 In a Word Picturesque Included A scenic backcountry flight to start, and transfer back to Green River, UT to end; all camping gear including thick comfortable sleeping pads, sleeping bags and tents; all taxes and hidden fees What to Bring See packing guide Scroll to View Map Download Map The rock star of the show Meet Dave Cook Dave Cook is a Principal Geologist with Aspect Consulting in Seattle, Washington. He received a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio; completed his geologic field camp near Bozeman, Montana; and obtained his master’s degree in Geology from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. It is in Flagstaff where things got interesting for Dave. He learned to backpack and survive with limited water in extreme desert conditions, and figured out that the west is where he needed to spend his life. And, after his first brutal 14-mile hike to his thesis area in the Grand Canyon, he learned that rafting 60 miles downriver was a far more pleasant way of accessing geology in its natural state than hiking. He knows a lot about rocks and enough about history, science, John Wesley Powell, water crises, alternative energy, soccer, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks to make this a very interesting trip. Trip Details Geology trips are an extra special way to get a little something extra out of your river trip. Expect geology to be woven into every part of the trip: morning discussions and interpretive stops, afternoon floats with geology stories framed by horizon and river, and star-filled nights when conversation turns to ancient seas, uplift, erosion, and fossils. No prior experience required—come curious, bring your wonder, and we’ll handle the rest. A downloadable pdf of the Green River Desolation Trip can be found below. If you still have questions, please feel free to call us (209-962-7873) or email us (arta@arta.org). We love to talk about our trips! Download PDF Getting There Itinerary What's Provided On The River Getting There This Trip Will Begin and end at: River Terrace Inn, Green River UT 1740 East Main Green River, UT 84525 Meeting Time: 8:00pm the evening before your trip begins, we will meet you at River Terrace Inn, Green River UT. We’ll give you your waterproof bags, go over final trip logistics, and answer any last minute questions. Return Time: 3:00 pm the final day of the trip Get Directions Where to Stay: River Terrace Hotel Holiday Inn Express Green River Green River State Park Before Your Arrival Transportation is available between Grand Junction and Green River by renting a car or by chartering a flight with Redtail Aviation. Ground transportation in Green River should be arranged with your motel, (the River Terrace has been accommodating in the past). Itinerary Subject to change due to flows Day Before Your Trip Begins We’ll meet you at 8:00 pm the evening before the trip begins at the River Terrace Inn (1740 East Main Street) in Green River, Utah for a pre-trip orientation meeting. We’ll give you your dry bags, go over final trip and shuttle information, and answer last minute equipment questions. Day 1 We will reconvene early in the morning at the airport in Green River and take a scenic 40-minute flight to the launch site at Sand Wash. We’ll land on a mesa above the river and take a short downhill hike to our rafts at the boat ramp. After a thorough safety briefing and trip orientation, we will launch and begin our adventure down the Green. The first day has no rapids, giving us time to get accustomed to our boats and ease into the rhythm of the trip. Day 2-5 A typical day on the Green starts with coffee and a hearty breakfast before we pack our bags and load on to the boats. We will float an average of 12 – 18 miles, (4 – 5 hours), each day, stopping for lunch and perhaps to take a short hike or look at an historical site. The canyon contains extensive petroglyphs and a couple of abandoned ranches and was a favored hideout for Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch; there are plenty of places to explore. The rapids build in frequency and difficulty as we head downstream, with the biggest rapids coming on days 4 and 5. Camp will be made in the late afternoon with early evening available for hiking, swimming or relaxing. Final Day (Day 6) Our last day on the Green will bring us slowly back into civilization. We’ll run some rapids in the morning and then have lunch before an early afternoon take-out at Swaysey’s Boat Ramp and a short van ride back to our vehicles at the Green River airport. What's Provided We Will Provide A scenic flight from Green River to the launch site at Sand Wash. Transportation from the river back to Green River. Friendly, professional guide service. All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. All camping gear (freshly laundered sleeping bag, liner, self-inflating pad, two-person tent). Waterproof bags, lifejackets, and other specialized river touring equipment for the trip. Camp chair, plate, eating utensils and mug. All taxes and government access fees. What you are responsible for Meals and lodging before and after your trip. Personal clothing and other miscellaneous items. Soda, wine, alcoholic beverages. Guides gratuities. On The River Types of Boats Meals & Drinks Camping Weather Wildlife Fishing Local Attractions Travel Insurance Gratuities Types of Boats Oar Rafts 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. You ride in the front, hang on through the rapids and relax in the calm stretches. Inflatable Kayaks 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 the inflatable kayaks. We’ll bring as many as we can, but if there are more people who wish to ride in the inflatable kayaks than there are spaces, we will rotate so that everyone gets a chance to participate. Meals & Drinks ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Meals are designed for foodies (adults) and the occasional picky eater (kids!) alike. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Camping Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. Guides will set up a full kitchen, dining area, drink and appetizer zone, and our ‘living room’ with chairs set up for each guest, a library of books and camp games. Guests will have the freedom to explore and pick out their own unique spot to set up their tents away from the central area, and guides are available to help. Our toilet facilities, and a hand-wash station will be set up in an isolated (and usually beautiful) location; going to the bathroom in the wilderness is surprisingly pleasant, keep in mind we set up the toilet facilities away from camp, a short walk to the toilet, often on uneven ground is part of the deal. 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, (synthetic, long-sleeved shirts, lightweight cotton pants, sun-hoodies, etc.), and sunscreen along with a 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 and big horn sheep inhabit the canyons and bird life is plentiful. Hawks, golden eagles, Canada 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. Local Attractions Within a day’s drive of Green River are Canyonlands, Arches, Capital Reef, Canyon de Chelley, and Mesa Verde National Parks as well as the town of Moab, the outdoor recreation capital of southern Utah. Desolation Canyon rafting trips make a nice, slow-paced addition to an extended road trip to the area’s iconic parks. 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 8% and 15% of your trip cost. You can get more information through ASI Travel Insurance Services (please select American River Touring Association from the drop down menu). Gratuities If you truly enjoy your trip, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Tipping is optional and personal, but since a lot of people ask, a customary amount is between 15 and 20 percent of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the Lead Guide who will share them with the entire crew. On The River Types of Boats Types of Boats Oar Rafts 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. You ride in the front, hang on through the rapids and relax in the calm stretches. Inflatable Kayaks 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 the inflatable kayaks. We’ll bring as many as we can, but if there are more people who wish to ride in the inflatable kayaks than there are spaces, we will rotate so that everyone gets a chance to participate. Meals & Drinks Meals & Drinks ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Meals are designed for foodies (adults) and the occasional picky eater (kids!) alike. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Camping Camping Overnight camping will be done at riverside beaches with spectacular views of the river and canyon. Guides will set up a full kitchen, dining area, drink and appetizer zone, and our ‘living room’ with chairs set up for each guest, a library of books and camp games. Guests will have the freedom to explore and pick out their own unique spot to set up their tents away from the central area, and guides are available to help. Our toilet facilities, and a hand-wash station will be set up in an isolated (and usually beautiful) location; going to the bathroom in the wilderness is surprisingly pleasant, keep in mind we set up the toilet facilities away from camp, a short walk to the toilet, often on uneven ground is part of the deal. Weather 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, (synthetic, long-sleeved shirts, lightweight cotton pants, sun-hoodies, etc.), and sunscreen along with a 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 Wildlife Mule deer and big horn sheep inhabit the canyons and bird life is plentiful. Hawks, golden eagles, Canada Geese, falcons, and a wide assortment of smaller birds are commonly seen. Fishing 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. Local Attractions Local Attractions Within a day’s drive of Green River are Canyonlands, Arches, Capital Reef, Canyon de Chelley, and Mesa Verde National Parks as well as the town of Moab, the outdoor recreation capital of southern Utah. Desolation Canyon rafting trips make a nice, slow-paced addition to an extended road trip to the area’s iconic parks. Travel Insurance 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 8% and 15% of your trip cost. You can get more information through ASI Travel Insurance Services (please select American River Touring Association from the drop down menu). Gratuities Gratuities If you truly enjoy your trip, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Tipping is optional and personal, but since a lot of people ask, a customary amount is between 15 and 20 percent of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the Lead Guide who will share them with the entire crew.