Rafting down the Green River through Desolation Canyon is a totally delightful outdoor adventure. With deep canyons, colorful scenery, interesting off-river attractions, and more than 60 Class I-III rapids it’s obvious that this is a premier river journey. The rapids are fun and exciting. This is a good river trip for younger children, first-time rafters, and for people who want an outdoor vacation that offers a balanced combination of excitement and relaxation.

The remote canyon country of Utah’s Green River Wilderness Area harbors some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the West. There is no better way to see and experience this magnificent region than by rafting down the Green River through the heart of it.

Desolation Canyon rafting trips are generally based out of Green River, Utah.  Green River, Utah is a few hour drive Southeast of Salt Lake City, and is home to the John Wesley Powell River History Museum.  The night before the trip a Colorado River and Trail Expeditions representative will pass out waterproof bags and answer any question you may have.

The first morning of the Desolation Canyon river trip will start with a scenic flight up the Green River to a mesa above Sandwash.  After unloading gear from the plane into our truck, one of the CRATE crew will walk all of the passengers down from the mesa to our rafts. 

After a river orientation, everyone will load onto the rafts and move downstream.  Rafting Desolation Canyon offers some of the best camping opportunities found along the Green and Colorado Rivers.  For the next 5 or 6 days the expedition will follow the path of John Wesley Powell.  The biggest rapids in Desolation Canyon are Three Fords, Cow Swim, and Coal Creek.  These rapids are considered Class III at most water levels.  The trip concludes near the town of Green River, Utah.