The Green River starts its journey at the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming.  The river travels 730 miles, traveling mostly through the Colorado Plateau before its confluence with the Green River.  Before getting to Desolation Canyon, the Green River flows through Brown’s Park, Dinosaur National Monument, The Gates of Lodore, and Whirlpool Canyon.

Green River Rafting Through Desolation and Gray Canyons

5-Day Desolation Canyon Rafting Expedition

1-Day Green River Rafting Trip Through Grey Canyon

Rafting down the Green River in 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.  Although the rapids are fun and exiting, they are not overly difficult.  This makes it 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.  We generally use the 18-foot rowing rafts on this expeditions, but individuals who prefer a greater challenge can try their skill at paddling their own inflatable kayak.

This expedition begins in Green River, Utah, with a scenic charter flight up the Green River to Sand Wash, where the rafts are launched.  This 30 minute flight in a small single-engine plane provides a bird’s eye view of the Green River Wilderness Area.  The first 59 miles of Green River from Sand Wash to Three Fords Rapids is considered Desolation Canyon.  From Three Fords to Green River, Utah the Green River travels through Gray Canyon.

Each day we spend some of our time hiking and exploring off river.  In many places along the river there are prehistoric and rock art panels.  We also see evidence of more recent human activity.  Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch used to roam the area trading horses.  And then there is the old Rock Creek Ranch Homestead, which was still a working ranch into the 1940s.  The stone house, tools, and implements conjure up a picture of self-sufficient living far away form the nearest town.

Because of its rich Western heritage and its unique natural wonders, Desolation Canyon has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark.  All that, and a great river trip too!  Our Green River rafting trips through Desolation and Gray Canyons are generally 5 days in length and cover just over 80 miles of river.

Labyrinth Canyon and Stillwater Canyons

Cataract Canyon Spring Rafting Trip through Canyonlands National Park starting on the Green River

Below Green River, Utah the Green River flows 120 miles before joining the Colorado River.  This section is primarily flat water, but there are some incredibly beautiful side canyons, buttes, and mesas.

Our Cataract Canyon trips on the Green River side of Canyonlands National Park generally start at Mineral Bottom on the Green River.  Mineral Bottom is located just over 50 miles from the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers.