Green River Rafting
Rafting on the Green River
“The air moves like a river and carries the clouds with it; just as running water carries all the things that float upon it.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
Why Choose CRATE?
- Under Original Ownership Since 1971
- 5 Star Rated Rafting Trips
- We Provide Everything You Need For a Great Rafting Trip
Book Your Adventure Today!
(800) 253-7328
Green River Rafting
Rafting Sections of the Green River
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions proudly operates its Utah rafting adventures out of the charming town of Green River, Utah. From this scenic base, we launch unforgettable journeys through some of the most iconic and diverse river sections in the region. Our trips include the breathtaking Desolation Canyon, known for its towering cliffs and rich history; the lively Green River Daily section through Gray Canyon, offering fun rapids and stunning desert scenery; and the legendary Green River side of Cataract Canyon, where thrilling whitewater meets awe-inspiring landscapes. Green River serves as the perfect starting point for these adventures, combining the spirit of exploration with the beauty of Utah’s wilderness.Green River The Town in Utah
The Town of Green River, Utah
Green River, Utah, is a small, welcoming town nestled along the banks of the Green River in southeastern Utah. It is the home of the John Wesley Powell River History Museum and the Monument Hill Sculpture Park. Known as a gateway to adventure, it serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts exploring nearby attractions like Canyonlands National Park, the San Rafael Swell, and Desolation Canyon. The town boasts a rich history tied to early pioneers, railroads, and agriculture, particularly its famed melons celebrated during the annual Melon Days Festival. With its stunning desert landscape, warm community, and easy access to river rafting, hiking, and off-road exploration, Green River offers a charming blend of natural beauty and rustic charm.
The Green River
The Green River begins high in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains, carving a breathtaking path through over 730 miles of rugged terrain before merging with the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. Along its journey, the Green River flows through a variety of awe-inspiring landscapes, including Brown’s Park, Dinosaur National Monument, The Gates of Lodore, Whirlpool Canyon, and, most notably, Desolation and Gray Canyons.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, an exhilarating ride through whitewater rapids, or a tranquil escape through serene canyons, the Green River offers something for everyone.
Famous Quotes About the Green River
The Green River has captured the imagination of adventurers, geologists, and artists for generations. Here are a few notable quotes that reflect its spirit:
1. John Wesley Powell (1869):
“The Green is greatly increased by the Yampa [River], and we now have a much larger river. All this volume of water, confined, as it is, in a narrow channel and rushing with great velocity, is set eddying and spinning in whirlpools by projecting rocks and short curves, and the waters waltz their way through the canyon, making their own rippling, rushing, roaring music.”
This excerpt from Powell’s journal vividly describes the power and dynamism of the Green River as it flows through its canyons.
2. Wallace Stegner (1954) in “Beyond the Hundredth Meridian”:
“The Green River country is a land of paradox. It is a desert, yet it is veined with water. It is a land of rock and sand, yet it is fertile in the bottoms. It is a land of solitude, yet it has been traveled by men for centuries.”
In this short excerpt, Stegner’s work deeply explores the Green River region and its complexities, highlighting the contrasts and contradictions inherent in its landscape.
3. Edward Abbey (1975) in “Desert Solitaire”:
“The river flows swiftly, a continuous force, cutting its way through the sandstone, indifferent to erosion, indifferent to the works of men. The Green, the Colorado—they are the rivers of the canyons, the rivers of the desert, the rivers of the sun.”
Abbey’s poetic prose captures the timeless and powerful nature of the Green River, emphasizing its role in shaping the desert landscape.
4. Craig Childs (2011) in “Soul of the Desert”:
“The Green River is not a gentle stream. It is a river of power, a river of history, a river that has carved its way through some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.”
Childs, a contemporary writer who often explores the desert Southwest, echoes the themes of power and history associated with the Green River, emphasizing its impact on the land.
Green River Rafting Through Desolation and Gray Canyons
Desolation Canyon Rafting Expedition
This 5-day journey through Desolation and Gray Canyons is one of the most spectacular rafting trips in the West. With more than 60 fun Class I-III rapids, the Green River offers excitement for thrill-seekers while remaining approachable for families, first-time rafters, and anyone looking for a blend of adventure and relaxation.
While 18-foot rowing rafts are commonly used on this trip, guests seeking a more hands-on experience can paddle their own inflatable kayak, making the journey even more personal and rewarding.
Highlights of the Trip:
- A Scenic Flight: Begin your adventure with a 30-minute charter flight from Green River, Utah, to Sand Wash. This flight provides stunning aerial views of the wilderness and sets the tone for the adventure ahead.
- Hiking and Exploration: Step off the river to explore prehistoric rock art panels, remnants of ancient Native American cultures, and historic sites like the Rock Creek Ranch Homestead. You’ll even visit areas once frequented by the legendary outlaw Butch Cassidy.
- Rich History and Stunning Scenery: Desolation Canyon is a designated National Historic Landmark, celebrated for its towering cliffs, vibrant colors, and fascinating blend of geological and cultural history.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, river otters, and a variety of bird species that thrive in this remote wilderness.
This section of the river spans 84 miles, from Sand Wash to Three Fords Rapids in Desolation Canyon, continuing into Gray Canyon before ending at Swasey’s Take-out near Green River, Utah. It’s a journey through one of the most pristine and remote areas of the American West.
1-Day Green River Rafting Trip Through Gray Canyon
For those short on time, a 1-day rafting trip through Gray Canyon is the perfect introduction to the Green River. With playful rapids, towering sandstone walls, and tranquil stretches ideal for soaking in the scenery, this trip offers a compact yet immersive experience of the canyon’s beauty.
Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons: A Tranquil Escape
Below Green River, Utah, the river flows through Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons, two serene and scenic sections that stretch 120 miles before joining the Colorado River. This area is renowned for its flatwater beauty, featuring stunning side canyons, dramatic buttes, and towering mesas. Perfect for a slower-paced journey, this section invites exploration and quiet reflection.
Cataract Canyon Spring Rafting Trips on the Green River Through Canyonlands National Park
Don’t miss out on Colorado River & Trail Expeditions’ spring rafting trip in Canyonlands—it’s the ultimate adventure! Picture yourself navigating through the stunning, remote beauty of the Green River, surrounded by towering red rock canyons, as you tackle exciting rapids and explore hidden hiking trails. You’ll be part of an exclusive group, experiencing moments that only a lucky few get to witness: incredible geology, starry nights, and the kind of serene landscapes that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. This trip is perfect for adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to disconnect and experience the wild in its purest form.
The Green River culminates after joining the Colorado River just above Cataract Canyon, where its confluence with the Colorado River transforms the waterway into a powerhouse of rapids during spring runoff. Starting at Mineral Bottom, 50 miles above the confluence, this trip combines adrenaline-pumping whitewater with some of the most stunning landscapes the American Southwest has to offer.
Before reaching the whitewater of Cataract Canyon, rafters travel through the tranquil beauty of Stillwater Canyon, a section of the Green River renowned for its serene atmosphere and otherworldly vistas. Towering canyon walls, dramatic rock formations, and the vibrant colors of the desert provide a striking contrast to the river’s calm, reflective surface.
Stillwater Canyon: A Desert Paradise
Stillwater Canyon is a photographer’s dream and a naturalist’s paradise. The river meanders gently through this remote, untouched wilderness, offering rafters a peaceful interlude to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and solitude. The canyon walls rise dramatically on either side, painted with the reds, oranges, and yellows of the desert sun. Along the way, you may spot bighorn sheep, soaring peregrine falcons, and a variety of other wildlife that thrive in this rugged environment.
This section of the journey also provides a chance to step off the rafts and explore some of the incredible hiking trails that lead into two iconic districts of Canyonlands National Park: The Maze and Island in the Sky.
Hiking Opportunities into The Maze and Island in the Sky
The Maze District: Known for its remoteness and labyrinthine sandstone formations, The Maze is one of the most untouched areas of Canyonlands. Trails here offer a true sense of adventure, taking you deep into narrow canyons, across slickrock plateaus, and to stunning overlooks. Highlights include hikes to the Harvest Scene pictograph panel, one of the most intricate examples of ancient rock art in the region, and panoramic views of the canyon below. The solitude and sense of isolation in The Maze make it an unforgettable experience for hikers.
Island in the Sky District: Perched high above the surrounding landscape, this district offers some of the most dramatic views in the park. From Stillwater Canyon, access trails lead to overlooks like Murphy Point, where the vast expanse of Canyonlands unfolds beneath you. The trails also provide glimpses into the region’s geology, with layers of sandstone and shale revealing millions of years of Earth’s history.
Combining Beauty and Adventure
The juxtaposition of Stillwater Canyon’s tranquil beauty with the roaring rapids of Cataract Canyon creates a journey unlike any other. It’s not just about the whitewater thrills—this trip offers an immersive experience into the heart of Canyonlands National Park, blending adventure with opportunities for reflection and exploration.
Whether you’re hiking to ancient ruins, marveling at the surreal desert landscapes, or navigating the wild rapids of Cataract Canyon, this section of the Green River offers an unparalleled connection to nature and history.
Green River Statistics: By the Numbers
- Length: Approximately 730 miles
- Source: The Green River begins in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming at an elevation of about 8,200 feet.
- Mouth: The river meets the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park, Utah, at an elevation of around 3,880 feet.
- Drainage Area: The Green River’s watershed covers an area of over 44,750 square miles, making it a vital water source in the arid West.
- Average Flow: At the confluence with the Colorado River, the Green River’s average flow is about 6,121 cubic feet per second (cfs), though this can vary widely depending on the season and snowmelt.
- Major Tributaries:
- Yampa River (Colorado)
- Duchesne River (Utah)
- White River (Utah and Colorado)
- Price River (Utah)
- San Rafael River (Utah)
- States Traversed: The Green River flows through Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah.
- Major Dams:
- Flaming Gorge Dam (Wyoming): Creates Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a popular recreation area and an important source of hydroelectric power.
- Fontenelle Dam (Wyoming): Forms Fontenelle Reservoir, used for irrigation and flood control.
- Depth in Desolation Canyon: The canyon walls rise more than 5,000 feet, making it one of the deepest canyons in the United States.
Why Choose Green River Rafting?
The Green River offers an unparalleled combination of thrilling rapids, serene landscapes, and fascinating history. Whether you’re navigating the playful waters of Gray Canyon, exploring prehistoric wonders in Desolation Canyon, or braving the roaring rapids of Cataract Canyon, every Green River rafting trip is an adventure to remember.
If you have any questions or to book a Green River Rafting adventure today please call us at (800) 253-7328.
Green River Rafting Recommendations
The best multi-generational rafting trip you could find! Paddle your own inflatable kayak through over 30 fun rapids, or just sit back and relax.