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DESOLATION CANYON RIVER RAFT TRIP |
A group of friends are going on our seventh annual do-it-ourselves raft trip in spectacular Desolation/Gray canyons on Utah's Green River.
The 5-day river run is scheduled for 21 July (Friday) through 25 July 2000 (Tuesday). Additionally, the final part of 20 July (Thursday) is required to travel to the launch point.
In the 84-mile trip from Sand Wash to Swasey's Rapid in Desolation/Gray canyons, there are rapids every day, building from very mild riffles to exciting, but nonthreatening whitewater. This is some of the best whitewater rafting in Utah, yet the rapids are readily navigable by nonprofessional boatmen and are moderate by Utah standards. Early in the season, when the water is high, a few rapids are rated Class 3, but by the second half of July, Desolation usually drops to a Class 2 run. The rapids will be fun and exciting, but not terrifying. In short, it is the best introduction to an extended river trip that you can find. This trip is well-suited for beginners, but more advanced boaters will enjoy it as well.
The river cuts a path through one of the largest wilderness areas in the state, and because of its isolation provides opportunities for leaving civilization behind practically from beginning to end. There is outstanding scenery, interesting geologic formations, and evidence of prehistoric and historic human activity. We will stop occasionally for hiking and for visiting historic sites along the river. The Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation lies on the east side of the river between Upper Gold Hole and Coal Creek (which we visit only briefly at McPherson ranch).
We will camp on sandy beaches with plenty of time for sunning and relaxing on the boats. The trip is clothing optional (bring plenty of sunscreen). Both women and men are welcome. All participants must be able to swim.
The trip is a do-it-ourselves adventure rather than a commercial trip. Participants are expected to help with loading and unloading the rafts, setting up camp, cooking, and cleaning up after meals.
Participants are also invited to take turns rowing the boats. Not only is this great exercise, but a lot of fun. Learning to "read" the river (to determine where the current is strongest, the path which requires the least amount of rowing effort) and to row a straight line is an interesting challenge and a skill worth acquiring. The more experienced participants will row the rafts through the rapids.
Participants who are willing to volunteer their vehicles for transporting people and gear will get the opportunity (after unloading at the launch point and then driving their empty vehicles to Green River, Utah, the takeout point) to fly back to the launch point via a commercial small plane shuttle, and land on top of a mesa! This 30-minute flight gives a spectacular preview of the same remote stretch of the Green River we will float on during the coming five days, and is a never-to-be-forgotten experience. The cost of this ride is included in the standard fee paid by all participants.
Because we all share expenses and there are no paid guides, the cost of this trip will be much lower than a comparable commercial trip. Estimated cost is less than $200 per person, which includes all group equipment, boat rental, transportation, and food, but does not include your sleeping bag and other personal gear (tents are optional, but recommended). By comparison, a 5-day commercial trip costs over $600.
The required Bureau of Land Management permit has been secured and the rental rafts have been reserved (16-foot Riken Nez Perce self-bailers). Required river equipment, such as PFDs (personal floatation devices—life jackets) and human waste disposal equipment, will be provided.
Each year we plan a new menu based on the previous year’s experience, and (if possible) improve on it. There is always plenty to eat, but the actual menu depends on how long the ice lasts in the coolers. Some years we have ice even on the fifth (final) day. There is also some variability due to the cooking skills and preferences of the participants. In June, we will finalize the menu for the trip, so be sure to let us know your skills and preferences early on.
Beverages such as gatorade and water will be provided in unlimited quantity. However, you must bring your own supply of soft drinks, beer, or other beverages desired.
Individuals are encouraged to have a physical examination and obtain adequate health and accident insurance. This trip does not have a professional boatman who does the rowing and takes responsibility for the group. It is run on a "cooperative adventure" basis. All group planning, leadership, and potential risks are shared by participants equally. Because outdoor adventures such as river rafting are highly exciting, physically demanding, and take place in an environment over which no one has control, they are potentially dangerous. As a participant on a cooperative adventure, you must personally accept these conditions and assume full responsibility for your own safety and well-being (liability release required).
Contact one of the following as soon as possible:
| Mike | 801-594-7773 | milo@usa.com |
| Larry | 801-259-0044 | DesoCanyon@email.com |
| Jim | 801-575-2870 | jmattert@aol.com |
A $100 deposit will hold your reservation (refundable if you decide to cancel before 1 June 2000). The balance ($100) is due by 1 June 2000 (refundable only if we can find someone to take your place). Make your check payable to Jess Ranker (trip treasurer) and send it to him at P.O. Box 27101, Salt Lake City, UT 84127-0101. If the total expenses are less than $200 per person, you will get a refund (in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999, the final costs were $145, $181, $157, $182, and $231 per person, respectively). You will receive a list of all recommended gear and meeting place instructions about one month before the launch.
Click HERE to review comments of participants of these annual Desolation whitewater river
trips during prior years.
July 20-25, 2000
