Green River (Desolation Canyon), Utah
| Price |
 What's this? |
| Class of Rapids |
II-III |
| Trip Miles |
23 to 94 miles |
| Trip Duration |
2 to 6 days |
| Season |
May-September |
| Raft Type |
Paddle Raft, Oar Raft, Inflatable Kayak |
| River Sections |
Desolation and Gray sections |
| Nearby Towns |
Green River (UT) |
| Driving Times |
Grand Junction (CO): 2 hours; Salt Lake City (UT): 3 hours |
| Recommended For |
Best of the Best, Multi Day Trip, Families, Scenery, Wildlife, Wilderness, Summer |
Utah's southeastern corner pinpoints the convergence of the Colorado and Green Rivers, the two architects of the region's staggering landscape. Both rivers flaunt unparalleled views of their geological handiwork—canyons and massive rock formations, drenched in deep yellows and reds, pierce the royal blue sky and dwarf the paddlers below. Along the flanking canyon walls, cliff dwellings and Anasazi petroglyphs offer evidence of the area's early human habitation.
The Green River is the gentler waterway. Mild Class I to III rapids begin well before the confluence of the two rivers, but you don't head to the Green for big water. The 84-mile stretch along Desolation Canyon rolls leisurely through the Uintah and Ouray Reservation and into the shallow cradle of Gray Canyon, channeling past colorful rock strata that tower 5,000 feet above the river's edge. The river is also a refuge from the arid heat for an array of wildlife; spot bobcats and bighorn sheep along the riverbanks, while red-tailed eagles soar high above.
Paddling expeditions are launched at various points along both rivers, depending on skill level and desired length of adventure. Multi-day outings on both the Colorado and Green let you camp on sandy beachheads by night and explore hiking trails within side canyons by day. Alternatively, day trips can make for an invigorating introduction to the region's spectacular geography and some of its Class IV+ rapids. Green River paddlers with an interest in the area's rich archaeological heritage should start 100 miles north of Desolation Canyon at Dinosaur National Monument, the largest quarry of Jurassic-period bones ever discovered. Outfitters serving the Green River offer gourmet food, geological lectures, and riverside concerts, while the Colorado, in keeping with its adventurous spirit, offers big whitewater and easy access to hiking, biking, and rock climbing in Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab.
Tour Operator Trips on the Green River (Desolation Canyon), Utah
| Price
| Trip Name
| Tour Operator |
$930
5 days |
|
Majestic Canyons of the Green River
Rafting, Camping in Utah
The Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River offers the opportunity for the whole family to go to "camp."... |
Sheri Griffith Expeditions |
$1020
4 - 5 days |
|
Green River Rafting Trip
Rafting in Utah
Desolation Canyon, deeper than Grand Canyon, is hardly desolate with its big sandy beaches, sparkling side... |
Western River Expeditions |
$950
5 days |
|
Green River Women's Trip
Rafting in Utah
Treasure the perfect change of pace as you experience adventure on your own terms. Embark on this unique... |
Western River Expeditions |
$1455
6 - 7 days |
|
Green River Saddles & Paddles
Horseback Riding, Rafting in Utah
Carving its way through astounding sandstone walls, beautiful river beaches, and a legacy of incomparable outlaw... |
Western River Expeditions |
$945
5 - 6 days |
|
Green River Rafting through Desolation Canyon
Rafting in Utah
If you really want to get away there's no better place than the Green River Wilderness and Desolation... |
Holiday Expeditions |
$1525
7 days |
|
Tavaputs Ranch / Desolation Canyon Ride & Raft
Horseback, Riding in Utah
Go horseback riding at the Tavaputs Ranch and end with thrilling white water rafting trip on the Green... |
Holiday Expeditions |
$1190
4 - 7 days |
|
Classical Music & Whitewater Rafting on the Green & Dolores Rivers
Rafting, Music in Colorado, Utah
This popular and world-renown white water rafting trip which Dvorak Expeditions pioneered over 20 years ago is... |
Dvorak Expeditions |
$885
5 - 6 days |
|
Green River Desolation & Gray Canyons Rafting
Rafting in Colorado
Raft through Utah's deepest canyon through Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservations, cottonwoods and box elder,... |
Dvorak Expeditions |
* Trip price reflects the average cost per day for a guided rafting adventure on a given river (
= $50-$100/day;
= $100-$250/day;
= $250 or more/day) and accounts for half-day, full-day, or multiday rafting excursions. Lodging, dining, and transportation costs (airfare, car rental/shuttle, equipment rentals, etc.) have not been factored into account. Please note that the trip price classification is intended to be an approximate guideline, as the range of prices on a given river can vary based on amenities, services, and customized add-ons offered through individual outfitters.
