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Trips

Green River

5 Day: Desolation Canyon on the Green River Family Trip

The Green River through Desolation Canyon is the only river canyon registered as a National Historic Landmark.

The Fremont Indians farmed, hunted and lived here over 700 years ago and left ruins and ancient rock art.  In the late 1800’s homesteaders, trappers and outlaws shared the area.

The McPherson’s befriended Butch Cassidy and his “Wild Bunch,” and their ranch still exists.  On this trip, extra time is set aside to explore these ancient sites, ranches and legends.

Today, ranchers and cowboys along the canyon claim to be descendants of these infamous residents.  The river borders the Uinta and Ouray Indian reservations, where they still farm and ranch today.

Dates & Rates

2026 Dates
  • May 17
  • June 7, 14, 28
  • July 5, 12, 19, 26
  • August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
  • September 6, 13, 20
2026 Trip Rates

Adult: $1,699

 

Youth: $1499

What This Rate Includes
More Information
    • Trip Deposit: 20% deposit required upon reservation. Full balance due 45 days prior to departure.
    • Trip Cancellation Insurance
    • Minimum Age: 5 years old (50 Pounds)
What Is Not Included in Trip Fares
    • Guide Gratuities by no means required but always appreciated by our guides. We recommend 10-20% of the cost of the river portion of the trip.
    • Transportation to Moab Utah.
    • Lodging and meals prior to or following your expedition (except where noted.) Click to see list of quality places to stay in Moab Utah.
    • Government user fees and taxes (about 9% of trip cost.)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting The Adventure

We meet early at the Moab Canyonlands Airport for a spectacular scenic flight to a mesa above the Green River. You will be met by one of your guides who will load your gear into a vehicle and take it to the boats. We will then get a chance to hike down the mesa overlooking the river.

 

Today is primarily flat water with a few riffles here and there. We have many river miles to cover to reach the whitewater, so depending upon water levels we may motor during the day. Regardless, today is a fun day of swimming and learning about the human and natural history of the canyon. We will pass Sumner’s Amphitheater, named by John Wesley Powell in 1869.

 

This evening, our guides will show your family easy camp techniques and how to enjoying the great outdoors comfortably. The guides will also prepare a delicious kid friendly dinner in a charming riverside beach camp.

 

Note: Meals are served from a set daily menu, but you are welcome to request, in advance, special dishes or tell us if there are particular things you would prefer not to have.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Sandwash, Jacks Creek

Day 2 - Starting the Whitewater

After a hearty Breakfast of French toast and sausages or Pancakes and Bacon we pack up and start the whitewater! We will practice our inflatable kayak skills in fun, smaller rapids.

 

We’ll stop at Flat Canyon to see 1,000-year-old Fremont Native American petroglyphs. We will lunch on a sandy beach and build sandcastles. The afternoon will be spent improving your kayaking skills as we run up to 15 rapids today. Towards the end of the day we will run big whitewater rapids such as Steer Ridge and Surprise.

 

Be sure to watch for wildlife. This part of the canyon has many animals including deer, elk, and beaver. We will pull over to camp by late afternoon. While dinner is being prepared there will be time for nature programs, building sandcastles and playing along the riverbank.

 

The “Kids Guide” takes children on structured, educational and fun outings where everyone can interact with nature, and each other. Parents can join in the excursions or take this time to enjoy a leisure walk, relaxing next to the river, or the camaraderie of other guests.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Flat Canyon

Day 3 - Deepest Part of the Green River

For the second morning in a row you’ll wake to fresh brewed coffee and hot cocoa. Shortly after leaving camp we coming to one of the many highlights of the trip; Rock Creek. The group will play in the swimming hole at Rock Creek and explore the Rock Creek Ranch where Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch hung out. This is also the deepest part of the canyon (deeper than the Grand Canyon!). The cliff walls rise above 5,000 feet.

 

Today is another fun day of whitewater. Some of the rapids we will challenge today are Snap Canyon, Belknap Falls, Chandler Falls, and Cow Swim.

 

Our Family-Only guides have special family and educational training. They’ve developed great outdoor educational and environmentally sensitive activities and games. These activities and games incorporate camping, history, geology, wildlife, plant life, and of course FUN.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Rock Creek Ranch, Chandler Falls, Three Canyon, Belknap

Day 4 - Biggest Whitewater and a New Canyon

Today you get to perfect your new kayaking skills with the two biggest rapids-Wire Fence and Three Fords. We will see the McPherson Ranch, another hideout of Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch.

 

Today the trip will leave Desolation Canyon and enter Gray Canyon. Gray Canyon has less rapids but bigger ones. It is also famous for housing many dinosaur bones.

 

Traditionally, the last night of the river trip is “dress-up” night. Anything goes if you would like to participate. It is up to your imagination! This is a great way to celebrate the trip and near completion of your Green River adventure. The guides might set up a skit for the kids or a river Olympics.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Wire Fence, Range Creek, Rabbit Valley

Day 5 - More Fun Rapids

Today is more of everyone’s favorite activities: swimming, playing in the rapids, & having water fights. We will pass the Coal Creek Dam site . We will pass Nefertiti Rock name by the 1869 John Wesley Powell Expedition. Just before lunch we might stop at another panel of Native American Writing at the Price River.

 

The trip ends just below Swasey’s Rapid and across from spectacular Gunnison Butte. Then we’ll drive to the Moab Canyonlands Airport where we arrive around 5:30 pm.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Coal Creek, Rattlesnake Canyon, Price River

Maps

Map of Desolation Canyon Rafting

The Majestic Canyons of the Green River lie between the towns of Duchesne and Green River in, east central Utah. These canyons are intertwined with history of the Fremont Indians, John Wesley Powell, ranchers and outlaws and are a registered National Historic site. In 1869, after traveling through “a region of wildest desolation”, John Wesley Powell named Desolation Canyon. Gray Canyon also received its name from Major Powell after considering the names Lignite and Coal Canyons.

Desolation Canyon Information
    • River: The Green River
    • Rapid Rating: Class III-III
    • Put in: Sand Wash, Utah.
    • Take-out location: Swaseys boat ramp.
    • River Miles: 84 miles
    • Number of rapids 50+
    • First to run Gates of Lodore: John Wesley Powell in 1869.

Resources

Required Forms

Please print, sign and return the required forms (for each person in your party) to our office by email, fax or mail at least 45 days prior to your trip.

Trip Document in PDF's
Helpful Links

Canyonlands National Park: Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape of sedimentary sandstones eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries.

 

Arches National Park: Arches National Park preserves over two thousand natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations.

 

 

Moab Travel Council: A great resource on Moab area trails, hotels, and other great things to do in Moab.

 

River rafting is a lot of fun, but like most outdoor adventure activities, there are also potential hazards. Click here for more information about possible hazards you might experience while whitewater rafting in our beautiful canyons.

 

Links to Area Information

Moab Weather

Water Levels

How to get to Moab

Where to stay in Moab

What to do other than rafting

Questions About the Trip
If I need to cancel my trip, is there a way to get my money back?

Sheri Griffith Expeditions maintains a no‑refund policy. Because each trip has a limited number of seats, your reservation holds space that cannot easily be filled by another guest. For this reason, all payments are non‑refundable, and this applies in every circumstance.

 

To protect your travel investment, we strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance. For more information about travel insurance, please click here.

 

If you are unable to participate in your scheduled trip but would like to transfer your reservation to the following year, you may do so for a $300 per‑participant transfer fee, provided the change is made at least three weeks prior to your departure date.

How do I book a trip?

Booking your adventure is simple. The quickest way is to click the book onlinebutton on your trip page or at the top of our website. If you prefer personal assistance, our team is always happy to help, just give us a call at 800‑332‑2439

How much money do I have to put down to secure my seat? What is the payment policy?

For 1‑day trips, full payment is required at the time of booking.

For multiday trips, a non‑refundable 20% deposit is due when you make your reservation, with the remaining balance due 45 days before departure.

 

After your reservation is confirmed, you’ll receive a reservation packet that includes your packing list, travel tips, travel insurance information, a beverage request form, and a guest registration form. Please complete the guest registration form and return it promptly so we can prepare for your trip.

Is it possible for my trip to be changed or canceled?

We make every effort to operate each trip as planned. However, we reserve the right to adjust the itinerary or cancel a trip if necessary due to circumstances beyond our control, including weather conditions, water levels, insufficient reservations, changes in international relations, or other unforeseen factors.

 

If a cancellation becomes necessary, all payments you have made will be refunded. Our financial liability is limited to the amount you have paid to Sheri Griffith Expeditions and does not extend to additional expenses incurred by trip participants.

Do I have to go to the River Trip Orientation? When and where will it be held?

On the evening before your trip, we meet at our office (2231 South Highway 191) at 5 pm (MDT) in Moab for a brief pre‑trip orientation. During this meeting, you’ll learn what to expect on your adventure, receive your dry bags, complete the required Assumption of Risk forms, and have an opportunity to ask any final questions.

 

If you are unable to attend the orientation, please let us know in advance so we can make alternate arrangements.

What do we drink on our trip? Should I bring my own drinks? What beverages are allowed on the river?

If you’d like to bring personal beverages, such as soda, beer, wine, or other favorites, you’re welcome to bring them on the morning of departure. We’ll store them in our iced coolers for you.

 

During the trip, we provide a selection of beverages including sodas, water, lemonade and Gatorade mixes, as well as tea, juice, and coffee each morning.

 

Because beverages that you bring with you go against your 25 pound weight limit for the flight to the put-in, we strongly suggest that you pre-order your beverages using the Beverage Order Form.

Who should I tip and how much is appropriate?

Guests often ask about gratuities and what amount is appropriate. If you feel your guides have provided an exceptional experience, you are welcome to leave a gratuity with the Trip Leader, who will distribute it among the crew. While completely optional, a general guideline is 15%–20% of the trip cost.

 

If you plan to tip, please bring cash, a personal check, or ask your Trip Leader for Venmo information—ATMs are hard to find in the backcountry! Checks should be made out directly to the Trip Leader, not to Sheri Griffith Expeditions. 

 

Please note: We are unable to accept credit card gratuities while on the river. If you would like to tip using a credit card, please call our office to complete your transaction.

What physical condition do I need to be in for this trip?

If you’re in reasonably good health and have an adventurous spirit, you should have no trouble enjoying our trips. You don’t need to be an athlete to participate in a river expedition, but please be aware that we are several hours from the nearest medical facility while on the river.

 

If you take medication, please bring an adequate supply and inform your guide about what you’re taking. When you meet your guide, discreetly share any medical conditions or concerns, including allergies such as bee stings.

 

Each guide carries a first‑aid kit and may need to know if certain medications require special storage. Understanding any health considerations also helps us plan daily activities appropriately.

 

Pregnant guests and anyone with heart conditions should obtain their physician’s approval before joining a river trip.

What risks am I facing when I go on my trip?

Sheri Griffith Expeditions has maintained an excellent safety record since 1971. However, participation in any outdoor adventure involves inherent risks, and guests should understand that accidents or illnesses may occur. While our guides are trained professionals and we take all reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee your safety. Each participant is responsible for exercising sound judgment and remaining attentive during all activities.

 

Environmental conditions, including water levels, weather, and other natural elements, are determined by forces beyond our control and contribute to the risks associated with rafting and camping. Prior to departure, all guests will be required to sign an Assumption of Risk and Release Form acknowledging these conditions. Sheri Griffith Expeditions assumes no responsibility for injuries, loss of personal belongings, or additional time or expenses incurred by trip members.

 

We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance, which can help protect your travel investment, provide coverage for unexpected medical situations, and offer reimbursement should you need to cancel your trip.

I’m unsure of what to do with my vehicle, and I don’t want to lose my keys and other valuables on the river, What can I do?

You are welcome to leave your vehicle parked at our office during your trip. We have a gated parking area, as well as a safe room for luggage and valuables while you are on the river.

 

More FAQ’s

"We were in Eric's boat and found him to be courteous and knowledgeable, always on the lookout for points of interest, and he got us through the rapids in a way that was fun and exciting but safe too. We really enjoyed our time with him; he's an asset to your company. The meals were outstanding, all the guides very polite and accommodating to all, knowledge of area history, geology and water use issues was very interesting, great job on keeping everyone safe."

David and Kathy Fine, El Cahone CA

Location: Green River, UT
Highlights: Amazing Scenery, Outlaw Cabin Hideouts, Kid-Friendly River, 5000 ft. Canyon Walls, Great sandy beaches for games, 1000-Year-Old Native American Writings, 50+ Moderate Rapids
Adults: $1,849 (Includes scenic flight over Desolation Canyon. Does not include taxes and & government user fees)
Youth: $1,649 (Includes scenic flight over Desolation Canyon. Does not include taxes and & government user fees)
Trip Length: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Host City: Moab, Utah
Min. Age: 5 Yrs Old (50 pounds minimum)
Rapids: II-III(Depending on Water Levels)
2026 Dates: Sundays | *Charter Dates available all season.
Boats: Oarboats, Paddeboats, Inflatable Kayak