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Trips

Green River

7 Days: Desolation Canyon on the Green River

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.

The seven day trips are purposely scheduled in the fall to take advantage of cooler temperatures for optimal hiking conditions.  Desolation Canyon is full of hidden treasures, and with seven days to explore, we will take our time and hike to historical sites, contemplating the lives of those who have lived and loved in these canyons.

Dates & Rates

2026 Dates
  • September 4, 11, 18, 25
  • Charter Dates Available by Request
2026 Rates

Adult………………..$2,399

 

Youth………………..$2,199

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

6:00 am – Meet at the Sheri Griffith Expeditions Office.   We will then transport everyone to the Moab Airport, 14 Miles north of Moab, on Highway 191.  We will fly to a Mesa-top above the Green River. Your bags will be loaded into a van or truck and taken to the boats while we take a short hike from the mesa top to the river, 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.

 

9:30 am – After our short hike, we will have a brief safety meeting and then we’ll load everyone onto the boats and start our river journey. Mid-day–We will stop for a “Build Your Own” Sandwich Buffet lunch at one of the beaches along the river.

 

4:00 pm – We’ll pull over for the evening and set up camp. You will be asked to set up your own tents and sleeping gear while the guides work on setting up the kitchen and “living room” and then start dinner. Once camp is set up, you are welcome to play games, go hiking, or relax.

Day 2 - 7

7:00 am – First Coffee Call. Everyone starts working on waking up and then packing up your personal items and breaking camp.

 

8:00 am– Breakfast is served. After breakfast we will finish breaking camp and load the boats.

 

10:00 am– Before we leave for the day, the guides take time to teach you how to enjoy the rapids safely. The guides will re-check the PFDs, and one guide will go over important safety details that will help keep everyone safe as we traverse the whitewater. Mid-Day- We’ll stop for a delicious lunch and possibly a hike or two.

 

4:00 pm – Arrive at our evening camp site and set up for the night.

Day 7

3:00 pm – We will arrive at the Swasey Beach Ramp. The guides will load the boats on the trailers and then we will head back to Moab. We will arrive around 6:00 pm.

 

**We will motor downstream at different times during the trip so that we can offer the most time available for hiking to the different historical sites along the river.

 

**This a sample of how each day will go. Weather conditions, hiking time and group dynamic will all contribute to changes in this schedule.

 

**The take-out and return times are approximate. Water Conditions, weather and other factors may lead to a later or earlier return time.

 

**Due to current political relations, we cannot offer hikes on Ute Tribal lands which extend River Left for the majority of Desolation and Gray Canyons.

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 II-IV
    • Put in: Sand Wash, Utah.
    • Take-out location: Swasey Beach, near Green River, Utah.
    • River Miles: 84 miles
    • Number of rapids 50+

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.

How does tipping work?

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: Tabyago Riffle- Petroglyphs and Cowboy Stash, Turtle Shell Fossil, Mushroom Rock Petroglyphs, Flat Canyon Petroglyphs, Rock Creek Ranch and Petroglyphs and Granaries, 3 Canyon Natural Bridge or Range Creek Ruins, Coal Creek Dam Site, Price River Petroglyphs
Adults: $2,549.00 (Does not include taxes and & government user fees)
Youth: $2,349.00 (Does not include taxes and & government user fees)
Trip Length: 7 Days/ 6 Nights
Host City: Moab, Utah
Min. Age: 5 Yrs Old (50 pounds minimum)
Rapids: Class II – IV whitewater (water level dependent)
2026 Dates: Sep 4, 11, 18, 25 I *Charter Dates Available I Call for Availability
Boats: Oarboats, Paddeboats, Inflatable Kayak