Paddling the Green River in Canyonlands National Park
Sep 24th, 2013, 07:43 AM
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Paddling the Green River in Canyonlands National Park
Has anyone ever done this? From what I understand, over the course of 7 days, we would be paddling a 52 or so mile stretch from Moab to the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. We would return to Moab via Jetboat.
We have 2 children ages 12 and 9.
Would love to hear from anyone who has done this.
Thank you!
We have 2 children ages 12 and 9.
Would love to hear from anyone who has done this.
Thank you!
Sep 24th, 2013, 09:14 AM
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I didn't know the Jetboat actually went back to Moab? I thought all boat only went downstream, not up? I would think the Jetboat would be part of a guided tour. I haven't done this, so I could be totally wrong.
Sep 24th, 2013, 09:36 AM
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I did this with my husband and 2 relatives who live in Moab a few years ago. It was, in a word, awesome! I know your kids would love it.
We went twice as far as we originally intended (totaling about 95 miles), because the other people had already done the stretch in Canyonlands and wanted to add something new, so we started farther up the river, ending at the confluence like you plan to. It made for a more strenuous paddle but was pretty amazing. If I had it to do over again (and hopefully will), I would stick to the stretch you are planning to do. That would make for a much more leisurely trip, with more relaxed floating and less constant paddling.
We camped riverside every night at beautiful spots that were filled with solitude. There were other people on the river but there are plenty of places to camp so you can be on your own for the night. We enjoyed talking to other boaters during breaks from the river.
There is good hiking in the area, with rock carvings and great views. I didn't want to overdo it so mostly I hung around camp while the others went off on hikes. They reportedly loved the hiking.
There was plenty of animal life to see. A small rattlesnake wriggled past us while we were having lunch under a shady rock. We saw tons of birds and a few deer.
Our trip was in July, so days were hot, hot, hot. We cooled off by popping into the river to float with the boats, bathing in the river at the end of the day, and seeking out the shady spots along the river for tiny periods of coolness. Evenings were perfect temperature for sitting out and enjoying the darkening sky.
You have to carry along a portable toilet along (supplied by the outfitter) and ALWAYS use it. Not my favorite thing, but it's part of the trip so dealt with it.
Recommendations: (1) get the book that describes the route and the camping areas (we forgot to bring it), which will be helpful. (2 be sure to rent the seat backs that the outfitter should have available. When we went they cost an extra $10. We didn't. Silly us. (3) wear wide-brimmed hats to help stay cool and avoid sunburn.
Here's a link to my pictures of the trip. https://aprillilacsphotos.shutterfly.com/1017
We went twice as far as we originally intended (totaling about 95 miles), because the other people had already done the stretch in Canyonlands and wanted to add something new, so we started farther up the river, ending at the confluence like you plan to. It made for a more strenuous paddle but was pretty amazing. If I had it to do over again (and hopefully will), I would stick to the stretch you are planning to do. That would make for a much more leisurely trip, with more relaxed floating and less constant paddling.
We camped riverside every night at beautiful spots that were filled with solitude. There were other people on the river but there are plenty of places to camp so you can be on your own for the night. We enjoyed talking to other boaters during breaks from the river.
There is good hiking in the area, with rock carvings and great views. I didn't want to overdo it so mostly I hung around camp while the others went off on hikes. They reportedly loved the hiking.
There was plenty of animal life to see. A small rattlesnake wriggled past us while we were having lunch under a shady rock. We saw tons of birds and a few deer.
Our trip was in July, so days were hot, hot, hot. We cooled off by popping into the river to float with the boats, bathing in the river at the end of the day, and seeking out the shady spots along the river for tiny periods of coolness. Evenings were perfect temperature for sitting out and enjoying the darkening sky.
You have to carry along a portable toilet along (supplied by the outfitter) and ALWAYS use it. Not my favorite thing, but it's part of the trip so dealt with it.
Recommendations: (1) get the book that describes the route and the camping areas (we forgot to bring it), which will be helpful. (2 be sure to rent the seat backs that the outfitter should have available. When we went they cost an extra $10. We didn't. Silly us. (3) wear wide-brimmed hats to help stay cool and avoid sunburn.
Here's a link to my pictures of the trip. https://aprillilacsphotos.shutterfly.com/1017
Sep 24th, 2013, 09:46 AM
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I should add that the outfitter we went with drove us and the canoes to our launching place upstream and then met us by boat a week later at the exit point at the confluence. They loaded the canoes onto the jetboat for the trip back to Moab. Couldn't have been simpler.
Sep 24th, 2013, 01:33 PM
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Those were awesome photos. I've always wanted to raft Cateract, but this has me rethinking. May just have to get back to Moab soon, it's a very addicting place. My favorite adventure there has been with www.dserthighlights.com I've been canyoneering with them twice. They now do packrafting and that looks interesting too.
Sep 27th, 2013, 02:15 PM
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I'm 95% sure we went with Tex's Riverways, http://www.texsriverways.com/canoes.cfm. We went in at Ruby Ranch and came out at the Confluence. (The shorter trip would be to go in at Mineral Bottom.) Tex's transported us and the canoes to (by van) and from (by boat) the river.
Sep 27th, 2013, 07:33 PM
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We went in at Ruby Ranch and came out at the Confluence. (The shorter trip would be to go in at Mineral Bottom.) Tex's transported us and the canoes to (by van) and from (by boat) the river.
Thank you for prompt reply
I'll contact them tomorrow.
I've been to Mineral Bottom twice - uranium mines are interesting
Also viewed confluence of Green/Colorado river from Canyonlands-Needles district. Amazing serene view from that elevated view point. Needles is fascinating because of their painted faces and the incredible All American Man (took some time to find him hiding in his cave).
http://www.robertwinslowphoto.com/Tr...2338&k=7xFsnh9
You can spend a life time in Utah parks.
Vaga
Thank you for prompt reply
I'll contact them tomorrow.
I've been to Mineral Bottom twice - uranium mines are interesting
Also viewed confluence of Green/Colorado river from Canyonlands-Needles district. Amazing serene view from that elevated view point. Needles is fascinating because of their painted faces and the incredible All American Man (took some time to find him hiding in his cave).
http://www.robertwinslowphoto.com/Tr...2338&k=7xFsnh9
You can spend a life time in Utah parks.
Vaga
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