Green River Rafting Expedition in Desolation Canyon
With An Emphasis on Human History and
Archaeology
June 1-8, 2014
Download flier here
Various Native American
tribes have called Desolation Canyon and the surrounding
Tavaputs Plateau home for thirteen thousand years. Clovis,
Archaic, and Ute Indians hunted and gathered, and the
people archaeologists call the “Fremont” culture, became
farmers as well. The Fremont people reached a high point of
population and occupation about AD 1000. No previous or
subsequent period saw as many people trying to make a
living in the canyon. Evidence of their day-to-day lives,
including granaries tucked away in high cliff walls and
fabulous rock art sites can be seen along the river and in
many side canyons.
The Desolation Canyon area was first officially mapped and named by Major Powell, who led the first exploratory expeditions of the Green and Colorado Rivers in 1869 and 1871. Settlers followed the paths of the explorers, and after the Civil War, Desolation Canyon became home to a few hearty people who tried ranching and farming. River runners will see the remains of their homes and dreams, and will marvel at what they accomplished so far away from the conveniences of “civilization.”
In 1969, in honor of the 100th anniversary of Powell’s first exploratory expedition, Desolation Canyon was named a National Historic Landmark. Of all the areas along the Green and Colorado Rivers that Powell explored, Desolation Canyon was chosen for this honor because it is the least changed from Powell’s time.
With beautiful scenery, a free-flowing river, 60 mild-to-wild rapids, huge sandbar beaches for camping, and river banks lined with giant cottonwood trees and sandbar willow, Desolation Canyon adds up to a fantastic river trip and an unbeatable outdoor adventure.
Proposed Draft Itinerary and Pricing
for Fond du Lac Audubon Society Group
DESOLATION CANYON ARCHAEOLOGY RAFING EXPEDITION
JUNE 1-8, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Participants arrive in Salt Lake City, Utah, according to their own transportation
arrangements.
Lodging arranged at Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. Meals and
sight-seeing or shopping on your own. Free public transportation is available
throughout the downtown area. Shopping malls, historic sights, guided tours, pubs,
restaurants, etc. are within close proximity.
Little America offers complimentary airport shuttles. There is also light rail
transportation from
the airport to downtown, with a stop at Little America.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Chartered motor coach transportation from Salt Lake City to Green River, Utah.
Depart from Little America Hotel at 11:30 am and arrive in Green River at
approximately 3:00 p.m. Lodging arranged at the River Terrace Inn on the banks of
the Green River. The John Wesley Powell River History Museum is located across the
street. A visit to the museum is recommended. There is also a public golf course
nearby with rental equipment available.
There will be a meeting in the parking lot of the River Terrace Inn at 5:00 p.m. with
the representative from Colorado River & Trail Expeditions. Waterproof bags and
ammo cans will be distributed and final instructions for transportation to the river
put-in will discussed. Enjoy dinner on your own at the Tamarisk Restaurant (on the
River Terrace premises), or at Ray’s Tavern, which is a 1.3 mile walk from the River
Terrace Inn.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Begin the 6-day Rafting Expedition. Be sure to take advantage of the River Terrace
complimentary breakfast before our early departure for the river. The exact
departure time will be announced at the Monday evening meeting with the CRATE
representative. CRATE will provide van transportation from the River Terrace Inn to
the Green River Airport, where we will board chartered airplanes for a scenic 40-
minute flight to Sandwash. The river bags and ammo cans will be loaded on a truck
and driven down to the river, but participants will hike approximately one mile from
the airstrip down to the boat ramp. After all of the gear has been loaded aboard the
rafts, the trip leader will give a safety orientation, and then we’ll be on our way down
the river.
Wednesday, June 4 through Saturday, June 7th
Rafting, hiking, camping and exploring will fill each day of our down-river journey.
Our guest archaeologist will provide information and insight about the many
archaeological sights we will see and visit. We will be rafting in 18-foot oar-powered
rafts that are rowed by a professional guide. Each raft accommodates 4-5 people
and gear. There will also be a few inflatable kayaks (“duckies”) available for people
who would like to be more active and adventurous. Even little rapids are more
exciting when you are paddling in the inflatable kayaks. Single and Double kayaks
will be available on a take-turn basis throughout the trip. The guides will provide
instruction and helpful hints on how best to paddle and manage the inflatable
kayaks safely. For those who would rather ride on the raft and watch the scenery go
by, the views and vistas are spectacular. You will want to keep your camera handy.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
The river trip will end around 11:00 a.m. below the last big rapid at Swasey’s Beach,
near the town of Green River, Utah. Lunch will be prepared and served by the river
guides, before you board the chartered motor coach for the trip back to Salt Lake
City. You can expect to be back in Salt Lake about 3-4:00 p.m. on Sunday
afternoon. Participants will make their own plans, either to stay a night in Salt Lake
City, or to depart for home.
PRICING
$ 1,560.00 Per-Person
Included in the Trip Price of $1,560
Lodging in Salt Lake City night of June 1
Motorcoach transportation to Green River on June 2
Lodging in Green River on June 2
Breakfast in Green River on June 3
Transportation to Green River Airport on June 3
Scenic charter flight from Green River to Sand Wash on June 3
Deluxe 6-Day Green River Rafting Expedition in Desolation Canyon
Camping Equipment (sleeping bag, foam pad, cot, camp chairs and tent if needed)
All meals while on the river trip, beginning with lunch the first day. Plates, cups, utensils, water bottle, and assorted non-alcoholic beverages. Guest Archaeologist Stipend
Gratuity for River Guides
Motorcoach transportation from Green River to Salt Lake City on June 8
Not Included
Transportation to/from Salt Lake City, meals in Salt Lake City
Additional nights lodging at Little America.*
Dinner in Green River, Utah on June 2
Alcoholic Beverages on the River Trip**
Gratuity for the bus drivers (suggest $5-$10 per-person each way)
$ 1,560.00 Per-Person -- ADULTS ONLY
All inclusive from Salt Lake City, UT
DEPOSIT: $300.00 Per-Person due Nov. 1, 2013
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: March 1, 2013
Group Leader: Diana Beck dianahbeck@gmail.com
There are only two requirements - each participant must be at least 16 years old and able to walk over rocks as well as get into and out of a raft. The trip is limited to 24 people and open to members and non-members.
Sign up directly with Colorado River and Trail Expeditions, Inc. at 1-800-253-7328, crate@crateinc.com, www.crateinc.com. Final payments are due by March 1, 2014.
Questions - Call 1-920-922-7931 or email dianahbeck@gmail.
DONATION TO FOND DU LAC AUDUBON CLUB: $100.00 Minimum, plus
any left-over funds after all expenses have been paid.
Prepared by Vicki Mackay
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions, Inc.
1-800-253-7328 – crate@crateinc.com – www.crateinc.com
For Additional Information & Reservations contact:
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions, Inc. P.O. Box 57575 • Salt Lake City, UT 84157-0575 1-800-253-7328 or 1-801-261-1789 crate@crateinc.com • www.crateinc.com