The 84 mile segment of the Green River through Desolation and Gray canyons is the most prominent feature.The WSA has an extensive system of deep canyons. Elevations within the WSA vary by 5,600 feet. The WSA contains arches, pinnacles, and other erosional remnants … There are … A wonderful selection of fresh meats and cheeses, delicious breads, along with crisp vegetables and a variety of spreads satisfy hearty lunchtime appetites after a morning in the canyon. Length: 3.6 mile (5.8km) out and back, round trip Time: 2.5 hours round trip Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Elevation Gain: 600 ft (183m) Location: The short unpaved Desolation Canyon Road is located 3.7 miles (6km) south of CA-190 on Badwater Road. This river trip is best to do in the spring or fall. Plus there are plenty of Class II to III rapids to keep everyone on the trip entertained. NPS - Dan Kish. I’ve wrote up a pretty lengthy post about this trip in October 2016, so I’ll limit this to mostly a photo essay.. Todd Kelsey scored another cancellation permit for Desolation / Gray and put together another team for the trip. Tasty chicken and veggie wraps or perhaps chicken salad pitas may also be part of Western's mid-day buffet. Whether on a long sandy beach or at the base of towering cliffs, Western River guests often find their time in camp to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip. Desolation Canyon makes for a relaxed, enjoyable week on the river. You'll receive your personal sleeping bag upon arrival to the river. Your personal water-resistant bag will protect your duffel bag, sleeping bag and other personal items from exposure to sand and water. In addition to outstanding whitewater river recreation, the WSA has exceptional opportunities for hunting, geological study, backpacking and the study of historic and prehistoric cultures. Elk were transplanted into the area in 1988; Rocky mountain bighorn sheep also frequent the WSA. Topographic map and route description (600kb PDF) for Desolation Canyon . Desolation Canyon Rafting trips explore the remote, stunning canyon country of Utah's Green River as it flows into Dinosaur National Monument. It was amazing how the Western River guides transformed the campsites into a kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “The food was fantastic! At 290,845 acres, the Desolation Canyon Wilderness Study Area is the largest WSA managed by BLM in the contiguous 48 states. Don’t underestimate the class IV drive into Sand Wash or the mosquitoes that infest this river through the heart of the summer season. Rapids are sparse, but the campsites are nice, and the opportunities for side hikes and photography are outstanding. Whether on a long sandy beach or at the base of towering cliffs, Western River guests often find their time in camp … The 84 river miles of the Green River is the WSA's major feature. You might think you're still dreaming when you see plates of steaming flapjacks, fresh fruit and scrambled eggs, but it's the way every morning on the river begins. The canyon at Rock Creek is more than 1 mile deep. Desolation Canyon on the Green River is one of the best multi-day river trips in the Western US. Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River offer an 84 mile long dose of spectacular Utah scenery. There is about 26 miles of flatwater until Jack Creek. The 84 mile segment of the Green River through Desolation and Gray canyons is the most prominent feature.The WSA has an extensive system of deep canyons. This is essentially a toilet without the fancy plumbing and is available from the time you pull into camp each afternoon until you leave camp the next day. Dutch-oven cake and cobblers or other scrumptious desserts deliciously top off the evening meal. Western's guides are not only trained river professionals, they're talented campfire cooks as well. No it doesn't have the biggest and baddest rapids but it does contain some of the best river campsites and beaches. This can be placed under your tent or cot at night. Price Field Office A ground cloth keeps your gear and camping areas clean. And Western always serves fresh food on all river adventures. Steaming coffee provides welcome warmth to counter the cool sand between your toes. Camping in Desolation Canyon On your 5 Day Desolation Canyon Utah Rafting Vacation, you'll experience camping along the river's edge for 4 nights. A portable toilet and hand wash system is set up each day in camp in a secluded location that assures privacy. There are several private companies with professional guides that organize rafting trips along the Green River and through Desolation Canyon. Green River State Park. Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River offer an 84 mile long dose of spectacular Utah scenery. Tents are always available and easy to set up. Campsites River Scenery River Scenery Campgrounds and parking in Desolation Canyon. You can relax while your guides do all the cooking. Cots make sleeping and relaxing on the river easy. This run is … This comprehensive PDF guides include river maps, overview, full itineraries, camping and weather information, details on physical requirements, packing lists and more. Don’t underestimate the class IV drive into Sand Wash or the mosquitoes that infest this river through the heart of the summer season. A spectacular scenic flight from Moab, Utah lands you atop a dramatic desert plateau where you'll begin rafting Desolation Canyon on the Green River. Desolation Canyon … The whitewater is relatively easy at most water levels, the scenery is spectacular, and there are several historical sites to visit. On your 5 Day Desolation Canyon Utah Rafting Vacation, you'll experience camping along the river's edge for 4 nights. Reservations for noncommercial private river trips may be obtained through an advance lottery-type permit system (Contact BLM at the Price Field Office 435-636-3600 for further information). Desolation Canyon on the Green River is one of the best multi-day river trips in the Western US. This river trip is best to do in the spring or fall. A smaller, personal day-use bag keeps important items handy during the day. Mild whitewater means great swimming and splashing fun! The WSA contains arches, pinnacles, and other erosional remnants not known to occur elsewhere in the Wasatch Formation in similar concentrations or settings.Vegetation is diverse, ranging from desert to high mountain types in a distance of only 5-10 miles.Desolation Canyon WSA is located within the Price and Moab Field Offices.