Desolation Canyon is perhaps our most popular family river vacation. A less-known national treasure, Desolation is one of the most scenic, historic and colorful waterway areas on the western rivers. Its brightly colored formations are monuments to the force of Mother Nature. Wildlife thrives: you may see mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, or waterfowl and desert birds, along with yucca, sage, numerous cacti and wildflowers. Huge cottonwood trees over untouched beaches offer exquisite campsites. Feel the power of the river pull as your oar or paddle raft drifts along the calmer sections of the Green. Desolation Canyon has an abundant supply of rapids; over 60 overall on this 84-mile trip. The trip includes a scenic charter flight from Moab to the trip's put-in site at Sand Wash.
- Hassle-free meetup at a point of your choosing
- Your guide will pick a trek that’s customized to your preferences
- Suitable for beginner and expert hikers alike
- Get private access to a certified guide for a coveted Joshua Park experience
What To Expect
Day 1 – Scenic Flight
Adrift Adventures
Trip meets in Moab, Utah at our office, 378 N. Main, at 6:15 am. On the morning of the trip, you’ll be transported to the Moab Airport and board a charter flight, approx. 45 minutes to Sand Wash, the river put-in site. Please be sure to contact our office if your beverages exceed one case per group. We must maintain weight restrictions on charter planes, so large amounts of beverages must be taken in the day before with the Adrift Crew via truck. The truck will leave the office approximately 12:00 p.m. the day before your departure date. After your scenic flight into Sand Wash you’ll load onto our rafts for a pleasant day of floating the Green River. Spend the evening camping on the river’s shore. Horseshoes, volleyball, hiking and just plain relaxation for the evening! Lunch and dinner included.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Book Cliffs
Fly over the Bookcliss for a chance to see wild horse and Buffalo
• Admission Ticket Free
Nine Mile Canyon
Fly into the Nine-Mile Canyon airstrip where you will meet your guides and start your adventure
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Day 2 – Journey through time
Green River
Today is the day for a journey through time. With spectacular rock formations, abundant Ancestral Puebloan dwellings, pictographs, and petroglyphs. Sandy beaches and huge cottonwoods offer exquisite campsites. Camp at the river’s shore for another exciting evening! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
• Admission Ticket Free
Day 3 – Rapids
Green River
By now you’ll be through the rapids of Range Creek, Rattlesnake, and McPherson’s… all having increased in size from the beginning to the end of the trip. Camp at the river’s shore for yet another exciting evening! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
• Admission Ticket Free
Day 4 – Hike day
Green River
After a healthy breakfast, you’re off once again on the river. Short hikes to ancient Ancestral Puebloan dwellings that range from a five-minute walk to half an hour break up your day. The trip concludes mid-afternoon. You’ll be transported back to Moab. Breakfast & lunch are included.
• Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Not wheelchair accessible
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Infants must sit on laps
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
Include
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Local taxes
Beverages
Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Professional guide
Dinner (3)
Lunch (4)
Breakfast (3)
Exclude
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Alcoholic drinks
Max group – 15
