No Roads, No Towns, No Connectivity: Families Focus on Nature and Whitewater Rafting the Green River in Utah’s Desolation Canyon

Western River Expeditions’ offers a 5 Day Desolation Canyon family rafting vacation on the Green River.

SALT LAKE CITY –  Utah’s Desolation Canyon, carved over millennia by the 730-mile Green River that is spawned by glacial melts on the Continental Divide in the wilds of northern Wyoming, is one of the most remote (no roads, no towns, no cell or data service) destinations in the continental United States. It also tops the list when it comes to family rafting vacations.

From June 1 through Aug. 8, a small plane transports guests from Moab, Utah, on a scenic, 40-minute flight to a desert plateau overlooking the Green River where after a short hike, Western River Expeditions’ 5 Day Desolation Canyon family rafting vacation begins.

The Green is less strident than the Grand Canyon’s rollicking Colorado River. Instead of the world-class rapids on the Colorado, whitewater on the Green is playful, marked by over 60 warm-water Class I-III rapids, packed with more than enough splash to elicit excitement for ages 5 and up.

While paddling on the Green, guests typically surrender their senses to twisted mountains, dramatic cliffs, and towering plateaus carved by an ancient inland sea. Rates are $1,645 for ages 16 and up and $1,025 for ages 5-15 including…

• exploring 88 river miles
• the option to paddle two-person inflatable kayaks
• or, relax in a guide-powered oar boat
• witnessing 40 million years of geologic history
• maneuvering 60+ fun-filled Class I-III rapids. One of the greatest features of this expedition is that the rapids are spread fairly evenly throughout the length of the trip so the action keeps it exciting all journey long.
• visiting famous Wild West outlaw hideouts. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch found that the rugged terrain here offered a perfect hideaway.
• wondering about the past at now-derelict homesteads built of native materials
• getting to know an ancient culture that both foraged and planted corn from the 7th to the 13th centuries, leaving behind Fremont Native American petroglyphs
• hiking off-river with a seasoned guide well-versed in the region’s history and geology
• deluxe camping on broad, sandy beaches along the river bank
• enjoying host-prepared adult and children’s meals sourced from local farmers and producers
• sunbathing on and off the water shaded by ancient cottonwoods
• watching a Trip Jester entertain the children so parents have some down time

On its journey south through Utah towards the confluence with the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park, the Green has created such an unforgettable universe that Desolation Canyon has been singled out as a National Register of Historic Places.

Calling this “the ultimate, back-country family river trip,” Jason Taylor, an operations manager who oversees all of Western River Expeditions’ trips in Utah, noted that the five-day program is appropriate for children as young as 5. It’s also a great river trip for extended families and first-time rafters. Five guides are assigned to trips that accommodate up to 25.

One plus that families come to love is the fact that in this remote environment cell and data service are non-existent. Instead of connecting to electronic devices, the connection is with family, guides and other guests. Children focus on the designated Trip Jester who, in a fun and informative way, shares insights with kids of all ages into this world of wonder. Creative games, swimming, arts and crafts are all part of the fun.

While some time- and career-stressed parents may have difficulty connecting with their own children, Taylor said that by trip’s end, they’re melding with their families and creating stronger family bonds and memories.

“We see children transform from being needy and whiney to independent and happy. Everybody grows on this trip. In fact, this truly is the perfect family vacation. Some families come back every couple of years,” he said.

For more details on this trip see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2018 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit http://www.westernriver.com/.

Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. From March through October, the operatort escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its Moab Adventure Center division (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for fourteen consecutive years (2004-2017).

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Rafting season opens on the Arkansas River in Chaffee County, Colorado

Chaffee County in Colorado is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, biking, ATVing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, camping, zip lining, swimming, tennis, golfing and horseback riding © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

As the snow melts on the mighty Sawatch Range, the Arkansas River becomes the center of attention and action in Chaffee County. The Arkansas flows through the heart of Chaffee County, gracing the downtowns of both Salida and Buena Vista with her beauty and world-renowned whitewater, fly-fishing, scenery and river festivals. High water levels translate to the start of summer river rafting and kayaking fun up and down the county. The Arkansas River and specifically Brown’s Canyon is the most rafted area in the world. The great winter snows will make this rafting season one of the best on record.

Memorial weekend officially kicks off the Whitewater season with PaddleFest 2011 and the BV Pro Rodeo. Not to be out done by the Granddaddy of whitewater festivals, the 63rd Annual New Belgium FIBArk, June 15-19, 2011. Around these two events, rafters, kayakers, river strollers and fly fisher-persons come to Chaffee County because it is the perfect river community.

For rafting enthusiasts, Browns Canyon is sure to please as splashy class III whitewater winds through a dramatic canyon. The adrenaline junkie can head upstream to class IV-V sections like Pine Creek and the Numbers, where even the most seasoned boaters tremble in their booties. Or, if drifting in warm sun is more your style, try a mellow float trip. With more than 30 outfitters in the county, beginning May 1st, the rafting trip of your dreams can easily become a reality.

For play-boating kayakers, both Salida and Buena Vista have world class playholes right downtown. For those who prefer dry land picnic and strolls, the river walk in Salida and footbridge in Buena Vista have beautiful scenery and trails to wind away the hours.

Dropping a fly or line into the current more your speed? Indulge your need for solitude and sport on the cool waters of the Arkansas. Brown and rainbow trout lurk beneath stunning vistas and shady cottonwood-lined banks as the river sets an ambling pace from its headwaters near Leadville.

PaddleFest 2011 and the BV Pro Rodeo, May 27-29, 2011 starts the summer whitewater boating season Memorial weekend in downtown Buena Vista. Join a pro kayaker for a freestyle clinic, take a guided tour on the river, participate in a ‘how to’ clinic, show off your skills in a fun kayak competition in the new river park or relax and watch live music and videos. The entire weekend will also promote awareness and raise funds for all aspects of the Buena Vista River Park. This includes trails, open space, river access, climbing boulders, and instream river features. This action-packed weekend of fun, educational activities, demonstrations, pro kayakers and camaraderie is for all ages and abilities.

The BV Pro Rodeo will be the centerpiece of Paddlefest 2011 with the world’s top athletes battling it out on the new and improved Buena Vista River Park, Friday and Saturday. Winners will be crowned the king and queen of the Buena Vista Riverpark and will take home one of the largest cash purses of the 2011 Pro Rodeo circuit. For more information visit www.ckspaddlefest.com.

The Granddaddy of all river events belongs to Salida, this year the 63rd Annual New Belgium FIBArk will once again draw international competitors and thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to the banks of the Arkansas in downtown Salida, June 15-19, 2011. This festival celebrates history, beer, wild boats, free music and mountain folk. Competitions in every aspect of boating is the history of the festival, but a parade, running hill climb, skate competition, new mountain bike race, Hooligan race, pancake breakfast and carnival are only a handful of the great fun that consumes Riverside Park in downtown Salida. A true local favorite, this is the oldest, most prestigious and perhaps toughest river competition in North America or the world for that matter! For more information visit www.fibark.com.

Whether you are rafting, kayaking, angling, hanging out at a festival or just relaxing by the river watching birds and clouds float above, the Arkansas and Chaffee County is the perfect place to enjoy time together or find the perfect antidote for the stresses of modern life.

ABOUT CHAFFEE COUNTY:

Chaffee County is located in Central Colorado, the Heart of the Colorado Rockies. As Colorado’s Headwaters of Adventure – it stars the small towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Poncha Springs as well as Monarch Mountain. Folks drawn here enjoy the welcome contrasts to the state’s more glamorous destination resorts. You don’t need the trendiest clothes or newest equipment to fit in with the locals. However, if you do have a thirst for adventure we have more than 100 miles of Arkansas River to raft, fish, float or kayak in. Twelve of the states 53, 14,000 foot peaks touch the sky here in Chaffee County.

In spring, summer and fall Chaffee County is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, biking, ATVing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, camping, horseback riding, zip lining, swimming, tennis and golfing. Winter sports fans can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Monarch Mountain, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Year-around visitors in the “banana belt” can enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops, incredible art galleries and a large selection of antique shops in the historic towns of Salida and Buena Vista. Lodging options range from motels to rustic inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, beautiful campsites to guest ranches.

For more information and a complimentary brochure, visit www.NowThisIsColorado.com.

Rafting season is underway on Pennsylvania’s Lehigh River in the Poconos Mountains

Rafting down the Lehigh River, even the Class I trip had some fun rapids on this Dam Release weekend © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Rafting season is underway on Pennsylvania’s Lehigh River in the Poconos Mountains.

Major thrills and whitewater are a short getaway away.

We were completely surprised by the quality of the rafting on the Lehigh River, which cuts through Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Whitewater Challengers, one of the biggest raft operators in the area (they send out some 350 rafts a day), offers a superb program – 16 trips with up to 20 rafts a day, satisfying for those who want a tame, swim-splash-fun trip delightful for families, to those who want to a true challenge.

The most exciting trips are on Dam Release weekends, when the river provides Class III rapids.

The rafting here, on a Dam Release weekend was plenty fun.

Their method is to have the guides accompany in kayaks, so somebody on the raft is designated to steer. That got to be me, and was the most fun about the trip on the Class I river (the easiest).

I was green with envy, though, as I watched the kayakers coming down, some on sit-on-top Ocean Kayaks like my own. Next time, I will try that, and this portion of the river would be a great place to learn whitewater kayaking, where you have to learn how to do a quick in-water release.

Whitewater Challengers has the most amazing set-up, tucked into the woods about 30 minutes from where you begin your rafting.

So when you arrive and register, you get a bus “transfer” that is color-coded for your trip; you pick up your life-jacket. If you forgot anything (sunscreen, hat) there is a well-equipped store. You can rent a wetsuit (we didn’t need it the day we rafted). It is all so extremely well organized.

While you wait, you can have breakfast there (pre-paid or pay-as-you-go) underneath a pavilion.

You get to look around – there is a camping area (there were a load of boy scouts when we visited); a zip-line course in the trees.

Whitewater Challengers also offers mountain biking trips – and you can combine various adventures together.

We took advantage of coming the day before the rafting trip to sample the 25-mile rail-to-trail gravel path through the Lehigh River Gorge State Park which follows the river (we saw rafters going down from a different company that operates right from White Haven).

Whitewater Challengers operates some 16 rafting trips with up to 20 rafts per trip.

In addition to the rafting trips on the Lehigh River, Whitewater Challengers also operates rafting trips on New York’s Hudson River Gorge, from North River in the Adirondacks (which can be a Class IV trip, depending upon season), the Black River Canyon out of Watertown, Salmon River out of Pulaski, and Middle Moose River, out of Old Forge.

Contact Whitewater Challengers, 800-443-8554, www.whitewaterchallengers.com.

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– Karen Rubin, Editor & Publisher

Travel Features Syndicate

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