Desolation Canyon Trip Highlights
Desolation Canyon is the pinnacle landscape of the Great American West. Ribboning through ever-growing cliffs and ever-crumbling escarpments, this 84-mile section of the Green River is nestled in a wilderness as remote as anyone could ask for. It’s a place where wild mustangs still traipse the river banks, fossils hide in the shale, and old outlaw hideouts have remained in tact.
- Trip starts with an unbelievably scenic flight over the Green River into Desolation Canyon.
- 60+ fun and friendly Class II – III rapid sections dispersed throughout the trip.
- Towering walls deeper than the Grand Canyon in some stretches.
- Numerous off-river excursions to 19th century homesteads and ancient petroglyph panels.
- Tons of wildlife, including wild mustangs, bears, birds of prey, big horned sheep, and more.
- Big sandy beaches with shady cottonwood trees for camp each day.
- The largest continuous wilderness and research study area in the lower 48.
- A true wilderness trip with one road in and one road out.
Desolation Canyon Rafting Trips
More About This Trip
The Whitewater
Desolation is far from being short on rapids, boasting over 60 Class II sections to splash through in a raft or kayak. There are also a few exciting Class III rapids, including Steer Ridge, Cow Swim, and Three Fords.
High water season in Desolation Canyon is typically from late May to early June. The flows on this stretch of the Green River are pretty dependent on its contributing tributaries like the Yampa, White, and Duchesne Rivers.
The Sites and Camping
The longer the trip in Desolation Canyon, the longer you’ll have to explore its remarkable history and side canyons. The top sites right off the river include Rock Creek Ranch and the Flat Canyon petroglyph panel, which are usually visited on every trip.
Many of the campsites in Deso also offer opportunities to hike to old homesteads and Native American rock art. As for the campsites themselves, this canyon is lined with amazing beaches and big beautiful cottonwoods.
Legacy
Desolation Canyon was recently designated as a Wild and Scenic River in 2019, ensuring its protection for public enjoyment. We have many devoted river runners and environmental organizations to thank for making this happen after decades of dedicated work.
These trips continue on the legacy of Adventure Bound River Expeditions, combined with the legendary customer service and expertise of Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep tours.
Trip Options
Green River
A quick run through Desolation Canyon with lots of time on the river!
- Youth: $1,249
- Adult: $1,369
Green River
5-day trips offer more time to relax, rejuvenate and refresh in one of most stunning canyons in America.
- Youth: $1349
- Adult: $1549
Green River
6-day trips allow ample time to hike, explore, and enjoy premier camp sites.
- Youth: $1449
- Adult: $1599
Trip Option Comparison
Trip | Trip Features | Additional Cost Per Adult |
---|---|---|
4-Day (~84 River Miles) |
|
$1,369(Base Price) |
5 Day (~84 River Miles) |
|
+$180 |
6 Day (~84 River Miles) |
|
+$230 |
We offer private trips! Click below to learn more about this option.
Rates & Dates
Why Raft Desolation Canyon with Mild to Wild?
Trip Provisions
- AEDs and comprehensive first aid kits on all trips
- Satelite communication devices
- Delicious meals and snacks provided from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
- Catered 3 course dinners with appetizers, entrees, and deserts
- Dietary accommodations
- All necessary high quality custom river and camp equipment is provided
- Round trip transportation from meet location
Professional, Interpretive & Entertaining Guides
- Trip leaders average 2,000 river miles
- All guides are certified in Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, & Food Handling.
- Dedicated company division to risk management, guided training, and continuing guide education
Our Commitment
to You
Our Client Reviews from Google
Posted on Reda2025-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was Ms. Pat. What a lovely knowledgeable lady! We learned some much about the area Native Americans and the history of the locale. Pat was engaging and attentive. She is a credit to your business!!!Posted on Natalie Nunez2025-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing trip. Able to see Silverton like never before on the Jeep tour, and Jay was incredibly kind. I'd recommend this to anyone I can!Posted on Renee Privett2025-10-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family and I had a great time on the half day trip down the Animas River. It was our first time in Durango. Our guide Hayden was awesome! Highly recommend!Posted on Larry Donahue2025-10-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tosh Black is phenomenal. This is our yearly trip and we picked Telluride. We went to Bridal Val Falls was off the chart amazing. We also went to Ophir Pass was unbelievable. We also got to see Alta Lakes,, breathtaking. Alex, thank you very much for letting Tosh Come out and play with his friends, that he gets to see once a year. Again, thank you very much to Tosh and Alex for making an awesome memory. You are the best.Posted on Lori Murakami2025-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tyler was an awesome guide. Friendly and knowledgeable. He took the time to educate us about the mining area and scraped rocks to show us the differences in color.Posted on Anne Baccich2025-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Did a van tour with Miles that was quite good in spite of the NPS shutdown of Mesa Verde. He clearly knows the history of the area and has great respect for the ruins and the culture of the ancient ones. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.Posted on Lisa Janzen2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved the off-roading Jeep ride! We had a great guide and also a great group.Posted on john sanford2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat was great. Due to the government shutdown and parts of Mesa Verde being closed she improvised and provided a great learning experience for us. I did not appreciate a call at 9:10 pm the prior night from the scheduler asking if we could change our start times. The main office knew about the closures on Friday and waited until last minute on Sunday to call me about changing and at a late hour.Posted on Robin Simpson2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cat our guide was wonderful. Even though most of the national parks were closed Cat kept us entertained with her knowledge and stories. Thank you
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 30 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds.
- Call for other arrangements!
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
- 60+ days: Receive a refund less $200 per person unrecoverable fees.
- 45+ days: Reschedule for another trip/date, or receive Mild to Wild gift certificate less $200 per person.
- Less than 45 days, unfortunately there will be no refund. Substitutions/name changes are allowed.
- RoamRight Travel Insurance is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances, such as cancelled flights, sickness or medical evacuations.
- Guests needing to be evacuated from the canyon will be charged a minimum of $1,000 per person.
Gallery
Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Camping & Dining
Itinerary
Map & River Log
Packing Guide
Weather & Rapids
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Mild to Wild Rafting is proud to be an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.