About This Trip
If you’re looking to embark on a week-long expedition through the Wild West, our Desolation Canyon rafting 6 day trip is as good as it gets. This trip is meant for those looking to truly experience the grandiosity of the most remote river canyon in the contiguous United States.
Throughout the week, you’ll have time to explore Deso’s significant history and jaw-dropping scenery at a variety of campgrounds and hikes along the river corridor. Ancient petroglyphs, century-old homesteads and fossils wait to be discovered in between beautiful floats down the Green River.
Along the way are long stretches of friendly rapids to run in inflatable kayaks or on the rafts with your guides. And while the name may imply otherwise, Desolation Canyon is brimming with wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for Big Horned sheep, eagles, and wild horses as you splash your way downriver.
Each day ends with a big beautiful beach where we’ll make camp for the night. More days on the river means more time in camp, so play games with the guides, explore the area, fish, swim— whatever you please! This is your time to unwind and reconnect with nature. After tangerine sunsets come the most impressive displays of final frontier, so bring the good camera for snapshots of the Milky Way.
With 84 miles to cover through this astounding stretch of wilderness, we highly suggest opting for a 6-day excursion through Desolation Canyon.
Desolation Canyon 6-day raft trips start at $1449.00.
Desolation Canyon Quick Facts
What’s So Special About Desolation Canyon?
Map
10 Things to know about Desolation Canyon
- Desolation Canyon length: 84 miles
- Desolation Canyon put-in: Sand Wash Boat Launch
- Desolation Canyon take-out: Swasey’s Boat Ramp
- Desolation Canyon rapid class: Class II and III
- Desolation Canyon’s top rapids: Three Fords and Joe Hutch
- Best for Ages: 5+
- Location: Desolation Canyon Wilderness Study Area, eastern Utah
- Notable Scenery: 5,000 foot cliffs, big beaches and cottonwoods, massive spires and hoodoos
- Notable Sites: Flat Canyon Petroglyph Panel, Rock Creek Ranch
- Average CFS Range: 5,000 – 20,000
Booking Options
OAR Rafts
18-33 feet self-bailing rafts (up to 6 guests).
Our rafts range from 18-33 feet depending on water flows during the time of the trip. Periodically we’ll tie the rafts together into a “floatilla,” and motor through calm sections to help us make the miles needed each day.
Inflatable Kayaks are brought along to enjoy at appropriate water levels.
We typically seat between 4-6 guests to each raft.
- Ages 5+
Our Client Reviews from Google
Stephen England2025-08-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great trip with Art. Learned a lot Sharon Chinnis2025-08-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was a great adventure, tour guide on jeep excursion Art was fantastic as was Larry who drove us to our jeep ride Dani P2025-08-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great time paddling with this group. Everyone was knowledgeable and very friendly. Our guide ZB was great and made sure we were safe and enjoying our time. We will be back for the fun and the staff! Keep Zb around! Brenda Cobleigh2025-08-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great visit to Mesa Verde with our guide Cat. It saved us from driving the winding roads and we got a lot of insider knowledge. Food and drinks were provided and we had a nice small group of 6. Picking up in Mancos was easy. And Cat even took photos and videos for us. The Cliff Palace tour was very doable and worthwhile. Ryan Johnson2025-08-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ton of fun, guides were awesome 😎 M. McL.2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guide, Cat, was fantastic, answering all our questions and showing real care for us. Thanks to her we had a wonderful day in Mesa Verde. Keenan Brophy2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10 — would let Justin yell at me to paddle harder again, it was electric. Tom Tworoger2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Skyler, our guide, did a super job. He really helped my grandson and made sure he had a wonderful. time. The trip down the river and the entire staff did a great job. Lori Imeson2025-08-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Jeep tour in the area of Silverton. Jay was funny and very knowledgeable about the area. Enjoyed a moose sighting, and a bit of rockhounding while taking in the amazing views. If given the opportunity, ask for Jay.
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 60 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds by 60 days prior.
- 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, NPS, 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.
Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Camping & Dining
Itinerary
Map & River Log
Packing Guide
Weather & Rapids
Related Adventures
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
A quick run through Desolation Canyon with lots of time on the river!
- Youth: $1,249
- Adult: $1,369
Green River
This trip offers more time to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh in one of the US’s most stunning canyons.
- Youth: $1149
- Adult: $1249
Colorado River
A 4-day trip offers more time to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh in one of the US’s most stunning canyons.
- Youth: $1149
- Adult: $1429