About This Trip
A Desolation Canyon 5 day rafting trip provides more time to explore the innumerable treasures this destination has to offer. Desolation Canyon is a true adventure from the start, as it begins with scenic flight into the most remote, wilderness study area in the contiguous United States.
Once you’ve landed atop the mesa above the Green River, you’ll hike down to the boats to begin one of the most sought after river trips in the country. “Deso,” as it’s affectionately called by the river community, hosts pristine archaeological sites, century-old homesteads, abundant wildlife, along with 60+ rapid sections.
The campsites in Desolation Canyon are strewn across big, beautiful beaches that offer opportunities for side hikes and exploration. Five days here will allow you plenty of time to unwind, and truly experience the magic of this dramatic canyon.
Desolation Canyon 5-day raft trips start at $1349.00.
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
Standard 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
Kim Furry2024-10-27 Miles gave my team a fantastic tour! Lois Weddle2024-10-27 Jay was a fun and educated guide to Mesa Verde! Thank you Alissa Troike2024-10-26 It was great. Miles was incredible. Highly recommend!!! Tom Evans2024-10-25 Great trip to the old mining operations north of Silverton. Very enjoyable. Vicky Guggino2024-10-19 Miles was our guide for both the 1/2 day Jeep Tour out of Silverton and the Mesa Verde Discovery Tour. He did a great job driving, and the history he told us about was amazing. He also gave great dinner suggestions after both tours! Terrye Gorman2024-10-17 It was super. Our tour guide Miles was awesome. Sarah Mcanally2024-10-15 The staff was friendly and went above and beyond to help meet our dates and needs. Their Jeeps were in great condition and took us to see parts of the untouched countryside that I have never seen before. We will certainly use them again on our next trip to Durango. Jane Turpen2024-10-12 We took a jeep trip up into the mountains to enjoy the fall scenery. The colors were beautiful, our guide,Jay, was excellent, and our group of six was great! We even saw them on our train trip back to Durango. There were some health issues for one traveler and a fear of heights for another. Jay was just terrific in handling both! He was caring but didn’t make a big issue of either. Just took the time to make sure everyone was doing okay and made it a good experience for all. It was a terrific day! Margot Wacks2024-10-12 We booked the guided Mesa Verde trip for our family of four. Our guide was Lee, he was INCREDIBLE!!! A wealth of knowledge, kind, considerate, engaging, and wonderful with our two small children (7 and 10) who at times have endless questions. He really made the history come alive for all of us and definitely made the trip a fun historical adventure! He was just wonderful to work with and made the entire experience one we will never forget. This was our first experience with a guided tour and we will definitely do this again. Not having to worry about driving, navigating the park traffic, getting lost, or not making it to the our scheduled palace tour on time was a huge relief. Everything was planned for us, including lunch. We just had to show up and enjoy!
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
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