Travel Questions
WHAT AIRPORT IS BEST TO FLY INTO?
We recommend Canyonlands Field Airport as it’s only 15 minutes from town. Check out our complete guide to Getting to Moab for other airport/shuttle recommendations.
IS THE ORIENTATION REQUIRED AND WHAT’S INVOLVED?
It is required since your camping gear must be packed the day before your trip! Meet us at 10 AM sharp ready to pack the majority of your gear. You cannot arrive later, as the the guides need to have the boats ready to rock before noon (their drive to the put-in is 5+ hours).
You’ll be provided with a 70 liter dry bag (about the size of a large trash bag) to hold all of your gear. If you miss this orientation, you will only be able to bring 25 lbs worth of gear with you on your flight into the canyon.
WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR CAR?
You will leave your vehicle at the Canyonlands Field Airport. Bring cash or card for the parking fee.
WHERE IS A SAFE PLACE TO LEAVE OUR VALUABLES WHILE WE’RE GONE?
We have some space at our office to store valuables like electronics that you don’t want to keep in your car at the airport.
HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT TO THE PUT-IN AND SHUTTLE TO THE TAKE-OUT?
The flight to the Sandwash put-in is about 25 minutes.
The shuttle from the Swasey’s Beach take-out back to the airport is about 45 minutes.
WHAT TIME DO WE GET TO THE TAKE OUT?
We shoot to have you off the river between 4-5 PM.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND MISS MY TRIP?
Mild to Wild is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. To protect your travel investment, we recommend you purchase separate travel insurance with RoamRight.
Equipment Questions
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Check out our Gear List and Packing Guides for what we already provide versus what you need to bring on our trips.
HOW DO WE KEEP OUR CLOTHES AND OTHER STUFF DRY?
We use dry bags! Which are designed to keep water out of the inner compartments with durable material and rolled-down seal. We provide one 70 liter dry bag and one 10 liter dry bag per person.
For the 70 liter bag, you can use a large pillow case or large trash bag as a close reference to make sure all your stuff will fit. This is meant to hold your camping gear and extra belongings, and won’t be accessible until we get to camp. Keep the things you want to have with you during the day in the 10 liter bag! Check out this video on How to Pack Your Dry Bag.
CAN WE BRING OUR OWN COOLER?
You are welcome to bring a soft cooler, or we can also make room for your beverages in our cooler. Please let us know how much space you think you will need so we can prepare.
Rafting Questions
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON?
Visit our page for Weather/Rapids in Desolation Canyon.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND RAFTING EACH DAY?
For 5-6 day trips, we aim for around 6 hours on the water each day. Four day trips should expect 7-8 hours on the water each day.
HOW MANY KAYAKS ARE BROUGHT ON THE TRIP?
We average 1 kayak for every 4 guests. If you think you will want to spend a lot of time in the kayaks, be sure to mention this on your registration form so we can increase that amount. If you think you will want to spend all the time in the kayak, let us know that too.
ARE THERE OTHER ACTIVITIES WE CAN DO DURING OUR ADVENTURE?
The longer your trip is the more hikes and time in camp you will have to enjoy. Four day trips can expect 1-2 off-river excursions.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN A BOAT?
We usually use 16-foot rafts that can fit 6-8 people.
What happens if I have an emergency while I am on the river and need to get off?
If you need to be evacuated from the canyon, there is a minimum fee of $1000. We recommend purchasing travel insurance with RoamRight.
Meals & Camping Questions
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! Our standard options include gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian. Please call us if you have other needs.
Can we bring our own food?
We will have plenty of food for meals and snacks, but if you have a favorite snack, please feel free to bring it along. We do recommend they are individually wrapped so that river water does not get in them.
When are the meal times?
Our meals are on river time— besides breakfast which is usually served between 7:30 – 8:30 am — meaning that they will fluctuate depending on how the day’s itinerary is going. Check out our Desolation Canyon Itinerary for more info!
Can we bring alcohol on the trip?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are welcome, but they can only be consumed while at camp. They also can’t be in glass containers since we’ll be on inflatable boats!
How does the bathroom situation work?
You are welcome to pee to your heart’s content in the river, and number 2’s must be done in our portable toilet system that we set up in camp each day. More details on the “Groover” here.
Misc.Questions
What is the standard tip?
The average is around 20% of your trip’s total cost. Please bring cash to give your guide’s at the end of the trip, or get their Venmo/Digital Wallet information.
What happens after we book and what additional communication will we get?
You will receive a text message confirming your reservation and a confirmation email to reference all your trip details. As we get closer to your adventure, you will receive emails with tons of information to help you get prepared. Your trip leader will call you a day or so before the trip to check in with any questions you might have.
Have more questions?
Feel free to call us at 970-247-4789
Or email us at info@mild2wildrafting.com
Or LiveChat us right from this webpage!
We’re ready to help you have the best adventure possible in Desolation Canyon!