River Rafting

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Join us for the first ever Shooters River Rafting trip in beautiful Westwater Canyon.

Cost is $315 per person and includes all meals (except morning of launch). Save yourself some baggage and rent a camp kit for $40. The kit contains all the essentials you’ll need to make this a memorable and COMFORTABLE trip. Kit includes: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, ground cloth, pillow, rain gear, cup and tent.
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This package does not include travel to/from Utah.
Departure 8 AM SHARP July 30, return 5 PM, Aug 1

Often called a miniature Grand Canyon…a wilderness canyon so stunningly beautiful you'll have no doubt but to leave the world behind. The finale - world class whitewater. Depending upon water level and trip length, you will see from eighteen to fifty miles of the Colorado's finest beaches, side canyons, and campsites.

A century ago pioneer river explorers Than Galloway and John Wesley Powell developed two distinctive rowing styles. Your guides will employ them to meet the challenge of Westwater's rapids. Galloway's innovative facing style will be used in most of the rapids that demand tight boat placement, including
Colorado River Rafting Westwater Canyon
Funnel Falls and Sock-it-to-me. Powell's distinctive style is used for Skull rapid where a powerful thrust is required to thrust through a diagonal wave feeding right into Skull Hole.

We will depart Holiday River Expeditions headquarters on July 30th at 8 AM SHARP. We return to Holiday Expeditions headquarters between 4pm and 5pm on August 1. We’ll then gather at Rays Tavern for a cold beer, good food and tall tales of the past few days.

It is highly recommended you arrive early and take in some of the awesome sights available in the area.

Things to see in the area:

bulletJohn Wesley Powell Museum in
Green River, Utah
bulletArches National
bulletDead Horse Point State Park
bulletCanyonlands National Park
bulletFisher Towers
bulletColorado National Monument
bulletGoblin Valley State
bulletSan Rafael Swell
bulletCapital Reef National Park
bulletNatural Bridges National Monument
bulletLa Sal and Henry Mountains
 

Lodging before and after your trip can be booked at one of six locations:

bulletHoliday Inn Express 435-564-4439 (inside pool, hot tub, continental breakfast - west of the Holiday Expeditions headquarters) 15% discount to Holiday Expedition guests who stay there. www.sixcontinentshotels.com
bulletComfort Inn 435-564-3300 (inside pool, hot tub, continental breakfast - in front of our headquarters) *10% discount for H.E. guests - must have a trip invoice at check in. www.comfortinn.com
bulletRiver Terrace Inn 435-564-3401 (pool, hot tub, refrigerator, full breakfast, riverside rooms available) www.river-terrace.com
bulletSuper 8 435-564-8888 (inside pool, hot tub, refrigerator, microwave) www.super8.com
bulletMotel 6 435-564-3436 (pool, kids free, lower rates) www.motel6.com
bulletSleepy Hollow 435-564-8189 (clean with lower rates)
*When making advance reservations at the Holiday Inn Express or Comfort Inn, mention that you are on a Holiday River Expedition trip and you will be extended a discounted rate on your room (see above).

If you are camping out, there are two campgrounds in Green River: the Green River State Park (no pool, lower rates and may have mosquitoes - call 435-564-3633 to make reservations), and the KOA Campground (435-564-3651 - across from the Holiday Expeditions headquarters).

 

Westwater Canyon weather: In the early and late seasons (May to mid-June and late August to September) the daytime temperatures are 70 to 90 degrees, with nighttime temperatures 50 to 60 degrees. It seldom rains in Westwater Canyon, but when it does, it can cool temperatures considerably in May and September. From mid-June to mid-August the days are hot and temperatures average 80 to 100 degrees during the day and 60 to 75 degrees at night. This is the time of year that swimming in the Colorado becomes a popular activity. This may seem warm but remember the humidity is very low. There will be an abundance of sun, so bring a hat and plenty of suntan lotion and/or sunscreens.


Bugs, snakes, etc. are generally no problem. In fact, the lack of pesky insects is one of the reasons that wilderness camping on the river is so pleasant. Any river trip, however, is subject to an occasional localized insect hatch. During these hatches (most common in June to mid-July) mosquito’s can be bothersome. Be sure to bring long sleeve clothing and repellent. Insect repellents that contain "deet" are by far the most effective during heavy hatches, but are also suspected of causing various health problems. Citronella-based products (skin-so-soft) work only in light hatches. We rarely see any snakes, but if the thought of them bothers you, try sleeping on the beaches or in a tent instead of rocky or bushy areas.
Hiking is a highlight of the trip, however, it is strictly an optional activity. There are many interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done in durable sneakers or lightweight hiking boots. Remember that hiking and other activities vary widely pending time, and what other plans are ahead for the day on the river.

Westwater's rapids on this trip are created when the swift flowing Colorado River is forced through Granite Canyon, a narrow seam of polished black schist capped with red slickrock towers. Virtually unknown 30 years ago, Westwater Canyon has become a favorite choice for its pace, rhythm, and intensity.
 

One of the advantages of a river trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups on the river. The typical itineraries below illustrate a 3-day and a 2-day trip through Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River.
 

SAMPLE 3 DAY ITINERARY


Day 1: Meet at headquarters, in Green River, Utah before two-hour ride to the put-in at Loma. Float leisurely through the desert scenery of Ruby Canyon. For those interested, inflatable kayaks provide the opportunity to experience the river on a solo basis. A side hike up Rattlesnake Canyon reveals a variety of desert plants and wildlife. Camp at Black Rocks where thousand year old ebony colored schist provides the background setting.


Day 2: Peaceful floating and more time in the inflatable kayaks before reaching Westwater Ranger Station. The river enters the narrow canyons that give Westwater the nickname, "the Little Grand." Small rapids begin to materialize along the otherwise peaceful stretches of the Colorado. Camp at one of the many beaches within Westwater Canyon.


Day 3: Encounter rapids of Westwater--one right after another--Hunter's, Funnel Falls, Surprise and . .. THE BIG ONE: Skull Rapid. Observe bald eagle, great blue heron and snowy egret habitats. Short trip back to Green River.


Complete and return the sign-up for with your first payment to secure your spot on this trip. We can only accommodate 25 rafters, so sigh up EARLY!!

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