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

Click
here
for Flyer and
Sign-up Form |
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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 |
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| 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:
 | John Wesley Powell Museum in
Green River, Utah |
 | Arches National |
 | Dead Horse Point State Park |
 | Canyonlands National Park |
 | Fisher Towers |
 | Colorado National Monument |
 | Goblin Valley State |
 | San Rafael Swell |
 | Capital Reef National Park |
 | Natural Bridges National Monument |
 | La Sal and Henry Mountains |
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| Lodging before and after your
trip can be booked at one of six locations:
 | Holiday 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 |
 | Comfort 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 |
 | River Terrace Inn 435-564-3401 (pool, hot tub, refrigerator,
full breakfast, riverside rooms available)
www.river-terrace.com |
 | Super 8 435-564-8888 (inside pool, hot tub, refrigerator,
microwave) www.super8.com
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 | Motel 6 435-564-3436 (pool, kids free, lower rates)
www.motel6.com |
 | Sleepy 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.
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| 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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