Summary

Family Goes to Camp - 5 Day

Prices From	USD$ $880.00
1st Departure	06.07.2009
Provider	Sheri Griffith Expeditions
Destination	Green River
Duration	5 days/4 nights
Challenge	Easy
Avg Rating	Not Rated

If you’re looking for quality time for the whole family, something where everybody has fun on the same vacation, the Majestic Canyons is your trip! This journey offers exciting whitewater for kids of all ages, charming camp sites on sandy beaches, ancient Native American and cowboy history, and astounding geological formations. There are over 50 playful rapids in Desolation Canyon that are full of big rolling waves. Each day time is set aside for families to interact together including campfire games, paddling together in an inflatable kayak or leisure walks up a secluded side canyon.

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet early at the Moab Canyonlands Airport for a spectacular scenic flight to a mesa above the river. You will be met by one of your guides who will load your gear into a vehicle and take it to the boats. We will then hike down the mesa to the river.

Today is primarily flat water with a few riffles here and there. We have many river miles to cover to reach the whitewater, so depending on water levels; we may motor during the day. Regardless, today is a fun day of swimming and learning about the human and natural history of the canyon. We will pass Sumner’s Amphitheater, named by John Wesley Powell in 1869. We will also see an abandoned iron-prowed skiff, whose history remains a mystery.

Early evening, enjoy a hike; relax with a favorite book in an enchanting beach camp, or join in a wild game of bocce ball with new friends. After watching the sun slip over the canyon rims, the sound of the waves downstream will lull you to sleep.

Day 2

Today the whitewater begins! We will practice our inflatable kayak skills in fun, small rapids. We’ll see the Flat Canyon petroglyphs. We will lunch on a sandy beach and build sandcastles. The afternoon will be spent playing in the kayaks and swimming. Be sure to watch for wildlife. We will pull over to camp by late afternoon. While dinner is being prepared we will have time for nature programs, building sandcastles and playing along the riverbank.

Day 3

We’ll wake again to fresh brewed coffee and hot cocoa. Today is another fun day of whitewater. Some of the rapids we will challenge today are Snap Canyon, Belknap Falls, Chandler Falls, and Cow Swim. We will play in the swimming hole at Rock Creek and explore the Rock Creek Ranch where Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch hung out. This is also the deepest part of the canyon (deeper than the Grand Canyon!). The cliff walls rise above 5,000 feet.

Day 4

More fun rapids today—Wire Fence and Three Fords are the two biggest. We will see the McPherson Ranch, another hide out of Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch. We will leave Desolation Canyon and enter Gray Canyon. Traditionally, the last night of the river trip is “dress-up” night. Anything goes if you would like to participate. It is up to your imagination! This is a great way to celebrate the trip and near completion of your Green River adventure.

Day 5

We’ll swim, play in the rapids, and have waterfights today. We will pass Nefertiti Rock just after Nefertiti Rapid. We will take out just below Swaseys Rapid and across from spectacular Gunnison Butte. We return to the Moab Canyonlands Field Airport around 5-5:30 PM.

Gear List

Packing List

Sheri Griffith Expeditions provides all rafts and related equipment, life jackets, safety equipment, personal dry bags and boxes for your gear, kitchen, dining and toilet equipment, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents. Please pack clothing that you will not mind getting wet and dirty. Fast drying, durable, comfortable clothing is best for rafting. Cotton is recommended for hot weather and synthetic polypropylene or wool clothes for cool weather. All personal items must fit into a 20" x 20" x 27" dry bag. You may pack in an athletic bag for easier access. Please note trips including a scenic flight have a FAA 25 lbs. luggage limit per person.

*Available in our Canyon Travelers Store or by phone (800) 332-2439 **Available to rent with advanced notice.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS:

Water bottle w/ strap or carabiner*
Sunglasses with a retainer*
Sunscreen ~ SPF 15 or greater~ a must!*
Lip moisturizer ~ SPF 15 or greater*
Flashlight or headlamp Hat or visor with hat clip to attach to life jacket or shirt *
Rain jacket & pants ~ thunderstorms in the desert are very unpredictable!*
Fleece or sweatshirt ~ nights & mornings are cool; also great under raingear.
T-shirts * (one per day)
2 Swimsuits/sports bras ~ ladies-a sports top & swim shorts are very convenient!
1 pair Lightweight pants ~ zip-off, convertible pants are great-they're 2 in 1 and save space when packing your dry bag.
2 pairs Quick dry shorts ~ swimsuit and shorts all in one!
Long sleeve cotton shirt ~ provides sun and insect protection.
Underwear
River sandals or shoes that can get wet, will dry quickly, and will not slip off of your feet.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ITEMS

Hiking shoes & socks ~ for hiking and wearing around camp
Moisturizing lotion ~ Aloe Vera Waterproof camera *
Sun umbrella ~ if sensitive to sun
Binoculars ~ for viewing wildlife
Books ~ for relaxing in the evening
Toiletry Kit: Tooth brush & tooth paste
Biodegradable soap & shampoo.
Feminine hygiene products Small pack of tissue
Medications ~ prescription and non-prescription
Comb and/or brush
Small towel and washcloth

TIPS FROM THE PROS (Our Guides)

Disposable moist towelettes Small day or fanny pack
Ziploc bags ~ for extra water protection
Skirt/sarong * ~ 101 uses!
Travel pillow
Garbage bag or stuff sack ~ keeps wet & dry clothes/items separate
Area guide or River Map *
Extra snacks ~ for individuals with particular tastes or who may be diabetic-great for kids too!
Personal sodas / juices / alcohol (no glass)
Journal or notebook with pen / pencil
Duct tape ~ great for quick repairs of almost anything-sandals, sunglasses, luggage, you name it! A few clothespins and small piece of rope for drying clothes.
Goggles ~ for individuals who wear contact lenses

Packing Tips

Handy Items: Ziploc and trash bags are very useful for separating personal items in your dry bag such as medications, shampoo, soap, wet items, and dirty laundry. Wet wipes are great for washing your face, wiping your hands, and cleaning sand or dirt off of personal belongings. Pack a few clothespins and rope to dry clothes while on the river. Remember, on the river it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it! All of these items can be invaluable and do not take up much space or add much weight to your luggage.
Carabiner: Carabiners are very handy in the outdoors as well as back home. Their oval shape and simple gate mechanism allow you to easily clip your water bottle, camera, hat ~ just about anything ~ nearby.
Extra Snacks: We provide snacks throughout the day, but is a good idea to bring extra snacks for children, for individuals who have snack preferences, or for those who may be diabetic.
Beverages: Each boat has an ice cooler for "personal" drinks such as soda, juice, beer, wine, etc. Since there are no stores along the river, we recommend bringing more than you anticipate needing. Please do not bring glass. SGE provides water, available to you all day long, with lemonade, Gatorade, and iced tea mixes.