Itinerary for Lodore Canyon Option July 17-20
Day 0: Arrive in Vernal, Utah overnight. Lodging is additional.
Day 1: Meet the group at the outfitter's headquaters for an orientation. Three-hour bus ride to Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge, the site of the put-in. Today you will pass through the Gates of Lodore.
Day 2: The "Gates" mark the beginning of your trip on this historic section of the Green River. The canyon narrows and you will encounter Harp Falls, Triplet Falls, Hell's Half mile and more.
Day 3: Today the trip reaches the confulence of the Green and Yampa Rivers at Echo Park. The river widens and the river flow picks up. Next it is on the Whirlpool Canyon.
Day 4: Peaceful morning in Rainbow and Island Park areas before entering the last canyon, Split Mountain Gorge which lives up to its name. The rapids are fast and furious before the take out and a 35-minute ride back to Vernal.
Itinerary for San Juan Canyon Option June 10-13
Day 0: Arrive in Blanding, Utah to be ready for early meeting on day one.
Day 1: Meet group in Blanding, Utah then a 30-minute scenic ride to the put-in point - Sand Island. Float down to lunch near River House Ruin, one of the best preserved ancient pueblo dwellings in the Southwest. Camp near Comb Ridge, the 600-foot edge to the enormous Monument Upwarp.
Day 2: Pass through the village of Mexican Hat before traversing the famed Goosenecks of the San Juan. Take an optional hike to the 1894 prospector cabin of Walter Mendenhall. Enjoy frequent sightings of Great Blue Heron that seem to lead the way into the labyrinth. Camp in the heart of the Goosenecks.
Day 3: This morning we can hike the Honaker Trail, all that remains of the "1892 gold rush". The reward for those who put forth this 1200-foot vertical effort is an unforgettable view of Monument Valley. A good day to stop at a pristine beach and check out 300 million year old fossils, remnants from another eon. Government Rapid and a "siesta" at Slickhorn Gulch highlights this day. Slickhorn Gulch is one of the premier side canyons along the Colorado System with fern grottos and swimming pools.
Day 4:Fast water drops you into Lake Powell after passing Grand Gulch Primitive Area; then we continue across the lake to the take out at Clay Hills Crossing. You will transfer to a two-hour scenic van ride back to Blanding, Utah.
Itinerary for Lower Salmon Option August 2-5
Day 0: Arrive in Grangeville, Idaho.
Day 1: Meet group at outfitter’s headquarters for 8:00 AM pre-trip meeting. After everyone repacks into the waterproof bags provided by the outfitter group will depart for 30 minute ride to river put in at Hammer Creek. Enjoy a few short stops at some examples of ancient Nez Perce pictographs as well as some exciting rapids in Green Canyon.
Day 2: Navigate Bodacious Bounce, Lorna’s Lulu and more in Cougar and Snowhole Canyons. Opportunities to relax and hike are also a welcome part of the day.
Day 3: Today we negotiate the largest rapid of the trip as well as take time to stop at two of the more important Nez Perce sites on the river. There is also the opportunity for a hike up to Wapshilla Ranch.
Day 4: We reach the confluence of the Snake and Salmon Rivers. The trip winds down and we reach our take out point of Heller Bar. You will be returned by bus back to Grangeville, arriving at about 4:30 PM.
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