Often called a miniature Grand Canyon, this segment of the Colorado River is the answer for the person who is short on time but wants it all...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 Thane 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 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.
On selected dates we combine our Westwater trip with a two-day stay at the Tavaputs Ranch (link to ranch/raft page). Inside tips on booking Westwater Canyon...it usually sells out so book early. The three-day trip offers more time to leave the world behind and the opportunity to become one-on-one with the Colorado River in an inflatable kayak: the ultimate three-day getaway.
Trip Detail:
-2008 Departure Dates:
*3 day trips - Mondays & Fridays April 28 - June 13;
Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays June 17 - Aug. 29;
Fridays September 5-26;
*2 day trips - Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays June 18 - Aug. 30;
Saturdays September 6-27;
-Minimum Age: 8;
-Level: Intermediate;
-Meeting Place: Green River, Utah 8:00 a.m.
Tour Itinerary:
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.
3 Days Itinerary: Late Season (July - September)
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. Includes: (L),(D);
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. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
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. Includes: (B),(L).
2 Days Itinerary: Mid-Season (July - September)
Day 1 - Pack bags at river headquarters in Green River, Utah before ride to Westwater Ranger Station. Relaxing float to Little Hole Canyon's natural amphitheater where shards of Indian pottery can be seen. In favorable conditions a short hike up Little Dolores Canyon reveals a beautiful desert waterfall and swimming hole. Camp near Little Dolores. Includes: (L),(D);
Day 2 - Leisurely breakfast before rapids of Westwater Canyon. Rapids, one right after another, Marble, Staircase, Hunter's, Funnel Falls, and Surprise . . . lead to Skull Rapid, one of the Colorado's fiercest drops. Finish with Bowling Alley, Sock-it-to-me and Last Chance. Vans will return you to our headquarters in Green River at the end of the trip. Includes: (B),(L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Westwater Canyon Colorado River Rafting (3 days): $550.00;
Group/Youth (3 days): $495.00;
Westwater Canyon Colorado River Rafting (2 days): $395.00;
Group/Youth (2 days): $355.00;
Bureau of Land Management Special Area Fee of $7 per person;
Deposit: $100 per person
Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Utah
Colorado
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Camping
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
