- 2012 Departure Dates: May 5, 12, 19, 26; Sept. 1, 15, 22 - Minimum Age: 12 years - Level: Expert (May) Intermediate (September) - Meeting Place: Green River, Utah 7:00 a.m. One of the advantages of a bike/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 in the area. The White Rim trail is world renowned not only for its beauty but also its incredible biking terrain. The trail circles the region between the Colorado and Green Rivers above the confluence, and passes by some of Canyonland's most spectacular views. Cataract Canyon is an anomaly. Its Rapids rank along with those of the Grand Canyon in power and difficulty. Yet Cataract contains mile after mile of rafting through canyons where you are awe struck, not at whitewater, but the deep multicolored canyons of this section of Canyonlands National Park. Side canyon hikes to ruins and petroglyphs delight you as you head towards the Confluence of the Colorado and the Green Rivers. Once you reach the Confluence, the Colorado's behemoth rapids emerge. Rapids 15 through 23 comprise Mile Long and The Big Drops, a fall of 80 feet in less than four miles-one of the Colorado's steepest descents. If you're not afraid of a sore muscle or two why ride to the river in a van? When you could be flying along the White Rim Trail on a bike? Sixty-five miles from mesa top to river bottom will show you the ride that has become the standard against which all others are judged. After three days of following the White Rim trail and its meandering course of the Green and Colorado rivers, the white sandstone bench descends to the river bottom, and your whitewater journey begins. The White Rim bike route is a technically challenging route. This undeveloped dirt road has steep down-hills, loose rocks, sand, and ruts. Riders who have no off-road bicycling experience, or who are not athletic will most likely find this trip too challenging. All riders should prepare for the trip by riding their bike on a regular basis prior to the trip. Sample Itinerary: Day 1: Meet group at headquarters in Green River, Utah. A two-hour van ride to the head of the Shafer Trail marks the start of the trip. The first day's ride will take the group down the switchbacks of the Shafer trail before cutting back south towards Musselman Arch. The trail continues to wind southward as it follows the meandering course of the Colorado River. Camp on this evening is made at or near Gooseberry Canyon. Day 2: Our ride will take us over undulating roads past the white, sandstone-capped monoliths of Monument and Twin basins. Then in the afternoon up to Murphy's Hogback, one of this trips' challenging uphill stretches. After conquering the hill we will set camp for the night. Day 3: By the morning of this day the trail has turned back north and is following the contours of the Green River. We ride around the labyrinths of Soda Springs Basin and by Candlestick Tower before reaching Beaver bottom where the rafts are waiting. Day 4: The river's smooth current transports our rafts to stops at Valentine Bottom or Turks Head where we will observe prehistoric Indian ruins and petroglyphs. Quiet beaches, hidden canyons, and refreshing water fights are common through this section of the trip. Day 5: We reach the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers. The Ute Indians believed the Confluence to be the center of the universe, and some people still do. Just below the meeting of these two rivers enjoy a view of the Doll House, an appropriately named collection of free standing, sandstone columns. Day 6: Possible early morning hike into Doll House. Ascend steeply to the canyon rim in the Maze District with red rock formations. After descending to the river, the rapids of Cataract Canyon await. The climax: Big Drop Rapids with Little Niagara and Satan's Gut. Day 7: Lunch at Rock Canyon and a trip across Lake Powell with the aid of motorboat "Hayduke" brings you to Hite Marina and the end of the trip. A two-hour drive brings you back to Green River. This typical itinerary illustrates a bike trip through the Island in the Sky District and raft trip through Cataract Canyon using the Green River's Labyrinth and Stillwater canyons. Because of changes in the river's speed the White Rim/Cataract trip varies slightly with the time of season that you go. The May trips usually meet up with the rafts in mid to late afternoon of the third day out. The September trips will meet up with the rafts prior to lunch on the third day. Member discount: Notes: Prices: 
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Also see tour packages in: USA Utah Outdoor: Land Rambler Bicycle Touring Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting Email it to a friend: Click here to email this vacation to a friend
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