Desolation Canyon Rafting on the Green River in Utah

A spectacular scenic flight from Moab, Utah lands you atop a dramatic desert plateau where you'll begin rafting Desolation Canyon on the Green River. You'll surrender your senses to nature as you're enveloped by 40 million years of geologic history. Winding through a remarkable wilderness of twisted mountains, dramatic cliffs, and towering plateaus carved by an ancient inland sea, Utah's hidden Desolation Canyon rafting trip is a magnificent journey for the ages.

Explore Utah's famous outlaw hideouts, ancient dinosaur habitats, and Fremont Native American petroglyphs. More moderate rapids on this section of the Green River allow you to experience paddling a 2-person inflatable kayak or relax in an oar boat while Western's guides take you down river. Comfortable summer water temperatures and over 60 fun-filled rapids make this Desolation Canyon rafting trip the ideal getaway for your next adventure.

Why Choose Desolation Canyon Rafting?

Desolation Canyon rafting is ideal for families with younger kids (ages 5+). We see parents and grandparents with their kiddos enjoying milder rapids and camping on broad beaches (especially later in the season). Spectacular canyon scenery surrounds five days of uninterrupted time spent with the ones you love the most. Rafting Desolation Canyon on the Green River is a natural for family bonding time.

Desolation Canyon Rafting

Begins and Ends: Moab, Utah
Season: June-August
River Distance: 88 Miles
Rapids: Class II-III
Boat Type: Oar & Inflatable Kayak
Deposit: $500 per person
Minimum Weight: 50 lbs
Minimum Age: 5

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Whats Included

SCENIC FLIGHT Airport transfer & flight from Moab, Utah to the river
RAFTING Class II-III whitewater rafting (rapids depend on water levels)
HIKING Short walks to longer, more difficult hikes (all optional)
CAMPING Cots, tents, sleeping bags, chairs, and water-resistant bag.
MEALS All meals are prepared for you between departure and return.
TRANSFERS Transportation from Moab to the river and return transfer to Moab.

Not Included

TAXES AND FEES Any applicable taxes and fees
LODGING Moab hotel stay before or after trip

Desolation Canyon Rafting Reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 1986 customer reviews

I couldn't be more impressed!

Michael - Colorado, USA

I couldn't be more impressed with our guides on the Green River / Desolation Canyon trip. They were exceptionally friendly and helpful throughout the trip. They proved to be professional, energetic, enthusiastic, and extremely competent, as well as being outstanding role models for all of the kids on the trip. You have some exceptional young people working for your company and I look forward to recommending Western to friends and family in the future. Great job Tiffany, Jayce, Ryan, and Brian!

Highly recommend this trip!

Leslie - Utah, USA

The Desolation Canyon rafting trip is probably one of the best all around river trips I have ever experienced! It has something for everyone, rapids, calm water, hikes and scenery. I would highly recommend this trip to any and everyone no matter their age.

The Types of Rafts in Desolation Canyon

Rafting the Green River, through Desolation Canyon is a great place for first-time rafting and getting familiar with whitewater rapids. Even those who have some experience with whitewater rafting can enjoy a more intimate interaction with the more friendly rapids of Desolation Canyon on an inflatable kayak, or "duckie".

One of the greatest features of this expedition is that the 60+ rapids are spread fairly evenly throughout the length of the trip so the action keeps it exciting all trip long.

Learn about the rafts used in Desolation Canyon

Camping & Dining in Desolation Canyon

Four nights and five days on the river may seem like a long time, but it's just about right - you may not want it to end so soon! Something happens on "river time" that resets your body clock. Camping with all the right equipment, days full of activity, and delicious meals prepared in a gorgeous setting makes it easy to want to stay.

Learn more about camping & dining

Trip of a Lifetime!
No one could ask for better guides. The Western guides knew what they were doing and went out of their way to help us. I was ready to start all over the following week. The food was delicious with great variety. This was a trip of a lifetime!
Elizabeth - Alabama

Request your complimentary Expedition Guide

These comprehensive PDF guides include river maps, overview, full itineraries, camping and weather information, details on physical requirements, packing lists and more.