Green River Rafting Utah
★★★★★ 4.9 OUT OF 2841 REVIEWS
From its headwaters in Wyoming's Wind River Range, the Green River travels approximately 730 miles through Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah before joining the Colorado River deep within Canyonlands National Park. Along the way, it flows through Flaming Gorge, Dinosaur National Monument, and some of the most remote canyon country in the American West. One of its most remarkable stretches is Desolation Canyon, where towering red rock cliffs, ancient Fremont rock art, and remnants of outlaw history line 84 miles of river through Desolation and Gray Canyons.
Western River Expeditions has been guiding Green River rafting trips for decades, introducing families, couples, and friends to this remarkable wilderness. Our five-day Desolation Canyon expedition combines Class II–III whitewater with calmer stretches for swimming, sandy riverside camps, hikes, and time to enjoy the canyon together. It's an especially good introduction to multi-day rafting for families with younger children and first-time rafters, while offering plenty to enjoy for experienced travelers, too. Trips begin and end in Moab, Utah, with a scenic flight into the canyon to start the adventure.
Utah's Green River Highlights
- Remote canyon wilderness through Desolation and Gray Canyon
- Ancient Fremont rock art panels and outlaw history from Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch
- Desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, river otters, and mule deer
- 60+ Class I-III rapids ideal for first-timers and families with children as young as 5
- Scenic prop plane flight from Moab to the remote launch point, included in every trip
Green River Rafting in Utah: Desolation Canyon
Desolation Canyon is the defining Green River rafting experience in Utah. The trip covers 84 miles through two canyons with no road access, no towns, and no way in or out except by water or air. Canyon walls tower hundreds of feet overhead. Bighorn sheep pick their way along the talus above camp. At night, the only light is from the moon and stars.
The trip begins with a 30-minute scenic flight from
Moab to the remote Sand Wash put-in. From there, five days on the river running 60+ Class I-III rapids and sleeping on broad sandy beaches through one of the least-developed river corridors in the American West. Fully all-inclusive: scenic flight, camping equipment, and meals prepared fresh by your guides every day on the river.
The Green River through ancient, winding canyons, milder rapids, broad sandy beaches, rich history, and a stunning scenic flight to the river's edge.
- Begins: Moab, Utah
- Best for: Families
- Rapids: 60+ Class I-III
- Ages: 5+
Where Can You Raft the Green River?
The Green River offers several very different rafting experiences as it winds through Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. Some stretches are known for gentle floating and beautiful scenery, while others offer multi-day wilderness expeditions with more challenging whitewater. Here's how four of the river's best-known sections compare.
Flaming Gorge: Scenic Day Floats
Below Flaming Gorge Dam in northeastern Utah, the Green River flows through beautiful Red Canyon, with clear, cold water, towering cliffs, and generally mild rapids. The popular stretch from the dam to Little Hole is especially well suited to scenic day trips, fishing, and relaxed floating.
Gates of Lodore: Bigger Whitewater
Farther downstream, the Green River enters Dinosaur National Monument through the Gates of Lodore. Multi-day rafting trips navigate narrow canyons, dramatic rock formations, and Class III–IV whitewater. This section appeals to travelers looking for a more active whitewater experience combined with spectacular wilderness scenery.
Desolation Canyon: Family-Friendly Wilderness Rafting
In central Utah, Desolation and Gray Canyons offer 84 miles of remote river travel, sandy beaches, historic sites, and primarily Class II–III whitewater. It's an appealing choice for families, first-time rafters, and adults who want several days to explore a remarkable canyon wilderness. Western River Expeditions offers a guided five-day trip here, beginning with a scenic flight from Moab.
Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons: Gentle River Exploration
Farther south, the Green River winds through Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons on its way to the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. These mostly flatwater stretches offer peaceful floating, towering sandstone formations, and opportunities for hiking and camping. They're especially appealing to travelers who prefer a quieter river journey without significant whitewater.
Interested in exploring the Green River? Our trip specialists can help you decide whether the 5-Day Desolation Canyon trip fits your group. Call us at
(801) 459-3525
Where Desolation Canyon Fits on the Green River
As the Green River cuts through Utah's Tavaputs Plateau, it forms one of the deepest and most remote canyon landscapes in the American West. Near Rock Creek, the canyon exceeds a mile in depth, rivaling the scale of the Grand Canyon in places. Far from highways and cell service, the river winds beneath towering cliffs where the sounds are mostly birds, water, and wind.
When John Wesley Powell explored this stretch in 1869, he described a landscape of "the wildest desolation," inspiring the canyon's name. More than 150 years later, not much has changed. The surrounding plateau, layered rock formations, and narrow side canyons help explain why this part of the Green River feels so far removed from the modern world.
What's Included on Your Green River Rafting Trip
Western River Expeditions takes care of the major details, from transportation and camping equipment to freshly prepared meals and experienced guides. You can spend your days exploring the canyon and enjoying the river without having to organize the expedition yourself.
Not included: Alcoholic beverages, personal clothing and toiletries, and gratuities. A detailed packing list is provided to help you prepare.
Meals
Enjoy hearty breakfasts, riverside lunches, and freshly prepared dinners, including Dutch-oven favorites. Your guides handle the cooking, so you can relax and enjoy time together. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Camping equipment
Sleep comfortably beside the river with cots, sleeping bags, sheets, and tents provided. Camp chairs and other essential equipment are included, too. Your guides help you settle into camp, so no previous camping experience is necessary.
Transportation
Your trip includes transportation from Moab to the airport, a scenic flight over the canyon to Sand Wash, and a return shuttle to Moab after five days on the river. All you need to do is get yourself to and from Moab, Utah and Western will handle the rest.
Guides
Experienced river guides navigate the rapids, prepare meals, share stories about the canyon, and help with camp. Western River guides complete approximately 400 hours of training before their first trip, covering river skills, emergency procedures, and guest care.
What Guests Say About Rafting the Green River
"Three Generations on the Green River"
★★★★★
We did the 5 day/4 night Green River trip with three generations of our family ranging from age 8 to 72. We LOVED this trip. Kelly and Tate made everything so smooth, and they made sure we got the experience we came for. They offered tons of options and made sure that every day was full of what we wanted. We had a picture that we wanted to recreate from this same trip almost 30 years ago and they figured out where the picture was taken, enthusiastically took us on a hike to get there, and helped us perfectly recreate the picture! This trip is a core memory for all of us.
Kate - Google
"Already Planning Another River Trip"
★★★★★
I went on the Desolation Canyon 5 day river trip and had the most incredible time! It’s hard to describe the experience…5 days of Southern Utah beauty, being on the river, fantastic food, insanely awesome and hard working guides, and super cool people to raft with. We went on side hikes and had downtime at the campsites. It was the perfect combination of structure and rafting and relaxing. I can’t say enough awesome things about the guides. They worked from sun up to sun down to make sure our group had everything from coffee to made to order breakfasts, to steak dinners and rootbeer floats. It is such a high quality experience that was great for the 6 year old and 70 year old in our group!
Quinn S - Google
"Never Rafted or Camped Before"
★★★★★
As first time rafters and campers, we didn't really know what we were getting into. We found that we were tougher than we thought and we are so very glad to have done this trip. The crew (Mark, Anne, Brittany, Meg, Mia) kept us safe and made us smile. They were terrific. The food was great and we made some amazing friends along the way. Big thanks to all!
Deslie Q. - Western River Review
★★★★★
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Why Raft the Green River with Western River Expeditions?
Guides Who Make the Difference
Experienced guides do much more than navigate the river. They help you feel at home in camp, share stories of the canyon's history, and bring humor and personality to each day. Their knowledge and attention make a remarkable place even more enjoyable.
Worry-Free, ALL-INCLUSIVE Comfort
From the scenic flight into the canyon to freshly prepared meals and comfortable riverside camps, the important details are thoughtfully organized. You can spend less time managing logistics and more time exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the company of your fellow travelers.
Your Choice of River Adventure
Settle into an oar raft and let your guide navigate, or try paddling an inflatable kayak for a more hands-on experience. With opportunities to switch throughout the trip, family members and friends can enjoy the Green River in different ways.
Adventure with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Green River good for rafting in Utah?
Yes, and it's one of the most underrated multi-day river trips in the American West. The Green River through Desolation Canyon in Utah offers 84 miles of remote canyon wilderness, 60+ Class I-III rapids, ancient rock art, desert wildlife, and canyon walls that in some places exceed the depth of the Grand Canyon. It runs June through August, with departures from Moab. Because the whitewater is moderate and the minimum age is 5, it's the Green River trip we recommend most often to families and first-timers.
What is the difficulty level of the Green River in Utah?
The Green River through Desolation Canyon runs Class I-III rapids at most water levels, exciting and engaging without the technical intensity of Class IV–V rivers like Cataract Canyon or the Grand Canyon. The Green River's moderate difficulty makes it accessible to guests who have never rafted before, while still delivering a genuine multi-day wilderness experience. For guests looking for Class IV–V whitewater, Cataract Canyon is the alternative.
Is the Green River in Utah good for families?
Yes, it's the trip we recommend most often to families. Minimum age is 5, and the Class I-III rapids work well for children who are ready for some excitement without the intensity of a Class IV–V river. Parents often note that the canyon's remote setting, no roads, no cell service, wildlife around every bend, delivers a level of genuine outdoor experience that a shorter day trip can't replicate. The Green River is our most family-requested trip.
What wildlife might I see on the Green River?
Desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, great blue herons, and river otters are among the most commonly spotted species on the Green River.
When is the best time to raft the Green River?
The best time to raft the Green River is from June through August. June trips catch the tail end of snowmelt-fed flows, which can push some rapids to the upper end of the Class III range. July and August are warmer and drier, ideal for families with younger children. All three months offer the complete canyon experience: consistent rapids, full wildlife activity, and the wide-open campsites and star-filled skies that guests most often describe in their reviews.
How does the Green River compare to the Grand Canyon for rafting?
They're different experiences, and many WRE guests do both. Grand Canyon trips take place aboard motorized rafts. On the Green River, the first day is generally powered by motors, but for the rest of experience, boats are powered by oars or paddles.
Water temperatures on the Green River are more suitable for swimming and floating. The Green River also offers inflatable kayaks on most departures, giving guests the opportunity to paddle their own raft.
Whitewater is bigger in Grand Canyon, but so are the rafts. Even smaller whitewater on the Green River through Desolation Canyon can feel fairly big when you're in a 2-person inflatable kayak and down low to the water.
The upper Grand Canyon trip has more hikes to waterfalls and side streams, whereas the Green River trip has shorter hikes to natural bridges, overlooks and outlaw hideouts.
Minimum age requirements for Grand Canyon trips are age 9 on the Lower Canyon 3 & 4-Day Trips and age 12 on the Upper Canyon 6 & 7-Day Trips. The minimum age for Desolation Canyon and the Green River is 5.
Didn’t find what you need? Call us! We’d be happy to chat.
Request a Free Expedition Guide
Request a complimentary expedition guide for your Green River trip through Desolation Canyon. Each guide includes the full daily itinerary, river maps, packing lists, camping details, and trip FAQs, everything you need to plan your trip and share it with your group before you go.
