colorado river trip 2011

our 2008 trip video:

http://saabi1966.blogspot.com/2008/10/colorado-river-trip-14-17-0ctober-2008.html


Canyonland:
preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze and the rivers themselves. While these areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration.

Flat water trips may float down either the Colorado or Green rivers as far as the Confluence or Spanish Bottom. A permit is required for all overnight flat water trips in Canyonlands. Unless groups have their own motors or a lot of time to paddle upstream, take out is via jet boat shuttle back to Moab. This service is available from two licensed operators:

Tex's Riverways P.O. Box 67 Moab UT 84532
info@texsriverways.comToll Free: 877-MOABTEX (877-662-2839) or 435-259-5101

and

Tag-A-Long Expeditions452 North Main StreetMoab, UT 84532

Flows

River flows are dependent upon snowmelt and rainfall. The character of the rivers changes dramatically depending on the season. High water generally stretches from early May to late June. Recorded river flows are available from the US Geological Survey, or by calling (801) 539-1311. Snowmelt peak flow forecasts are available from the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center.

Launch/Take Out Options
On both rivers, all launch ramps are outside Canyonlands. Launch locations on the Green River typically include Green River State Park, Ruby Ranch or Mineral Bottom. On the Colorado, boaters typically use the Potash or Moab ramps.
There is no vehicle access to the rivers near the Confluence or in Cataract Canyon. While hiking trails lead to the rivers from each of the districts, these trails are too long and rugged to be seriously considered for shuttles, even for inflatables and other lightweight boats. Groups wishing to avoid the white water must arrange upstream travel back to Moab. This shuttle is handled by two jet boat operators in Moab
may be obtained in person or by mail from the Reservation Office in Moab, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Permits may also be obtained in person at any Canyonlands National Park visitor center (hours vary).
WHEN TO APPLY
There is no lottery for river permits in Canyonlands. These permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis after the first business day in January for each calendar year. There are no daily launch limits in Canyonlands, so there is no need to submit mulitiple requests for the same date. If you submit a request, you will get a permit...for any date you choose.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for a river permit, please download and complete the River Trip Application Form (33kb PDF file).
FEES
Canyonlands charges a reservation fee for all private river permits:
Flat Water: $20Cataract Canyon: $30
In addition, effective March 31, 2011, Canyonlands will begin charging a per person fee for all private river permits:
Additional Fee: $20 per person


Toilet Requirements
Canyonlands National Park requires all river runners to carry out their solid human waste. This is also required of visitors vehicle camping in the Maze and at the New Bates Wilson camp in the Needles. The park requires the use of washable, reusable toilet systems or the type of toilet system that uses dry chemicals and enzymes to render solid human waste into nonhazardous products acceptable for disposal in permitted landfills. Toilet systems must be designed to contain human waste in such a fashion as to provide for secure containment and adequate volume storage. Human waste must be deposited directly into the storage container.