The desert is a lesson in extremes. Seasonal differences necessitate flexibility. You will have different concerns depending on the time of year you are traveling. Remember that water levels fluctuate from year to year and seasonally. During high water, your travel time can be much faster but you must also be aware of powerful water currents and strong eddies. Campsite choices are reduced when sandbars and beaches are under flood. When the river is low, these sandy beaches make good campsites, while some sections of riverbank become difficult to access because of erosion.
You should also pay close attention to river mileage and your travel speeds when the water is low and slower. Make sure you can cover the mileage necessary to complete your trip in the time you have allotted.
Temperatures range from 100+ degrees in the summer to sub-zero some winters. Day and night temperature differences can also be extreme. Thunderstorms can build quickly, bringing with them lightening and flashfloods.
The one predictable element you can rely on is the wind. You will almost always encounter some! High, gale-like winds usually accompany storm fronts. Afternoon, up-canyon winds are an almost daily occurrence. To minimize the time spent paddling in the wind most people choose to get an early start on the river and try to make camp by mid-afternoon. DO NOT CANOE IN HIGH WIND CONDITIONS. GO ASHORE FOR SAFETY.
TRIP PLANNING GUIDE
PERMITS
Permits are required for the following river trips:
LABYRINTH CANYON, GREEN RIVER: This is a free permit issued by the BLM. You may obtain one of these permits at the Ruby Ranch or Green River State Park put-ins, or from the BLM ranger at the Mineral Bottom take-out.
STILLWATER CANYON, GREEN RIVER: This permit is issued by Canyonlands National Park. Cost is $10.00 per group and permits are not restricted at this time. You may contact the permit office by calling 435-259-4351, faxing them at 435-259-4285 or writing them at: Canyonlands National Park, Attn. Reservation Office, 2282 South West Resource Blvd, Moab UT 84532. They suggest that you allow 4 weeks for processing.
MEANDER CANYON, COLORADO RIVER: A permit is required for this trip if you plan on camping anywhere below mile 31 (Little Bridge Canyon). This permit is issued by Canyonlands National Park. Please see the permitting information above for Stillwater Canyon.
BLUFF TO MEXICAN HAT, SAN JUAN RIVER: The BLM issues required permits for the San Juan. This is a popular river trip and permits are drawn from a lottery in the beginning of February. If you miss the lottery you may apply for notification of cancellations. Contact the Bureau of Land Management in Monticello, Utah at (435) 587-2141.
MEXICAN HAT TO CLAY HILLS, SAN JUAN: Permitting for this trip is the same as the above.
THE SEASONS OF THE RIVER
There is no "best" time to go down the river; it depends in large part on what your scheduling constraints are. We do have favorite seasons of the year, however, and if you would like suggestions, we would be happy to speak with you about the timing of your canoe trip.
Summer is obviously the most convenient season for many families and people on vacation. It is a lively time, the weather is hot and dry in June and July - perfect for jumping in the water or relaxing in the shade of cool trees on a sandy beach during the heat of the day. In late July and August, the monsoon rains come and spectacular afternoon thunderstorms reverberate off the canyon walls. Spring and fall are cooler seasons although usually more crowded. We can't decide whether spring or fall is our favorite season - both are lovely. In the Spring, things are just waking up, the days are longer and the wildflowers are blooming. The weather is warming but still cool, the river is usually high and fast. It may be windy or blustery during this season - this is an energetic, invigorating time of year. In the fall the light is gorgeous: clear, liquid gold - and the days are shorter. Fall is a time for taking it slowly, sitting around a campfire at night and hiking throughout the day in the warm sun. The cottonwood trees along the river turn golden and flocks of migratory birds come to the canyons.
One gallon per person per day of drinking water is the recommended minimum. Juices, sodas and non-alcoholic beverages can serve to supplement your drinking needs. Remember that alcoholic beverages act to deplete water from your system and should not be considered as an additional source.
The simplest and surest source of clean water is to bring your own. Lightweight plastic containers work well. The disadvantage to this method is the considerable bulk and weight added to your load. This becomes more problematic for longer trips. People planning trips longer than 4-5 days should seriously consider the use of more than one method for providing drinking water.
The single factor that sets the desert apart from other places is the scarcity of water. Water conservation becomes vital for comfort and survival. While sources for drinking water may exist in the form of seeps and springs their locations and reliability are erratic. Therefore, YOU MUST PLAN ON PROVIDING ALL OF YOUR POTABLE WATER NEEDS. The river water should not be considered drinkable without treatment. There are several methods available to you for obtaining drinking water and you may wish to use more than one method for your trip. We strongly recommend you have an alternative method for emergencies. One gallon per person per day of drinking water is the recommended minimum. Consider your food menu when calculating your water needs to account for meals that use water in preparation (dehydrated foods, pasta, etc.) and increase your water supplies as appropriate. Juices, and non-alcoholic beverages can serve to supplement your drinking needs. Remember that alcoholic beverages act to deplete water from your system and should not be considered as an additional source.
The simplest and surest source of clean water is to bring your own. Lightweight plastic containers work well. The disadvantage to this method is the considerable bulk and weight added to your load.
There are several ways to treat river water for drinking. All methods should begin by collecting water from the main channel of the river and allowing the sediments to settle undisturbed for several hours or overnight. Then the water to be treated is removed carefully from the top, leaving the sediments behind. At this point you may boil the water vigorously for at least two minutes. Boiling is considered the best method for killing the microscopic organism, Giardia lamblia. Other common treatment methods include:
a) water purification tablets
b) chlorine bleach at 8 drops bleach per gallon of water, mixed thoroughly and allowed to stand at least 30 minutes. When water is very cloudy, allow it to settle, then add double the above dosages of chlorine.
c) Iodine - add 20 drops of 2% tincture of iodine to one gallon water, mix thoroughly and let stand at least 30 minutes.
Your other option for treating water is the use of a filtration device. Features to consider if purchasing or borrowing a filter system for use on most western rivers include:
a) filtering capabilities down to 1 micron to eliminate micro-organisms such as giardia
b) removable and cleanable filters or self-cleaning styles because of the high silt content of the water.
Several recommended brands are MSR, PUR or KATADYN.
Please keep in mind when considering your water needs that we are temporary visitors on the river and its surrounding areas. Water is critical to the survival of many forms of desert life and our care in preserving the quality and abundance of this precious resource helps to insure the health of the desert environment for our own and others future. If you are fortunate to stumble upon seeps, springs or potholes in your travels be reminded of the plants and animals that depend on this water for life and avoid over-using or polluting them. Camp at least 200 feet away from these sources, do not swim or wash directly in potholes (body oils and lotions will pollute the water) and confine your bathing and washing of clothing to the main stream of the river, using biodegradable soaps--sparingly.
HUMAN WASTE DISPOSAL
All human solid waste must be carried out. Because of our concern for the impact that we help contribute to by being both users and outfitters on our favorite rivers we are providing portable toilets ("groovers") for all our multi-day trips. They are convenient and easy to use. We will go over their set-up and use with you when we get to camp.
CAMPFIRES
A firepan is required for all wood or charcoal fires and one can be provided for you with your boat rental should you request it. This will replace the use of fire rings or pits. To prevent scorching of the ground beneath the firepan, elevate it slightly by placing it on several small rocks, taking care that it is well balanced and will not tip over while in use. All your fires must be contained within the firepan and all remains packed out. Please make sure that your fire is completely extinguished before disposing of the ash and coals in a plastic garbage bag. Only driftwood and dead tamarisk can be collected for fires, and this is not always readily available, especially during high water. We would like to encourage you to bring a campstove and use if for most or all of your cooking. Dead and down wood provides habitat for many creatures and can add to the scenic qualities of campsites.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES 
The Anasazi left remains of their rich culture in the form of rock art (pictographs and petroglyphs), structures (granaries, cave and cliff dwellings, kivas), and utensils of their daily life (tools, pottery, sandals) throughout this area. Discovery of these cultural remnants can be one of the most exciting moments of your travels through these canyons and your care in preserving them for future visitors is very important. Theft or vandalism of any archaeological site or artifact is strictly controlled by federal law and the penalties are severe. However, much damage has been caused by well meaning but uninformed visitors. We ask that you observe a few simple rules when you find these treasures so that others may enjoy the same experiences as you.
Leave all artifacts where they lie; putting them into piles or brushing dirt away might destroy the clues needed by professional archaeologists gathering information about the site. Enjoy rock art by viewing, photographing, or sketching only; touching these ancient writings with your hands or making paper rubbings or tracings causes damage. Do not enter structures; climbing into a ruin can dislodge the mud mortar and loosen rocks leading to the eventual destruction of the site. Your help in preventing the destruction of this extraordinary record of our historical past is very important.
When packing for a trip you need to think about for how many and for how long. The summer heart come play a big part in what you what to bring and how much ice you will need. You may what to think about per cooking some of your food before hand.
I know we want to watch are in take of salt. But salted food work good with the body when it is hot. Zip-lock baggies for food are a good thing. There is nothing better then home-cooked food prepared fresh for you outdoors each day and you won’t be disappointed. Serve delicious, energy packed meals with lots of variety to satisfy all tastes. Breakfasts include juice and hot beverages, fresh fruit, bagels and cream cheese, hot and cold cereal selections or pancakes. Lunches are buffet style with sandwich makings plus high carbohydrate selections like pasta salad or tabuli. For dinner, it is a good idea to always have plenty of fresh salad or vegetables to go along with hearty main dishes such as Pasta Marinara, teriyaki seafood kabobs or chicken fajitas. Do not forget to save room for dessert! Space permits and non-glass containers are preferable.
To avoid the loss of equipment we recommend that you tie all of your gear into the boat when canoeing. Plan to bring with you enough tie-down line to secure all gear.
Trip run self-supported canoe trips (no baggage rafts) and therefore everyone will share in carrying communal gear. Each boat will carry enough water to provide for all your own drinking needs plus some of the food or kitchen gear. Canoes can hold a lot of gear and still be fun to paddle but, in general, the lighter you go the easier it will be. Also, remember you will have a paddling partner that may not be as happy about hauling your hardback library down the river as you are. You can bring things to make life comfortable at camp, such as tarps or umbrellas for shade and lawn chairs.
We have large dry bag for packing personal gear. These bags measure 12.5 x 18.5 x 30 inches or 6938 cubic inches. You should plan on packing all gear that you want to remain dry in this bag, especially clothes and sleeping equipment. You need to consider how you are going to organize your belongings into the dry bags. Stuff sacks or small duffel bags fit nicely and keep things together.
Average temperatures in the spring and fall range from highs in the 70's and 80's with lows in the 40's and 50's. Summer temperatures will reach into the 90’s during the day while the nights usually remain in the pleasant 50-60 degree range. Shorts and T-shirts or swimsuits make good paddling attire. The sun can be intense on the water and we strongly advise you to bring lightweight, cotton long pants, and long-sleeve shirts for sun protection. Also, clothing that is light in color and dries quickly will provide you more comfort. Don't forget some kind of head protection from the sun and remember a sudden gust of wind can carry a favorite hat away without a chin strap or other means of securing it. After the sun goes down temperatures can drop significantly. You will want to make sure you have dry clothes to put on after your day of paddling and warmer clothes for the evening. Sweats or jackets and long pants are a good idea as well as a warm head covering and gloves or mittens. Rain gear is recommended, as thunderstorms are possible and a windbreaker is nice for the inevitable windy afternoon. When considering footwear for on-river use you will want something with good traction and a secure fit. Old sport shoes make Good River wear. Muddy banks can suck loose shoes or flip-flops off your feet and disappear. Open shoes will not protect your feet from sharp objects submerged under water or along banks and beaches. A final note about clothing and shoes; the river is very silty and the riverbanks can be muddy. Bring old clothes that you don't care about getting dirty. You will have a better time if you aren't worrying about your best pair of shoes getting caked in river mud. Red dirt can sometimes stain your clothes permanently (white cotton seems to be the worst) but can make a good trip souvenir!
We have small plastic boxes for keeping items handy in the boat but they are not guaranteed waterproof. If you are bringing cameras, binoculars or other valuables you, will want available during the day please provide some waterproof storage system for your equipment? Double zip-lock baggies can work just fine for an inexpensive solution.
Here is a list of some of the items you should bring with you.
-Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads - these items can be rented locally;
let us know if we can help you make rental arrangements
-Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen
-Hat or visor for sun protection
-T-shirts
-Shorts
-Sweatshirt, sweater, and/or warm jacket - for cool evenings
-Cotton long sleeve shirt and long pants - for sun protection
-Hat and mittens - for spring and fall nights
-Rain gear in case of rain
(even though this is the desert it can rain at any time)
-River shoes - old sport shoes or river sandals w/ankle straps
-Hiking shoes - for day hikes and around camp
-Day-pack - for exploring away from the river
-Sunglasses with strap
-Bug repellent
-Flashlight with extra batteries
-Individual water bottles - for carrying on day-hikes and while you are in the canoe
-Toiletries and towel (biodegradable soap: Dr. Bronner’s is the most available)
“Babywipes” work very well to clean yourself off at the end of the day or for a quick cleaningOPTIONAL
-Camera & film; a ziplock bag will help protect these items from the elements.
-Binoculars
-Journal or book
How much experience do I need? Some previous canoeing experience is necessary to participate in this adventure. As with most outdoor activities, the better shape you are in the more you will get out of the experience. You could travel 10-15 miles a day on the river, which is a leisurely pace for most groups. The river does a good part of the work for us but plan on sitting in the boat for several hours a day and some easy to moderate upper body use. Hikes are optional and range from easy to somewhat strenuous.
What should I pack? This is a self-supported expedition and everyone will carry their personal gear plus share in carrying some of the group equipment in their boat. All our canoes are high performance designs and made of light weight construction so carrying equipment is easy and does not compromise the paddling experience. Space in the boats is limited and therefore we ask that you use some discretion in packing your personal items for the trip. If you have any questions about what you should bring please feel free to call our office for suggestions.
What is the weather like? The desert exhibits a full range of weather patterns, sometimes in the same day. During the spring and fall seasons the weather tends to be mild but wide variations are possible. Days average in the 70’s and 80’s with nighttime lows in the 40’s and 50’s. Summer day-time temperatures average in the 90’s while the nights cool off to the pleasant 50-60 degree range. Average rainfall in the area is 9 inches per year, and most of that is seen in the heavy but short lived thunderstorms of the summer. At Red River, each trip is planned to coincide with the optimal conditions to provide the best experience for each of you. Besides weather, we try to consider the length of the day, water levels, spring wildflowers or fall colors and even whether the phase of the moon is best for a moonlit hike or watching the star-filled sky.
What about tipping? This is the most common question that nobody likes to ask. Your guides will provide you with the best possible service at all times. Tipping is not expected but gratefully appreciated if you wish to express your thanks for a trip well done.
We suggest that you have a detailed river map with you on your trip. We recommend Belknap's Canyonlands River Guide. We have these waterproof maps available at our shop for $16.95 or they are sold at local bookstores.
SUGGESTED READINGS
If you want a bit of background before your trip to Moab here is just a small list of books to get you in the mood.
RENTAL SAFETY TALK
Locations of river trips in this area can be extremely remote. Emergency evacuations can be lengthy. Extra care should be given to avoid accidents. If someone in your group is seriously injured or sick and you are unable to continue to your take-out destination you may try to seek help from passing trips. Another possible way to get help is to signal an airplane from the river. Effective methods of signaling aircraft are with a signal mirror or by placing life jackets in a large "X" pattern on a beach or sandbar. There are a few remote roads leading to the river. Do not attempt to hike away from the river for help unless you have adequate water and accurate maps. Be certain you know where you are going and explain your plan and route to others in your group. Your best chance for getting help is usually to stay on the river.
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1) Listen/think/responsibility 2) Describe area, river conditions, weather forecast 3) Physical demands/ evac costs 4) Physical conditions 5) Signed release form 6) P-P in the river 7) Throw bag/cushion 8) PFD 9) Dry bags 10) Bail bucket 11) Fire pan 12) Strokes 13) Launching/landing/Tying up 14) Wind |
15) Eddy lines/currents/strainers/obstructions 16) Self Rescue 17) Swimming/NO DIVE 18) Hypothermia 19) Dehydration 20) Sunburn 21) Poisonous plants, Insects/poisonous 22) Hiking 23) Injury 24) Alcohol/drugs 25) Lightning 26) Flashfloods 27) Park/BLM reg |
Thank you for allowing Red River Canoe Company, L.C to outfit your canoe trip. We will have to confirm the following equipment rental for you:
It is our policy to fully refund your initial deposit, less the cost of the canoe rental, if you should cancel 30 days prior to your trip departure date. Please contact us as early as possible if a change occurs. We reserve the right to cancel any trip at the last minute due to extreme and unsafe conditions. Should this occur you will receive a full refund.
All must sign a copy of our "assumption of risk" form. Each member of your party takes the time to read this carefully, then fill out, and sign the form. Minors must have the signature of their parent or guardian. We can send out forms before hand for big groups. Please return the completed forms to us when you send your final payment. By taking the time to do this before your arrival in Moab we can get you on the river and enjoying your vacation more quickly.
Please note that if you have arranged a shuttle for your transportation to and from the river. If you are late, it may be impossible to launch on your reserved date. We request that you plan your last river day to allow plenty of time to arrive at the take out and have your boats unloaded by the pre-arranged pick up time. Additionally, customer agrees to meet scheduled pick up or pay for driver waiting time, to be billed at $25.00 per hour, and any costs incurred for additional shuttles or equipment retrieval.
DAMAGE/FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Customer, by signing, accepts responsibility for any damage or loss to equipment beyond normal wear and agrees to pay the cost of necessary repairs or replacement.
We look forward to helping you get on the river.
"Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not."
-- the Water Rat to Mole - Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Water Rat was right - there is nothing like getting to know a place from river level. With the smaller the boat, the more you see and learn, the more fun you have! Canoes are a perfect craft for traveling the Green River. They are small and yet large and maneuverable enough to carry plenty of gear and take you almost everywhere you want to go. They allow for quiet contemplation and time alone; they encourage laughter and fun.
When you're on the river, whether it's for two nights or over a week, time and the outside world fall away, and leaves room for life's simpler dilemmas: should I climb up that hill for the view, or should I sit and dangle my toes in the water? Should I have a third helping of dinner, or save room for dessert (or should I do both?) And - how can I possibly go back to traffic after this? It is no exaggeration to say that rivers are like living creatures. A river's mood can change from spirited and energetic to slow and solemn in an instant. They can be wild or calm, intimidating or welcoming, moody, inscrutable and playful. Rivers demand and deserve our respect and with a very small investment of our time and energy, they happily reveal as many of their secrets as we care to discover. Red River Canoe Company has a fleet of boats that are just right for your serene days of calm water floating. Let us help you get out and on the river.
WHERE WE ARE...
Red River Canoe Company is located at 1371 N. HWY 191 Moab, Utah. To find us go north for town on HWY 191 look on the west side of the road for the biggest mulberry tree with the small A-frame. (Next to Portal RV Pack, and Buck’s)
- Drive your own car. Moab is located along Hwy. 191, 30 miles south of I-70.
- Fly to Grand Junction, Colorado (100 miles from Moab) and rent a car. Thrifty Car Rental has a no-charge drop-off between Moab and Grand Junction. Call 801-259-7317 or 970-243-7556.
- Fly to Salt Lake City, Utah (240 miles from Moab) and get a connecting flight with Alpine Air. You can also rent a car in SLC and drive to Moab, but to our knowledge none of the car rental agencies out of SLC offer a no-charge drop-off option in Moab. A shuttle service from SLC is available with Bighorn Express. Call them at or 888-655-RIDE
- Dream Keeper B&B 435-259-5998 you can walk to main st. in 2 blocks.
- Rustic Inn 435-259-6177 in the middle of town. Walk to it all. Did I say older but clean and a pool.
- Apache Motel 435-259-5727 old, clean, and were John Wayne stayed. Cool and a pool
- Lazy Lizard Hostel 435-259-6057 cheap nice and kitchen. Walk-up showers too.
- Portal RV Pack and tents 435-259-6108 next to shop, camping for tents and RV. Man made swimming hold.
- Up the Creek Campground 435-259-2213 for tent campers, in the center of town along Mill Creek, showers and shade
- Center Cafe: the best food in town, for a special dining experience $$$$.
- Eddie McStiff's: brew pub and an eclectic menu
- Buck’s Grill House: friendly, casual, best BBQ ribs, with a selection of vegetarian food too!
- Eclectica: the only café offering organic coffees and wholesome tasty breakfast and lunch
- Moab Brewery: Moab’s newest brew pub, good food and kids menu, too
- Poplar Place: traditional watering hole of river-runners and good pizza
- La Hacienda Mexican you want Mexican you will get it
Red River Canoe Company
1371 North Highway 191
Moab, Utah 84532
800-753-8216
redriver@redrivercanoe.com