Description
The towering cliffs and deep canyons of the Green River remain one of the most remote areas of the continental United States. As we embark on a boating expedition through Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River, learn about the diversity and enduring legacies of cultures from descendants who maintain memories of, connections to, and traditions with the land.
Gendered knowledge significantly influences the way we view the world around us. Gain fresh perspectives about this magnificent cultural landscape, seen through the unique lenses of female leaders and experts.
Highlights
- Spend six nights camping beneath the stars as we share stories about ancestral ties and current relationships to a remarkable cultural landscape
- Based out of Vernal, UT, this unique river journey aims to provide a safe and joyful space that invites discovery and creates a sense of place and belonging.
Itinerary
Registration limited to 15 participants.Meals, lodging, and transportation provided.
*(B, L, D) indicates meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Itinerary subject to change.
Friday, May 16: Arrivals | Vernal, UT
Meet in Vernal, Utah, as we gather for introductions at our hotel and attend a catered dinner at the Heritage museum in downtown Vernal. This first night will set the stage as we center our hearts and minds and prepare for our collective journey of learning. Overnight: Dinosaur Inn & Suites, Vernal, UT (B)
Saturday, May 17: Ashley Creek | Dry Fork
We travel a short distance to spend the morning wandering along Ashley Creek, as we view petroglyphs and pictographs that accent the rich history of ancestral travel through this important trade corridor. The afternoon takes us hiking along beautiful sandstone cliffs in the Dry Fork Valley, home to numerous rock imagery panels known as the Vernal-Style-Fremont. This valley sets the stage for understanding the variants of Fremont that used the Green River corridor and traded across a vast landscape. Gather in the evening for orientation about our upcoming river journey. Overnight: Dinosaur Inn & Suites, Vernal, UT (B, L, D)
**IMPORTANT NOTE** If you have a vehicle, you may choose to have it shuttled to the town of Green River at an additional cost, estimated at $200.00 per vehicle. The alternative is to take a 3-hour shuttle (complimentary transport offered by Crow Canyon staff) that will return you to Vernal on May 25th.
If you fly, you may choose to fly out of either the Vernal Airport or Grand Junction Airport on May 25th (complimentary transport offered by Crow Canyon staff to both airports).
Sunday, May 18: Boat Expedition Launch
After breakfast, we depart for our ½ hour drive to Ouray, where we meet our river guides from our outfitter, Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (CRATE). River time begins with CRATE as we boat through a meandering, calm section of the Green River. We stop along the way to visit ancestral rock imagery sites that display various scenes of Ute and Pueblo history. Make our first river camp in the late afternoon with continued orientation about camp amenities and finding your comfort zone. Overnight: camp along Green River (B, L, D)
May 19 – 24: Boat Expedition on the Green River
Spend the next six days rafting on a remote, deep canyon section of the Green River. This section is known for its geologic wonder, wildlife, moderately easy rapids, cultural histories and beautiful campsite beaches among mature cottonwood groves. In total, we travel 115-boat miles as we wind through the deep canyons of Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River. Enjoy the many attraction sites and side-canyon hikes included along the way. Our river guides facilitate a magical river journey, create comfortable camp set-ups, prepare all foods with clean-up, and share their talents that weave a multi-cultural and vibrant community together. Our scholars continue to educate us about a remarkable human history, story-tell about traditional lifeways, and share perspectives about cultural continuity in the complex world of today. Overnights: Various overnight camps along Green River (B, L, D)
Saturday, May 24: Take Out Boat Trip at Green River
Arrive at our boat take-out location just north of Green River, Utah. We bid a fond farewell to our guides and shuttle to our riverside hotel in the quiet town of Green River. Enjoy a closing dinner celebration at the Tamarisk Restaurant next door to our hotel. Overnight River Terrace Inn, Green River, UT (B, L, D)
**NOTE ** Guests who chose to have their vehicle shuttled to Green River can retrieve their vehicle at the CRATE warehouse in town.
Sunday, May 25: Program Ends in Green River | Departures in the morning
After breakfast, we bid adieu to those departing out of Green River. Crow Canyon will offer a shuttle back to Vernal (3-hour drive) or to Grand Junction (1.5-hour drive). Schedule flight departure out of Vernal or Grand Junction for late morning or afternoon. (B)
This program requires special permission from private landowners.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California CST 2059347-50
Is this program right for me?
WHAT TO EXPECT Travel via boats through a remote section of the Green River, known as Desolation and Gray Canyons. The itinerary is designed for energetic people in good health who like to be active and have a spirit for adventure. Expect to be outside all day and sleep under the stars or in a tent. Our outfitter, Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (CRATE), provides many amenities to create a comfortable and joyful camp atmosphere. All meals are provided, and camp gear can be provided upon request (no additional charge).
We journey down the river, 115-miles in seven days to include moderately-easy short hikes as well as longer hikes of up to 2.5-miles (roundtrip) to visit ancestral places. Expect hikes to travel across uneven and rocky terrain. Note that some routes may be steep for short sections and have loose rock and no shade. While staff members are available for assistance, you should be comfortable using your hands to steady yourself and be able to take steps higher than a standard staircase step to navigate around boulders and bedrock. Walking sticks are encouraged for steep sections.
This program involves boat travel to access sites and hikes. Some days will include boat rides of up to five hours with stops along the way; other days will be shorter on the water with planned hikes. All river days include multiple stops along the way to visit cultural sites and to explore the canyon country.
Team spirit and a good sense of humor are vital! If you have questions about your ability to handle this sort of challenge, please contact us.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The program begins in Vernal, Utah and ends in Green River, Utah. We will meet in Vernal and spend two nights at a hotel to visit important ancestral places that relate to the Green River. The river trip includes six nights of camping in some of Utah’s most remote and pristine beach camps with mature cottonwood groves. We will finish the trip in Green River, Utah at our riverfront hotel, The River Terrace Inn.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How strenuous is the program? This program takes place at elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 feet. We plan to go rafting for seven days (six nights) with hiking each day. No whitewater or river experience is necessary. However, you should feel comfortable being around water and getting on and off rafts. You will need to hold on securely when we are in rapids, which are mild to moderate (Class II-III is the whitewater rating of rapids we would encounter). Expect short hikes of less than a mile long on average for each hike. Most hikes require bits of navigation around rocks and across uneven terrain on partially maintained trails.
How long are the hikes on the trip? Our longest planned hike is about 2.5-miles, where you may wish to carry a pack with water and any other items such as a camera and sun protection. Many stops will be short where you only need your water and your sunhat. Most access is a short walk or hike from our boats. All hikes are optional when on the river.
How much elevation gain do the hikes have? No significant elevation gain is planned for our hikes. There are opportunities to scramble on rocky trails to gain views for those who desire. Binoculars come in handy for viewing rock imagery and cliff dwellings up high.
What specialty gear will I need to be comfortable on this trip? Our outfitter, Colorado River and Trails Expeditions, supplies all rafting and camping gear needed for a rafting expedition. Personal gear they supply for you includes: waterproof bags, lifejacket, camping gear (sleeping bag, tarp, and tent upon request), sleeping pad, chair, and all utensils for dining in the great outdoors. Specialty gear you will want to bring: river shoes or sandals, good quality rain gear (both coat and pants). We will provide a detailed packing list after registration.
What time does the program start on the first day? We will gather in the evening (Friday, May 16) at our hotel in Vernal and then proceed to a catered dinner with orientation and short presentations from our scholars.
What time does the program end on the last day? Plan your departure for anytime in the morning (Sunday, May 25). A shuttle will be offered for those needing to return to the Vernal airport.
Is there personal time for myself during the program? Yes. You will have personal time at our camps should you wish to opt out of any activity.
What if I have a dietary restriction? Our outfitter honors dietary needs. We will do our best to accommodate you and your diet. Please fill out your medical form well in advance and check with your Program Manager about your dietary concerns.
WHAT NEXT?
Register online or contact travel@crowcanyon.org. Prior to the program start date, we will provide trip details, a packing list, and forms for you to complete. Please direct specific questions and concerns to the Program Manager, Kate Thompson at kthompson@crowcanyon.org.
Crow Canyon is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and contributions from supporters like you help fund our unique and important mission. Program tuitions cover only a portion of the cost to operate the Cultural Explorations travel programs. Generous donations support the remaining costs of designing highly customized programming such as this and enable us to provide scholarships for additional cultural advisors to attend the program and enhance the quality of your experience. DONATE HERE
