Women’s San Juan River

On our Women’s Retreat, we not only enjoy the thrill and exhilaration of white water rapids, we also experience the relaxing effects of Yoga. With morning and evening sessions, we will explore the sensation of “Present Moment Awareness”.

As we practice our Asana or Postures and our Pranyama or Breathing, we will focus on meditating on our pristine and quite beautiful surroundings. Throughout our Journey, we utilize the uniqueness of Yoga to truly experience the stunning canyon walls, limestone pools and amazing flora and fauna. Becoming one with nature takes on a whole new meaning during our four-day Women’s San Juan River Rafting Vacation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sand waves, Goosenecks and natural pools
• Ancient ruins, rock art panels and hiking
• Warm water for swimming and floating
• Mild whitewater, extreme beauty

Read more about the San Juan

For a first person account of a Holiday Women’s Retreat read this funny yet touching account from Elise Pierce for SPIRIT MAGAZINE

• About Holiday

  

  Find out more about Holiday River Expeditions

• The Food

  

  Learn more about the great food

• The Gear

  

  Gear description

Sample Itinerary

ITINERARY

One of the awesome advantages of a white water river rafting vacation is our ability to rearrange the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one rafting trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups on the river. The typical itinerary below highlights a June four-day women’s rafting trip on the San Juan River.

Day 1:

Group meets in Blanding, Utah where we take a 30-minute scenic ride to the put-in point – Sand Island. We will float down the San Juan River till around lunchtime. We enjoy the beauty of River House Ruin, one of the best preserved ancient pueblo dwellings in the Southwest. That night, we will camp near Comb Ridge, the 600-foot edge to the enormous Monument Up warp. The scenery here is exquisite!

Day 2:

This morning we will pass through the village of Mexican Hat before traversing the famed Goosenecks of the San Juan River. We may take an optional hike to the 1894 prospector cabin of Walter Mendenhall. Enjoy frequent sightings of Great Blue Heron that seem to lead the way into the labyrinth. Tonight we camp in the heart of the San Juan Goosenecks.

Day 3:

During the morning, we hike the Honaker Trail, all that remains of the “1892 gold rush”. This is a colossal 1200-foot vertical hike and those with the stamina to make it to the top are rewarded with an unforgettable view of Monument Valley. This is a good day to stop at one of the pristine beaches and explore 300 million year old fossils, remnants from another era. Government Rapid and a relaxing siesta at Slickhorn Gulch highlight this day.
Slickhorn Gulch is one of the premier side canyons along the Colorado System with fern grottos and limestone swimming pools.

Day 4:

Fast moving white water will drop us into Lake Powell after passing through Grand Gulch Primitive Area. We continue across the lake to our take out point at Clay Hills Crossing. Our group will transfer to vans for a two-hour scenic ride back to Blanding, Utah.

Trip Details

Meet for your WhiteWater Rafting Trip

We meet for your whitewater river rafting trip in Blanding, Utah. If you are driving, your car can be left at the Blue Mountain Inn in Blanding. Departure time is 7:00 a.m. (Mountain Time), and so it is important that you attend our pre-trip orientation the night before your trip.

When you arrive in Blanding

The day before your river rafting tour, there will be a pre-trip orientation meeting at 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). We will meet you in the lobby or just outside the Blue Mountain Inn’s front office. Your trip leader and other members of the crew will give you a short orientation on all aspects of river travel. At this time we will issue your waterproof bags and answer any questions you may have.

Beginning of the River Rafting Trip

On the morning of your river rafting trip, plan to arrive promptly at 7:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) at the Blue Mountain Inn. We will then take a 30-minute van ride to Sand Island, where we transfer to the river boats and begin the white water rafting tour.

After the White Water Rafting Trip

We will disembark at Clay Hills Crossing where everyone travels by van back to Blanding, Utah. Our expected time of arrival at the Blue Mountain Inn is between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.

Medical emergencies

Our river guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid supplies only. REMEMBER to bring your own prescription medicines. ALERT our guides to any medical problem you might have such as diabetes or allergic reactions. Once on the river, our location is remote and a long way from any hospitals, doctors, or pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical facilities can be long and expensive. In case of evacuation and/or medical treatment beyond first aid, expenses incurred are the responsibility of the participant.

Cancellation Policy

If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the river rafting vacation, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the rafting trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the river rafting trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the rafting tour date we will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person. All policies will be enforced and we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Cancellation of a white water river rafting trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.

Insurance

Medical and cancellation insurance on a vacation plan can be obtained from numerous insurance companies. We offer plans underwritten by TRAVEL GUARD that cover accident, baggage and cancellation claims. An application should be enclosed with this information package. We encourage all to take advantage of this coverage. This is available to American and Canadian citizens as well as citizens of another country as long as you have a U.S. address. If you have questions give us a call. Also, if you are bringing expensive cameras, binoculars, or other items we suggest you have insurance coverage for them (commonly available through Homeowners Policies). In the event of a loss, our insurance will not cover those items.

Tipping the guides

Guests often want to know if tipping is appropriate after the rafting trip. If you feel the river guides have enhanced the enjoyment of your river rafting vacation, you may choose to direct a gratuity to the rafting trip leader in the form of cash or check. He/She will then distribute it evenly to the other crewmembers. The average contribution amount ranges between $15.00 and $25.00 per guest per day. The decision to tip is left completely to your discretion.

Beverages

We provide ice water, lemonade, two sodas per day per person and ample cooler space. If you choose to bring any specialty sodas and/or alcoholic beverages, we have no problem taking whatever you want to bring – within reason. Don’t bring beer, wine coolers or sodas in glass containers. Wine packaged in a box is ideal. Mark beverages that you bring so they are packed on your boat. Alcoholic beverages will need to be purchased prior to your arrival in Blanding. Please Note: There is no liquor, wine, beer, or wine coolers sold or served in Blanding, Utah.

If you have any questions

If you have any questions prior to leaving for your white water river rafting vacation, we ask that you call our Salt Lake City office, Monday through Friday at 800-624-6323 (outside Utah) or 801-266-2087 (inside Utah). We’re happy to take the time to answer any questions. You may also contact us by email at holiday@bikeraft.com.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RAFTING TRIP, OUR GREEN RIVER HEADQUARTERS NUMBER IS: 435-564-3273 (OR) LEAVE A MESSAGE AT THE BLUE MOUNTAIN INN’S FRONT DESK.

About the Area

Weather on the San Juan River

In May, June and July the daytime temperatures are 80 to 100 degrees, with nighttime temperatures around 50 to 75 degrees. During this season, guests will enjoy swimming in the San Juan River. Though this may seem very warm, the humidity is low in this region and the temps will drop at night to become somewhat chilly. We will get plenty of direct sunlight during the day, so bring a hat and a good sunscreen.

Bugs, snakes, and other pests are generally no problem. In fact, the lack of pesky insects is one of the reasons wilderness camping on the beautiful Colorado and San Juan Rivers is so pleasant. Any river rafting trip, however, is subject to an occasional localized insect hatch. During these hatches (most common in June to mid-July) mosquitos can be bothersome. Be sure to bring long sleeve clothing and a generous supply of repellent. Insect repellents that contain Adeet@ are by far the most effective during heavy hatches, but are also suspected of causing various health problems. Citronella-based products (skin-so-soft) work only in light hatches. We rarely see any snakes, but if the thought of them bothers you, try sleeping on the beaches or in a tent instead of rocky or bushy areas.

Hiking is a highlight of the river rafting trip, however, it is strictly an optional activity. Please be aware that some of the hikes on this rafting trip can be more strenuous due to heat and our elevation. There are many interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done in durable sneakers or lightweight hiking boots. Remember that our ability to go hiking, swimming, and exploring will vary widely depending upon our time, and what other plans are ahead for our day on the river.

Things to see in the area

The Edge of the Cedars Anasazi Museum & State Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, La Sal and Henry Mountains, Newspaper Rock, Hovenweep National Monument, Monument Valley, Navajo National Monument, San Juan Goosenecks State Park, Comb Ridge/Abajo Mountains (Blue Mountain), Grand Gulch Wilderness Area, and Mesa Verde National Park.

Reading material you may enjoy:

San Juan River Guide Lisa Kearsley $17.95
Life in Stone Christa Sadler $11.95
The Educated Outlaw Harvey Lay Murdock (Grandson) $10.95

These books can be ordered online at our e-store, or by sending the appropriate amount listed above plus $4.95 shipping and handling for the first book, and an additional $2.00 for each book thereafter to Holiday River Expeditions, 544 East 3900 South, SLC UT 84107. This is available within the U.S. only. If outside the U.S. additional shipping and handling charges will be added. You can call 801-266-2087 for rates.

Getting Here

If you are flying

You can fly to Salt Lake City located 310 miles northwest of Blanding, Utah. From there you can rent a car or take a shuttle with Moab Luxury Coach (call 435-940-4212 or www.moabluxurycoach.com) to Blanding, Utah.  If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, please ask your Holiday River Expedition reservation agent.

Lodging

Lodging before and after your trip can be booked at:

Blue Mountain Inn 435-678-3271 (indoor pool, hot tub, complimentary continental breakfast) *15% off best available rate to HRE guests who stay there.  http://bluemountaininnblanding.com/

Gateway Inn Motel 435-678-2278 (locally owned, outdoor pool, continental breakfast) www.gatewayinnblanding.com

Four Corners Inn 435-678-3257 (continental breakfast) www.fourcornersinn.com

Super 8 435-678-3880 (indoor hot tub) www.super8.com

*When making advance reservations at the Blue Mountain Inn, mention that you are on a Holiday River Expeditions trip and you will be extended a discounted rate on your room (see above).

BE SURE TO MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS!

If you are camping out

There is one campground in Blanding:  the Kampark Campground (RV with full hookups & tent sites – 435-678-2770).  There are also four Forest Service campgrounds in the Abajo Mountains 15 to 30 miles north of Blanding.

Holiday River Expedition's Travel Agent - Mary Griggs is happy to assist you with your travel plans. Mary has been planning travel for Holiday's guests for more than 18 years and has 24 years of experience in the travel industry! Contact Mary to take the work out of "Getting Here".

Direct line - 801-466-1447
Toll Free - 800-264-0557 (You must ask for Mary Griggs)
Email Her: marygriggs13@msn.com

Or, do it yourself, we can help…

Colorado and Utah Rivers
Gateway - Salt Lake City, Utah OR Denver, Colorado

Air Service to Salt Lake City (SLC) or Denver (DEN)

• America West Airlines 800-235-9292
• American Airlines 800-433-7300
• Continental Airlines 800-525-0280
• Delta Air Lines 800-221-1212
• Frontier Airlines 800-432-1359
• JetBlue Airways 800-538-2583
• Northwest Airlines 800-225-2525
• SkyWest Airlines 800-453-9417
• Southwest Airlines 800-435-9792
• United Airlines 800-241-6522
• United Express 800-241-6522
• US Airways 800-435-9792

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FROM SALT LAKE CITY to Green River, Vernal or Blanding, Utah
Rental Cars

Once in Salt Lake City most of our guests rent-a-car and drive to our meeting points.
All rental cars are located in both terminals of the Salt Lake City Airport.

• Alamo Rental Car 801-575-2211
• Budget Rental Car 801-575-2821
• Dollar Rent a Car 801-575-2580
• Thrifty Rental Car 801-265-6677

Salt Lake City to Green River 180 miles
Salt Lake City to Blanding 300 miles
Salt Lake City to Vernal 180 miles

Shuttle Service to Green River or Blanding, Utah from Salt Lake City (Vernal is on a Charter basis only)

• Moab Luxury Coach 435-940-4212

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FROM DENVER to Green River, Vernal or Blanding, Utah
Air Service to Vernal (VEL), Utah from Denver, Colorado

• Great Lakes Aviation 800-554-5111
• Alamo Rental Car in Vernal 888-426-3299

Air Service to Moab (CNY) (52 miles south of Green River), Utah from Denver, Colorado

• Great Lakes Aviation 800-554-5111
• Thrifty Car Rental in Moab 800-373-0277

Gear & Clothing Checklist

GEAR YOU MUST BRING OR RENT FROM HOLIDAY

RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

EARLY OR LATE SEASONS SUPPLEMENTS

There is a greater chance of inclement weather on these trips which otherwise offer many advantages to the well-prepared river traveler. Polypropylene, fleece, pile, bunting, capeline, etc. are a few examples of trade names for a class of synthetic materials that retain their ability to insulate when wet (please note, cotton does not.) Your comfort on the trip starts with finding the right type of synthetic under and outer-wear and quality rain gear. We recommend Backcountry.com for your additional river trip needs. Backcountry.com offers a wide variety of gear to help you dress for success the for your river trip no matter what the weather decides to do. A prepared traveler is a happy traveler.

  ITEMS YOU CAN BUY AT HOLIDAY'S ONLINE STORE: www.HolidayExpeditions.com/store or at our accessories stores in Green River and Vernal; the meeting points for our Cataract, Westwater, Ranch, Desolation, Labyrinth, Fisher Towers, Lodore and Yampa trips.

  ITEMS YOU CAN BUY AT BACKCOUNTRY.COM: www.backcountry.com