Popular Expeditions
Colorado River Rafting
Cataract Canyon rafting is an anomaly. Its rapids rank along with those of the Grand Canyon in power and difficulty. In fact, the river becomes unruly during the run off in May and June.
Salmon River Rafting
There is a green hole in the middle of Idaho. A spot refreshingly empty on your highway map. A place where pavement never was…and wild rivers still are…the Salmon River- The River of No Return.
- Summary
- Sample Itinerary
- Trip Details
- About the Area
- Getting Here
- Checklist
Fisher Towers Canyon
This section of Colorado River Rafting is characterized by towering red sandstone monoliths set against the LaSal Mountains. With such classic redrock desert beauty, this trip offers a spectacular setting for river runners and over the past several years has been the backdrop for many Hollywood movie productions. Fun class I to III rapids appear on the Colorado making it the perfect section for youth groups to play in paddle boats and inflatable kayaks. Observe bald eagle, great blue heron and snowy egret habitats. Minutes outside of Moab, UT this section of river can easily be combine with mountain biking and hiking for a first rate multi-sport adventure!
Highlights
- Red rock formations set against the snow capped peaks of the La Sal Mountains
- Fun class I to III rapids make this ideal for youth groups
- Spectacular and classic southern Utah red rock beauty
- Paddle a raft or an inflatable kayak
Read more about river rafting the Colorado River through Fisher Towers
About Holiday
Find out more about Holiday River Expeditions
The Food
Learn more about the great food
The Gear
Gear description
Sample Itinerary
The Fisher Tower region on the Colorado River is characterized by towering red sandstone monoliths set back against the La Sal Mountain range. This twenty-mile section of the Colorado provides a spectacular setting for river runners and over the past several years have been the backdrops for many Hollywood movie productions.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
One of the advantages of a river trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups on the river. This typical itinerary illustrates a two-day Fisher Towers trip on the Colorado River.
Day 1: Meet group at the Dewey Bridge, our put-in point. Float leisurely through calm water. Observe bald eagle, great blue heron and snowy egret habitats. Camp within sight of the 13,000′ Sierra La Sal and Fisher Tower formations. Perhaps the most picturesque camp on the upper Colorado.
Day 2: Class II rapids appear in the Colorado and a flotilla of inflatable kayaks provide the action. Pass Castle Rock and Priest-and-Nuns formation before lunch at Salt Wash by Arches National Park. The take-out will be at mile 10 1/2.
Trip Details
Trip Meeting Options:
3-day, Cisco to mile 102 near Moab
1. Groups providing their own transportation: the group will need to drive 7 miles out of Cisco (on a grated dirt road) to the BLM boat ramp, where we will meet for the trip. Vehicles will be parked here. The last day of the trip, we will shuttle the drivers back to Cisco, and then they can pick the group up at the take-out. (This can be reversed too.) We have detailed maps of both places.
2. The group can charter buses and meet us at the BLM boat ramp. After the trip the bus will meet the group at a designated time and place decided by the trip leader at the beginning of the trip. The take-out is mile 102 on State Highway 128.
2-day, Dewey Bridge to mile 10 ½ near Moab
1. Groups will meet us on the south side of the Dewey Bridge. They can reach the Dewey Bridge by taking State Highway 128 along the Colorado River. This can be reached by either taking 128 from the junction of 128 and Highway 191 near the Colorado River Bridge, North of Moab, Utah. This is about 31 miles. (OR) Take the Cisco exit from I-70, and drive along the frontage road to State Highway 128. It is about 20 miles to the Dewey Bridge. Shuttle cars with drivers will go to the take-out, mile 102, either at the beginning of the trip or the end.
2. The group can charter buses and meet us at the Dewey Bridge. After the trip the bus will meet the group at a designated time and place decided by the trip leader at the beginning of the trip. The take-out is mile 102 on State Highway 128.
Beginning of the trip
On the morning of your trip, plan to arrive promptly at the predetermined time. 9:00 a.m. is usually a good time to meet.
After the trip
The trip will be off the water approximately around 2:00 p.m. The take-out point is Mile 10 1/2.
Medical emergencies
Our 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. Wilderness expeditions are a long way from hospitals, doctors, and pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical care are uncertain, and protracted. 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 trip, 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 trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the trip 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 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
Many guests ask us if tipping is appropriate after the trip. If you feel the guides have been instrumental in your enjoyment of the trip, you may choose to direct a gratuity to the trip leader in the form of cash or check. He/She will then distribute it evenly to the other crew members. However, the decision to tip is left to your sole discretion.
Beverages
We provide ice water, lemonade and ample cooler space. If you choose to bring addtional drinks we have no problem taking whatever you want to bring – within reason.
About the Area
Fisher Towers Canyon weather
In the early and late seasons (May to mid-June and late August to September) the daytime temperatures are 70 to 90 degrees, with nighttime tempatures 50 to 60 degrees. It seldom rains in Westwater Canyon, but when it does, it can cool temperatures considerably in May and September. From mid-June to mid-August the days are hot and temperatures average 80 to 100 degrees during the day and 60 to 75 degrees at night. This is the time of year that swimming in the Colorado becomes a popular activity. This seems warm but remember the humidity is very low. There will be an abundance of sun, so bring a hat and plenty of suntan lotion and/or sunscreens.
Bugs, snakes, etc.
Bugs, snakes, etc. are generally no problem. In fact, the lack of pesky insects is one of the reasons that wilderness camping on the river is so pleasant. Any river 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 repellent. Insect repellents that contain “deet” 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
Hiking is a highlight of the trip, however, it is strictly an optional activity. There are many interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done in durable sneakers or lightweight hiking boots. Remember that hiking and other activities vary widely pending time, and what other plans are ahead for the day on the river.
Things to see in the area
John Wesley Powell Museum in Green River, Utah. Arches National, Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, Fisher Towers, Colorado National Monument, Goblin Valley State, San Rafael Swell, Capital Reef National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, and the La Sal and Henry Mountains.
Reading material you may enjoy:
Canyonlands River Guide, Belknap (waterproof) $19.95
Canyonlands Country, Donald L. Baars $15.95
The Educated Outlaw, Harvey Lay Murdock (Grandson) $10.95
Life in Stone, Christa Sadler $11.95
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. If outside the U.S. additional shipping and handling charges will be added. You can call 801-266-2087 for rates. These books can also be purchased at our headquarters in Green River.
Getting Here
Holiday River Expedition's Travel Agents - Mateja Harrington & Cindy Swenson with Cruise and Travel Masters are happy to assist you with your travel plans. Contact Mateja or Cindy to take the work out of "Getting Here".
Toll Free - 800-264-0557 (You must ask for Mateja Harrington or Cindy Swenson) Or, do it yourself, we can help… Air Service to Salt Lake City (SLC) or Denver (DEN) TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FROM SALT LAKE CITY to Green River, Vernal or Blanding, Utah Once in Salt Lake City most of our guests rent-a-car and drive to our meeting points. Salt Lake City to Green River 180 miles Shuttle Service to Green River or Blanding, Utah from Salt Lake City (Vernal is on a Charter basis only) TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FROM DENVER to Green River, Vernal or Blanding, Utah Air Service to Moab (CNY) (52 miles south of Green River), Utah from Denver, Colorado
Email Attention Mateja or Cindy: askus@cruiseandtravelmasters.comivider-short"> Colorado and Utah Rivers
Gateway - Salt Lake City, Utah OR Denver, Colorado
Rental Cars
All rental cars are located in both terminals of the Salt Lake City Airport.
Salt Lake City to Blanding 300 miles
Salt Lake City to Vernal 180 miles
Air Service to Vernal (VEL), Utah from Denver, Colorado
Gear & Clothing Checklist
PROVIDED BY HOLIDAY RIVER EXPEDITIONS |
Printable PDF version |
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GEAR YOU MUST BRING OR RENT FROM HOLIDAY
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RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
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EARLY OR LATE SEASONS SUPPLEMENTS
(May and Sept. on all trips and in June on all Idaho, Yampa and Lodore trips.)|
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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
