Youth Rafting Trips through Desolation Canyon

Sample Itinerary

Day 1:

The fun starts right at the boat ramp: water fights, inflatable kayaks, and opportunities to swim give the kiddos a wet welcome to river life. Look for the nests of cliff swallows, and crane your necks upward as the canyon walls rise around us. Get in the groove of camp life by helping the guides unload the boats at our campsite, then explore the rich riparian ecosystem around us.

Day 2:

Hike to an ancient Fremont cultural site and learn how to be respectful of sacred sites. Take turns in inflatable kayaks as we begin to encounter bigger rapids such as Little Wild Horse and Surprise. Watch the stars come out after dinner and discuss the magic of the Milky Way.

Day 3:

Explore a historic homestead at Rock Creek Ranch. Imagine being a pioneer or an outlaw trying to survive in this environment! More rapids keep us cool, and we’ll camp on a giant sandbar or maybe within a shady grove of cottonwood trees.

Day 4:

We’ll tackle some of the best waves in the canyon today in Wire Fence, Three Fords, and Coal Creek rapids. We’ll also leave the tall, red walls of Desolation behind and cross into Gray Canyon.

Day 5:

One more morning of hot cocoa and sand in your hair as we approach the end of the canyon and our return to civilization. There are plenty more fun rapids on the way to the boat ramp, and we’ll stop for lunch and maybe even swim through a mellow rapid. Last stop is the boat ramp near Swasey’s Beach, where we’ll load up the boats and gear and drive back to our headquarters, just a 20 minute trip down the road. We typically expect to arrive back at our headquarters between 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

If you opt for a longer trip in Desolation Canyon, the itinerary will naturally expand to include different campsites and more options for off-river excursions as well as more time for playing on the beach and swimming or for educational activities.