Green River: Desolation & Gray Canyons

Flow

• NOAA National Water Prediction Service, Green River (WY-UT-CO) at GREEN RIVER
• USGS Green River at Green River
• Recommended flow: 900 to 20,000 CFS. Peak flows are historically in late May/early June in the 10,000 CFS range. See 1 year data with historical median discharge here.  
• The Green River is dam controlled. 

Put In

• Sand Wash Recreation area, (RM 95.8) is a remote put-in accessible via dirt road. The site has several primitive campsites and 4 bug huts, reservable on www.recreation.gov. Amenities: vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings. No running water or trash services.

Take Outs

• Swaseys Boat Ramp (RM 11.9). Located 10 miles from the town of Green River, UT and the most common end to Deso–Gray trips. Amenities: overnight parking and outhouses.
• Green River State Park. (RM .4) It is possible to float safely past Tusher dam and continue all the way to Green River State Park in Green River, which offers shade. showers, camping, and post-trip amenities.

On the River

Camping & Hiking

• For river map and guide, see Guide to the Green River in Desolation and Gray Canyons, Whitis and Vinson.
• There are numerous side hikes featuring petroglyphs and historical sites. John Wesley Powell named Desolation Canyon on his 1869 expedition. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid out at Rock Creek Ranch, which is still standing. 
• High water, generally occurring from late May through mid-June, brings swift currents and harder landings. Campsites can be scarce and difficult to access, and mosquitoes thick, particularly at Sand Wash and in the early stretches. In addition to the bugs, expect daily afternoon upstream winds and short rainstorms, particularly in spring and early summer. Getting an early start each day is key to beating the wind.
• As of 2024, the Ute Tribe has suspended all recreational permits for non-tribal members on the river’s left bank (east side) due to repeated violations. This restriction prohibits all camping, hiking, or firewood gathering on tribal land. Boaters must now plan their camps exclusively on river right, which is managed by the BLM. 

Notable Rapids

Most rapids on this stretch are Class I and II, making the trip ideal for less experienced paddlers. However, there are four more difficult rapids to watch out for:

• Joe Hutch Canyon Rapid (RM 40.5), Class III-III+  is the most formidable rapid in this section. At flows above 20,000 cfs, it becomes a full-fledged Class IV. Scout on right even at low flows. Tongue leads into a wave train with 2 big rocks and hydraulics. 
• Wire Fence Class III (RM 37.0). Scout left or right. A large boulder at the top near the left bank splits the flow. Run down tongue after passing right of the boulder, watch for other boulders at lower flows. 
• Three Fords, Class III (RM 36.7). Located right below Wire Fence, this is the most complex rapid on the river at low water, and a solid Class III at high flows. Scouting from river right is strongly advised. Multiple large boulders create steep pour-overs, holes, and tight lines, especially near the center. Avoid the middle of the river entirely—it hides traps not visible from upstream. Small craft may be able to line or portage river left.
• Coal Creek, Class III (RM26.2) offers a long, read-and-run challenge with plenty of excitement, especially for intermediate paddlers.

Logistics

Permits

• Permits are required year round, with a lottery system for launch dates between 5/1 and 9/30. Lottery applications are made here on Recreation.gov between 12/1 and 1/31, with results issued 2/14.  Each permit applicant can pick 4 potential launch dates. Confirmation is required by 3/14. Six groups can launch each day during peak season. Fees are $6/application, $40/person payable 2 weeks before launch.
• According to Mountain Buzz in 2023, success rates for permits are about 6%. 

Guides, Maps and On-Line Resources

• Guide to the Green River in Desolation and Gray Canyons, Whitis and Vinson.
• American Whitewater Green 04, Ouray to Green River Town (Desolation & Gray Canyons)
• Whitewater Guidebook
• Desolation-Gray Canyon River Use Permit, BLM

Car Shuttles

• Most groups stage vehicles at the take-out near Green River and use shuttle services to move them from the remote put-in at Sand Wash. Several outfitters based in Vernal, Green River, and Moab offer shuttle support.

Water

• According to discussion on Mountain Buzz, Green River water contains agricultural and mining pollutants and significant sediment loads. Plan to carry all water. Filterable water may be available on side springs.

Waste

• Store and pack out human waste in a hard shell container.

Fires

• Per BLM, a permittee must have “A durable, metal fire pan at least 12-inches wide, with at least a 1.5-inch lip around its outer edge and sufficient to contain fire and remains. Fire pans must be carried on all overnight trips and all trips, even if stoves are to be used for cooking. Fire blank under fire pans are recommended to facilitate total ash removal.”

• Suitable Activities: Packrafting
• Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Class II+ River
• Length: 84.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: -508 ft
• High Point: 4,616 ft

• Land Manager: Utah BLM
• Parking Permit Required: BLM Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12