Green River · Utah Wilderness
Green River
Rafting Tours
From whitewater-filled Desolation Canyon to the serene stone corridors of Labyrinth — the Green River is Utah's greatest multi-day wilderness adventure, departing from Moab.
Utah's Premier
Wilderness River
The Green River is one of the greatest wilderness waterways in North America, carving through the Colorado Plateau for hundreds of miles before joining the Colorado River deep inside Canyonlands National Park. From Moab, outfitters offer guided expeditions into some of the river's most spectacular and remote canyons — country that remained virtually unexplored until John Wesley Powell's legendary 1869 descent.
Unlike the Colorado's day-trip options, Green River rafting tours are primarily multi-day wilderness expeditions — an immersive experience that takes you far from roads, cell service, and crowds. Guides handle all logistics, meals, and equipment. Your only job is to paddle, explore, and take it all in.
The two signature guided trips from Moab are Desolation Canyon — 84 miles of Class II–III whitewater through one of the deepest canyons in the American Southwest — and Labyrinth Canyon, a peaceful flatwater float through jaw-dropping red rock scenery ideal for families and first-timers.
Reserve Your SpotGreen River — At a Glance
- Total Length 730 miles
- Moab Access Scenic charter flight
- Desolation Canyon 84 mi · 60+ rapids
- Labyrinth Canyon 68 mi · flatwater
- Trip Length 4 – 7 days
- Best Season May – September
- Rapid Class I–III (Desolation)
- Min. Age (Desol.) 5 years old
- Wilderness Status BLM Wilderness Study
Green River Expeditions
Desolation Canyon
Green River · 84 Miles
America's top-ranked family rafting expedition. A scenic charter flight from Moab drops you into roadless wilderness for 5 to 7 days on the Green River, running over 60 Class II–III rapids past soaring canyon walls, sandy beach camps, ancient Fremont petroglyphs, and the outlaw hideouts of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Every night ends under a canopy of desert stars — guides handle everything from camp setup to gourmet riverside meals.
Trip Details
- Duration 5 to 7 Days / 4 to 6 Nights
- Rapid Class Class II–III (up to IV at high water)
- Distance 84 miles through canyon wilderness
- Access Scenic charter flight from Moab to Sand Wash
- Season May through August (peak: June–July)
- Min. Age 5 years old
- Skill Level Beginner to Intermediate · No experience needed
- Boat Type Oar raft, paddle raft, inflatable kayak
Starting From
$1,595 per adult · all-inclusive- Scenic charter flight Moab to put-in
- All meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Tents, sleeping bags & cots
- All safety gear, rafts & equipment
- Return shuttle to Moab
- Licensed professional guides
Labyrinth Canyon
Green River · 68 Miles
The most peaceful multi-day river journey in the American Southwest. Labyrinth Canyon offers 68 miles of calm, glassy flatwater through soaring canyon walls of deep red and orange sandstone — no whitewater, no stress, just raw geological wonder. Ideal for families with young children, non-swimmers, and anyone who wants a meditative wilderness float where the silence itself is part of the experience. Ancient Native American petroglyphs and trapper inscriptions line the canyon walls.
Trip Details
- Duration 4 to 5 Days
- Rapid Class Class I — Flatwater (no rapids)
- Distance 68 miles (or 45 mi from Ruby Ranch)
- Access Shuttle drive from Moab to Green River State Park
- Season April through October
- Min. Age All ages welcome
- Skill Level All levels — perfect for beginners
- Boat Type Raft, canoe, inflatable kayak, SUP
Starting From
$975 per adult · all-inclusive- All meals prepared by guides
- Tent & sleeping gear
- All rafting & safety equipment
- Round-trip transportation
- Licensed professional guides
- Waterproof dry bags
Green River Canyon Sections
The Green River passes through several distinct canyon sections between Moab and its confluence with the Colorado. Each has its own character.
Desolation Canyon
84 Miles · Sand Wash to Swasey's Beach
Rated one of America's top 10 rafting trips, Desolation Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon in places. Over 60 Class II–III rapids pace a 5–7 day expedition through outlaw country, ancient Fremont ruins, and wild horse territory. Accessed by a scenic flight from Moab — one of the best views in the Southwest before you even touch the water.
Labyrinth Canyon
68 Miles · Green River State Park to Mineral Bottom
The most meditative river journey in Utah. Pure flatwater winds through a maze of towering sandstone walls layered in impossible shades of red, orange, and ochre. Best for families, beginners, canoes, and anyone wanting maximum scenery with zero whitewater. Petroglyphs and trapper inscriptions appear around almost every bend.
Stillwater Canyon
Inside Canyonlands National Park
Below Labyrinth, the Green enters Canyonlands National Park as Stillwater Canyon — flat, remote, and hauntingly beautiful. This section ends at the confluence with the Colorado River, where it transitions into the massive rapids of Cataract Canyon. Combined trips through Labyrinth and Stillwater offer 5–11 days of uninterrupted wilderness.
More Than
A River Trip
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Legendary Stargazing
No roads, no light pollution, no cell service. Green River canyon wilderness offers some of the darkest skies in the continental United States — the Milky Way visible from horizon to horizon, every night of your trip.
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Abundant Desert Wildlife
Wild horses, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, river otters, golden eagles, great blue herons — the Green River corridor sustains wildlife rarely seen near roads. Guides know exactly where to look.
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Outlaw & Ancient History
Desolation Canyon hides Fremont petroglyphs, pioneer homesteads, and the actual hideouts used by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Guides bring the stories to life at every camp and side hike.
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Gourmet Riverside Meals
Multi-day Green River trips are fully catered — guides cook full breakfasts, riverside lunches, and hearty camp dinners every day. The food on a well-run Green River trip routinely surprises first-timers.
"Five days in Desolation Canyon was the best vacation our family has ever taken. The guides were extraordinary, the canyon was unlike anything I've ever seen, and those nights under the stars are something I'll never forget."
— Guest review, Desolation Canyon expedition
Good to Know
Desolation Canyon trips depart May through August and sell out months in advance. Labyrinth Canyon runs April through October. Book early to secure your preferred departure date — especially for summer family trips. Questions? See our FAQ or contact us directly.
Check AvailabilityWhat to Expect
Everything you need to know before booking your Green River rafting expedition from Moab.
Getting to the River
Desolation Canyon is accessed via a scenic charter flight from Moab to the Sand Wash put-in — one of the most memorable parts of the trip. The 45-minute flight gives you a bird's-eye view of the canyon country before you touch the water. Labyrinth Canyon trips drive via shuttle to Green River State Park, about 55 miles from Moab.
Camping & Meals
All multi-day Green River trips are fully catered and outfitted. Guides set up camp on white sand beaches each evening and prepare all meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Gear includes tents, sleeping bags, cots, camp chairs, and dry bags for personal belongings. Nothing to carry except your personal items.
Best Time to Go
Desolation Canyon runs May–August. June and July offer the best combination of weather, water levels, and warmth for swimming. Labyrinth Canyon is runnable April through October. Spring offers dramatic colors; fall delivers cool days, warm light, and solitude. Both trips sell out early — book as far ahead as possible.
What to Bring
All camping gear and equipment is provided. You need to pack personal clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle. Check our full packing guide for the complete list. Gear is transported in waterproof dry bags — keep your personal kit minimal and weather-appropriate.
Who These Trips Are For
Desolation Canyon welcomes families with children ages 5 and older, first-timers, and anyone in reasonable health. No experience necessary. Labyrinth Canyon has no age minimum and is ideal for all ages. Both trips are among the most accessible wilderness expeditions in the American West.
Safety & Permits
All Green River guides are licensed, first-aid certified, and swift-water rescue trained. Desolation Canyon requires a BLM permit — your outfitter handles all permitting. Review our safety page and booking policies before your trip, and visit our FAQ for common questions.
Green River
Rafting FAQ
More questions? Visit our full FAQ page or contact our team.
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No experience is required. Desolation Canyon's Class II–III rapids are approachable for first-timers, and guides provide thorough safety briefings before every day on the water. Labyrinth Canyon requires no rafting skills whatsoever — it's pure flatwater. Both trips have welcomed thousands of first-time river runners.
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A small charter plane departs from Moab and flies you approximately 45 minutes over the canyon country to the Sand Wash put-in — one of the most breathtaking views of the Utah desert you'll ever see. The flight is included in the trip price. From there, you hike 1.5 miles down into the canyon to meet the boats and begin your journey.
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Desolation Canyon is upstream and features over 60 Class II–III rapids — exciting, splashy whitewater set inside one of the deepest canyons in the American Southwest. Labyrinth Canyon is downstream and is completely flat water — no rapids at all. Both offer stunning canyon scenery, but Desolation appeals to those wanting some whitewater adventure, while Labyrinth is ideal for absolute beginners, young children, and those who prefer a tranquil float.
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Yes — one of the Green River's great advantages over some Colorado River sections is its warmer water temperatures in summer. By June and July, the water is very comfortable for swimming, and the wide sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing between rapids. Wet suits are available for earlier season departures.
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Desolation Canyon is one of the most popular wilderness rafting trips in the country and departure spots fill up months in advance — especially summer family dates in June and July. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible, ideally 3–6 months ahead. Check our specials page for any last-minute availability.
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All-inclusive means exactly that. Your trip includes the scenic charter flight (Desolation Canyon), all meals from day one to take-out, all camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, cots, chairs), all rafting equipment, dry bags, licensed guides, and round-trip transportation to and from Moab. You need only bring personal clothing and items from our packing list.
Book Your Green River
Expedition Today
Desolation Canyon departures fill up fast. Secure your spot now and let our team handle every detail of your wilderness adventure.
Group discounts available · Learn about group rates · View current specials