Desolation and Gray Canyons

Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River offer an 84 mile long dose of spectacular Utah scenery. Don’t underestimate the class IV drive into Sand Wash or the mosquitoes that infest this river through the heart of the summer season. This river trip is best to do in the spring or fall. Rapids are sparse, but the campsites are nice, and the opportunities for side hikes and photography are outstanding. This run is punctuated with lots of interesting ruins and pictograph panels to explore and the crazy Mushroom Rock (see photo below).

Put-In: Sand Wash River Access

Take-Out: Swaseys Boat Ramp

Miles: 84

Managing Agency: BLM Price Utah Field Office

Campsites: Deso Campsites

Stories:

  • Desolation Canyon - 2008 - Will Hansen (.pdf)
  • A broad landscape of rugged mountains and canyons in the morning light
    Rafts tied up at a beach with the Green River disappearing into Desolation Canyon beyond
    Three white water rafts on a gravel beach with a buttressed mountain in the background reflecting off the water
  • Chandler Camp, Desolation Canyon
    Desolation Canyon Scenery
    Desolation Canyon Scenery
  • Desolation Canyon Scenery
    Joe Hutch Canyon Rapid
    Approaching Little Horse Bottom
  • Scenery near McPherson Ranch
    Desolation Canyon Scenery
    Lower Gold Hole Rincon in the background
  • The view upstream from Jack Creek Camp #2
    Jack Creek Camp #2
    Mushroom Rock
  • Steer Ridge Camp
    Looking upstream from Lion Hollow
    The view downstream from Lion Hollow
  • Crazy rocks near Lion Hollow
    The view upstream from Wire Fence Camp #2
    Wire Fence area scenery
  • Rock towers near Wire Fence
    River scenery near Rock Creek
    Rattlesnake Island Camp