Desolation Gray - Green River Permit (recgovnpsdata)

Introduction / Overview

The Desolation Gray - Green River Permit is your key to one of Utah's most iconic and remote river journeys. This isn't a traditional campground you drive to and set up a tent; it's a permit that allows you to embark on a multi-day floating trip down the 84-mile stretch of the Green River that cuts through the stunning Desolation and Gray Canyons. This is a true wilderness experience, offering a mix of serene flat water, over 60 thrilling rapids (up to Class III), and a landscape that is both rugged and breathtakingly beautiful. The permit system, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), ensures the preservation of this pristine environment by regulating the number of people on the river.

The trip is a deep dive into an uninhabited area, far from the conveniences of modern life. It’s an adventure that requires careful planning and self-sufficiency, but rewards you with unparalleled solitude, scenery, and a unique connection to the history of the region. The canyon walls, which rise up to 5,000 feet, showcase millions of years of geological history, while the river corridor itself is home to diverse wildlife and ancient petroglyphs and ruins. The Desolation Gray trip is renowned as a family-friendly river vacation, with its manageable rapids and numerous opportunities for side hikes and exploration. It’s a favorite among local Utah residents and visitors alike who are seeking a truly immersive and unforgettable outdoor experience.

Location and Accessibility

The trip begins at the Sand Wash Ranger Station, a remote location that is the official put-in point for the river journey. The address provided for the permit, Field Office, 125 S 600 W, Price, UT 84501, USA, refers to the BLM office responsible for managing the permits, not the physical location where the river trip begins. The launch point is a significant drive from Price, and requires careful planning. Many river runners hire shuttle services or arrange their own vehicle shuttles to meet them at the takeout, Swasey’s Beach. The logistics of this trip are complex and are a key part of the planning process.

Accessibility for the journey itself is specifically for floating watercraft, such as rafts, kayaks, and canoes. The river trip is not wheelchair-accessible in the traditional sense, as it involves navigating a wild river and camping on undeveloped beaches. However, the experience is accessible to a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to experienced boaters, with many commercial outfitters offering guided trips. On-site parking is available at the put-in and take-out points, but it is typically a long-term parking situation for the duration of the trip, which can last anywhere from 3 to 9 days. It's crucial for private boaters to plan their own shuttle arrangements to get their vehicles from the launch point to the takeout point.

Services Offered

• Restrooms: The permit allows for primitive camping, and as such, formal restrooms are not available along the river corridor. Visitors are required to bring and use a washable, leak-proof, and reusable toilet system that allows for the carry-out and proper disposal of all solid human waste. This is a mandatory rule to preserve the pristine nature of the wilderness.

• Running Water: While the river provides a constant source of water, it is not potable and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption. There is no running water available at the campsites themselves. Campers must carry all the water they need or plan to treat river water during the trip.

• Tent Sites: The campsites along the river are natural, undeveloped spots, often on large sandy beaches or in the shade of cottonwood trees. There are no designated sites or reservations for specific spots along the river; camping is on a first-come, first-served basis along the west side of the river for the first 70 miles, after which both sides are open for camping. The sites are spacious, offering a chance to find a private and beautiful spot each night.

• Camping Fee: The permit comes with a fee structure. This includes a non-refundable reservation fee per party and a per-person recreation fee. All fees must be paid in advance through the recreation.gov website, and a printed permit must be carried at all times during the trip.

• On-site Parking: At the launch point, on-site parking is available for the duration of the trip, but it is important to arrange for a vehicle shuttle to the take-out point at Swasey's Beach.

Features / Highlights

• Remote Wilderness Experience: This is one of the most remote river trips in the contiguous United States, offering a genuine sense of solitude and connection with nature. For miles, you will see no signs of human development, allowing for a completely immersive experience.

• Geological and Historical Significance: The canyons are a stunning display of geological history, with towering cliffs and unique rock formations. The area is also rich in human history, from the Fremont people who left behind petroglyphs and ruins to the hideouts of outlaws like Butch Cassidy. Numerous opportunities for side hikes allow you to explore these historical and natural wonders.

• Whitewater Rapids: The river boasts over 60 rapids, primarily Class I-III, which are fun and manageable for most boaters. These rapids provide an exciting element to the trip without being overly dangerous, making it a great option for families and beginners.

• Family and Kid-Friendly: The Desolation Gray trip is renowned as an ideal family vacation. The mix of calm water, fun rapids, and opportunities for swimming and hiking makes it an adventure that is engaging for all ages.

• Wildlife Viewing: The remote nature of the canyon means you have a good chance of spotting a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat.

Contact Information

Phone: (435) 636-3600

Address: Field Office, 125 S 600 W, Price, UT 84501, USA

What is worth choosing

Choosing the Desolation Gray - Green River trip is a commitment to a profound outdoor adventure, and it is a choice well worth making for the right kind of explorer. It's not a quick weekend getaway, but a multi-day journey that offers an escape unlike any other. What makes this trip truly stand out is the level of immersion it provides. This is not just camping; it's a moving, dynamic experience where each night brings a new, breathtaking riverside campsite. The mandatory permit system, while requiring advanced planning, ensures that the river remains uncrowded and pristine, allowing each group a sense of solitude that is increasingly rare in popular outdoor destinations.

For families in Utah and beyond, this trip offers a unique opportunity to bond and create lasting memories in a setting that is both safe and adventurous. The rapids are exciting but not intimidating, and the opportunities for hiking and exploring historical sites along the way add an educational element to the fun. The experience of being completely self-sufficient and removed from cell service and everyday distractions is a highlight for many. This is a chance to truly disconnect and appreciate the natural world and the company you're with.

While the lack of traditional amenities like flushing toilets and running water might seem like a drawback to some, for those who value the Leave No Trace ethic and a rugged experience, it is a point of pride. The fee and permit process are a small price to pay for the privilege of navigating one of the most beautiful and well-preserved river canyons in the country. The Desolation Gray trip is a quintessential Utah adventure, offering a rare combination of accessible excitement, profound beauty, and deep wilderness, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to truly get away from it all and connect with the landscape in a meaningful way.

Desolation Gray - Green River Permit (recgovnpsdata)

Field Office, 125 S 600 W, Price, UT 84501, USA