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Green River Canoeing: Geology

Jul 21 - 25, 2021

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Trip Fees

Adult

$714

Kids

$674

Discount*

$694

Student

Deposit**

$100

* Adult discount if paid in full by 4/15.

** Deposits must be made per person.

See QUICK LINKS on the right sidebar for aditional information such as Itinerary, What to Bring, Map, What Makes it Fun, etc.

Field trips to Mars are still quite difficult, but travel to the Colorado Plateau is easy. As our observations of the Martian surface become more robust we are seeing structures that look tantalizingly familiar. It is possible that the desert of the Colorado Plateau has experienced a similar climate and geologic process. On this trip, we will canoe down the Green River in central Utah looking at areas that seem to be analogous to what we are seeing on Mars.

Stories about the geology will be conducted throughout the canoe trip by your geology facilitator.

What better opportunity to have fun on the river and learn while you’re at it!

The Green River

Canoeing in Utah is an unforgettable odyssey. Paddling the spectacular 60-mile section of the Green River from Crystal Geyser south of Green River, UT, as it winds towards Mineral Bottom, just north of Canyonlands National Park, is the trip of a lifetime. Between the town of Green River, Utah, and Canyonlands National Park is part of the longest stretch of quiet wilderness water in the lower 48 states. As you canoe the Green River, the moving panorama is incomparable. The twisting, looping river winds its way between sheer, colorful sandstone walls, hundreds of feet high. Vast canyon systems and water channels branch in all directions, inviting hiking and exploring as well as providing excellent camping. Highlights may include hiking to Bow Knot Bend, the canyons of Trin-Alcove, plus Horseshoe Canyon. Old settler’s cabins, abandoned mines, historic outlaw hideouts, caves, ancient Fremont Indian petroglyphs (rock art panels a.d. 500-1200), and lush hidden springs. Oftentimes, a layover day will be built into the trip for hiking. As you retrace Major John Wesley Powell’s 1869 route when he first floated this river and documented the area, remember his words describing his mission: “...to fill in the last white space on the map…”

The trip will begin in Moab, UT, where a local tour operator will transport passengers to the Green River entry point. Cars can be stored with the operator at no charge.