This trip is similar in length and difficulty to the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande, and strong intermediate or higher level whitewater skills are necessary. Swiftwater rescue training and experience would also be helpful. The Green River frequently has a swift current, and flipping a boat can result in a long swim in cold water, so prepare accordingly. While wetsuits and drysuits are not absolutely necessary, paddlers should avoid cotton clothing in favor or breathable, water wicking synthetics such as polypropylene, capilene, neoprene or similar fabrics.

The trip will begin at Sand Wash and Swasey's Beach between the Towns or Ouray and Green River. A complete description of the river and its features can be found on Southwest Paddler along with a river map and photos. Additional photos can be found in the photo gallery section of Southwest Paddler. To access the Green River description click "River Descriptions", then "Utah", then "Green", then "Ouray to IH 70".

Vehicles going on this trip should be high clearance, and should be equipped with extra gasoline, spare tires, oil, transmission fluid, fan belts, air cleaner and other items that could require replacement, as well as appropriate tools for making such repairs. This is an extremely remote area where getting outside assistance is difficult, at best. Drive slowly after leaving paved roads - the dirt roads are usually full of sharp rocks that can puncture or slash tires. Beware of dirt roads after a recent rainfall!

There are no access points between Sand Wash and Swasey's Beach, so once the trip launches you are committed to the entire 84-mile run. Be sure you have everything you need with you, and pack anything that can be damaged by water in properly sealed drybags. Water temperatures can be cold, so prepare accordingly. This is the high desert of Utah, which can be very hot during the day to very cool at night depending upon current weather conditions. It is recommended that you take along adequate clothing for hot, cold, wet and dry conditions. You will NOT find a Wal-Mart located along the river! be sure to properly pack and secure your food and all gear to prevent loss in the event you capsize. It is strongly recommended that you let at least two other people know exactly where you are going in the event of an emergency where you must be located.

The Green River area is home to Mojave, Rock and Timber rattlesnakes, among others, so be careful where you place your hands and feet, especially when hiking off the river in the side canyons. Be sure to include a First Aid kit among your gear, and there should be at least one major First Aid kit in the group.

Driving Directions:

From Dallas:

IH 35 North to SH 183 West toward Irving;
SH 183 West to SH 114 just before Texas Stadium, then verry RIGHT onto SH 114;
SH 114 past DFW Airport to US 287 at Rhome, then veer RIGHT onto US 287 North;
US 287 North through Amarillo to Dumas, then LEFT (West) onto US 87;
US 87 West through Dalhart into new Mexico, then NORTH on IH 25;
IH 25 North into Colorado, then Exit 194 onto SH 470 toward Grand Junction;
SH 470 to IH 70 West toward Grand Junction;
IH 70 West to Glenwood Springs, then Exit 90 onto SH 13 North toward Rifle and Meeker;
SH 13 North to Meeker, then LEFT (West) on SH 64;
SH 64 West to W. Brontosaurus Blvd / US 40, then LEFT (West); US 40 West across the Utah State Line to Vernal;
US 40 is Main Street in Vernal - look for River Runners Transport.

Est. time: 18 hrs. 38 min. - Est. Mileage: 1121 from Downtown Dallas

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.