Above Ouray, Green River trips are about 25-46 miles in length, but the run from Ouray to IH 70 is about 128 miles of Class I to III high desert canyon paddling in a very remote area of eastern Utah. This is a gorgeous run through parts of Uintah, Carbon and Grand Counties that passes through the Ouray national Wildlife Refuge, Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation and the West Tavaputs Plateau. Along the way the Green River is augmented by flows from the Duchesne, White, Nine Mile and Price Rivers, providing adequate boating levels almost year-round, providing ice flows don't get in the way, though the prime season runs from March through November. The run includes passage through the red sandstone Desolation and Gray Canyons, both significant geological wonders that will capture your attention. This is a 6-10 day trip for marathon paddlers in canoes and rafts (kayaks need canoe or raft support to have adequate provisions including plenty of drinking water) who enjoy getting away from everyday life for a trip far removed from any signs of civilization. Along the way are about 60 rapids, most rated Class I to II, but a few that will reach Class III to III+ status at high flows. There are few access points (and no convenient ones) between Ouray and Green River, so once you start the trip you are committed to finishing it, though this is a very popular family trip destination for many people. Pack everything you need for the long journey that ends about 90 miles west of Grand Junction, Colorado.

It should be mentioned that reports of heavy mosquito infestation will be found around Joe Hutch Canyon, particularly at higher levels. Take along plenty of DEET and/or wear appropriate clothing to repel mosquito bites!

Central Uintah, Carbon and central Grand Counties in eastern Utah near the Colorado border. The Duchesne, White, Nine Mile and Price Rivers all flow into the Green River in this 128-mile section.

Salt Lake City 160 miles; Grand Junction 275 miles; Durango 445 miles; Denver 520 miles; Albuquerque 705 miles; Phoenix 858 miles; Oklahoma City 1,094 miles; Dallas 1,250 miles; Austin 1,360 miles; San Antonio 1,368 miles; Houston 1,546 miles; Little Rock 1,471 miles; Kansas City 1,181 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)

Water quality in the Green River is good in summer months to very good after winter ice and snow melts. It flows cold and silty from the red sandstone particulate that it washes downriver. It is not drinkable without purification, and at times may not be drinkable even after purification. Water from springs in side canyons should also be purified before drinking. Navigable flows are generally limited to mid-spring through late fall, though the river MAY be navugable year-round unless ice blocks its channel during winter months, which often happens between December and mid-March.

Mid-March through late-November is the prime season for running this section of the Green River, depending upon inflow from the Duchesne, White, Nine Mile and Price Rivers between Ouray and the Town of Green River. Depending upon winter temperature conditions and the amount of precipitaton in its drainage basin, the Green River may be navigable year-round. Between late-fall and late-spring freezing temperatures can be expected. Summer daytime temperatures can be 100° F or hotter, with nights warm to cold. Paddlers should bring adequate clothing for hot, cold, wet and dry conditions. Wetsuits or drysuits with a water-repelling base layer are strongly recommended for running the river anytime of the year.

All trips on the Green River between Sand Wash and Green River require BLM permits at all times. Requirements to get and keep a permit are extensive, and are strictly enforced by BLM rangers. Permits must be requested in advance, and full payment must be received by BLM no less than 30 days before the assigned launch date. Failure to submit full payment will result in launch date being made available to other groups. For full details please see Green River Permits, or call BLM at 435-636-3622 for details and permit applications.

There are at least 20 solid Class II rapids on this reach of the river, and about 5-7 which are, or can become, Class III or higher depending upon flow conditions. These rapids are Steer Ridge, Joe Hutch Canyon, Wire Fence, Three Fords, Coal Creek, Belknap Falls, and Rattlesnake (see map at right for locations.) Joe Hutch Canyon Rapid is now a solid, boat-eating Class IV due to a huge debris flow that radically changed the rapid in the Fall of 2008.

Here is a description of the run according to Harry Dundore: Scouting river right is very easy and absolutely necessary.

Entrance: Strainer river right, hole center, HUGE wavetrain left w/ nasty eddy pocket hard left farther down before the wall (very hard to get out of and sets you up for the wall).

Middle: Open shallow water river right, Wavetrain slams into an undercut wall w/ two big traps sticking out perpendicular on river left (NO PILLOW!)

Bottom: Open water river right, small wavetrain center, big safe eddy river left.

The Run: Start hard left and pull HARD right just across the bottom of the first wave. This will line you up for missing the hole and strainer and making the open water in the middle. Continue to pull off the wall, but it's not that hard if you make the first move perfectly (and you must). Boats that tried to sneak between the hole and the strainer got wrapped on the strainer. Boats that tried to run the wave train (14-16 foot rafts) got hosed on the 3rd wave about 75% of the time and slammed into the traps on the wall. At this flow (16,000 cfs) lining a canoe on river right would be a total piece of cake. You wouldn't even break a sweat.

It is strongly recommended that you station at least 2 throw bags at the eddy, river left bottom. They'll be busy! Rescue from river right does not work! A Z-Drag wrap kit is absolutely necessary for this run at higher flows!

Open canoes will swamp in some of the larger rapids at any flow level, so paddlers should take note of conditions before putting in. Large, rolling waves and big holes will test the skills of boaters at above normal flows. Canoes should be filled with flotation and possibly have a spray cover to avoid swamping. Distance, difficulty of access and remoteness all combine to create a hazard in the event of an emergency. Boaters running this section of the river should be accomplished wilderness paddlers and campers who are fully prepared with adequate food, water, medical supplies, boating and camping gear and a strong mental attitude, though novice paddlers and families often make this trip when guided by experienced and licensed outfitters. High canyon walls make egress difficult at best to impossible at worst. Be prepared for weather and climate conditions. Watch for snakes if hiking or exploring the side canyons area, where you might find the Mojave, Timber, and Rock rattlesnakes hiding under rocks or sunning themselves on ledges during warm months, or even on warm days during mild winter months. Ice floes and blockages are a definite hazard to navigation, as well as boater safety, between December and mid-March.

Emergencies may require air evacuation, the cost of which is charged to the injured person. Walking out of the canyons will take several hours to several days, and should not be attempted except under dire circumstances. See the emergency services section for specific details and contact information for the Green and other Utah rivers.

SH 88 near Ouray at 0.0 miles; Sand Wash at about 32.0 miles (very poor road conditions); Nefertiti Rapid at about 108.0 miles; Swasey's Beach at about 116.0 miles; IH 70 bridge at Green River at about 128.0 miles. There are no other access points for this section of the Green River.

There are no campgrounds located along this section of the Green River. Green River State Park, with excellent camping facilities and amenities, is located just below IH 70 outside the Town of Green River. Numerous natural campsites can be found all along this reach of the river. If you pack it in, then pack it out! Leave no trace of your having been there other than footprints. Fire pans are required of all boaters regardless of how meals are prepared, and ALL waste materials and garbage MUST be carried out for proper disposal - NO EXCEPTIONS!

There are numerous BLM-permitted outfitters offering rentals, shuttles, air shuttles, guided trips, river information and other services for this reach of the Green River. Contact BLM at 435-636-3622 for a current list of licensed outfitters.