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Green River Caveat

By Chris Haralam

We three SCKC members Lynaia, Gaby "chan," and I met the former Spokanite Krasnow-McGrew family from Sante Fe to do the lower Green River trip in mid-June. We were aware of the weather liability at this time but being teacher types we were limited in schedule.

Unfortunately the normal dry hot weather was higher then, so it was in the 100s instead of the typical 90 degrees. This meant that our constant companions were sun hat, sunglasses, and warm water bottles. Also, this year's SW regional drought has lowered the Green and Colorado Rivers to their lowest level in recorded history. The river was still paddlable but numerous sand bars obstructed our aquatic path. The water level was more of a problem for the jet boat that returned us from the Confluence. We made it back, notwithstanding sand bar jolts, but the same pilot had been stranded overnight just the day before!

With these conditions this trip may not be doable in the near future, so check with the outfitters ( Tag Along or Tex-Mex in Moab) prior to leaving. Or at least, they may be unable to guarantee pick-up.

We did the segment putting-in at Mineral Bottom allowing 6 days, not so leisurely according to plan in this brutal heat. The idea was to do much hiking but the temp and the surprising difficulty in finding camping sites and trails rendered our plan useless much of the time. We would recommend a detailed map, and a portable machete to cut through the omnipresent tamarisk along the shore.

Our group paddled 2 canoes and one solo kayak. Two of the three were reasonable rentals from the outfitter, and it was just as well not to scrape up our boats at this low tide. My preference certainly was slicing through the Green in the kayak. (Incidentally, thank you David White for the lessons last summer.)

There was only a strong current, of course, during the one unattended second when a sudden gust blew our tents into the river. Without hesitation Lynaia and Susan courageously dove in the river to save them. In spite of the heavy tents, which had filled with water and sand, they pulled them to shore, though one was trashed! Our heroic wives could offer a clinic in "Tent Water Rescue" if there is interest!

We recommend doing the Green River this time of year... well, sort of !?!?!??!

The agony of the physical ordeal- the heat, endless thirst, biting flies will probably fade. The mystique of colorful Canyonlands at water level, the star saturated night sky, the relief of finding shade and grasping a gulp of anything wet, the exuberance of finally reaching the infamous Confluence will be etched in our consciousness indefinitely. As well the red sandstone that seems to be permanently stained in all my white wicking clothes! It was a worthwhile trip, but preferably done in spring or fall, this group of expeditioners concluded.