The Tavaputs Ranch overlooks Desolation Canyon of the Green River. Ten thousand feet up in the mountains of the Tavaputs Plateau a simpler life still passes by. Every morning at sunrise the horses come in for a little grain, and the cowboys gather for a cup of coffee and some easy conversation. The kitchen is a natural gathering place. You can count on the smell of fresh baking and home style cooking anytime of day.
Jeanie Wilcox grew up on “The Mountain” with thousands of acres to play in. The nearest neighbor was ten miles by dirt road. Lucky for us one of those neighbors happened to be Butch Jensen. As childhood friends they rode stick-horses together. Two decades later Jeanie and Butch traded wedding vows. They are a charismatic couple with a nack for hospitality that comes natural after four generation of sharing a warm fire, and hitching post on the edge of nowhere. They will openly share their way of life with you. Introduce you to their horses by name, loan a hat to you, and offer a few pointers on getting along with your mount.
After the crew serves up a heartly lunch there is time for a drive to the edge of the mountain and a VIEW. The panorama into Desolation Canyon is rivaled only by the Grand Canyon. In today's world there seems to be a whole lot more of us, in a whole lot less space. A quiet walk alone in a meadow or aspen grove can provide a whole lot of healing.
After two days of exploring the mountains a short flight will take you to the beginning of your river trip. There we will trade our pants for shorts, and say goodbye to the cowboys and hello to the river guides. Now it's their turn to share some favorite places with you. The Green River splits the 10,000 foot high Tavaputs Plateau and forms a gorge deeper than the Grand Canyon. Over one million uninhabited acres surround this holdout of the Old West. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid used these remote canyons one hundred years ago to escape the law. Today, we go just to escape.
Trip Details:
- 2008 Departure Dates: June 28 & July 19;
- Minimum Age: 5;
- Level: Easy;
- Meeting Place: Green River, Utah 8:00 a.m.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - Fly into Tavaputs Ranch from Green River. Unpack at the lodge, and enjoy the first of several country style meals prepared at the ranch. After lunch guests can enjoy horseback riding, walking, or simply relaxing in the mountains. An evening campfire completes the day before retiring to the ranch style cabins. Includes: (L),(D);
Day 2 - Tavaputs Ranch is surrounded on all sides by wilderness. This region plays host to an abundance of wildlife including deer, elk, birds of prey, bears, and many other varieties of animals. More horseback riding, 4 X 4 tours, walking, and exploring give guests the opportunity to view some of this wildlife. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 3 - Fly into Sand Wash put-in from Tavaputs Ranch. There is a 30 minute downhill hike from canyon rim to the rafts waiting at river bottom. The trail is well marked but there is some loose footing along the way. Plan ahead to wear appropriate shoes for the hike. Guests who are apprehensive about the hike can be transported by vehicle to the river. View a historical marker at head of Desolation Canyon before entering the canyon. Camp this evening near Gold Hole. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 4 - Hikes to Fremont Indian ruins and petroglyphs interspersed with sections of whitewater. Steer Ridge Rapid is the most memorable. Camp in a cottonwood grove or on a mile-long sandbar. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 5 - Side canyon hike up Rock Creek, a clearwater stream. Extensive petroglyphs, and abandoned Rock Creek and McPherson Ranches, where Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch slept. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 6 - The whitewater has gotten bigger each day. The crescendo: Belknap, Three Fords, and Coal Creek rapids. Leave Desolation and enter Gray Canyon. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 7 - We will run a half dozen more rapids before lunch and then take out near Swasey's beach. Short trip back to Green River and our headquarters. Includes: (B),(L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Desolation Canyon Rafting/Tavaputs Ranch (7 days): $1,525.00;
Group/Youth: $1,445.00/$1,325.00;
BLM special are fee $25 per person;
Deposit: $300.00 per person
Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Utah
Multi-activity
Farm Stay & Ranching
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