Luxury River Rafting- Westwater Canyon: Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Starting on the Colorado River
We meet early the morning of departure at the Sheri Griffith Expeditions office. We then drive two hours to Colorado to the launch site on the Colorado River, load the boats and head down stream. Once on the Colorado River, you will receive a river orientation and meet your other guides and fellow guests. The first part of this adventure places you in the midst of stark and dramatic desert landscapes.
Today is a lazy day on the river as you adjust to the relaxed pace. You'll stop to hike as well as for lunch where you'll create your own deli masterpiece.
Camps are on sandy beaches. The supply raft arrives at camp and creates a river lounge, restaurant and tent bungalows. Our professional river Chef begins the evening's dining presentation. Enjoy a cool beverage on the riverbank in comfortable camp chairs. You'll dine at sunset at linen clad, candle lit tables.
Potential Hiking Opportunities: Rattlesnake Canyon, Mee Canyon
Note: Meals are served from a set daily menu, but you are welcome to request, in advance, special dishes or tell us if there are particular things you would prefer not to have.
Day 2: Hiking the Colorado River
Wake each morning to fresh gourmet coffee and a hearty breakfast. Breakfasts all include freshly brewed organic coffee along with assorted teas, hot cocoa and juice. We always start with a platter of fresh fruit in the morning followed by a delicious hearty breakfast. Camp assistants will take down the camp and off we go on the day's adventure.
Soon, you are back on the river for another day of staring at the handy work of nature. You can feel yourself relaxing and slipping into 'river time.' Early today you may get a chance to hike to Native American ruins hidden along the Colorado River.
After stopping for lunch, and checking in with the Westwater Ranger, we head into the black granite gorge. Red sandstone cliffs change to shiny black granite walls. Here is where you start your whitewater experience. After running a few of the 'warm up' rapids we pull over for camp on a secluded beach. This evening you will get to hear stories about the rapids you will challenge in the morning.
After watching the sun slip over the canyon rims you will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves downstream. The meals are prepared by our expert river chef and served at sunset. Sleeping quarters are erected by camp staff and are oversized tents which house comfortable cot beds, tables and night lights. The guides, chef and camp attendants will do all the work leaving you time to hike, explore and relax.
Each evening your dedicated camp staff establishes camp on the riverbank. From comfortable oversized tents and linen covered tables with gourmet meals, to mind-boggling vistas and spectacular sunsets--this adventure provides the full enjoyment of the rugged outdoors while wrapped in Luxury.
Indulge.
Traditionally, the last night of the river trip is "Dress-up" night. Anything goes if you would like to participate. It is up to your imagination! This is a great way to celebrate the trip, the new friends you have made, and the near completion of your Mighty Colorado River adventure.
Potential Hiking Opportunities: Blackrocks, Knowles Canyon, McDonald Canyon, and Miners Cabin
Day 3: Whitewater Day
You will wake with anticipation of the rapids downstream. After a healthy breakfast the guides take time to teach you how to enjoy the big rapids safely. Then the fun really begins. Here are the incredible rapids you have been waiting for: Little Hummer, Funnel Falls, Last Chance Rapid, and of course, the infamous Skull Rapid. Lunch is a fresh buffet on the riverbank.
There will be chance to swim and enjoy the river as you float out of Westwater Canyon. The ride back to Moab will be filled with stories of the hole in 'Sock-It-To-Me' and the beautiful sunset the night before. The van returns you to Moab around 6-6:30 PM (MDT).
Potential Hiking Opportunities: Little Dolores Creek, Little Hole Canyon, and Outlaw Cave