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Sheri Griffith Expeditions' Luxury
trip is a one of a kind adventure. This world-class nature tour is
breathtaking. It is historically and geologically amazing, the rapids dazzling,
and the hikes soul stirring. This custom rafting expedition takes you through
Canyonlands National Park in warm and sunny southern Utah. Isolated from modern
civilization, Canyonlands is filled with towering red cliff walls that appear
to touch the flawless Western blue sky. These specialized expeditions allow you
to experience the rugged nature of the Colorado River while wrapped in the
comforts of home. 
Spend your days rafting through the
pristine canyons of the Colorado River. As early evening draws near, your raft
pulls up to a private beach, which quickly transforms into your river hotel.
Relax by at the river's edge, enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres and chilled
drinks. While the camp staff finishes setting up your tents, the professionally
trained Chef is putting the final touches on a fabulous dinner. All of your
dinners will be at linen covered tables with unbeatable views!
2005 Expedtions in
Luxury
Westwater Canyon History
Pre-historic Native Americans, probably Fremont, left
800 year old rock art along these canyon walls. Little is known about the
Fremont culture because they were nomadic, and other than their rock art, left
very little behind.
Few white men settled here, and even fewer wrote
about it. There are numerous legends leaving even more questions about the
facts. Downstream of the now abandoned town of Westwater and current Westwater
Ranger Station, the legends and rumors begin at a "Miner's Cabin," "Outlaw
Cave" and the secret grave discovered near the cave. The abandoned Miner's
Cabin, once referred to as "Outlaw Cabin," appears to have been used by placer
miners looking for gold in the late 1800's or early 1900's. Further downstream
Outlaw Cave also has a clouded history surrounding it. Many stories abound
about two outlaw brothers who robbed a bank and hid in the cave to escape the
law. Other stories claim that it is an old mining claim. The truth about
Miner's Cabin and Outlaw Cave may never be known.
Many of these stories and legends have come from the
boatmen who have run Westwater Canyon. The first to challenge Westwater's
famous rapids were two highly experienced and well-known river runners, Bert
Loper and Ellsworth Kolb, in 1916. By the mid-1950's, running Westwater Canyon
had become commonplace and today is one of the most popular river stretches in
Utah.
More on
Westwater Canyon History |
Super Guide Highlight
Chris Michaud
Chris is Sheri Griffith Expeditions'
"book of knowledge guide" and our "Super Guide" of the month. Chris has been
with SGE for 4 years and guiding for 7. Chris has a never-ending well of
knowledge about the Southwest-its history and geology in particular. Chris has
an overflowing library of books and maps that accompany him on every trip. The
books are for guests to read and explore as Chris has memorized most of their
contents already! Chris' skills go beyond his wealth of knowledge; he is also
an accomplished storyteller and has superb rowing and motoring skills. Chris is
most commonly found in
Cataract
Canyon on a 4 or 5 day trip.
Chris's Fun Facts
- Chris' Favorite River Meal: Salmon and Rice
with Mango Salsa
- Chris' Favorite Hike: The Dolls House ~
Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park
- Chris' Favorite River Stretch:
Cataract Canyon
in 4 days
- Why: The mix of flat water & whitewater
and the world class scenery
- Nickname: Mich (pronounced "Meesh")
- Chris' River Talent: Geology and History
Interpretation
Quote of the Month
"I want to thank you for the amazing trip on the
river! I had such a blast! I've never done anything like that and now I'm
inspired." ~ Allison & Chris, April Westwater Canyon trip  |
