Cataract Canyon...Now with New Rapids!

September’s record breaking rains and the shrinking of Lake Powell have combined to form some new rapids in Cataract Canyon. For about 10 years, Lake Powell has been at record lows. These low lake levels have allowed the Mighty Colorado River to reclaim some of its former rapids. This has given us the chance to run 5 “new” rapids including the very fun and almost mile long rapid of Water Hole.

Our operations manager, Brenda, was able to squeeze in a Cataract Canyon trip before the government shutdown during the last week of September, and she reported lots of new debris flows from the recent rains.


One of these mudslides created a brand new rapid! Here is Brenda’s description of the new unnamed rapid: “A brand new rockslide has come from the right-side of the canyon to narrow the channel below Water Hole Canyon. At the low water level I ran it at it is was not huge maybe a class 3. The start of the rapid has a classic “V” into some fun splashy waves. If you break through the “V” to the left there is a runnable hole. The hole is little smaller than the Little Delores hole on Westwater Canyon. This should be a really fun rapid at higher flows.

YEAH new RAPIDS!"

Arches Turns 42 Years Old!

Arches National Park was opened in 1971 on November 12th. This is the National Park's 42nd birthday. It was originally created as a National Monument in April of 1929. Arches National Park is roughly 76,359 acres of beautiful rock formations such as Balancing Rock and Delicate Arch featured above.

The Gourmet Experience- Our Trip for Foodies!

Luxury River Trips: This experience is all about "going with your gut." This can certainly ring true when you're planning your adventure of a lifetime--especially when there's food involved! With an impressive river chef menu designed by our chef and Culinary Institute of America trained Sarah Jane, you can trust that our Luxury River Trips are the intersection of gourmet food, incredible settings and adventure.

Spend the day exploring the secrets of the Colorado River and admiring the beauty of Canyonlands National Park. At night Indulge in five star cuisines prepared by our professional river chef, served on linen-clad tables with views of towering red rocks. Relax by the rivers edge with handpicked wines.

Enjoy toasted crostini topped with Roma Tomatoes, Fresh Basil and melted Buffalo Mozzarella, wrapped in prosciutto for appetizers. Savor grilled pork tenderloin with Honey-Dijon Sauce, Grilled Asparagus, and Couscous as the sun sets. Save room for dessert with freshly baked brownies with assorted berries and whipped cream.

Hungry Yet?

Canyonlands National Park!

Canyonlands National Park Information

Canyonlands National Park covers a vast area of rock wilderness in southeast Utah, centered on the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers. Over millions of years, the rivers and their small tributaries have carved the flat sandstone rock layers into many amazing forms with a wide range of colors. The 530 square miles of the park contain countless canyons, arches, spires, buttes, mesas and a myriad of other spectacular rock formations.

For more information on Canyonlands National Park: www.griffithexp.com/canyonlands-national-park

To book a trip in Canyonlands National Park:

The Yampa River, located in the heart of the Dinosaur National Monument on the Eastern end of the Uinta Mountain Range.

Geology:

The geology of the Yampa Canyon begins with layers of sandstones, limestones and shales, giving the viewer a unique "look back" at the rising and dropping of an ancient sea. As you travel further into the canyon the sheer walls of the Weber Sandstone become predominant. As the river winds its way through a maze of walls sculpted by windblown sand, walls, such as the 1,000' high Grand Overhang and the stripes of the Tiger Wall will leave the viewer in awe.

Once you leave the Yampa Canyon and join the Green River, entering into Echo Park, the Mitten Park Fault will blow the viewer away. Just after Mitten Park the river enters into Whirlpool Canyon the billion-year-old Uinta Mountain Group formation and the Unique Sea Stacks enter into the geologic picture. Following a leisurely float through Island Park and the Morrison Formation (where dinosaur bones are found), the river makes a dramatic cut right through the Split Mountain Anticline.

More Information on the Yampa River Rafting History.

Waterfalls and rainbows?

The monsoon season of late July and early August in Utah can create some of the best photo opportunities.

Government Shutdown and
Sheri Griffith River Expeditions:

We have had a lot of people asking about our trips and if we can still run them.   Sheri Griffith River Expeditions has only slightly been affected by the Government Shutdown as of right now.

There are still plenty of great things to do in Moab, other than Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Check out www.discovermoab.com or www.visitutah.com for a list of alternate activities to do in the area.

We would like to thank Utah’s Governor Herbert and Secretary of the Interior Jewell, for their work opening up the National Parks in Utah. You can read Co-Owner Arlo’s comments about the shutdown in the Salt Lake Tribune here.

We doubt the shutdown will last to next year. SO…..We are still booking lots of trips for 2014!  

Pay in Full Discount

NEW DISCOUNT:  If you pay your full multiday river trip fare at the time you book we will give you 5% off your trip cost. This discount can be combined with both the 2013 rates and returning guest discount. This could be a 20% savings! If you have already booked a trip for 2014 and want to pay the remaining balance we will still give you the 5% Pay-In-Full discount. Just call or email Kristl at 800-332-2439 to make your payment.


*Remember if you reserve your spot before October 31st you will receive this year's price. This is a savings of over 5%. If you are a repeat guest you still receive your 10% off. This could be a savings of over $250!

Happy Guests Comments:

Everything on our trip was excellent, from calling to make reservations, payment ease, questions answered, the guides were awesome, informative, very knowledgeable and made the day that much more fun! Our guides were Amber and Tabitha and they were EXCELLENT! The best part of this trip was the RAPIDS and the guides made it that much more fun!!!!! HUGE THANK YOU TO AMBER AND TABITHA! I would go back and highly recommend SGE anytime to anyone! You will not be disappointed!

-Janette K. Chicago IL

Cataract Canyon...Now with NEW RAPIDS!

September’s record breaking rains and the shrinking of Lake Powell have combined to form some new rapids in Cataract Canyon. For about 10 years, Lake Powell has been at record lows. These low lake levels have allowed the Mighty Colorado River to reclaim some of its former rapids. This has given us the chance to run 5 “new” rapids including the very fun and almost mile long rapid of Water Hole.

Our Operations Manager, Brenda, was able to squeeze in a trip last week before the government shut down. She reported lots of new debris flows from the recent rains.

One of these mudslides created a brand new rapid! Here is Brenda’s description of the new unnamed rapid: “A brand new rockslide has come from the right-side of the canyon to narrow the channel below Water Hole Canyon. At the low water level I ran it at it is was not huge maybe a class 3. The start of the rapid has a classic “V” into some fun splashy waves. If you break through the “V” to the left there is a runnable hole. The hole is little smaller than the Little Delores hole on Westwater Canyon. This should be a really fun rapid at higher flows. YEAH new Rapids!”