Canoe the Green River with Land Shuttles
Adventure Description
For Jet-Boat shuttles from the Confluence, click here.
Paddling a canoe or touring kayak on the calm waters of the Green River is one of the best ways to experience the privacy of this flat water wilderness at your own pace. We can help you organize and outfit your canoe camping trip, including the vehicle shuttles. Enjoy the calm water of Labyrinth Canyon.
Adventure Level
This is a self guided trip and requires canoe and camping skills. When you think Moab Utah camping, don’t rule out this possibility. The river current is a help but paddling is required. Excellent guide maps are available.
- Backcountry – Flat water (no rapids)
- Knowledge of packing and camping
- Excellent hiking opportunities
Fitness Level: Good to average. Hiking is available throughout the canyon. Desert rivers are warm from about mid-June to mid-September.
Your personalized canoeing adventure will begin at the Canyonlands By Night & Day office in Moab where your gear will be loaded into our shuttle vehicles for the drive to the launch site of your choice. Your private canoeing expedition can last anywhere from two days to longer depending on the launch site you choose.
On your scheduled last day, you will be picked up by a Canyonlands By Night vehicle according to prearranged times and destination. Your canoes and equipment will be loaded and you are generally returned to the Canyonlands By Night office to unload gear into your vehicles that were parked on our premises during your trip.
The Rules (Bureau of Land Management)
To keep this area pristine for your next expedition, there are several rules and regulations that govern your journey.
Permits
BLM permits for paddling in Labyrinth Canyon can be obtained for free at BLM.com . Please completely fill out your permit and read all the stipulations and requirements on your permit. We are required to check that you have all the necessary equipment such as spare PFD’s, fire pan, toilet, etc. before we can take you to the put-in.
Backcountry Rules
Canyonlands By Night has adopted the Leave No Trace ethic to keep these areas wild and scenic for future visitors. Basically it means to leave everything as it was when you found it. We offer the following link so you may do otherwise: Leave No Trace.
Fire pans and toilets are mandatory. Canyonlands By Night has these for rent. Use only driftwood or down and dead tamarisk for firewood. The ashes should should be carried out in your trash. Please be aware of all fire restrictions that may be in force at the time of your trip departure.
You are also solely responsible for knowing the Laws governing boating in Utah. Please see the link below…
Utah State Boating Laws (rules apply to any waterway in Utah)
We don’t allow pets in our vehicles.
Vessels
If you require a canoe Canyonlands By Night rents several brands. Rentals include paddles and life jackets. You will need to bring your own lines, ropes, or straps for tying your gear into the canoe.State requires a whistle on board each craft 16′ or longer. Bring one for each rental of Mad River, Osagian or Old Towne canoe(s) or for your own vessel 16′ or longer.Bring a big car wash sponge to mop any mud that might build up in the bilge. Below the Confluence, life jackets must be worn regardless of the type of craft. Children 12 years of age and younger must, by law, always wear a life jacket on all Utah State waters.CANYONLANDS BY NIGHT & DAY HIGHLY RECOMMENDS EVERYONE WEAR THEIR LIFE JACKET AT ALL TIMES WHEN CANOEING OR KAYAKING. We encourage every participant to have a whistle attached to your lifejacket, too.
Toilet Systems
Your toilet system should be designed to empty into a sewer system in the same way that recreational vehicles discard refuse. Pack your toilet so it is readily available for day use as well as campsite use. Soiled feminine hygiene products and toilet paper should be stored in a zip-lock bag and carried out in your garbage. We have toilet systems available for rent if you do not have one.
Our toilets are custom made for durability, ease of use and comfort. A real toilet seat attaches for camp use! The seat is removed and a separate lid seals the container for transportation. We clean the toilet after your trip. Toilet paper is not included in our rental (please note that when using our toilet we require toilet paper be kept in a separate bag like a zip lock and not placed in the toilet. Remember to bring zip locks!)
Helpful Hint: Throwing Wag Bags into regular trash disposal is against the law and bio-hazard. Grand County has five approved Wag Bag Disposal sites:
- Canyonlands Solid Waste Authority Transfer Station, 2295 S. Highway 191
- Southeast Utah Health Department, 575 Kane Creek Blvd.
- Lions Park, north side of the intersection of Highways 191 and 128
- Grand County Transit Hub, south side of the intersection of Highways 191 and 128
- Wastewater Reclamation Facility, 1070 W. 400 North
For updated sites, hours and rules visit Discover Moab’s new Poop in Moab page at discovermoab.com/poop
Fire Pans
A fire pan is required in Canyonlands National Park and the surrounding BLM lands regardless of whether or not you plan on having a fire while camping on the river or any fire restrictions that may be in effect. Fire pans must be at least 12″ in diameter and have a 2″ lip. You may bring your own, or rent one from us.
Other Important Information
Campsites
There are no designated campsites along the Green River. In order to minimize environmental impacts, we strongly recommend sandbar camping when water level permits. Set your kitchen, fire pan, and toilet system up as close to the river as possible so spring high water will erase traces of your occupancy.
Garbage
Drinking Water
We recommend a gallon of water per person per day. If your original supply of drinking water runs out, you may collect water from the center of the main channel of the river and allow it to settle overnight. Two teaspoons of Aluminum Sulfate Powder or “alum” in five gallons of water, may expedite settling river water. You should find it at a pharmacy or spice rack.Treatment for killing or removing disease-causing organisms: boil river water for ten minutes, plus one minute for every 1,000 ft elevation (Green River is at 4300′ or so) or utilize mechanical filtration plus chemical disinfection. You might want to use settled river water for cooking, coffee, or other hot beverages. Bring powdered drink mix or juice concentrates to mask the taste of chemically treated water. Reserve your containers of fresh water for hiking.
Cold Weather Hints
We start the shuttle services in early March and we run until late October and sometimes into November. Temperatures March to early April and late September to November average 35 – 42 degree lows. When the sun is out it is glorious. Keep feet and hands dry. Tents add warmth to sleeping arrangements. Insulated footwear for in camp will add to your comfort, but may be too warm to hike in. Tall rubber boots (ditch boots) help with muddy banks and keeping feet dry while doing camp chores. Expect frost. You may have to sleep with your personal water bottle, it may freeze if left out.
Emergencies
Hospitals are not immediately available to you in this wilderness area. In an emergency, you may signal aircraft with a small signal mirror or lay out a large “X” pattern on a surface which is visible to the sky. Cell phone service is generally unavailable and satellite phones are unpredictable. Assess your situation carefully. The cost for evacuation from wilderness areas is expensive!
Best Resource Material
You may obtain copies of ariver mapthrough Canyonlands By Night prior to your journey.
Trip Highlights
- Self-designed trip
- Flexible length: 2 days or longer
- Privacy, solitude, a self-guided tour of Labyrinth Canyon, Green River Utah
- Consider a longer trip to the heart of Canyonlands National Park with a return by jet boat.
Who Should Go
Almost anyone; experienced paddlers, novice paddlers, friends, and families. Those who enjoy the Boundary Waters or backpacking trips will find this a special treat. These sections of the river are all flat water (no rapids).
Dates Available
Contact our office for reservation dates available.
Rentals Available
Canoe Rentals:
15′ Coleman Canoe – $35+ tax per day
17′ Osaigan Canoe – $40+ tax per day
16′ Mad River Explorer – $40+ tax per day
16’9″ Old Town Discovery – $45+ tax per day
Canoe Seat Backs
$3 for the 1st day and $2 every day after.
Fire Pan
$3 for the 1st day and $2 every day after.
Toilet System
Large- $15 for the 1st day and $12 every day after +$30 Dump fee.
Small- $12 for the 1st day and $8 every day after +$30 Dump fee.
Kayak- $10 for the 1st day and $6 every day after +$30 Dump fee.
Dimensions:
- Large: 18″ x 16″ x 16″ high – 64 uses
- Small: 12” x 12” x 12” – 26 uses
- Kayak: 13.5” x 10” x 8” – 14 uses
Large Dry Bags
$8 for the 1st day and $5 every day after.
5-gallon Water Jugs
$5 for the 1st day and $3 every day after.
55qt Food Cooler
$9 for the 1st day and $5 every day after.
Shuttle Fees
$180 + tax per person round trip
$90 + tax one way.
These rates are round trip, from our office in Moab to your launch point, and then returning to Moab.
In addition to all shuttle fees above for transporting people and their gear, the below fees are charged for the handling of boats not rented from Canyonlands By Night:
Solo Canoe: $35
Standard Canoe: $35
Inflatable Kayak or SUP: $25
Hard Shell Kayak $40
Tandem Kayak: $35
Rafts: $100
A 20% deposit is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable. Balance due the day of departure.
Cancellation Policy
We require a 20% non-refundable deposit to make each reservation. Any changes to boats, number of people, or cancellations within 48 hours are completely non-refundable and charged in full.
(435) 259-5261
Call for a reservation or use our trip inquiry form
Mileage Schedule
Green River Boat Launch Areas
| Ruby Ranch – Mineral Bottom | 45 miles / | 2-3 days |
| Green River – Mineral Bottom | 68 miles / | 3-6 days |
Colorado River Boat Launch Areas
| Moab Dock – Potash Dock | 17 miles / | 1-2 days |
Green River State Park
Launch on the Green River. The road is paved to this put-in and there is an entrance fee of $4.00 per person for day use. If you camp overnight, fees are $12.00 for one site and $4.00 for each additional vehicle. Warning: Very shallow at lower water levels 1700 cfs – 2000 cfs at the Highway bridge crossing of the Green River. Check water flow.
Ruby Ranch
Launch at Ruby Ranch on the Green River. Ruby Ranch is located 23 miles downstream from Green River, Utah and is a remote put-in site located some distance across dirt roads. Ruby Ranch is private property and the owners charge a fee of $10.00 per boat and $5.00 per person. You must bring the exact amount in cash.
Moab Dock
Launch at the Moab Boat Ramp on the Colorado River. The Moab Dock is located just off Highway 191 at the intersection of Highway 128. Roads to the put-in are paved.
In planning your trip, consider that an average of 15 – 20 miles per day in a canoe is an excellent day on the river.
