Self-Guided Multi-Day Trips

 

MRCC Rental Equipment (See prices below.  Pricing is per trip, not daily rates.):  Due to the popularity of rentals, if you do not reserve Rental Gear ahead of time, we do not guarantee that it will be available the day of your launch.

When renting equipment, consumables are not included for Self-Guided Trips.  Meaning, you need to purchase your own ice, propane gas, food, toilet paper, etc.

We reserve the right at any time to change prices, products, policies, and services without prior notice.

The rental fee for our River Toilet System includes us disposing of the contents for you, no extra Dump Fee!

Due to customer inquiries, we are now offering for rent our Canoe Catamaran connecting system for Multi-Day Trips.  This added configuration creates a craft that is more than twice as stable as a single canoe because it is actually two individual canoes braced together to form one catamaran for extra stability and support, great when paddling open stretches of water, especially in windy conditions.

IF arrangements are made ahead of time to pick-up rental gear (such as coolers, dry bags, etc.) the day before your trip, it will be available after 5:30 pm.  Due to the popularity of our rentals, this may not always be a possibility.

Consumables are not provided for Self-Guided Trips, i.e. ice, toilet paper, propane gas, food, etc.

 

*Full Kitchen set includes: plates, bowls, cups, knives, forks, spoons, cutting knives, can opener, salad bowl, fry pan, pot & strainer, pot holder, cutting board, dish soap, sponge, bleach, and washing bins inside a 24-gallon Action Packer storage box for transporting for a group up to 6 people ($20 per couple after 6)

Dry bags: Generally, the sizes are as follows: small is 10 liters, medium is 45 liters, large is 65 liters, and the x-large is 110 liters

Tents: Technically, they are 3-person tents, 7′ x 7′, but we list them as 2-person tents… you have room to be comfortable.

Water
One gallon per person per day of fresh drinking water is the recommended minimum.  The simplest and surest source of clean drinking water is to bring lightweight, 5 gallon hard plastic containers.  **YOU MUST PLAN TO PROVIDE ALL OF YOUR POTABLE WATER NEEDS (must be carried in…yes, really!)!**  The river water is extremely silty (which clogs ups filters easily) and not considered drinkable without treatment.  This is not the clear mountain water that can easily be filtered, especially for the amount you need to keep hydrated in our desert environment.  This particular section of the Green River (through Labyrinth Canyon) is slower moving water, with run off from farms, uranium mines, and on and on.  However, this is a Self-Guided Trip, so consider yourself informed.  Factor in your food menu when calculating your water needs.  Account for meals that use water in preparation (dehydrated foods, pasta, etc.) and increase your water supplies, as appropriate.  Having a quality water filter and enough fuel to boil river water as a back up is a good idea, even if not used.

Food
When packing for a trip, you need to think about how many folks are going to be on the trip and how many days your trip will be.  The summer heat plays a big part in what you bring and how much ice you will need.  You may want to think about pre-cooking some of your food beforehand.  Serve energy packed meals.  Breakfasts could be juice and hot beverages, fresh fruit, bagels and cream cheese, hot and cold cereal selections, or pancakes.  Lunches could be buffet style with sandwich makings, plus a high carbohydrate selection, like pasta salad.  Trail mix and beef jerky are nice for snacking.  For dinner, it is a good idea to always have plenty of fresh salad or vegetables to go along with hearty main dishes such as Pasta Marinara, Teriyaki seafood kabobs, or chicken fajitas.  Or, if you are really low-maintenance, they make some great freeze-dried food these days!

Packing your gear for canoe trips
To avoid the loss of equipment, we recommend that you tie all of your gear into the boat when canoeing.  We will have two #12 Cam straps for your canoe to tie-down all gear.  However, you are welcome to bring more “tie-downs”.  Each boat will carry enough water to provide for all your own drinking needs plus food or kitchen gear along with camp gear.  Canoes can hold a lot of gear and still be fun to paddle.  Also, remember you will have a paddling partner that may not be as happy about hauling your hardback library down the river.  You can still bring things to make life comfortable at camp.  You should plan on packing all gear that you want to remain dry in dry bags; especially clothes and sleeping equipment.  You need to consider how you are going to organize your belongings in the dry bags.  Stuff sacks or small duffle bags fit nicely and keep things together.

Waste disposal
Due to the lack of rain in our desert climate, solid waste must not be buried as it can be in other terrain!  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requires that ALL solid human and pet waste must be carried out!  River toilet systems are mandatory.  The National Park Service did a study on urination concluding that “the solution to pollution is dilution”; so, as we travel down river, we “pee” into the river or in the wet sand along the river.  Because of our concern for the impact that we contribute by being both users and outfitters on our favorite rivers, we rent portable river toilet systems (“groovers”) for all of our multi-day trips.  They are convenient and easy to use.  They are military grade, leak-proof ammo cans, convenient and easy to use with about 25 uses in a container, with a plastic sealable container inside the ammo can and a toilet seat that fits on top.  This professional, ECO-Safe Toilet System meets all requirements of the BLM, NPS, and USF and is the standard, most commonly used system in the river industry.  Thousands of people use this exact set-up every year.  We will go over their set-up and use with you before you launch for your Self-Guided Trip.  ONLY poop and toilet paper go into this river toilet.  Feminine hygiene products and/or wipes DO NOT GO IN THIS SYSTEM and should be packed out with your trash.  On Self-Guided Trips, **You will need to bring your own toilet paper.**  When feasible, place the toilet near the river’s edge to encourage urination in the river unless there is adequate groover volume to urinate in the toilet.  The number of containers needed is dependent on the number of people and the length of the trip.  The rental fee includes us disposing of the contents for you!

Campfires
A fire pan is mandatory to have on your river trip (even if there is a fire ban in effect) and is required for all wood or charcoal fires.  One will be provided for you with your boat rental.  This will replace the use of fire rings or pits.  To prevent scorching of the ground beneath the fire pan, elevate it slightly by placing it on several small rocks taking care that it is well balanced and will not tip over while in use.  All of your fires must be contained within the fire pan and all remains packed out.  Please make sure that your fire is completely extinguished with water before disposing of the ash and coals in a plastic garbage bag.  We would like to encourage you to bring a camp stove and use if for most, or all of, your cooking.  Dead and down wood provides habitat for many creatures and can add to the scenic qualities of campsites.  So, it is best to purchase firewood in town or we have some for sale as well. Know if there is a current fire ban in effect, as this can impact your meals!  Have a back-up plan in place because it can be instituted at the last minute.

Leave no trace of your stay. You must pack out everything you pack in! Visit: lnt.org

How much experience do you need?
Some previous canoeing experience is necessary to participate in this adventure.  As with most outdoor activities, the better shape you are in, the more you will get out of the experience.  You can travel 10-15 miles a day on the river, which is a leisurely pace for most groups.  The river does a good part of the work for us, but plan on sitting in the boat for hours a day and some easy to moderate upper body use.  Hikes are optional and range from easy to somewhat strenuous.

We CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH: This is a Self-Guided Trip and it requires a high level of responsibility and your due diligence in research, as you will be going into and camping in backcountry wilderness.  There will be discomforts that come with this type of trip.  As navigator, you will have to pay attention to river mileage and your travel speeds.  You are your own captain!  The area is remote and services are non-existent.  Your group must be self-contained and self-reliant to deal with emergency situations.  Cell phone service is not available within the canyons.  If this is looking like too much responsibility, you should really start with a Guided Green River Canoe Trip.

Locations of river trips in this area can be extremely remote.  Emergency evacuations can be lengthy.  There are few remote roads that lead to the river.  Do not attempt to hike away from the river for help.  Your best chance for getting help is to stay on the river.

GREEN RIVER TRIP SAFETY POINTS

1.) Listen/think/take responsibility.  BE PREPARED!  Have an emergency plan in place.  ALWAYS tie the canoes so they do not float away when you are not in them!

2.) Know your canoe equipment

• PFD (Personal Floatation Device or Life vest) – When your PFD is not on you, clip it to the canoe, a tree, or something so it isn’t lost.  *Those 12 years old and younger must wear their PFD at all times while on the river.
• Paddles (3 per tandem canoe, 2 per solo canoe)
• 1 Emergency throwing device per canoe (throw cushion)
• Bail bucket (to scoop out any water that may get into the canoe)
• Whistle

3.) Know the area, river conditions, weather forecast

• Follow along the whole way with your River Guide, as there are not any river mile markers/signs out in the backcountry

• C.F.S.: Cubic Feet Per Second (the way the river industry measures river flow)

AND WHY DO I NEED TO KNOW THIS?

The Green River’s flow ranges from 2,000 – 45,000 + c.f.s.  The time in the river season that you are taking your trip, along with the length of time you are out on the river, will play a big part regarding the river flow.  5,000 c.f.s. and under, will be a “slower moving” river and it will take longer to make up river miles.  However, the same river miles at 15,000 c.f.s. and higher, will be faster moving and take you less time.  The c.f.s. will also play a part in how big and where “camps” will be.

Spring run off = high water and is mostly in May and June, and possibly July.

• Plants – Avoid poison ivy and poison oak.
• Insects – Use insect repellent for mosquitoes, deer and horse flies, and gnats (usually in July and some of August).
• Poisonous insects – Do not reach into holes (or anything) without first shaking (ex. shoes) and dumping out to check for spiders, black widows and brown recluses, or scorpions.
• Lightning – If present, get to shore.  Stay in low, flat areas close to the ground.  Avoid large trees and overhangs.
• Flashfloods – Avoid wash bottoms and stream mouths.
• Animals – This is the desert and backcountry wilderness…so yes, there are rattlesnakes, mountain lions,  big horned sheep, frogs, lizards, etc.

Do not step on the Cryptobiotic soil crust!  This is biological soil made up of living organisms and responsible for creating the oxygenated atmosphere on our planet that supports all life today.  It can take hundreds of years to form a thin layer usually less than eight centimeters thick. Unfortunately, it is extremely delicate and can be destroyed by something as innocuous as a footprint.

4.) Know your own physical demands & conditions

• Hypothermia – Even though air is warm, the water may be cold.  In the case of hypothermia due to swimming, take off ALL WET clothes and put on DRY clothes, with windbreaker or rain gear (top & bottom) as the last layer.  This can help you warm up faster.
• Dehydration – DO NOT GO INTO THE DESERT WITHOUT WATER!!  Evidently, this must be stated!  ALL WATER MUST BE CARRIED IN!!  No, a water filter will not suffice (use as an emergency back up only)!  Drink plenty of water…often!  Minimum 1 gallon per person per day is recommended to prevent dehydration.
• Sunburn – Use plenty of sunscreen and wear protective clothing and a brimmed hat.

• Ask if anyone in your group has any medical conditions (allergies, bad back, heart condition, etc.)

On your Self-Guided Canoe Trip…

You will be required to load and unload your gear, paddle, load, and maneuver your own canoe.  This includes pulling the boat up parallel to shore and unloading.

 5.) Launching/landing/tying up/loading canoe

Put canoe parallel to shore (do not beach it, bow-first like a cabin cruiser).

With canoe parallel to shore, you can get in and out on the shore side. YES, your feet will get wet.  Balance your canoe by putting gear weight from side to side and front to back.  Load all gear in canoe & strap it in, in case of upset.

6.) Paddling strokes: basic paddle strokes – forward, backward, know how to steer and hold paddle

7.) Be familiar with: Eddies – currents of water running contrary to the main current

Currents

Strainers (AVOID) – a hazard formed when an object, ie. Tamarisk, blocks the passage of larger objects but allows the flow of water to continue

8.) Self-Rescue (in high or low river levels) – Stay on the up stream side.  Swim canoe to the nearest shore.  Keep your feet up and in front of you to not get caught in submerged rocks and pulled under.  Hang on to the paddle and canoe.  Wear your PFD.

9.) Paddling in the wind – Strong upstream, gusty winds are common, especially in the afternoon.  Do not get crosswise (to avoid capsizing).  It is best to paddle parallel with the shore and within a few feet of shore.  Stay balanced and do not try to fight the wind.  Kneel in the canoe for a lower center of gravity.  If wind is severe, get to shore.

10.) Swimming (NO DIVING!) – Always swim wearing your PFD.  Swim from a beach or shore.  Swimming from canoe can cause capsizing when entering or exiting boat.  AGAIN, DO NOT DIVE!!!  Silty waters do not allow you to see hidden objects, such as rocks or shallow bottom, and may cause back and neck injury, including paralysis or drowning.

11.) Fire pan – Only build fires in a fire pan at camp.  Your group will be provided with one fire pan with canoe rental.  Douse fire with water and dispose of all remnants in your trash. Know if there is a current fire ban in effect (even if there is, you must, by law, still have the fire pan with you), as this can impact your meals!  Have a back-up plan in place because it can be instituted at the last minute.

12.) Garbage – All goes in trash bags or bucket, DO NOT throw in the river or on land.  ALL trash must be carried out, including micro-trash (i.e. stickers off fruit, bottle caps, crumbs from food, wrappers, etc.)!!  Leave NO trace of your stay!

13.) River toilet or “Groover” – Know how to set-up the river toilet.  When on the river, find a location by the river so you can still pee in the river or wet sand.  POOP AND TOILET PAPER ONLY are to go in the groover!  Wipes and feminine products clog up the dumping station!  Put those in your trash bag.  Don’t forget the toilet seat!

14.) Pee into the river (What??!) We do not get a lot of rain in the desert, so “they” say to pee in the river or on the wet sand.  The river will then dilute it.  This goes for when you are hiking, too: Pee on the trail or on the floor of a dry wash, NOT by the big old tree…

15.) Dry bags – Properly close them every time to keep gear dry and anything from crawling in.  The dry bag that you rent from us SHOULD NOT be used for garbage!

16.) Complete the BLM paperwork (Submit one copy to us and carry your own Permit with you on the river.)

17.) Sign the Acknowledgement of Risk Form and Equipment Rental Forms

18.) Load your gear into the vehicle – When loading your gear into the vehicle, please put the heavy gear in first (water jugs, cooler, dry good box, etc.) and dry bags and light stuff go in last.

19.) Let’s get going to the river and have some fun!

 

Our customers are welcome to park their vehicle in our lot for the duration of their trip.

NO CAMPING OR SLEEPING IN VEHICLES ON THE PROPERTY!

 

LEAVE NO TRACE OF YOUR STAY! PACK OUT EVERYTHING YOU PACK IN!

Moab Rafting and Canoe Company is licensed in the State of Utah as a River Outfitter and Livery Company.