Desolation Canyon has been carved over millennia by the 730-mile Green River that is spawned by glacial melts on the Continental Divide in the wilds of northern Wyoming.

With no roads, no towns or cell phone or data service this is one of the most remote places in the continental United States.

While Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch found the rugged terrain here offered a perfect hideaway. it is now a top destination when it comes to family rafting vacations.

The Green is less strident than the Grand Canyon's rollicking Colorado River.

From 1 June 1 through 8 August each year a small plane transports guests from Moab, Utah, on a 40-minute flight to a desert plateau overlooking the Green River.

There is then a short hike to where Western River Expeditions' five Day Desolation Canyon family rafting vacation begins.

While paddling on the Green, guests can explore 88 river miles with the option to paddle two-person inflatable kayaks or, relax in a guide-powered oar boat through the 60+Class I-III rapids.

One of the features of this expedition is that the rapids are spread fairly evenly throughout the length of the trip so the action keeps it exciting all journey long.

There is also the chance to explore now-derelict homesteads built of native materials while hiking off-river with a seasoned guide well-versed in the region's history and geology.

Accommodation is 'deluxe' camping on broad, sandy beaches along the river bank.

Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company that escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona from March through October

It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center

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