Western River Expeditions is highlighting four whitewater destinations that provide access to hiking trails so remote they are generally only reached via the river through the conveyance of a raft.
Cataract Canyon, Colorado River, Utah
Indian Creek Falls (3.5-miles roundtrip)
This hike takes in a spectacular seasonal waterfall, towering 2,000-foot canyon walls, and Native American ruins.
After an easy streamside walk, guests are treated to The Falls - a thundering 20-foot cascade that's best in the spring when runoff and seasonal rains create an impressive stream flow.
Ancestral Puebloan rock art and well-preserved granaries along the way speak to past lives.
Loop Hike (1.3-mile)
The Loop Hike offers an up-and-over adventure through a saddle in the canyon wall.
This crosses a horseshoe bend in the river which eliminates four miles of river travel.
Hikers get fine views as they scramble over a large ridge at the base of a massive curve in the river.
www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting
Desolation Canyon,Green River, Utah
Rock Creek Ranch Trail (short hike)
An easy trail from the river leads to Rock Creek Ranch, site of a former hideaway on the Outlaw Trail where Butch Cassidy and his gang were known to have holed-up.
Built in 1914 by the Seamont family, this ranch in the deepest part of Desolation Canyon served as homestead, orchard and outpost.
Unrestored buildings display century-old homemaking and farming equipment.
Although abandoned in the 1920s, ancient orchards still bear fruit come August.
Three Canyon Hikes (various options)
Three secluded canyons come together here, creating an abundance of exploring opportunities.
The Three Canyon Loop hike follows a route around a large butte just behind camp.
From camp, a 20-minute walk from the river leads to a natural bridge.
Following a trail for an hour hike from camp leads to the Three Canyon Overlook, one of the most spectacular views in the canyon.
www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon
Grand Canyon (Upper Section), Colorado River
Nankoweap Canyon and Granaries (2 mile)
A trail from camp below the mouth of Nankoweap Canyon leads hikers up a steep slope to one of the most sought-after views the canyon has to offer.
Above this viewpoint in the limestone walls under an overhang sit four granaries, or storage units built and utilized by Native Americans.
These canyon dwellers practiced hunting and gathering in the canyon and grew crops roughly 1,000 years ago on the delta below.
At 700 feet above the river, a flat overlook provides a breathtaking vista down-river encompassing a world of towering red canyon walls, sparkling whitewater, and blue sky.
Deer Creek Falls (up to 4 miles)
Just 200 yards from where the rafts are tied-off, the 180-foot Deer Creek Falls thunders into the Colorado River.
Adventurous hikers can journey further down a trail to The Patio with sensational Kaibab Plateau views along the way.
Reaching The Patio requires careful footwork and cool-headedness to navigate a short narrow ledge with a drop.
www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-vacation
Grand Canyon Lower Section, Colorado
River Travertine Falls and Grotto (2 mile)
The falls and grotto, a few miles below Diamond Creek, is found in the Grand Canyon's lower Granite Gorge.
Mineral-rich water drops down a waterfall through a narrow canyon and then cascades over a second falls.
Pumpkin Springs (scrambling, no hiking) A popular stop for all Lower Canyon river trips, Pumpkin Springs can only be accessed by boat.
The Springs, because of mineral-laden water and constant evaporation, has created a travertine dome or bowl resembling a gigantic pumpkin.
Water pours into the top of the pumpkin, turns a murky green, and then runs over the sides and into the river below.
This is a spot for cliff jumping into the river.
www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip
Western River Expeditions, provides Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting and multi-sport trips
Useful links
