White Rim/River Kayak

MEETING TIME AND PLACE

PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR DATES. This trip will meet at 7:45am MST at Canyon Voyages Warehouse, 1591 S Highway 191, Moab, Utah. Canyon Voyages will be happy to pick you up at your hotel. You will need to spend the night before in Moab.

ENDING TIME AND PLACE

We will return to Western Spirit between 2:00-3:00 pm on the last day.

ITINERARY

TRIP DAY 1

You will meet your guides at the Canyon Voyages Warehouse and depart for Ruby Rand on the Green River. There you will receive your own kayak and boating instruction from your river guides. The calm waters of Labyrinth Canyon make it easy to learn proper paddling techniques. You'll be covering an average of about 15 river miles each day, helped along by the river current. Along the way you'll encounter many intriguing side canyons that beckon you to explore further. The first major drainage you'll come to is three canyons, aptly named Trin-Alcove by the John Wesley Powell expedition.

TRIP DAY 2

This morning we will awaken to the aroma of coffee brewing as the guides prepare breakfast. Today, a hike to the saddle of Bowknot Bend is a trip highlight. You'll discover evidence of previous cultures which inhabited these canyons centuries ago, especially the Fremont people who existed here from about 900 to 1275 AD. In addition you'll see evidence of the early trappers and miners that came here in the 1800's as well as more recent historical signs of the mines and camps from the 1950's uranium boom.

TRIP DAY 3

We will spend another incredible day on the Green River surrounded by the deepening canyon walls in ever changing hues of red, brown, and yellow---accented by impressive buttes, mesas, and spires. If time allows we will do a hike up Horseshoe Canyon on our way to camp at Mineral Bottom.

TRIP DAY 4

Today we will meet Western Spirit's support vehicle and you will trade in your kayak for a mountain bike and bid farewell to your river guides. For the first few miles of riding along the river, we will have views of Upheaval Dome, a controversial geologic formation. From here we ride to Hardscrabble Bottom where we will begin a two mile, 400 vertical foot, steep climb up Hardscrabble Hill. Looking down one can see the White Rim sandstone which we will be following for the next three days. A hike out to Fort Bottom Indian ruin is well worth it. This ruin is situated on a big horseshoe bend in the river and commands an excellent view of the surrounding country. From here, it is all downhill to our camp at Potato Bottom. Our camp lies beneath the towering walls of the Wingate formation on the banks of the Green River. The river is a short walk from camp and provides great swimming opportunities. TOTAL MILEAGE - 13 miles

TRIP DAY 5

This morning, we begin riding on the White Rim layer which rises abruptly from the river. After a few miles, we will have the opportunity to visit a second Indian ruin. This ruin is situated in an alcove and blends in so well that it is difficult to spot. From here we contour around numerous side canyons to the Holeman Slot Canyon, where we may stop to hike. Hiking into this canyon is very tricky and requires some interesting climbing moves. The hanging gardens, pools of water, and narrow canyon walls make this hike one of our favorites on the White Rim. After passing Candlestick Tower, we begin an 800 foot climb to the top of Murphy Hogback. Some of the pitches are steep and technical. As we ascend, we leave the White Rim layer for awhile and travel through the chocolate colored Moenkopi formation to the top. Murphy Hogback is situated high above the White Rim and provides outstanding views of the Green River, The Maze and Needles Districts of Canyonlands. TOTAL MILEAGE - 21 miles

TRIP DAY 6

From camp this morning we immediately drop back down to the White Rim layer. This descent is somewhat technical for the first several hundred yards and riders should use caution. Once we're back on the White Rim, we climb gradually up to the base of Junction Butte which is the approximate half way point of the tour. From here there is a short ride to White Crack where we will see giant, free standing pillars of rock and the gorges where the Green and Colorado rivers join together. A rich concentration of worked stone in this area serves as a reminder of past populations. This area is also prime bighorn sheep habitat and perhaps we'll see some of these elusive climbers. This afternoon we will ride around Monument Basin, a spectacular canyon of the White Rim. Here stands the Totem Pole, a 300 foot tall sandstone pillar. Leaving this impressive area, we will continue on around Buck Canyon to our camp for the evening. TOTAL MILEAGE - 27 miles

TRIP DAY 7

We begin the day riding around the head of Lathrop Canyon and continue on to Little Bridge Canyon and Musselman Arch. This arch is a fascinating example of what the combination of wind and water erosion can do given millions of years. At the Colorado River Overlook one can look down to the goosenecks of the river and up to Dead Horse Point. After riding high above the river, we will leave the White Rim and begin the 1,200 foot climb back up to the Island in the Sky. Riding up these switchbacks is well worth the effort because the view keeps getting more spectacular. From the top of the switchbacks we will ride to our lunch spot and enjoy one more scenic view before we meet our shuttle. TOTAL MILEAGE - 18 miles

TERRAIN

Road Surface: Four wheel drive jeep roads: packed sediment, sand and slickrock.
Technical Difficulty: Moderate, some steep climbs and rocky sections.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate.
Altitude: 4,000 - 6,000 feet.

Please Note: Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

GETTING THERE

-Driving
Moab is located 30 miles south of Interstate 70 on Highway 191. We have a roomy parking area.

-Flying into Salt Lake City, UT
Airport Code: SLC
From Salt Lake City there are 2 options.

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 4 hours. You can park at our shop while you are on your tour.

2) Contact Moab Luxury Coach at 435-940-4212 to make a reservation. They have a limited schedule, so please contact them to find get rates and days they drive.

-Flying into Grand Junction, CO
Airport Code: GJT
From Grand Junction there are now 2 options.

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 2 hours. You can park at our shop while you are on your tour.
Thrify Car Rental has an office in Moab 435-259-7317.

2) Contact Moab Luxury Coach at 435-940-4212 to get rates and days that they drive.

-Flying into Moab
Great Lakes Aviation flies from Denver to Moab for $99 each way. They have two flights daily. Scheduled flight times and additional pricing can be found on their website. Or call 800-554-5111 to make a reservation.

For a shuttle from the Moab Airport into town call Coyote Shuttle at 435-259-8656, or Rising Star Taxi at 435-210-4438.

LODGING

It is a good idea to book your rooms ahead and here are a few recommendations.

Best Western Canyonlands Inn
$160-230
435-259-5167, 800-528-1234

Ramada Inn
$100-200
888-989-1988, 435-259-7141
The Ramada is where the Bighorn Express shuttle from Salt Lake City stops.

Red Stone Inn
$70-90
800-772-1972, 435-259-3500
They have a bike work station with stand and bikes are allowed in your room.

Big Horn Lodge
$90 and up
800-325-6171, 435-259-6171

Cali Cochitta B&B
$125-165
888-429-8112, 435-259-4961

Apache Motel
$50-75
800-228-6882, 435-259-5727

Dream Keeper Inn
$125-185
888-230-3247, 435-259-3247

The Gonzo Inn
$160 and up
800-791-4044, 435-259-2515

Up the Creek Campground
$25-30, $6 showers
435-260-1888

Moab/Canyonlands Central Reservations
800-505-5343
Central Reservations represents every variety of lodging in Moab and will help you choose the ideal room for you.

Above rates are approximate.

WEATHER

There are really just two kinds of weather: weather you like and weather you do not like. Come prepared for both and you won't care what the weather does.

If you have questions about temperatures for your specific trip please feel free to give us a call 800-845-2453 or email us at biking@westernspirit.com. We will be happy to give you packing suggestions and help you with ideas for things to do before and after your bike trip.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed! When you arrive for your tour, we will give you a dry bag in which to pack your gear. If you have questions about anything on the list, please call us.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE

You are welcome to ship your bike to us in advance of your trip. For a moderate fee we will unpack it, build it, and ship it back home to you afterwords. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Domestic shipping only. If you decide you want to go this route, you must call us in advance of your trip so we can inform the shop that your bike is on its way.

To ship your bike UPS, send it to Western Spirit Cycling, 478 Mill Creek Dr, Moab, UT 84532; 435-259-8732. It is critical that you include your name and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. There is no Saturday delivery to Moab. It is imperative to have your bike finely tuned and cleaned before your tour so you know it is in top running condition.

If you have any other questions about trip logistics, please feel free to send us an email or, better yet, to call us at 800-845-2453. We will be happy to try to help you answer any other questions you might have about our bike trips.

THINGS TO DO

BREAKFAST
The Moab Diner, 189 S. Main St - classic greasy spoon, great service
Jail House Café, 101 N. Main St - up scale menu w/ eggs Benedict and ginger pancakes
Red Rock Bakery, 74 S. Main St - fresh baked bagels, muffins, scones

LUNCH
The Peace Tree, 20 S. Main St - juice bar, smoothies, wraps
Slickrock Café, Main and Center St - full menu

DINNER
Banditos Grill, 467 N. Main - great Mexican
Zax Woodfire Pizza, 96 S. Main - pizza, burgers, etc

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
The Center Café, 100 West, 435-259-4295 - award winning globally inspired cuisine
Buck's Grill House, 1393 Highway 191, 435-259-5201 - excellent steaks
The Desert Bistro, 92 E. Center, 435-259-0756 - great southwestern food

BOOKS

The books listed below can be purchased by calling Canyonlands Natural History Association at 800-840-8978 or checking out http://www.cnha.org/.

DESERT SOLITAIRE by Edward Abbey
This is the quintesenitial Abbey tale, and a thought provoking historical view of Moab.

THE MONKEY WRENCH GANG by Edward Abbey
This early tail of the environmental struggle is set in the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park.

MAPS

Your guides will have all the maps necessary for your trip. If you would like your own copy for a souvenir, here is all the info:

The maps listed below can also be purchased by calling Canyonlands Natural History Association at 800-840-8978 or checking out http://www.cnha.org/.

MOAB EAST, Latitude 40
This map covers many Moab area rides.

MOAB WEST, Latitude 40
This map covers the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park.

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK: Maze District/NE Glen Canyon NRA
National Geographic Trails Illustrated
This map covers the Maze.

ACTIVITIES

RIDES
For all rides we recommend the Moab East and West maps.
Gemini Bridges - a great 2-3 hour introductory ride which can be done with a shuttles, we recommend Acme Shuttle at 435-260-2534 or Coyote Shuttle at 435-259-8656.
Porcupine Rim - a more advance 3 to 6 hour 20-30 mile adventure that can also involve the shuttle companies above.
Amasa Back - Take the Kane Creek Road off Main Street by Burger King and head out along the Colorado River through the Moab Valley Portal. This ride is an out-and-back and can be fun even if you don't make it past the pavement.

RIVER TRIPS
Canyon Voyages, 800-773-6007 - whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Colorado River, including half-day, full-day, and multi-day options

HIKES
Arches National Park, 435-719-2299, 5 miles North of Moab on Highway 191 - hike to the famous Delicate Arch (4 miles round trip) or explore the Windows section of the Park. Whether you have a hole day or just a few hours, Arches is worth the trip.
Other Hikes - There are literally hundreds of hikes in the Moab area, we recommend Negro Bill Canyon or Hidden Valley if you have some time to explore.

SHOPPING
Main Street in Moab - Almost all of Moab's shops can be reached by strolling down Main Street. You can find everything from silver Navajo jewelry to toy lizards.
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