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~ US National Parks ~

Rafting
The Colorado River
Through Canyonlands National Park

June 30 - July 6, 2008


     This year's Colorado River Rafting Trip combines 4 days on the River and 2 nights at a luxury Ranch and Spa!

   We will begin our trip by spending 4 full days on the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park, but more specifically, through Cataract Canyon where the Colorado River and Green River meet in a majestic setting called “The Confluence.”

    Bolstered by the Green River, the Colorado doubles its force, and carves a deep 100-mile-long chasm through the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Calm stretches of river wind through soul-stirring canyons and dazzling geologic formations. Ancient Native American ruins, fascinating petroglyphs, and magnificent waterfalls beckon your arrival. Surrender your senses as some 28 rapids take giant steps downward in one of the river’s steepest stretches, rivaling the big water of the Grand Canyon.

    Our transportation while on the river is the large, stable, totally awesome "j-rig" raft. These rafts are designed for ultimate safety while giving you the thrill of your life. Each day will be filled with time on the river as well as time to explore. There will be hikes each day, or maybe you'd prefer to just relax riverside - it's up to you. The food is gourmet casual, prepared by our river guides, and oh so wonderful.

At the conclusion of the rafting portion of this trip we spend two nights at the AAA four-diamond property of Sorrel River Ranch and Spa. Here you will have the opportunity to relax, partake of the spa services, see the surrounding area, and enjoy the wonderful food.

     This will be a private river trip just for WTT. Like last year, we expect the limited spaces we have to go fast. Get your space reservation in soon.

Trip Full.
If you wish to be placed on standby,
CLICK HERE


$2517
(non-member: $2592)
Single Room - Add $345 if you wish a single room at Sorrel River Ranch.


TOUR DETAILS

  Activity Level:
    
30% Easy
     50% Moderate
     20% Strenuous

Tour Includes:

  -  Tour Leadership by WTT tour leader and rafting guides

 -  Scenic Flight at the end of the Rafting trip back to Moab

 -  All meals, equipment, and park entrance fees while on the river

 -  1 night in Moab, UT at the beginning of the trip plus dinner that night

 -  Camping while on the river as detailed in the itinerary

- 2 Nights accommodations plus meals at the Sorrel River Ranch and Spa
(www.sorrelriver.com)

____________

Travelers will make their own air reservations and are requested to arrive and depart as follows:

Airport:  Moab, UT (CNY)

Arrive:  Monday, June 30th at your convenience. The tour starts at the hotel at 6:00pm

Depart:  Sunday, July 6th at your convenience.

Early Arrival Cost:  WTT is not making early arrival arrangements for this trip.

Not Included in the Price of this Tour:

· Air from your home and return to your home,

 · Airport transfers on the arrival and departure days

· Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary,

· Any personal expenses, and any river guide gratuities.

Monday, June 30: Arrive Moab, Utah. Dinner Together

Arrive at your convenience. We will meet in the hotel lobby at 6:00pm to make introductions. We will go out for dinner together and then call it an evening as we have an early departure in the morning. (D)

 

Tuesday, July 1: Early departure to start our river adventure.

Today we have an early transfer from the hotel to the "put-in" point on the Colorado River. After a safety orientation and loading our gear onto the raft we're off! (L, D)

Each day will bring new sights, new rapids, new hikes, new wonders. Here are some of the things you can expect:

  • There will be times when we drift lazily, and relax as the canyon floats by,

  • There will be times when we are "running" the rapids, laughing and screaming with excitement all at the same time!

  • Hike to breathtaking vistas above the river.

  • Swim and frolic in the pools below the falls at Dark Canyon.

  • Explore the Native American art still visible on the canyon walls.

  • Dine on famous evening cuisine and wake up to cooked breakfasts; have lunch on sandy beaches.

  • Capture the dazzling glow of the sun on the canyon's towering walls before it slips into the horizon.

  • Sleep under the stars (if you wish) and be amazed at how many stars there really are in the night sky, away from the competing glow of city lights.

  • Forget about the outside world for a while!

 

Wednesday July 2: On the Colorado River

Glide along on smooth-flowing currents winding through Canyonlands National Park. Sculpted sandstone, isolated buttes, and red rock castles offer unparalleled vistas for picture taking. Hike to ancient Indian ruins, pictographs, a breathtaking outlook high above the mighty Colorado, and powerful Indian Creek Falls. Capture the excitement to come with rapids before camp today. (B,L,D)

 

Thursday July 3: On the Colorado River

As the canyon deepens to 2,000 feet, the mood of the river changes drastically. Here you'll experience over 30 whitewater rapids! In one of the Colorado’s most notorious stretches called the "Big Drops", our raft plunges 30 feet in a matter of minutes through rapids that match those of the Grand Canyon in power and difficulty. Loosen your grip after Imperial Rapid and perhaps explore the tranquil pools and majestic falls of Dark Canyon. Relax at the end of the day and enjoy our camp where the river meets Lake Powell. (B,L,D)

 

Friday July 4: Afternoon Take-out; Scenic Flight back to Moab; Sorrel River Ranch

Savor a soothing morning in the sun-drenched canyons of Lake Powell. Enjoy lunch and a refreshing swim in a shady canyon cove before bidding farewell to the mighty Colorado.

Our adventure continues as we enjoy a scenic return flight to Moab over Canyonlands National Park, retracing the path of our rafting adventure. After landing in Moab we will gather our gear and travel by van 35 miles to Sorrel River Ranch. This evening enjoy dinner at the Ranch and sitting out under the stars, or maybe you want to schedule a spa treatment before calling it a day. (B,L,D)

 

Sorrel River Ranch - “Most Excellent Ranch in the US and Canada” - Condé Nast Johansens (2007)

 

Saturday, July 5: Sorrel River Ranch

Today is your day to design as you wish. This unique AAA four-diamond property sets a new standard for luxury. During your stay enjoy the warmth of the sun as you relax by the riverside pool. Savor superb cuisine on a deck overlooking the Colorado River. Curl up with a good book in your old-fashioned log bed. Go horseback riding through famous Castle Valley or relish a rejuvenating massage at Sorrel’s world-class spa. (All activities at Sorrel River Ranch, except meals, are optional and not included in the cost of the tour.) (B,L,D)

 

Sunday, July 6: Return Home at your leisure

Unfortunately, it's time to return home. Make your return flight at your convenience. The WTT tour leader will assist travelers in making return transfer arrangements back to Moab, based on return flight times. (B)

 

 

 

ABOUT THE CAMPING ACCOMMODATIONS: Top quality camping gear is provided. You will have a freshly laundered sleeping bag, cot, tent, and ground cover cloth. (Most prefer to skip the tent and sleep in the open air where they fall asleep counting stars.)

Each camp site has latrine facilities that are set up at the time camp is set up. You will find the latrine facilities very clean, comfortable, and private given your remote location.

 

ABOUT THE RAFTS: Rivers are not all the same, nor are all rafts. Rafting equipment is matched to the river, providing you with a safe, exhilarating ride. The patented motorized 37 foot long J-Rig carries 18 guests comfortably, and is self-bailing. (Note: As the water slows its pace in July and August, the 37' J-Rig rafts are replaced by 18' oar boats, and smaller paddle rafts. Note that the exact date July for the switch to the smaller boats is determined by water levels which we are unable to predict.)

 

ABOUT THE FOOD: No freeze-dried meals here. You may be miles from civilization, but the menu reads like your favorite restaurant. Every day begins with a hearty breakfast. Coffee and hot chocolate are plentiful in the morning.

Incredibly, you'll be famished by noon as the guides spread their famous luncheon smorgasbord along the riverbank. A deli selection of meats, cheeses and breads, accompanied by all the condiments promotes creative sandwich building.

At the end of the day while you are relaxing, the guides have started the fires and donned their aprons. A chef's selection of meat and fish with Italian, Mexican and cowboy flare, served with crisp salads and fresh vegetables awaits you each evening, followed by wonderful deserts.

 

ABOUT THE ACTIVITY LEVEL: This trip is suitable for any woman in good physical health who has an adventurous spirit. Women with major heath risks or who have balance problems, or who have difficulty walking should not take this trip.

How active this trip is, is up to you for the most part. All hikes are optional, and vary in difficulty level. Each day we will assist the river guides and each other with the daily loading and unloading of the raft. This activity is always easier when participants pack lightly.

As with any trip that involves physical exertion, it will be more enjoyable if you begin a general exercise program prior to departure.

 

Note: This trip is exclusive to WTT provided we have at least 15 participants. Otherwise, there will be a 2nd raft, with up to 18 other guests that will run the river with our group.

 

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All previous information has been superseded.