In the heart of Utah landscape, I had just spend 9 days on the Green River (Desolation and Gray Canyons) On kayak and Oars and after 10 hs of transition to the San Juan River for 7 days more on canoes.
This 2 rivers are the greatest tributary's of the Colorado River Basin. The splendor along this rivers is an existing addition to any river trip. Whether you have had previous experience with the history, archaeology, geology, wild and wonderful wilderness or not, you can't help but notice the colorful rocks and striking landscape while floating down this special rivers and canyons.
The view of Rock House rapid from the Fremont Indians Granary and Petroglyphs.
Granary where corn was stored for use during cold winters.
Petroglyphs.
Archaeologists do not fully understand how this people, called the Fremont Culture, cultivated their crops, but most evidence points to small family might have tended four or five fields scattered up and down the canyon, each an insurance against crop failure elsewhere. Fremont thrived here 800-1400 years ago.
Desolation canyon slowly deepens for 59 miles. Gradually increase in difficulty with rapids class II III and IV depending on water levels.
Kitchen groups were designated everyday so others can have private time to enjoy peaceful afternoon after the river session.
Groover view. LNT (leave Not Trace) :)
Last Night at Desolation, here is possible to see how the canyon open after 9 days.
Nefertiti Rock or Bart Simpson?
Swaseys Boat ramp and take out of the Gray Canyon. Clean up group gear and drive to the San Juan.
SAN JUAN RIVER
The lower San Juan river, section i have done, passes though a desert environment where vegetation is sparse, rocks dominate the landscape, the erosional processes reveal spectacular geologic formation nowhere else on earth.
Put in at Sand Island boat ramp.
The river becomes narrower swifter, and rockier as 800-foot high canyon walls close in.
One interesting human nugget along the San Juan River from the Gold Rush: Augustus Honaker filed and claim in 1894. Made a very difficult descent down the steep walls of 1200 feet to reach claim. the canyon descent was not fit for stock and supplies had to be lowered by rope near the bottom. Once Honaker started mining, he found very little gold and soon left claim.
The total amound of gold extracted from the mine was made into a ring for his wife. The ring is still worn by his grand daughter.
Today is the only possible steep exit in the famous Goosenecks.
Twin Canyons Rapid.
Several rapids are found along this section.
preparing Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast... we have eaten so good!!!
The San Juan River is also the heart of the ancestral Pueblo-an Culture. Native American cultures continuous to be an integral part of Social Make up surrounding the river.
River House
It has 14 rectangular rooms for leaving and food storage and two circular kivas for religious and other uses.
Mexican Hat
Driving back to Vernal was a enjoyable drive by the junction of the Colorado River and lake Powell.
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