LABYRINTH CANYON ON THE GREEN RIVER

Labyrinth Canyon is located on the Green River below the town of Green River, Utah. It is one of the best flat-water river sections in the West. Steep red canyon walls, smooth water, wildlife, and solitude are some of the features that you can expect while paddling in this area. There are tremendous hiking opportunities in the side canyons that line the river, with chances to explore stone arches, ancient rock art, and ruins. This section is suitable for paddlers of all abilities.

The trip begins at the Green River State Park where the river meanders peacefully through the open country of the Mancos desert. As you float through these badlands, you will have a chance to relax and leave the everyday world behind you before entering the heart of Labyrinth Canyon. On your second day the canyon walls begin to rise above you as the colors change from gray and green to the shades of red that have made this landscape famous. Popular hikes along the river include Tri-Alcove; three twisting slickrock canyons that join at the river and Bow-Knot Bend, a narrow saddle between an eight mile bend as the river loops back on itself.

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Anasazi, the explorer John Wesley Powell and Butch Cassidy on this excursion through the legendary West. Floating through Labyrinth Canyon offers a study in history and the geological transformations which make Utah’s canyonlands such a unique natural wonder. Here, in this scenic stretch of calm water, canoers are treated to some of the finest views of stunning red rock, native birds and wildlife available anywhere in the region.

You will leave the world behind as our excursion begins on the quiet waters of the Green River through Labyrinth Canyon. The canyon grows deeper with every twist of the river as cliff walls rise sharply from the river’s edge, displaying a rainbow of colors with the changing light of the day. Listen quietly and you will begin to hear the sounds of the desert, the soft wind in a cottonwood tree, the shriek of a peregrine falcon or the rumble of rock as a Desert Bighorn sheep comes down to the river at dusk.

Many excellent opportunities for hiking and exploration present themselves along the way. From expedition markings on canyon walls, which date as early as 1836, to a breathtaking panoramic vista from the top of Bow Knot Bend, Labyrinth Canyon reveals miles of striking natural beauty and the thrill of unparalleled surprise and wonder at every turn.

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Anasazi, the explorer John Wesley Powell and Butch Cassidy on this excursion through the legendary West. Floating through Labyrinth Canyon offers a study in history and the geological transformations which make Utah’s canyonlands such a unique natural wonder. Here, in this scenic stretch of calm water, canoers are treated to some of the finest views of stunning red rock, native birds and wildlife available anywhere in the region.

You will leave the world behind as our excursion begins on the quiet waters of the Green River through Labyrinth Canyon. We launch our boats at Ruby Ranch, a private working ranch that was founded in 1884. Once on the river we soon enter the canyon itself as we meander peacefully down this 47 mile stretch of calm water into the heart of this hidden wonderland. The canyon grows deeper with every twist of the river as cliff walls rise sharply from the river’s edge, displaying a rainbow of colors with the changing light of the day. Listen quietly and you will begin to hear the sounds of the desert, the soft wind in a cottonwood tree, the shriek of a peregrine falcon or the rumble of rock as a Desert Bighorn sheep may come down to the river at dusk.

Many excellent opportunities for hiking and exploration present themselves along the way. From expedition markings on canyon walls which date as early as 1836, to a breathtaking panoramic vista from the top of Bow Knot Bend, Labyrinth Canyon reveals miles of striking natural beauty and the thrill of unparalleled surprise and wonder at every turn.

Red River Canoe Company offers three guided tours through this beautiful section of the Green River. We supply all specialized gear, including high performance canoes, and do everything possible to make your expedition as comfortable as possible. Throughout your trip, we will provide you with hearty, delicious meals made from the freshest ingredients available.

This expedition is suitable for the novice to advanced paddlers. Beginner canoers will have an opportunity to learn the basics of paddling from our staff of guide/instructors. Experienced paddlers will discover why we consider this to be one of the best flat water canoe trips in all the West.

FIRST DAY: We can meet you at Red River Canoe Company. 1371 N.HWY 191 Moab, UT. Meeting time 7am to 9am. Going over basic river and safety skills. We will load up to go to the river. You will load your canoes and can begin our descent down river. Trin-Alcove will be the site for our lunch and a hike. Trin-Alcove is made of three lovely slot canyons that intersect at the river.

MIDDLE DAY(S): We continue our travels down river. Some of the hikes to be enjoyed along the way are up Hey Joe Canyon, Hell Roaring Canyon or to the top of the Bow Knot Bend. We will visit the historic River Register and look at inscriptions left by explorers and trappers dating as far back as 1836. Each evening at camp, surrounded by the towering red cliffs, you will enjoy delicious, homemade meals while sharing your day’s adventures with the rest of the group.

LAST DAY: On our final day, you paddle to Mineral Bottom, below Dead Horse Point State Park, where pick-up vehicles will be waiting. We go up the steep switchbacks of Mineral Canyon where we can take one last look at the river. ITINERARIES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR THE DISCRETION Of water flow and weather. During the occasional times that we receive extended or heavy rains, this road can become impassable to most 4WD and 2WD vehicles.

This expedition is suitable for the novice to advanced paddlers. Beginner canoers will need to have a opportunity to learn the basics of paddling. Experienced paddlers will discover why we consider this to be one of the best flat water canoe trips in all the West.

Allow a minimum of 4 days to paddle this 68 mile section. Add additional days if you want a more relaxing pace or plan to hike extensively. Those of you with restricted time may begin your trip 23 miles further downstream at Ruby Ranch. This will shorten the trip by one day. Ruby Ranch is a private, working ranch, first founded in 1884. Vehicle access to the ranch is along 20 miles of dirt road, off of Interstate 70. During the occasional times that we receive extended or heavy rains, this road can become impassable to most 4WD and 2WD vehicles. There is a launch fee for use of their land, which is $10.00 per boat and $2.00 per person.

Red River Canoe Company offers a package trip that includes boats, paddling equipment and shuttles. Rentals are also available for those of you wishing to take care of your own transportation. Alternatively, join us on one of our Labyrinth Canyon guided tours, where our licensed guides will not only offer paddling instruction and share their knowledge of the area but care for you in style.

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Red River Canoe Company
1371 North Highway 191
Moab, Utah 84532
800-753-8216
redriver@redrivercanoe.com

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