Late March Multi Day Rafting Trip?

[chriswalter8]

Any recommendations for a multi day rafting trip March 22nd to the 30th? I'm looking for a 4 day or 5 day trip and worried most rivers will be running too low that time of year. Also, nothing technical, looking more for a float trip class II. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

[Andy H.]

You could float from Cicso Landing (Westwater takeout) to Moab which will have some Class II rapids at the end, or float from Green River UT to Mineral Bottom which will be Class I all the way. Either of these reaches should have plenty of water for rafting.

Another option would be the San Juan but you'll need to get a permit.

Have a good trip!

-AH

[raftus]

Andy nailed it.

If there is water in the Rio Grande through Big Bend that would be another option, but there probably won't be. You could also float the lower reaches of the Grand Canyon from Diamond Creek to Lake Mead - there will definitely be water there, and probably good weather as well.

[El Flaco]

The Green River through Flaming Gorge:


Just beautiful, and it flows year round. The water is freaking cold, though.

[ecjohnson]

Head to the San Juan. If you do the section from Mexican Hat to Clay Hills, it can be done in 4 days, but 5 allows for a little hiking and some extra play time. It's gorgeous. Despite being class 2 and only 2 rapids at that, it's an amazing trip. Definitely up there on my top 3 list. You should check now for the permit situation. I don't know it off the top of my head, but I think application is open now or will be soon.
E

[El Flaco]

Originally Posted by ecjohnson

Head to the San Juan. If you do the section from Mexican Hat to Clay Hills, it can be done in 4 days, but 5 allows for a little hiking and some extra play time. It's gorgeous. Despite being class 2 and only 2 rapids at that, it's an amazing trip. Definitely up there on my top 3 list. You should check now for the permit situation. I don't know it off the top of my head, but I think application is open now or will be soon.
E

You have to call the BLM in Monticello and request a permit application (435) 587-1544. They send it out to you and you have to mail it back by Feb 1st, and notify lottery winners by March 1st. You can apply for cancellations starting 3/1.

I agree- the San Juan is a all-time favorite of mine and a classic. I suggested the Green below Flaming Gorge because it doesn't require a lottery permit, it has easy access points, easy camping and it's really gorgeous. You can make it a day stretch, or tack on Red and Swallow Canyons and stretch it to 4 days easily without too brutal a shuttle. And there's phenomenal fishing too; but that does make it busier. The very top section is the one that gets the most traffic, but I doubt there's too many issues with crowds that time of year....

[MikeG]

You could also look at Desolation and Gray Canyons. There are one or two rapids that are considered class III but the water won't be too high and there are easily class I or II lines in them. It's typically done in a week or so but you could easily do it in 4 or 5 days.
Enjoy!