Desolation Canyon

WHAT AIRPORT IS BEST TO FLY INTO? 

We recommend Canyonlands Field Airport as it’s only 15 minutes from town. Check out our complete guide to Getting to Moab for other airport/shuttle recommendations. 

IS THE ORIENTATION REQUIRED AND WHAT’S INVOLVED? 

It is required since your camping gear must be packed the day before your trip! Meet us at 10 AM sharp ready to pack the majority of your gear. You cannot arrive later, as the the guides need to have the boats ready to rock before noon (their drive to the put-in is 5+ hours). 

You’ll be provided with a 70 liter dry bag (about the size of a large trash bag) to hold all of your gear. If you miss this orientation, you will only be able to bring 25 lbs worth of gear with you on your flight into the canyon. 

WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR CAR? 

You will leave your vehicle at the Canyonlands Field Airport. Bring cash or card for the parking fee.  

WHERE IS A SAFE PLACE TO LEAVE OUR VALUABLES WHILE WE’RE GONE? 

We have some space at our office to store valuables like electronics that you don’t want to keep in your car at the airport.

HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT TO THE PUT-IN AND SHUTTLE TO THE TAKE-OUT? 

The flight to the Sandwash put-in is about 25 minutes.

The shuttle from the Swasey’s Beach take-out back to the airport is about 45 minutes. 

WHAT TIME DO WE GET TO THE TAKE OUT? 

We shoot to have you off the river between 4-5 PM. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND MISS MY TRIP? 

Mild to Wild is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. To protect your travel investment, we recommend you purchase separate travel insurance with RoamRight.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON? 

Visit our page for Weather/Rapids in Desolation Canyon.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND RAFTING EACH DAY? 

For 5-6 day trips, we aim for around 6 hours on the water each day. Four day trips should expect 7-8 hours on the water each day.  

HOW MANY KAYAKS ARE BROUGHT ON THE TRIP?

We average 1 kayak for every 4 guests. If you think you will want to spend a lot of time in the kayaks, be sure to mention this on your registration form so we can increase that amount. If you think you will want to spend all the time in the kayak, let us know that too. 

ARE THERE OTHER ACTIVITIES WE CAN DO DURING OUR ADVENTURE? 

The longer your trip is the more hikes and time in camp you will have to enjoy. Four day trips can expect 1-2 off-river excursions. 

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN A BOAT? 

We usually use 16-foot rafts that can fit 6-8 people. 

What happens if I have an emergency while I am on the river and need to get off? 

If you need to be evacuated from the canyon, there is a minimum fee of $1000. We recommend purchasing travel insurance with RoamRight.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? 

Yes! Our standard options include gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian. Please call us if you have other needs. 

Can we bring our own food? 

We will have plenty of food for meals and snacks, but if you have a favorite snack, please feel free to bring it along. We do recommend they are individually wrapped so that river water does not get in them. 

When are the meal times? 

Our meals are on river time— besides breakfast which is usually served between 7:30 – 8:30 am — meaning that they will fluctuate depending on how the day’s itinerary is going. Check out our Desolation Canyon Itinerary for more info! 

Can we bring alcohol on the trip?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are welcome, but they can only be consumed while at camp. They also can’t be in glass containers since we’ll be on inflatable boats! 

How does the bathroom situation work? 

You are welcome to pee to your heart’s content in the river, and number 2’s must be done in our portable toilet system that we set up in camp each day. More details on the “Groover” here.

Feel free to call us at 970-247-4789

Or email us at info@mild2wildrafting.com

Or LiveChat us right from this webpage!

We’re ready to help you have the best adventure possible in Desolation Canyon!