This 60-mile river journey begins near the town of Green River, Utah, where the Green River flows gracefully into Labyrinth Canyon, the longest stretch of un-dammed flat water in the Southwest.

The river progresses slowly through white, yellow, brown and red canyon walls with hairpin switchbacks accented by towering buttes and mesas rising 1,500 feet above the river. Labyrinth Canyon walls are cut with long side canyons, where guests of all skill levels can explore and ponder ancient Indian writings and trapper’s inscriptions.

150 years ago, trappers roamed this canyon. Some, like Denis Julien, left a record of their progress. You will see his 1836 inscriptions on the canyon walls. Thirty years later the Green River was the start of the John Wesley Powell river expedition. The expedition’s goal was to be the first to run the largest river system in the southwestern United States in wooden boats specially built for the adventure. Powell named many of the buttes and canyons as he passed through here in July of 1869. You can spend hours meditating on the geologic and human history written in the rock, and leisurely drift along in this captivating environment.

We stop throughout the day for hikes, resting on the sandy beaches, grabbing a healthy snack and enjoying a great meal. This is the perfect training to get ready to join us next year on some of our new ocean touring vacations.

No prior experience is necessary, as touring kayaks are easy to paddle, comfortable to travel in and very stable. Your guides will be instructing and encouraging you from their own kayak and you’ll be maneuvering your sleek craft like a pro in no time. You can have your own kayak or explore the river with a friend in a two-person kayak.

There is a guide rowing the gearboat and a guide in a kayak paddling along providing instruction if you want it and safety awareness throughout. There will be daily instruction on kayaking, environmental camping and safe-sport techniques.