4 Days / 102 Miles
[ Rates and Dates | Trip Details | Checklist ]
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Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, Natural Bridges, Dinosaur, Capital Reef, Grand Staircase... in a state brimming with national parks, it's easy to overlook another national treasure. Utah locals call it 'THE SWELL' a three thousand-foot fold of sandstone and shale on the edge of the Colorado Plateau. Its hidden canyons provided sanctuary to old west outlaw Butch Cassidy. Today the same red-wall canyons are your sanctuary from the everyday grind. You will ride back in time past abandoned mining camps and turn of the century ranches. Stop to explore cowboy camps, prehistoric Indian rock art, we might even see a few dinosaur prints. Your ride ends at the Wedge Overlook, Utah's 'Little Grand Canyon'. A thousand feet below, the San Rafael River counts another day in the eons... from above we count ourselves fortunate that such a place exists at all. |
SAN RAFAEL SWELL
4 Days / 102 Miles
Minimum Age: 12 years
Level: Intermediate
| Trip | Days | 2009 Departure Dates | Meeting Place | Cost | Cost (Group/Youth) | Deposit |
| San Rafael Swell | 4 | Scheduled on Request | Green River, Utah-7:00am | $715.00 | $615.00 (8 or more) | $300.00 |
Utah Sales Tax of 6.8% will be added to the trip price.
SAN RAFAEL SWELL
4 Days / 102 Miles
One of the advantages of a bike trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups on the river. This typical itinerary illustrates a four-day bike trip through the San Rafael Swell.
Day 1: Meet group at Holiday Expeditions headquarters in Green River, Utah. A one and one-half hour van ride takes us to Temple Mountain near Goblin Valley State Park. The ride begins with a dirt trail that cuts through the San Rafael Reef, then parallels the uplifted rock faces. Upon entering the Swell, our trail heads west toward Hondoo Arch and Reds Canyon. We camp near the remains of miners cabins at Tomsich Butte.
Day 2: After exploring the remains of uranium mining camps around Tomsich Butte, we head north through the winding drainage of Reds Canyon. In the afternoon, we climb out of the canyons and up to the plateau called Sinbad Country. Our camp this night will offer us views of Iron Wash and the Head of Sinbad.
Day 3: We continue heading north this day. Along well graded roads, we cover almost 34 miles ending up north of Interstate 70. Our ride takes us across the open fields of Cottonwood Draw and Limestone Bench. The ride finishes at the San Rafael River with the structures of Windowblind Peak, Assembly Hall Peak, and Bottleneck Peak towering over our camp.
Day 4: This morning we take a leisure ride up Buckhorn Draw, stopping to explore many Indian pictographs and even a dinosaur footprint. After crossing Furniture Draw, we head south to the Wedge Overlook, also known as the Little Grand Canyon. Our van will meet us here for a two-hour drive back to Green River.
We meet for your trip in Green River, Utah at Holiday Expeditions headquarters, 7:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) the morning your trip begins. Our headquarters is located 1/4 mile east of the Green River Bridge, across the highway from the Motel 6 and behind the Comfort Inn. If you arrive in Green River by shuttle, bus, Amtrak, or plane, call our headquarters (564-3273) upon your arrival to make arrangements to have you and your gear transported to our headquarters the morning of the trip. If you are driving, your car can be left at our headquarters.
If you are flying, you can fly to Salt Lake City located 180 miles northwest of Green River, Utah (all major airlines), or fly to Moab from Denver (Great Lakes Aviation) 52 miles south of Green River, Utah. From both destinations you can rent a car or take a shuttle with Bighorn Express (call 888-655-7433) to Green River. If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, please ask your Holiday Expedition reservation agent.
Lodging before and after your trip can be booked at one of six locations:
Holiday Inn Express 435-564-4439 (inside pool, hot tub, pets allowed, internet access - west of our headquarters) *15% discount to H.E. guests who stay there. www.sixcontinentshotels.com
Comfort Inn 435-564-3300 (inside pool, hot tub, TV, continental breakfast - in front of our headquarters) *10% discount for H.E. guests - must have a trip invoice at check in. www.comfortinn.com
Best Western River Terrace 435-564-3401 (pool, hot tub, TV, refrigerator, riverside rooms available) www.bestwestern.com
Super 8 435-564-8888 (inside pool, hot tub, TV, refrigerator, microwave) www.super8.com
Motel 6 435-564-3436 (pool, TV, kids free, lower rates) www.motel6.com
Bankurz Hatt 435-564-3382 (Bed and Breakfast) www.bankurzhatt.com
*When making advance reservations at the Holiday Inn Express or the Comfort Inn, mention that you are on a Holiday Expedition trip and you will be extended a discounted rate on your room (see above).
If you are camping out, there are three campgrounds in Green River: the Green River State Park (no pool, lower rates and may have mosquitos - call 435-564-3633 to make reservations), the KOA Campground (435-564-3651), and the United Campground (435-564-8195 - across from our headquarters).
Beginning of the trip: Upon your arrival at Holiday Expeditions headquarters (7:00 a.m., Mountain Time), we will issue your bags. You can buy any last minute items from our accessory's store at this time (see check list of what to bring for a list of items you can find at our store). Before leaving our headquarters, each guest along with a Holiday guide will perform a pre-trip safety inspection of your bikes. If you are providing your own bike, please make sure that it is in good repair, we recommend a complete service by a professional shop prior to the trip. Guests with bikes' that fail our inspection will be asked to rent a Holiday bike for $90.00/person. We will then take a two-hour van ride to the embarkation point.
If you have any questions prior to leaving for your trip, we welcome you to call our Salt Lake City office, Monday through Friday at 800-624-6323 (outside Utah) or 801-266-2087 (inside Utah). We're happy to take the time to answer your questions. You may also contact us by email at holiday@bikeraft.com.
After the trip: We will meet our van at the Wedge Overlook, and then we will take you back to our headquarters in Green River (2 hour van ride). Our expected time of arrival back at our headquarters is 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The Bicycling: The San Rafael bike route is a technically challenging route. This undeveloped dirt road has steep downhills, loose rocks, sand, and ruts. Riders who have no off-road bicycling experience, or who are not athletic will most likely find this trip too challenging. All riders should prepare for the trip by riding their bike on a regular basis prior to the trip.
The best place to eat in Green River is Ray's Tavern. Ray's is a true small western town bar rich in atmosphere and good food. They serve incredible hamburgers, pork chops, small salads and steaks. The Tamarisk Restaurant offers family dining with riverside seating.
San Rafael Weather: In April, May, September and October the daytime temperatures are 60 to 90 degrees, with nighttime t emperatures 40 to 60 degrees. It seldom rains in the San Rafael, but when it does it can cool temperatures considerably, so be prepared for the possibility of cooler temperatures. There will also be sun, so bring a hat and plenty of suntan lotion and/or sunscreens.
Bugs, snakes, etc. are generally no problem. In fact, the lack of pesky insects is one of the reasons wilderness camping in the desert is so pleasant. Any wilderness trip, however, is subject to an occasional localized insect hatch. During these hatches mosquitos can be bothersome. Be sure to bring long sleeve clothing and repellent. Insect repellents that contain "deet" are by far the most effective during heavy hatches, but are also suspected of causing various health problems. Citronella-based products (skin-so-soft) work only in light hatches. We rarely see any snakes, but if the thought of them bothers you, try sleeping in a tent instead of under the stars.
Hiking is strictly an optional activity. There are many interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done in your biking shoes, durable sneakers, or lightweight hiking boots. Remember that hiking and other activities vary widely pending time, and what other plans are ahead for the day.
Medical emergencies: Our guides are trained in first aid and carry first aid supplies only. REMEMBER to bring your own prescription medicines. ALERT our guides to any medical problem you might have such as diabetes or allergic reactions. Wilderness expeditions are a long way from hospitals, doctors, and pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical care are uncertain, and protracted. In case of evacuation and/or medical treatment beyond first aid, expenses incurred are the responsibility of the participant.
Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the trip date we will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person. All policies will be enforced and we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.
Insurance: Medical and cancellation insurance on a vacation plan can be obtained from numerous insurance companies. We offer plans underwritten by TRAVEL GUARD that cover accident, baggage and cancellation claims. An application should be enclosed with this information package. We encourage all to take advantage of this coverage. It is available to American and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens of another country as long as you have a U.S. address. If you have questions give us a call. Also, if you are bringing expensive cameras, binoculars, or other items we suggest you have insurance coverage for them (commonly available through Homeowners Policies). In the event of a loss, our insurance will not cover those items.
Tipping the guides: Many guests ask us if tipping is appropriate after the trip. If you feel the guides have been instrumental in your enjoyment of the trip, you may choose to direct a gratuity to the trip leader. He/She will then distribute it evenly to the other crew members. Of those that choose to tip, the average contribution amount ranges between $10.00 and $20.00 per guest, per day. However, the decision to tip is left to your sole discretion.
Beverages/Snacks: We provide ice water, gatorade, two sodas per day per person and ample cooler space. If you choose to bring any specialty sodas and/or alcoholic beverages, we have no problem taking whatever you want to bring - within reason. Don't bring beer, wine coolers or sodas in glass containers. Wine packaged in a box is ideal. Mark beverages/snacks that you bring so that you can keep track of them. The liquor store in Green River, Utah is located in the back of the West Winds restaurant. In Utah, wine or liquor is not sold after 7:00 p.m., before 11:00 a.m. or on Sundays and holidays. We will have high energy snacks and fresh fruit available, but if you have a favorite energy bar or snack bring it along.
Things to see in the area: John Wesley Powell Museum in Green River, Utah. Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, Fisher Towers, Colorado National Monument, Goblin Valley State Park, San Rafael Swell, Capital Reef National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, and the La Sal and Henry Mountains.
Reading material, you may enjoy:
- Mountain Biking Utah's Canyon and Plateau Country, Bromka
Above and Beyond Slickrock, Campbell
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