Green

This boat ramp adds 6 or 7 miles of scenic flatwater compared to launching at the bridge in Ouray. In the evening we did hear the bugleing of elks, so that was nice. From highway 88 turn east and north on Wildlife Refuge road till you come to the river and a fairly obvious area with dirt ramps down to the water.

There are large parking areas and boat ramps on river left at the highway 88 bridge, on both upstream and downstream sides.

This is the standard put-in location for multi-day river trips. All boaters must get their permits checked by the ranger here.

For the next approximately 60 miles, down to the Coal Creek confluence, the land on river left is part of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation and managed by the Ute Indian Tribe. While recreational permits were available, the tribe suspended all recreational permits for non-tribal members due to repeated violations. This restriction is currently indefinite and prohibits all camping, hiking, or firewood gathering on tribal land.

This is the most notorious rapid in Desolation Canyon, transformed dramatically after a massive debris flow from Joe Hutch Creek in 2008. At high water (20,000–25,000+ cfs), this becomes a full Class IV with significant hazards. A strainer lurks on river right, a powerful hole dominates the centerline, and a towering wavetrain builds on river left—the third wave is capable of flipping large rafts. The preferred line is to enter left, then pull hard right just below the first wave to avoid the largest features. Scout from river right as soon as the creek and strainer come into view. Swimmers risk being pushed into traps along the left wall, especially at high flows, so set safety with throw ropes and chase boats on river left (the only feasible rescue side). Avoid the center-left eddy mid-rapid—it’s an escape-proof trap at high water. At low flows (5,000 cfs and below), Joe Hutch drops to a Class III but still demands respect. The entrance chute appears narrow but is wider than it looks—enter left of “Golf Ball Rock”, steer clear of sharp rocks on river left, and avoid the hole near the bottom right before the wall. Traps are less dangerous but still present. Safety and scouting remain essential at all flows.

An abandoned tourist ranch on river left makes for an interesting short hike and exploration.

Wire Fence is a long, fast, and read-and-run Class III, often underestimated. Though technically straightforward, it has claimed lives—one fatality occurred in 2011—so give it the attention it deserves. At high flows, this rapid washes out slightly but maintains a powerful current and strong hydraulic at the bottom. Stay alert for a left-side line to skirt the worst of the final hole. At lower flows, it becomes more defined. The drop is steeper and the bottom hole more pronounced. Stay left, keep your boat square, and expect a fun but punchy ride. It's a fast swim if you go in, and fairly forgiving compared to Joe Hut.

Three Fords is arguably the most complex rapid on the river at low water, and a solid Class III at high flows. At flows below 10,000 cfs, it becomes a technical and demanding rapid—scouting from river right is strongly advised. Multiple large boulders create steep pour-overs, holes, and tight lines, especially near the center. Avoid the middle of the river entirely—it hides traps not visible from upstream. At lower flows, the easier sneak line on river left often disappears, forcing boaters to commit to the 'hero line' on river right: a series of drops and big, closely spaced holes. The current pulls deceptively right at the entrance, so boaters must set up early and stay on line. This is a long swim if you flip, with several features stacked in succession. At high water, the holes smooth out and the rapid becomes a fun, wavey Class III+. The sneak line on the far left is typically open up to 10–12K cfs. Small craft may be able to line or portage river left.

Coal Canyon is a straightforward, fast-moving Class III with a series of large waves and a few mid-channel holes. It tends to be steep and splashy, but relatively forgiving. The challenge here lies in reading the water on the fly—there’s little time to line up between features. At high flows, the holes become bigger, but the rapid remains boatable for most groups with competent paddlers. Read-and-run, staying center or slightly left, and be prepared for sudden laterals. At low flows, more rocks begin to show, and some of the holes become tighter. Expect a steeper profile and more maneuvering through slots. Keep an eye out for “sneaker rocks” that can pin or wrap boats. The confluence of Coal Creek marks the end of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation and camping is available on river left from this point downstream.

This large and paved boat ramp is a standard take out. The ramp is obvious on river left as you exit Swaseys rapid. Long term parking is in a separate area about 100 yards down the road.

The boat passage through Tusher Dam on the Green River opened in March 2017, thanks to advocacy by American Whitewater. Located ~6 miles upstream of the Town of Green River, between Swasey’s Boat Ramp and Green River State Park Campground, the diversion allows safe boat passage. The chute is in river center to improve navigation at low flows. Warning signs at Swasey’s and 300 feet upstream of the portage trail mark the boat passage (CENTER OF DIVERSION) and portage trail (RIVER LEFT). If closed, signs read: “CAUTION Boat Chute Closed Use Portage Trail.” The trail and emergency landing are ~300 feet upstream on RIVER LEFT, following a 15-foot-wide maintained two-track road. The chute is between two indicator boulders and works best at flows above 1,300 cfs. At high water, the boulders may be submerged. Scouting is recommended before continuing downstream.

Access on river right at Green River State Park where a large concrete ramp and campground facilities provides an access for river runners with several amenities in the town of Green River.