San Juan

Location: Southeastern Utah (about 270 miles southeast of Salt Lake City; about 210 miles northwest of Albuquerque; about 180 miles northeast of Flagstaff).

Length of trips: 26 miles in two to three days; 84 miles in four to six days.

Season: March or April through September. The water flow usually peaks in May and June. In summer the water is often diverted for irrigation, causing the water level to drop.

Weather: Spring temperatures can be chilly—in the 60s (F) during the day. In May, June, and July the daytime temperatures range from 80° to 100°, with nighttime temperatures from 50° to 75°. Desert summers are searing (95° to 105°) but can turn chilly (50s and 60s) at night. Thunderstorms in August and September sometimes cause flash floods to sweep down the side canyons. Mosquitoes can be pesky in late spring, so bring insect repellent.

Lodging: Campsites on broad, sandy beaches surrounded by high red-rock walls and cliffs.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class II and a few Class III at high-water levels. Silty, bathtub-warm water.

Special features:

  • Parallels the northern boundary of the Navajo Indian Reservation.
  • Deep, narrow desert canyons.
  • River loops for six tortuous miles through the spectacularly rugged canyon known as the Goosenecks.
  • Some of the Southwest’s most stunning rock formations, fossil outcrops, and Anasazi cliff dwellings and rock art.
  • Superb hikes to swimming holes, Anasazi ruins, and dramatic slickrock.
  • Swimming in warm, relatively calm water.
  • Bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, collared lizards, desert spiny lizards, great blue herons.
  • Wilderness solitude.
  • Suitable for rafters of all levels, including first-timers, seniors in good physical condition, the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water, and families (check with your outfitter about age limits for children).

Nearby attractions:

  • Goosenecks Overlook, near Mexican Hat.
  • Monument Valley, the classic Western landscape of crested buttes and John Wayne films.
  • Navajo National Monument.
  • Natural Bridges National Monument.
  • Hovenweep National Monument.
  • Lake Powell.
  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

For a list of outfitters:

  • Bureau of Land Management, San Juan Resource Area, P.O. Box 7, Monticello, Utah 84535; +1 801 587 2141, fax +1 801 587 2564. Try to book at least four to six months in advance.

For more information:

  • Utah Travel Council, Council Hall/Capitol Hill, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114; +1 801 538 1030 or 800 200 1160, fax +1 801 538 1399. Ask for the “Raft Utah” guide and the vacation kit.

 
 
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