BASIC TRIP INFORMATION
It is assumed that most people have some knowledge
of basic camping and cooking preparation. It is also assumed that most people have
some knowledge of canoeing. The information list here is not meant to serve
as a complete list of items to bring on a trip. Please ask if you have questions.
WEIGHT CONSIDERATIONS
KEEPING YOUR STUFF DRY
ITEMS FORGOT OR MISSED
HUMAN WASTE AND CAMPFIRE
REGULATIONS
CAMPFIRES
1) After allowing the morning fire to burn down, fill a bucket about
3/4 full of water. Shovel the fire pan residue into the bucket in small amounts, stirring slowly.
2) Remove the pieces that float, putting them in a sturdy container
for carryout or for burning in the next day's fire. Repeat the process until the fire pan is empty.
3) The residue that will sink to the bottom of the bucket can be disposed
of in the main current of the river along with the remaining water.
4) The disposal of ash in the river's backwaters may have a detrimental
effect on young endangered squaw fish, thus the necessity of dumping ash only in the main
river channel for maximum dilution. This will most often require
dumping the ash bucket from the boat after launching rather
than dumping it while on shore.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
*(adapted from Tex Riverways)
Most canoes will easily carry
several hundred pounds of weight, much more than is carried on a backpacking
trip. However, for safer more comfortable paddling and to simplify
camp set-up, it is advised that the amount of gear be reduced when practical.
On all trips involving jet boat pick-up, equipment weight should
be limited to 50 lbs. per person by the end of our trip. At trips end when food and
water supplies are depleted this limit is not hard to achieve.
On the flat waters like the Green and Colorado Rivers,
canoers using common sense rarely capsize. Because of the daily splashing of your paddle
and the possibility of rainy weather, gear protection is a necessity. This is especially true for
equipment sitting at the bottom of the canoe where water will collect. Heavy
duty dry bags available in most sport stores and most commonly used on
white water trips work great. Large plastic storage boxes, found at most discount department stores,
are very useful but are not completely watertight in the event of a capsize.
Large heavy duty trash bags will work fine as a temporary dry bag.
Moab has a very well stocked, full service super market!
It is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and should help you to complete
your canoe trip shopping list and any forgotten items.
The National Park Service and Bureau of Land
Management require that ALL solid human waste (feces) and all campfire
charcoal be hauled out of Canyonlands National Park and Labyrinth Canyon.
The rivers and surrounding desert canyons of
this land are beautiful but fragile places. They have unique ecosystems
which require special care and understanding.
Waste deposit and storage systems are quite
sanitary and convenient. They are also relatively compact and odor
free. The current regulation
requires that all parties traveling along The Green and Colorado Rivers
will use a waste haul out system which will enable the group to pack out
all human solid waste and at trips end dispose of the waste through authorized
sewer systems, i.e., RV dump stations or by flushing down sewer clean outs.
Systems using plastic bag liners are no longer allowed as they are not
compatible with these disposal regulations. Under no circumstances
is burial of feces allowed for river runners. The Outfitter will outfit groups of any size with
a complete waste system including; toilet seat, waste container and deodorizing
chemicals. The only item YOU NEED TO BRING is TOILET PAPER.
The system is completely self contained,
very sturdy and designed for commercial use. Instruction on use of our system will be provided
in person immediately prior to your trip beginning.
A fire pan is required for all wood and charcoal
fires. The pan can be any HEAVY metal container with a lip high enough
to hold the ashes. A fire pan is intended to replace a fire pit or
fire ring. All campfires should be built small enough as to be completely
contained within the fire pan. When breaking camp we are all faced with the
problem of what to do with the remains of the campfire. As all floatable
unburned residue must be carried out, the following procedure is recommended:
It is recommend that all persons wear a life vest at all times. It is
required by law that each person have a Type 3 life vest within reach. Children under 12
MUST wear a life vest while canoeing. All persons regardless of age
are required by law to wear life vests while canoeing on the Colorado River below the
confluence with the Green River.
To avoid the loss of equipment we advise the use of tie down lines
to secure your gear inside the canoe at all times while canoeing.
A portable water vessel such as a bucket or pail is REQUIRED for
bailing, settling river water or extinguishing campfires.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SECURING YOUR UNATTENDED BOAT CANNOT BE STRESSED
ENOUGH. When leaving a canoe unattended for any length
of time ALWAYS tie it with bow and stern lines to a secure tree, rock or
to a dead man anchor point. Check the security
of all lines before going to bed. Where possible it is best to pull canoes completely out of
the water, even when taking short walks away from the river.
Be careful when canoeing in high wind. Never turn sideways against the wind. Canoes
will capsize due to high winds. Most important is to paddle near a shoreline when hit by
high winds. The best thing to do is to go ashore.
NEVER camp or leave your canoe unattended
in a canyon drainage no matter how calm the weather may seem to be.
When camped on a sand bar it is recommended that you place your camp
away from the water's edge a minimum of 10 ft. Choose a sand bar that is 2 ft. or more above water
level. Fluctuations in water level in the main river channel of more than 1 ft. in an overnight period are very rare.
In the event of a medical emergency or other such problem during
the trip continue on to a pick-up point. Ground transportation is readily available at Ruby Ranch
and Mineral Bottom. Jet boats are at the Confluence several days
a week. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HIKE OUT FOR HELP. Seek out other
canoers for help.
It is suggested that all swimmers wear a floatation device. State
law requires persons swimming from a boat to wear a life vest.
Be aware of all water and sun hazards. Swim at your own risk. Never
jump or dive into the river. Wear shoes at all times while swimming or bathing. Protect yourself
from the sun with suitable clothing. Sun glasses, hats and sun screen are advised.