Canyonlands National Park - anyone ever been canoeing or kayaking?

Question

I'm planning on going out west this summer, and this is one of the things I want to do. Has anyone ever been canoeing or kayaking in this area before? Would you mind sharing your experiences? Any hints, suggestions before I go this coming summer? How long did you go? Where did you rent your equipment, or did you bring your own?

For now I'm more interested in just a relaxing trip instead of any rapids! Here's a link:

http://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/flatwater.htm

thanks!

Answer 1

I haven't done the trip myself, but the Green River is on my list, and I've done a lot of research.  Summer temps are scorchers -- so you really need to be wary if you're not used to the desert.  Even a day or two during winter in the dry desert can wipe the energy out of someone if you aren't prepared.  The Green is a very very silty river, and standard water filters won't work, so you need to carry pretty much all your water with you up front.  

Either Tag Along or Tex's Riverways can get it done for you, and I've seen amazing pictures from other people's trips.  All the info you need is pretty much on the two outfitters' websites.   I spoke to someone at Tex's last Spring, and they were very helpful.  Check out the links below (3 trip reports and the two outfitters' sites) and you should find everything you need.

Answer 2

Direction Flagstaff Arizona.  Take a drive towards the Grand Canyon and enjoyed the scenery.  That view will make you a believer if you're not already.  I booked a mini tour bus from Flagstaff to Utah and arrived at the Glen d**n.  There they take you down to the Colorado river to take a raft which will float for the whole day deep down through the Grand Canyon walls,and  taking you back to Arizona.  The water is 45 degrees but if you go during summer, the temperature in AZ is a perfect 110 degrees.  Oh ! And they serve lunch on the shores of the Colorado river.  I visited a lot of places around the world but this is my favorite.  The grand Canyon is : Awesome creation at it's best !!  Enjoy!!