Looking for a way to unplug, reconnect and chase real adventure together? If you and your adventure partner are like us and craving something wilder than a weekend getaway, consider a multi-day canoe journey through Utah’s Canyonlands. This self-guided expedition from Ruby Ranch to the Confluence is more than a river trip—it’s an epic mini-adventure. Here’s what we learned, loved and can’t wait to share.
Why Canoe the Green River?
The Green River cuts through Labyrinth and Stillwater Canyons, revealing petroglyphs, granaries, nesting herons, singing songbirds and side canyons. The vibe? Rugged beauty and romantic isolation.
And the best part: it’s almost entirely flatwater. From Ruby Ranch to the Confluence with the Colorado, expect Class I paddling—ideal for tandem canoe teams with some wilderness experience and solid packing skills.
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Getting Started: Put-In, Permits & Shuttles
We kicked off our trip with Tex’s Riverways in Moab—friendly, efficient, well organized. After a safety talk, Groover tutorial (yes, the infamous $900 portable toilet) and water fill-up, we piled into a shuttle for the two-hour backroad ride to Ruby Ranch.
Planning Your Trip
- Shuttle Service: Tex’s includes jet boat pickup at Spanish Bottom and gear rentals (canoe, paddles, PFDs, firepan, portable toilet).
- Maps: Bring Belknap’s Canyonlands River Guide + USGS topo maps.
- Permits: Free BLM permit for Labyrinth Canyon; backcountry permit required for Canyonlands National Park section.
- Access: Ruby Ranch requires advance permission + small fee for put-in.
Planning Your Paddle Days
We had 10 days – including shuttle/launch and pickup/shuttle days. Shorter paddle days and more than one night at the same camp gave us more time to explore.
- Full route: Ruby Ranch to Spanish Bottom = ~84 miles
- Alternate: Mineral Bottom start = ~52 miles
- Pace it how you like: Some push 20+ mile days, but we loved lingering at sweet camps, hiking hidden canyons and searching for prehistoric art.
Major Highlights
From our first camp across from Jug Handle Arch (Mile 86.7 on the Green) to our last night at Upper Spanish Bottom (Mile 213.7 on the Colorado). Too many adventures to list. Here are a few of our faves.
Labyrinth Canyon
Journal Entry: This is where the petroglyphs are—a herd of sheep, people, dogs or coyotes, a deer… remains of a stone wall, a broken metate, dark mano, red and white pictographs, and 1903 graffiti. Amazing river views. BLM ammo can register but no details on prehistoric remains.
Hell Roaring Canyon
Journal Entry: Stopped below canyon mouth, followed road back to Denis Julien 1836 inscription. New BLM signpost and register. ATV and bike tracks on road.
Fort Bottom
Journal Entry: After lunch in shade, hiked up to see the Aztec Fort towers. Trail splits—take rougher right-hand one. Left goes to White Rim Road. Quick climb with a short tricky scramble. Views up top of both sides of the river around the hairpin corner, red rock mesas, and snow-tipped peaks.
Anderson Bottom
Journal Entry: Midday arrival at Lower Anderson. That night, surprise company: Stan and Mac from North Carolina (same shuttle from Moab). Shared whiskey, cookies, and stories of love, war, and rivers around the campfire.
Dead Horse Canyon
Journal Entry: Best surprise! Dancing figures carved in stone, drumming in ghostly celebration – new to us rock art panel close to camp. That night, wind flapped our tarp. Stayed a second night after hiking to Turk’s Head to explore petroglyphs, flint sites, and small dwellings.
Water Canyon
Journal Entry: A gem above a tiny creek. Saw crinoids, coral, bivalves—plus beetles, water striders and tadpoles in nature’s infinity pools. Who needs a spa?
Spanish Bottom
Journal Entry: Passed Powell Canyon and approached the Colorado River before we knew it. River was surprisingly calm. Pulled in at the river register on the left. A short sporty section followed—strong eddy lines. It was over before I let out my breath. Camped ½–¾ mile downstream. When it cooled off, we wandered down to the rapids and watched the current roar towards Cataract Canyon.
Final Tips for Adventurous Canoe Trippers
- Pack Smart, Paddle Light: Keep gear dry and organized with drybags. Freeze early meals to double as cooler ice.
- Plan Side Hikes: Don’t just float. Build in time to explore.
- Stay Flexible: Wind and water levels can change your plan. Some camps may be inaccessible.
- Choose Upper Spanish Bottom for take-out: Easiest for pulling out canoe and gear. Two downstream camps have much steeper landings and are closer to downstream rapids.
- Savor the Solitude: Hours may pass without seeing a soul. Embrace it.
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