RMCC members are submitting permits for club trips on 3 rivers: Rio Chama, Green Deso-Gray and the Smith River. Unlike most of the club’s river trips, these three rivers have a lottery system to distribute highly sought after permits. Because two of these trips have a permit deadline of January 31 it is important that you email Kit Williams (kitrynwilliams@gmail.com) before the deadline to let her know that you are interested in the trip and plan to apply for a permit on the selected dates listed below.
Rio Chama: The Rio Chama flows through the beautiful red rock country of northern New Mexico. This is a 3-day permitted trip with some challenging Class III rapids. We will launch on Friday to take advantage of the releases from El Vado reservoir and camp 2 nights. Permit deadline is Jan 31 and permits are being applied for the following dates: 1) July 1; 2) July 8; 3) June 24. Trip Coordinator is Bill Ashworth (washwort@gmail.com). Go to http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/taos/rio_chama_wsr.html for an application and trip information.
Green Deso-Gray: Join RMCC for this 7-day trip down a wild stretch of the Utah Green River between Dinosaur and Canyonlands. This stretch of river remains much the same as when it was run by the first Powell expedition in 1869. Desolation and Gray Canyons have several Class III rapids and paddlers will need solid whitewater experience to participate. Permit deadline is Jan 31 and permits are being applied for the following dates: July 11, 12, 13, 14. Trip Coordinator is Bill Rivers (billiamrivers@gmail.com), Go to http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/price/recreation/riverinf.html for an application and trip information
Montana Smith: A difficult to obtain permit but an unforgettable week long paddle down a magnificent limestone canyon. The Smith flows north in south central Montana into the Missouri near Great Falls. Mostly Class I with a short Class II section. Successful applicants will pay a $60 fee to the State of Montana and will need to follow strict food storage guidelines. Permit deadline is Feb 18 and permits are being applied for the following dates: 1) June 27; 2) June 28; 3) June 29. Trip Coordinator is Bill Rivers (billiamrivers@gmail.com). Go to http://stateparks.mt.gov/smith-river for an application and trip information.