Flaming Gorge Self-Supported Paddling Trip
Overview: This is a wonderful outing that starts in the town of Green River, WY on the Green River. After about 10 miles on the river, we enter Flaming Gorge Reservoir and paddle south ending at the dam in Utah. We did this trip in 2023 in 6 days but are planning 8 days to allow for weather and/or additional exploration. The landscape in the north is open, rolling hills typical of Wyoming. As we approach Utah, we begin the passage thru rocks and cliffs. We will paddle sea kayaks.
Note that there are access points on the west side of the lake where people can exit in the event that folks want a shorter trip. These access points are about a day’s paddle apart, beginning after 3-4 days:
(1) Buckboard Marina; (2) Brinegar (aka Holmes) Crossing; (3) Anvil Draw; (4) Lucerne
Organizers: Gary Cage (gary_cage@greenspeedisp.net) and Anne Fiore (anne_fiore@yahoo.com)
Dates: Drive to Flaming Gorge on Friday, July 10th. Put in at Green River WY on Saturday, July 11th. Plan to take out at the dam by Sunday, July 19th dam at the latest.
Distance: 80+ miles; Rating: Class 1 and flatwater
Wind and Waves! Flaming Gorge can get pretty windy! Although we keep an eye on the weather and do not plan to paddle in high wind, it is often necessary to paddle for an hour or so in moderate winds (8 mph – 12 mph) to a good campsite.
Early Starts, depending on weather: In 2022 and 2023, a strong wind came up by noon. Given this, we plan to be on the water by 7 AM and paddle till noon or so (when the wind starts up), so up to 5 hours of paddling. Makes for a long afternoon in the sun but we beat the wind. However, if it appears the wind is not coming up till mid afternoon or later, we’ll go with a later start.
Short breaks: We tend to take only short breaks while paddling, including short lunch breaks.
Self-Shuttle: We would drive to Flaming Gorge on Friday, July 11th. On Saturday, July 12th, we would meet at the dam to leave a car there then drive to the put-in at Stratton-Meyers Park in Green River. Once all gear is unloaded, there will be the need to drive back to Buckboard to leave a car then drive back to Green River, leaving one car at Smith’s Grocery, less than a mile away from the put-in. After 2 nights, we will take a break at Buckboard and run a shuttle back to Smith’s to get cars parked there. They will be left at Buckboard for the remainder of the trip.
Inspections: Wyoming AIS Stickers, Utah AIS certificate, and WY inspection.
ACA: Since this is a Rocky Mountain Canoe Club trip, ACA membership (annual or event) is required.
Other Hazards: Rattlesnakes!
Maps: Trails Illustrated #704 (Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
Human Waste: We need to carry out our own waste.
Safe Paddling
To keep our events both fun and safe for everyone, each participant needs to have the skills and the equipment appropriate to the waters and the weather. Each participant is the first judge of whether they have the skills and equipment necessary, but trip coordinators have the final say. Please read the RMCC Requirements and Recommendations for ACA-Sanctioned Events