Flaming Gorge Self-Supported Paddling Trip (revised)
Change in paddling plan omits the Green River section.
Overview: This is a wonderful outing. This year we will start at the Buckboard Access Area (off WY 530, the main road that runs on the west side of the reservoir). Buckboard is about 3 miles south of the confluence of the Black’s Fork Arm and the Green River Arm of the reservoir. Starting out, 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) Brinegar (aka Holmes) Crossing; (2) Anvil Draw; (3) Lucerne
Organizers: Gary Cage (gary_cage@greenspeedisp.net) and Anne Fiore (anne_fiore@yahoo.com)
Dates:
Friday, July 10. Drive to Flaming Gorge.
Saturday, July 11. Put in at Buckboard Marina.
Sunday, July 19: latest day to take out at the dam.
Distance: 50+ 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: Our preference is not to get up early. But 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.
Shuttle Options: Exact method is TBD.
Option 1: Saturday, July 11, meet at Buckboard Marina at 8 a.m. Unload and prep boats and gear. Once that is done, shuttle a vehicle to the Cedar Springs Marina on the south side of the dam and leave a car (with Utah AIS certifications on the dash board). This shuttle is at least an hour each way.
For camping options, there is a campground at Buckboard with reservations available or First Come – First Serve. There is also an option to remote camp on July 10 near Buckboard. (Gary stayed quite close to the marina a couple of years ago. And we have camped at the end of Road 11 a few times. (I’ve gotten down there with my Forester.) The camping there is quite pleasant and about 5 miles from the highway and about 5 miles north of Buckboard.
Option 2
Camp at the south end of the reservoir near the dam, for instance Cedar Springs or Deer Run. On Saturday morning transfer boat and gear to one vehicle and leave another vehicle at Cedar Springs Marina on the South side of the dam (with Utah AIS certifications on the dashboard). The nice thing is that we would only drive north once on the day we put in. Down side is that we would drive back up to Buckboard to get to the other car then back to the dam to get people and gear. Sad to say, there are no available reservations for July 10 at Cedar Springs or Deer Run, which are close to the marina. Mustang Ridge is north of the dam and would make the shuttle even longer.
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