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Hatch River Expeditions Green River • Yampa River Dinosaur National Monument Split Mountain Canyon • Colorado River Cataract Canyon • Canyonlands National Monument P.O. Box 1150 • Vernal, UT 84078 1.800.342.8243 www.hatchriver.com [email protected]
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Hatch River Rafting

Mar 07, 2016

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Page 1: Hatch River Rafting

Hatch River E xpedit ionsGreen River • Yampa River

Dinosaur National MonumentSplit Mountain Canyon • Colorado River Cataract

Canyon • Canyonlands National Monument

P.O. Box 1150 • Vernal, UT 840781.800.342.8243

[email protected]

Page 2: Hatch River Rafting

This guide is designed to provide you with information on the ratings of the whitewater and degree of difficulty of each trip. this is a general description. Please note that water levels may change the intensity of whitewater on any river trip. Persons who are reasonably physically fit and are able to hold on tight are generally fine on our trips.

Class 1 (I) Easy: Very little whitewater

Class 2 (II) Moderate: Some whitewater. Small amount of maneuvering required

Class 3 (III) Intermediate: More whitewater. Longer rapids requiring some precise maneuvering

Class 4 (IV) Difficult: Long, continuous rapids with difficult, precise maneuvering required. these are generally scouted by your guide before running

Class 5 (V) Very Difficult: Extremely difficult maneuvering required. Very dangerous. high probability of capsizing. very rare on commercial river trips.

Class 6 (VI) Not Navigable: Unrunnable

Green River - Lodore Canyon Class 3 to 3+ This trip offers excellent whitewater which is generally safe for the entire family. rapids on this stretch require some difficult maneuvering on the part of your guide.

Yampa River Class 3 to 4 Rapids on this trip are generally very fun with very nice sized waves. Of specific interest is Warm Springs rapid, which is a solid Class 4 rapid. However, we give you the option of walking around this one.

Colorado River - Cataract Canyon Class 3+ to 5This is a whitewater trip. Rapids in Cataract are continuous and very large, especially during the high water months of May and June.

Green River - Split Mountain Canyon Class 2 to 3This is a great all-around trip for just about everyone, especially families. rapids offer good excitement but are generally safe for ages 6 and up.

Green River - Flaming Gorge Canyon Class 1 to 2This is a great trip for those who may not want whitewater. It is a scenic float with abundant wild-life along the river corridor.

If you are concerned about children, call us. There may be times when water levels do not permit your younger child to go during the high water times mentioned above. Persons with heart conditions or other physical limitations should also contact us before reserving.

We’ll See You On The River

Welcome Aboard - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1Why Hatch? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2HATCH Highlights - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3The HATCH Legacy Lives On - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 -5

Dinosaur National MonumentGreen River - Lodore Canyon - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6Itinerary - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7Yampa River - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8Itinerary - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9

Canyonlands National ParkColorado River - Cataract Canyon - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10Itinerary - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11

One Day Expeditions - Green RiverDinosaur National Monument - Split Mountain - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12Flaming Gorge Dam - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13Itinerary - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13

Trip Planner - Dinosaur National Monument - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14Trip Planner - Canyonlands national Park - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15Our Commitment To The Lands We Love - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16Our First Class Guides - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17Our Quality Rafts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18Our Camp Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19Dining In The HATCH Tradition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20Whitewater Classification - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21

Please see separate insert for Dates, Prices, Cancellation Policy, FAQ & Suggested Packing

Hatch River Expeditions, Inc.P. O.. Box 1150, Vernal, UT 84078

Tel: 1.800.342.8243 or 435.789.4316Internet: www.hatchriver.com E -mail: [email protected]

Authorized Concessionaire of the National Park Service Special Use Permit Holder USDA Forest ServiceLicensed by the State Of ColoradoLicensed by the State Of Utah

Please recycle this brochure. Save for future reference or pass it along to a friend!

Copywrite © 2002 Hatch River Expeditions, Inc

Proud Members of:

Utah Guides and OutfittersColorado River Outfitters Association

AMERICANOUTDOORS

Page 3: Hatch River Rafting

We serve the finest meals available on any river expedition and take great pride in our food. Meals on a

HatchRiver Expeditions are almost a century of recipes and technique, combined with the input of our in-house

and award winning professional chef. He has spent many years with us, providing a modern twist to the classic

HATCH delights, as only a professional could do.

we are able to accommodate special dietary needs such as vegetarian menus, low cholesterol and others. Contact us in

advance we can discuss your needs such as vegetarian menus, low cholesterol and others. Contact us in advance we can dis-

cuss your needs. we also like to help you celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. Let us know how

we can make it special for you.

Sample Menu Breakfast Lunch Dinner Fresh Fruits and Juice Deli Salad (Chicken or Seafood) Appetizers (Cheese and Crackers) Omelets Prepared to Order Fresh Shaved Deli Meats 12 oz Hand Cut Ribeye Steak or Hash Browns Assorted Breads Boneless Rainbow Trout Fillets English Muffins and Jelly Wraps Dutch Oven Cowboy Spuds Cereal (if desired) Lettuce Green Salad Fresh Brewed Coffee Tomato Slices French Bread Tea and Cocoa Onions Dutch Oven Dessert Fresh Fruits Snacks ( Chips, Cookies, Sweets) Lemonade and Water

The thrills and excitement of whitewater rapids, the

serene vistas of breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife,

worry-free relaxation, fresh, hearty and delectable meals,

courteous, knowledgeable guides with an emphasis on safety

and professionalism, deluxe camping equipment, peaceful splen-

dor, hikes to awesome sites, and of course, just plain fun: These

are the elements of an “all-inclusive” river adventure.

We have the trip you are looking for whether it’s a family vaca-

tion, a group of friends or business associates, or just enjoying

yourself with new found friends you’ve just met on one of our

expeditions. You might choose to explore one of the magnifi-

cent canyons of Dinosaur National Monument on the Green and

Yampa Rivers located in Utah and Colorado. Or, there is the majesty of Cataract Canyon on the mighty Colorado River in

Canyonlands National Park.

Both areas are just a few short hours from Salt Lake City, host of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Whatever your choice, you’ll go

away with memories to last a lifetime.

HATCH knows rafting - our name has been synonymous with river running since 1929. Bus Hatch, founder of Hatch River

Expeditions introduced a new style of outdoor adventure expeditions. Now, over seventy years, and a half million adventur-

ers later, we’re still going strong, upholding those early traditions of quality and service. We are “The Original River Running

Company”. As you prepare to choose an outfitter for your river expeditions, remember...THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE.

We invite you to join us!

Bus & Don Hatch, Dinosaur National Monument, 1956.

Page 4: Hatch River Rafting

There’s nothing quite like going to sleep along the banks of the river! After a day of rapids, hikes and outdoor

activities it is nice to know that you have your own comfortable bed. However, it isn’t always practical to bring your

own gear from home. For an additional fee, we can provide you with a sleeping unit (consisting of a sleeping bag,

self-inflating Thermarest® pad, camp pillow and ground tarp) and an easy-to assemble tent with a rain-fly. We provide

camp chairs for your comfort at NO charge.

Our deluxe sleeping gear is clean, comfortable and affordable. You can rent

part or all of the sleeping equipment listed above with advance notice. We do

not include sleeping equipment in the price of our

trips so you aren’t paying for something you don’t

need.

Please see insert for prices.

Many of our guests prefer to choose ,and setup

their own camp, however, your guides are available

to help you find the perfect camp spot and , should

you need assistance, help you with camp set-up and

take-down each day.

Waterproof Duffel Bag:Large dry bags for your personal gear and smaller

dry bags for your day time items are provided at no

additional cost.Camp set-up and other

HATCH gear.

When it comes to choosing an outfitter for your rafting vacation, how do you know what to look for? What is important to you? Here are a few important ele-ments featured in all of our trips.

Experience: Hatch River Expeditions has been operating river trips for over 70 years. The knowledge and expertise gained by Bus Hatch over his years of pioneering western rivers has been passed down through the years, from generation to generation. We maintain a superior staff of highly skilled and out-door oriented individuals who love what they do and return year after year to run our rivers. No experience necessary on your part - we’ll provide it.

Quality: The definition of quality is “an inherent or distinguishing attribute;

superiority or kind”. At HATCH, we strive to offer our guests the very highest in a quality rafting experience from our modern equipment to our friendly, knowledgeable and congenial guides and staff, not to mention the extraordinary and plentiful meals which get rave reviews from our guests.

Safety: We place a great amount of emphasis on your safety. We want everyone to have a pleasing and satisfying but safe experience with HATCH. Our equipment is rated as some of the safest in the industry and is constantly being upgraded and checked. Our guides complete extensive training in all aspects of river running and are licensed and certified for this type of very specialized adventure.

Reputation: As the first and oldest whitewater rafting company in the world, our reputation speaks for itself. A third generation of the Hatch Family is still going strong today. You can count on us for consistency and the utmost in qual-ity and service. We’ll put our best foot forward for you every time.

Personal Service: We believe in a “hands on” approach to our business by taking an active part in the day-to-day operations. River running is our only business. Our complete focus is on you, our guest and assuring you have a fulfill-ing and memorable experience. The Hatch Family is always nearby, answering the phones, greeting you, our guests, and you’ll even see us on the river. We’re here to assist you and we enjoy meeting you.

Value: You will find our prices competitive. We strive to give you the best value for your vacation dollar without skimping on service. You’ll always get the same great trip HATCH is famous for.

Diversity: Whether you’re traveling alone, with your family, with friends or with business associates, you can count on HATCH to accommodate you in fine fashion. Our expedition consultants will assist you in choosing the perfect trip. We can even help you arrange a charter for a group friends, a family reunion or a team building expedition. There’s something for everyone!

Commitment To Our Lands: We practice “ minimum impact” techniques to protect our valuable river corridors and assure the future of these fragile lands. Remember our motto, “take only pictures, leave only footprints”.

WE ARE “ The Original River Running Company.”

Bus Hatch “without equal in the tough places.” Grand Canyon 1934

Page 5: Hatch River Rafting

Over many years of experience, we’ve found that differ-

ent things appeal to different people. That’s why we are

diverse in the kinds of trips and equipment we offer.

Different rafts and set-ups work best in different areas. Whatever

trip you choose, you can be assured that you are getting the

finest quality and safest equipment available.

Oar RaftThis type of raft is used on the One Day, Green River, Yampa

River Expeditions and Cataract Canyon Expeditions (later in

the season). Each oar raft can hold a maximum of five guests

and will have a skilled and licensed guide manning the oars.

Rafts are self-bailing and designed with your maximum com-

fort and safety in mind.

Motorized Pontoon and Snout RigThese inflatable rafts are motorized and used only on Cataract

Canyon Expeditions. They offer maximum excitement and safety dur-

ing the spring and earlier summer when the water levels in Cataract

Canyon are typically higher. The guide operates the quite and envi-

ronmentally friendly motor from the rear of the raft. they are larger

than other types of rafts and more stable.

Paddle RaftIf you are looking for a more participatory type of trip, you

may want to join a crew in a paddle raft. this type of raft is

available on select one Day, Green River and Yampa River

Expeditions. A paddle raft depending on size, can hold from

four to eight paddlers and will have an experienced paddle

captain ( one of our highly skilled guides) giving commands.

This option is not for young children. We recommend that

you be physically fit for this adventure.

Inflatable KayakThese are small inflatable rafts, similar to a hard shell kayak,

manned by one or two guests. Inflatable kayaks can be made

available by request on certain sections of our One Day,

Green River and Yampa River Expeditions, depending on con-

ditions and water levels and availability. We recommend the

ability to understand simple instructions to man an inflatable

kayak.

Hatch River Expeditions was twice featured by National Geographic Society in articles appearing in National

Geographic and National Geographic Traveler. We were the outfitter selected by the History Channel in the

making of The Powell Expedition. HATCH was also chosen by IMAX producers in the making of the short

film Yampa-The Untamed River for the Denver Museum of Natural History, as well as an outdoor segment Appetite

for Adventure for the Food Network. Hatch has been featured in many publications over the years including Outside,

People, Paddler, Vegetarian Times and Sunset magazines, as well as, The San Diego Tribune, The Chicago Tribune, and

The Salt Lake Tribune, just to name a few.

Over the years, HATCH has had the opportunity to serve guests whose names are familiar to everyone and those who

are not so familiar. Every guest is a celebrity in our eyes! each person is important, and our number one customer.

Page 6: Hatch River Rafting

What makes up an excellent river expedition? The obvious comes to mind. Of course, you need rafts with an the neces-sary gear and food... plus a guide. Your guide is probably the

most important element of the trip you select. He or she is the one you depend on not only to safely navigate the river, but to prepare your food,

entertain you and educate you.

Hatch guides are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional experience. From the moment you step off the bus at the launch point until the moment you say farewell at the end of the trip, they’ll be there for you.

Hatch guides are renowned for their culinary abilities, each with their own special flair for outdoor cooking. After a fabu-lous meal there’s time for some (mostly true) river stories and an occasional appearance by the guides’ old camp friend, “Hatchmo”.

Your guides can also tell you about the history and physical aspects of the river canyons, plus the rich history of our com-pany that started with Bus Hatch, the “Riverman”. Our guides consider the river canyons their home and want to share their well-kept home with you. You’ll go away with an insight into geology, archaeology, the flora and fauna and environmental eth-ics.

All guides are highly trained in every aspect of river running. Each guide is state licensed and certified in wilderness first aid and CPR, as well as safe and proper food handling techniques. Much emphasis is placed on safety, professionalism and service to you, our special guests. Our guides keep coming back to us season after season. They tell us “when you work for Hatch it’s more than a job, It’s an avocation.”

“Now that our raft trip is long since over, all we have left are the memories, which are great. The whole rafting team did a great job, on the river and in camp. Please extend my than*s and appreciation to the whole crew. Thanks for a great vaca-tion, hope we can do it again somehow in the not too distant future.” T. Sheeran; Kuwait

“Just a quick note to Id you know, again, what a terrific time we had on the river. The boatmen were once again superb and we fell in love with all of them...we just enjoy being there and away from the rest of the world ~ J Anderson; Cedar Rapids, IA

Come meet our guides. They,re waiting for you.

Bus in the “Lota Ve”, Idaho 1936

What sets us apart from other rafting companies? The answer lies in our longevity, and our commitment to providing excellent service to our guests. It’s a family tradition at HATCH and we’re proud to be “The Original River Running Company”.

Hatch River Expeditions has been in the river expedition business for over 70 years. It all began when Bus Hatch turned a weekend hobby into a way of life for the Hatch Family.

In the late 1920’s, Bus along with his brothers and cousins built themselves a wooden boat and set out for the Green River, in what is now Dinosaur National Monument, to explore it’s mysterious canyons. Friends and family members thought they were crazy. Other explorers had encountered problems sometimes with disastrous consequences. Even Major John Wesley Powell’s noted expedition in 1869 was not without its problems. Undeterred, the “Dusty Dozen” as Bus and his group had been aptly named, built themselves a wooden boat and set out to run the river. It took a few tries to get the boa1 just right, but after some near disasters, such as losing all of their provi-sions, they found the right design.

The men were captivated by the river and spent as much time as they could spare from their regular jobs out running the rapids. Two more wooden boats were constructed, bringing the fleet up to a total of three. The boats were named, “What Next”, “Who Cares”, and “Lota Ve”. The latter was named after the daughter of Alton Hatch, brother to Bus, as Alton had financed the construction of this third boat.

Having conquered the Green and Yampa Rivers, the “Dusty Dozen” moved on to try other seemingly treacherous river canyons, including Cataract Canyon, know as the “Graveyard of

Seconds later Bus loses an oar.

Page 7: Hatch River Rafting

The philosophies of Hatch River Expeditions regarding

our environment are quite simple. The Hatch Family

has been both professional and personal users of our

river canyons dating back to the late 1920’s. These areas have

always been special to us, just like home.

Bus Hatch, one of the pioneers of river running, and our

founder, stressed the importance of protecting the areas to

his children and to those he guided down the rivers. We are

wholly committed to the continued protection of this valuable

resource and maintaining its integrity for many generations to

see, for many years to come.

We want to show you, our guests, these beautiful and pristine

areas and continue to pass along our important message “take

only pictures, leave only footprints “ as we have for over 70

years.

“take only pictures, leave only footprints”

HATCH guest viewing Native American Petroglyph.

the Colorado”. This group had the distinction of being among he first one hundred people to attempt a descent of the Grand , Canyon and also one of the first parties to complete a descent of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Idaho Wilderness.

Word of Bus and his crew’s adventures was getting around. It seemed he was being called upon more and more often to take parties of surveyors, engineers, fishermen, hunters and just plain thrill seekers down the rivers. He was beginning to realize these people would actually pay him for his ser-vices and river running expertise. He could supplement his income as a carpenter and still do the thing he had come to love so dearly. With the increasing publicity of exploring the rivers and the growing popularity of river running as a sport, Bus found he could not meet the demand with his hand-crafted wooden boats. After World War II, he discovered that military-pontoon type rubberized rafts could be purchased cheaply and could be set-up to handle the whitewater. Bus also discovered that the war surplus rafts could carry many passengers and provisions. Thus, the first commercial river running company was born. The first concession permit in Dinosaur National Monument, and what is believed to be the first river concession permit in the country, was issued to Bus’s Hatch River Expeditions in 1953. Permits for other rivers were to follow.

Bus’s sons were now an active part of the business, helping their father show the river canyons to increasing numbers of people each year. Bus was contacted in 1956 by radio personality Lowell Thomas to navigate the Indus River in Pakistan for Thomas’ Cinerama film, “Search for Paradise”. Bus and his son Don flew to Pakistan with a ten-man raft and a large pontoon for the filming. The stretch of the river selected for filming had never been successfully navigated. The rapids on the Indus were bigger than any that Bus or Don had ever encountered. There were many anxious moments and one member of the film crew was lost in the turbulent waters. The film led to more exposure for the Hatch Family and river running. Bus continued running the riv-ers he so dearly loved until his death in 1967.

Over 70 years later, the tradition continues. The company is still operated by the Hatch Family. Much has changed in the river running industry. Just as the wooden boats gave way to war surplus rafts, the war surplus rafts have been replaced with ultramodern, specially designed, professional equip-ment. With the explosion of outdoor-oriented family vacations, river running continues to grow in popularity. It is a life-long goal of the Hatch Family to show rafting customers the beauty of the river canyons, while stressing the importance of pre-serving the canyons and rivers for future generations.

“Now we’re safe, now we’re on the river”,

Bus Hatch

The “Dusty Dozen”, Lodore Canyon 1932. (Bus Hatch far left)

The “Dusty Dozen”, Idaho 1936. (Bus Hatch lower center)

Page 8: Hatch River Rafting

You’ll marvel at the high vermilion-colored cliffs contrasted by bright green Box Elder trees along the beaches. Lodge

Pole pine and Douglas Fir are seen on the high ledges and canyon rim. Mountain sheep, deer and other wildlife

abound. You can almost hear the whisperings of outlaws, trappers and explorers of by-gone days.

Lodore Canyon has rapids with names like Disaster Falls, Hell’s Half Mile and Triplet Falls. The average descent is one foot

per mile above Disaster Falls and the greatest

rate of descent is at Hell’s Half Mile which is

a drop of 30 feet in less than a half mile. The

Green River is sustained by the dam at

Flaming Gorge Reservoir. This maintains the river

flow at a navigable level throughout the spring

and summer months.

ItineraryGreen River expeditions depart from our

headquarters in Vernal, Utah. We transport you

to the “Gates of Lodore”, the northern most

border of Dinosaur National Monument. Driving

time is approximately 2.5 hours.The entrance to Whirlpool canyon

Trip Length: Expeditions in Cataract Canyon are 4 days, 3 nights. 5 day expeditions can be scheduled by special arrangement. Contact us for information. Group Size: Our maxi-mum group size for Cataract Canyon expeditions is 25 guests per trip. 10 guests is the

minimum group size we are able to accommodate. We can customize trips for special groups, reunions, etc. Contact us for group rates and special price quotes. Boats: During high water, precision control is needed, HATCH uses 33’ motorized rafts for comfort and safety. Later in the river season, when water levels drop, our skilled, licensed guides row you through this awe-some canyon in 18’ self-bailing inflatable rafts. We do not offer paddle rafts or inflatable kayaks on Cataract Canyon trips for safety reasons. Weather: Average summer temperatures vary from 65-80 degrees at night to 90-1 10 degrees during the day. Early spring trips often have cool nights and milder temperatures during the day. Adverse weather may affect average tempera-tures.

Getting to Moab, UtahMoab is located 30 miles south of I-70 on US Highway 191 near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. You will find numerous dining and lodging options, guides and information, and all other services a traveler might normally need.

Moab is an active, popular town in the heart of the beautiful Red Rock Canyon country of southeastern Utah. It plays host to the thousands who visit south-eastern Utah to take advantage of the area’s great recreational opportunities. From Moab, one can conve-niently hike in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, mountain bike on the famous Moab Slick Rock Trail, whitewater raft the Colorado River, tackle the thousands of miles of rugged canyon roads in four-wheel drive vehicles or horseback ride amidst the alpine beauty of the La Sal Mountains.

The nearest major airports are located in Salt Lake City, Utah or Grand Junction, Colorado. Driving time from Salt Lake City is approximately 3 1/2 hours (244 miles), from Grand Junction 1 1/2 hours (113 miles). Charter flights are available from both airports. It is required that you arrive in Moab the night prior to your river expedition departure. A list of accommodations will be included in your “ Confirmation Packet “ upon reservation confirma-tion.

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Page 9: Hatch River Rafting

Upon arrival at the river, you will meet your guides, board the rafts and

begin your adventure. There will be time for hiking, exploring, fishing or

just relaxing. In the evenings, you can sit around a campfire and listen

to the stories of by-gone days. At bedtime, the soothing sound of the

flowing river gently lulls you to sleep. Camping each night is along the

river banks in spacious camps.

Approximately 20 miles from the launch point at the head of Lodore

canyon, the Yampa River joins the Green River at Echo Park, the site

of the imposing Steamboat Rock. You’ll continue on the Green River

through Whiripool Canyon and, the last leg of the journey, Split

Mountain Canyon with Moonshine, S.O.B., Schoolboy and Inglesby

Rapids to end your trip on a high note. From this point, you will take a

short bus ride back to our headquarters. The total trip covers approxi-

mately 47 miles. On river itinerary is determined by several factors,

including length of trip, group preferences and camp proximity.

“We wanted to tell you again how very much we enjoyed

the four day rafting trip on tho Green River. Our guides were

exceptional. The food was amazing (better than what mom

dreams up at home in four days! ). The entire family agreed

it was the highlight of our two week trip to the Southwest”.

MKemen; CedarRapids, IA

“I would like to compliment you on your Green River rafttour.

Our guide was absolutely great with the kids, yet consider-

atc of us ‘elders’. All in all it was a wonderful day”.

A Fasano; Boxford, MAA Native American cave painting

Big Horn Sheep resting on the river bank

Trip Lengths: I through 5 day expeditions are offered on the Green River and 4 days on the Yampa River. 5 day expeditions can be

scheduled by special arrangement. Group Size: Our maximum group size for expeditions in Dinosaur National Monument is 25 guests per trip. 10 guests is the minimum group size we are able to accommo-

date. We can customize trips for special groups reunions, etc. Contact us for group rates and special price quotes. Boats: Our boats are inflatable rafts that range in size from 14’ to 18’. Most common are our 18’ self-bailing rafts. Capacity per raft is from 3 to 6 passengers with a licensed guide. By special arrangement and if water conditions permit, we also offer inflatable kayaks and paddle rafts where each passenger participates. Weather: Average temperatures May through June range from 40-50 degrees at night to 65-80 degrees during the day. July through September temperatures range from 50-60 degrees at night to 85-95+ during the day. Adverse weather may affect average temperatures.

Getting to Vernal, UtahVernal is situated in northeastern Utah on US Highway 40 near the Wyoming and Colorado state lines. It is the gateway to both Dinosaur National Monument, 20 miles east, and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, 35 miles north. The geology of the region makes it of interest to dinosaur lovers and geologists.

Vernal is bordered on the north by the Uinta Mountains, the largest east-west trending mountain range in the Western Hemisphere. It is bordered on the south by the Book Cliff Mountains and Blue Mountain on the east. Vernal itself lies in what is known as the Ashley Valley.

The nearest major airport is at Salt Lake City, Utah. Driving time from Salt Lake City is approximately 3 hours (174 miles). Commuter airlines fly into Vernal from Denver, Colorado. Greyhound Bus Lines also travel to Vernal from Salt Lake City and Denver. Driving time from Denver is approximately 5 1/2 hours (324 Miles). It is required that you arrive in Vernal the night prior to your river expedition departure. A list of accom-modations will be included in your “Confirmation Packet” upon reserva-tion confirmation.

Page 10: Hatch River Rafting

HATCH guest ....future river guide?

Native American Petroglyph.

Action, excitement, history and it is the last major tributary of the Colorado River System that is natural and free flow-

ing. Each spring, May through June, the Yampa offers thrilling whitewater, including Tepee, Big Joe and Warm Springs

Rapids, which is considered one of the ten toughest big drops in the country. Warm Springs was just a minor rapid on

the Yampa until June of 1965 when a combination of flash flooding and falling rock from a cliff deposited debris in the river

making the rapid what it is today. The Yampa River falls an average of 12 to 14 feet per mile. The lowest rate of descent is

one foot per mile at the launch point, Deerlodge Park, and greatest rate of descent is 31 feet per mile at Tepee Rapid. The

Yampa River flows are totally dependent upon run-off from winter snows. As the snow melt ceases, so does the water level.

Therefore, the Yampa has a relatively short, but wild season. During peak flow, the water can be very high and swift. In calm-

er stretches, the river meanders though canyons filled

with wildflowers, rich foliage and abundant wildlife.

In addition to rapids, the scenery adds a beautiful dimension.

You can expect to see beautiful scenery such as

“Tiger Wall”, named for its black streaks called “des-

ert varnish ”, which is caused from run-off that

leaches manganese from the rocks, causing oxidation.

Imposing white sandstone cliffs serve as the backdrop

to groves of Box Elder trees. Eagles and falcons majes- Yampa River Canyon

This meal includes fresh sliced deli meats and cheeses, an assortment of breads,

fruit, vegetables, goodies, iced lemonade and water. After lunch, we’ll finish the

remaining 3-4 miles of Split Mountain Canyon. The expedition ends at Split Mountain

boat ramp where we’ll board the bus and contemplate our memories of a great

day during the 30 minute bus ride back to Vernal. Expeditions usually arrive back in

Vernal between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m., although during high water periods, expeditions

may be back in Vernal as early as 2:00 p.m.

We provide all food and river gear. We recommend you bring along a hat, sunscreen

and sunglasses. Shorts and swimsuits are the usual attire, but if you tend to sun-

burn easily, you may wish to wear a long sleeved shirt and pants. Lightweight cloth-

ing is best as it dries faster . You may bring cameras, however we recommend that

you leave expensive cameras behind and take a waterproof disposable camera. We

assume no liability for loss or damage to camera equipment or other personal

articles.

Itinerary:

Green River - Flaming GorgeThis expedition is perfect for a first time rafting experience or for

those just looking for a short float trip with incredible scenery.

Our trip covers approximately six miles of the Green River below

Flaming Gorge Dam.

Transportation from Vernal to the trip launch point and back is

provided. Expeditions depart from Vernal, Utah at 8:30 a.m. and

return approximately 2:00 p.m. Contact us for availability.

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tically soar above the canyon walls.

Evidence shows this area was first inhabited by

prehistoric cultures, then

early Native Americans and

later by miners and home-

steaders of the 1800’s. You’ll

stop along the way to visit

ancient Indian sites and

other places of historical

significance. This trip has

been selected by geology

professors many times over

as a field trip for students.

So, if you’re a geology buff,

there’s plenty here for you.

ItineraryYampa River expeditions depart from our headquarters in

Vernal, Utah for the launch site at Deerlodge Park. Driving

time is approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival at the river you

will meet your guides, board the rafts and begin your adven-

ture. There will be time for hiking, exploring, fishing or just

relaxing. In the evenings, you can sit around a campfire and

listen to the stories of bygone days. At bedtime, the soothing

sound of the flowing river gently lulls you to sleep. Camping

each night is along the river banks in spacious camps.

The Yampa River joins the

Green River at Echo Park,

the site of the imposing

Steamboat Rock. You’ll

continue on the Green River

through Whirlpool Canyon

and, the last leg of the jour-

ney, Split Mountain Canyon

with Moonshine, S.O.B.,

Schoolboy and Inglesby

Rapids to end your trip on a

high note. From this point, you will take a short bus ride back

to our headquarters. The total trip covers approximately 70

miles. On-river itinerary is determined by several factors,

including length of trip, group preferences and camp proxim-

ity.

Steamboat Rock, Echo Park

View from inside a cave, Yampa River Canyon

Our daily river expedition through Split Mountain Canyon on the Green River covers approximately nine river rniles.

There are four class II - m rapids in this stretch of river: Moonshine, S.O.~., Schoolboy and Inglesby. It’s the

perfect mix of spectacular scenery with just enough whitewater to add a little spice. A perfect adventure for just

about everyone. We require children to be six years of age.

Itinerary: Split Mountain CanyonExpeditions leave daily mid-May

through midSeptember from our

headquarters in Vernal, Utah at 9:00

a.m. You’ll take a 1 to 1 1/2 hour bus

ride to the launch point, Rainbow Park.

We’ll stop along the way to view Native

American Pelroglyphs. Once at the

launch site your guides will give you a

short orientation. You’ll be on the water

by 10:30 or 11:00 a.m.

We’ll run three rapids before stopping

at “Hatch Beach” for our famous “build-

your-ownmasterpiece” deli-style lunch. Lunch on a One Day Expedition

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So much to see and experience! the elements of a perfect adventure come together, making this a must for any adventure traveler. There’s whitewater, hiking and exploring, swimming, magnificent scenery, camaraderie with your fellow rafters or the peaceful solitude of a relaxing vacation. You can have it all!

Cataract Canyon slices its way through the heart of majestic Canyonlands National Park. Prior to its designation as a National Park in 1964, Canyonlands and more specifically Cataract Canyon was a “no man’s land”. Major John Wesley Powell explored the canyon and surrounding area in 1869 and gave Cataract its name. Only a handful of successful explorers had made the trip down Cataract Canyon before the first HATCH Expedition in 1932.

Strata dating back some 300 million years is exposed. Fossils are found in abundance in the Formosa and Hermosa formations. Indians of the Fremont and Anasazi cultures inhabited the area some 800 to 1300 years ago, leaving many clues to their lifestyles. The river environment of this area is truly the educational oasis playground of Canyonlands National Park.

ItineraryCataract Canyon expeditions depart from the Moab, Utah airport. You’ll take a 40 minute bus ride to the launch site, Potash. Upon arrival at the river, you’ll meet your guides, board the rafts and set your mind for a fantastic journey.

Your adventure begins in the placid waters of the Colorado River. As you wind your way through the awesome

canyon with all of it’s marvelous sights, you’ll gaze in wonder at the breathtaking vistas before you. There will be plenty of time for hiking to ancient Indian ruins and other points of interest. Many animals make their homes in this high des-ert habitat such as big horn sheep, mule deer, great horned owls, whiptail and collared lizards, to name a few. It’s likely you’ll see some pretty amazing wildlife in its natural habitat. Camping each night is in spacious camps overlooking the mighty river.

As we work our way deeper and deeper into the canyon, you can feel the excitement of white water ahead. Get ready to hang on tight! The whitewater you experience in Cataract Canyon rivals that of the Grand Canyon during spring peak

run-off. If it’s wild rapids you want, reserve your spot for a trip in mid May to late June. The in stream flows of Cataract Canyon will gradually decline as summer length-ens. Regardless of the dates you choose, Cataract is full of excitement. Famous rapids of Cataract Canyon include: Brown Betty, Mile Long and Big Drops I, II and III.

The last day is spent on Lake Powell, with time for swimming and savoring the last moments of a wonderful trip. Your journey ends at Hite Marina. From there, you’ll take a scenic charter flight back to Moab.

The trip covers approximately 106 miles. On-river itiner-ary is determined by several factors, including length of trip, group preferences and camp proximity.

“My family and I just returned from an absolutely fabulous raft trip down Cataract Canyon. Everything about our trip was outstanding, but the best part of all-except the beauty of the river and cliffs was the professional treatment we received from our guides. Words can't capture fully the wonderful time we had-we’re still talking about it. E Danziger

“I have just returned from the Cataract Canyon trip. I have been on several other rafting trips and I must say the trip with your company was the absolute best! I am already looking forward to booking a trip with your company for next year!”D Wilson

“ No Man’s Land”

Ancient Indian Ruins

HATCH guest swimming in Dark Canyon