Equipment needed to take on the Colorado River these days is pretty standard: a good boat, three oars (always take an extra), jug of water, hat and rubber "ducky."
Actually, some will say you can deflate the boat, stow the oars and toss the hat, but don't forget the "ducky." Next to the water, these small two-person inflatable kayaks, shaped like a large banana with the ends turned up, have become required boating on certain sections of river.The rest is a matter of choice. Food if you choose to take time to stop to eat. Sleeping bag and tent if you choose to camp overnight.
Of course, not all river trips are the same. There are leisurely floaters and high-adventure thrashers.
One that fits snugly in the middle is a 30-plus mile section of the Colorado that ends near the Moab bridge. This section isn't slow, nor is it life threatening. Rate it "FR" for "family runable."
There are as many kids on this section as there are adults, and that's not typical of most river adventures.
One reason is because this section is one of the most accessible of any in Utah. Another is it's accommodating. Trips can range from days to hours. Also, this run is doable. It can be self-navigable for those with experience or commercially run for those without.
The stretch of river runs from Dewey Bridge, about 32 miles east of Moab, down what is called the Fisher Tower section of the Colorado, to the town bridge. Boats can, however, take out almost anywhere along the way.
Commercial trips usually begin at Hittle Bottom, ruins of an early pioneer settlement, and float about 14 miles downriver to takeout. Within that section are the five main rapids.
Consensus is there are two main reasons for growing interest in this section of the Colorado.
One, says Myke Hughes, owner of Adrift Adventures, a commercial river-running operation in Moab, is affordability.
A half-day trip, which includes lunch (the traditional river meal of salads, fruits, cookies, cold drinks and an assortment of meats and cheeses for sandwiches) and transportation to put-in, is only $29 for adults, $23 for kids. A full day, which includes lunch, transportation and more river time, is only $38 for adults, $26 for kids.
"The cost is very reasonable. It's fun and it's a great way to beat the heat. Families can take a river trip, enjoy the rapids and float along in calm water in a life vest. And with the longer days, they can pull off the river, go into town and have dinner, and then drive some place and catch a spectacular sunset. It makes for a full and exciting day," he says.
Making early plans is preferred, but he says a reservation made the day before a scheduled trip is usually enough lead time.
This year's runs have been especially good. The record snowpack has been a steady feed to the river system, "Which has kept the level high. We've got flows right now that would be more typical of early July. The prolonged runoff has made the river much more enjoyable. Even now they're getting unusually high flows," Hughes adds.
Which brings up the second reason for its popularity - enjoyment. Along with the leisurely floats in calm water, there are the five rapids of varying difficulty, and a few smaller ones. All are runable, but none is timid . . . especially to the crew of a "ducky."
It's not that the smaller boats are any more enjoyable than the larger rubber rafts, it's simply that the boats bring the river runners closer to water-level with the action. And from that vantage point, the river can take on a whole new perspective, especially through the rapids.
First warning of fast water is a throaty growl heard off in a distance. With each stroke of the paddle it becomes more menacing. By the time the spray of the waves comes into view, the river appears to be in a full-blown fit of rage.
That's when reality hits: Small boats are made for bathtubs, not for being caught in the middle of Nature's blender turned up to pulverize.
By this time, however, it's too late to do anything. Ahead the water rolls over a boulder and drops into a hole the size of the Delta Center. Uh, close. On either side are waves as tall as the Kennecott smoke stack, ready to smack the boat and crew.
As the boat goes down, the world turns a river-green. And as it comes up, like a rocket at launch, it becomes a mixture of blues, reds, desert browns and river-green.
Occasionally, just to hold attention, a wave breaks in two as the boat slices through and a zillion gallons of water pour down. The driest thing in the boat after a white-water runs is the inside of the water bottle.
Boats do flip and crews need to plan accordingly.
Hughes says he sends a "ducky" or two along on his "dailies."
Other outfitters, like Western River Expeditions, rent boats, vest and paddles. Cost is $40 per day for a two-person boat.
Boaters should have some river-running experience before launching. Signing on with one of the commercial outfitters is recommended for those without.
There are also a number of convenient camping places along the river. Overnight stays add to the river adventure. It also gives runners more time to enjoy the beautiful sculptured landscape in the Moab area.
There aren't many sections of river cut in a prettier setting than this section of the Colorado. Nor, is there a section so perfectly made for a family outing.