River Activists to Float New, Free-Flowing Section of Colorado River through Glen Canyon Saturday

On Saturday, April 23rd, a group of 100 river restoration activists will float a new, free-flowing section of Colorado River from the boat ramp at Hite, UT to Farley Canyon on what was once inundated 50 feet under Lake Powell. The river float and party to take place after are a celebration of Glen Canyon Institute’s 20th Anniversary.

The celebration will include speakers such as environmental activist Ken Sleight, on whom the Character Seldom Seen Smith was based in Ed Abbey’s The Monkey Wrench Gang, as well as Save the Colorado’s Gary Wockner, and Glen Canyon Institute President Richard Ingebretsen.

“The thought of seeing the Colorado River flow through Glen Canyon again has been a dream for many, and today we’re seeing that dream come true”, says GCI’s Richard Ingebretsen. “Although it’s only a small portion of the canyon, we’re doing what was once considered impossible”.

“As water shortage and climate change continue to bring down Lake Powell, river runners everywhere are awaiting the day when they can float all of Glen Canyon”, says GCI Executive Director Eric Balken. “Climate models are showing that the reservoir will likely never fill again, and there’s a good chance we’ll get to float the entire river through Glen Canyon one day”.

More information on this event can be found on GCI’s website at www.glencanyon.org. The event is free and open to the public.

Glen Canyon Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon, and a free-flowing Colorado River.

Please join GCI and our friends at Save the Colorado for a very special celebration at Hite, Utah on April 22nd, 2017 – Earth Day Weekend. We’re going to float the new, free-flowing section of Colorado River from the Hite boat ramp to Farley Canyon.

Afterward there will be a party with live music by The Steel Belts, food, drinks, and guest speakers.

GCI asks that guests bring their own boats and transportation, and suggests using an inflatable kayak or pack raft. GCI will provide dinner and drinks the evening of the 22nd, as well as breakfast the morning of the 23rd.

This is a free event! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. 

PLEASE REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME BY CLICKING THIS LINK 

Schedule of Events: 

Saturday, April 22nd
11:00 AM – Group will meet at Hite boat ramp, on the west side of the river. We’ll try to shuttle as many cars as possible prior to river float.

12:00 PM – Group will put on the river and float to Farley Canyon, approximately 6.5 miles. 

4:00 PM – Camp set up. Guests will have an opportunity to set up their campsites at the Farley Canyon campground. 

5:00 PM – Gary Wockner, Rich Ingebretsen, and Dave Wegner will discuss the history of GCI, the fight to restore the Colorado River and Glen Canyon, and the future of the restoration movement.

6:00 PM – GCI will provide dinner and music from The Steel Belts.

Where to Meet: Meet at the Hite boat ramp at 11:00 AM, April 22nd.

What to Bring:

  • Boat (Inflatable kayak, pack raft, or small craft)
  • Life Jacket
  • Dry bag for day use
  • Water Bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Enough water for yourself and your group for 2 days (approx. 2 gallons per person)
  • Lunch & Snacks for the 22nd
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Warm clothes
  • Rain gear
  • Hat
  • Headlamp

Click here to see a map

Click here to register

Places to rent boats: 

Utah

Flagstaff

Denver