White Water Rafting Rivers of the World - Utah USA
UTAH_SAN JUAN River Rafting
The San Juan River originates in the snowy peaks of Southern Colorado’s Continental Divide. It blends into Utah after a trail across New Mexico. The site is rich in natural, cultural and geological history. There are plenty of spectacular places to explore, but the rafting experience is truly unmatched.
Class II and III rapids feature regularly in the mellow eight feet per mile gradient of the river, making it perfect for youngsters and beginners. The sand waves are the real thrillers. These waves are conjured up by internal water movements crashing along the silted river bed. The waves can go up to eight feet in height. Another exciting feature of San Juan is the Goosenecks section in which the river takes sharp bends dramatically, giving rafters no chance to catch their breaths for over five miles. The San Juan rafting seasons are spring and summer monsoon. These are high water seasons fed by dam releases from the Navajo Reservoir and from the Animas River.
The entire stretch of the San Juan River passes through the lands of the Anasazi Indians. Their stone dwellings, granaries, petroglyphs and rock arts are a delight to anyone with interest in history. Butler Wash and Grand Gulch are ideal places to look for petroglyphs and fossils. Grand Gulch is well-known for its plunge pools, springs and hanging fern gardens whereas the Slickhorn Canyon is famous for its waterfalls. The Monument Upwarp is geologically important for its ancient rock structures. The natural wildlife of the valley is no less exciting. One can sight desert bighorn sheep and collared lizards amidst cottonwoods and ferns. Songbirds, woodhouse toads, flame skimmers, beavers and canyon tree frogs flock the trail in great numbers. So raft, hike, study or play…the San Juan River rafting spoils you with choices!