Desolation Canyon is a rugged and remote stretch of the Green River in northeast Utah, famed for challenging rapids, technical canyon scenery, and backcountry camping.

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Geography

ContinentNorth America
RegionWestern United States
SubregionGreat Basin
CountryUnited States
StateUtah
CountyUintah County
DistrictDesolation Canyon district
TimezoneAmericaDenver
Latitude40
Longitude-109.5
Maps
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Nestled along the Green River in northeast Utah, Desolation Canyon offers a raw and unspoiled wilderness experience. The canyon walls rise sharply from the river, carving narrow passages and revealing layers of ancient sediment. This area is renowned for demanding whitewater rapids — including notable drops and many technical rapids — making it a destination for experienced rafters and boaters. Beyond the water, visitors can expect sparse desert vegetation, limited services, and the need for careful planning around permits, water supply, and safety. Trail and access options are subtle; most travelers arrive by river route or via off-road driving from regional trailheads. It’s a place to go deep into canyon terrain, where solitude, geology, and water form an intense and rewarding landscape.

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