Queer Rafting Trip: Desolation Canyon
Arrive: 7pm August 17, Trip: August 18-23, 2025
For our fifth season in a row, TVOP is partnering with Holiday River Expeditions to invite LGBTQ+ folks to adventure on the Green River, rafting through epic Desolation Canyon.
This far-flung middle-of-nowhere place is far from desolate, rife with riparian ecosystem plants & animals. Its dramatic and impossibly deep canyon walls offer a beautiful backdrop for everything from quiet introspection, playful socializing or out-right whitewater adventuring on this ‘has-it-all’ getaway.
This trip begins with a short private flight over the river corridor to a remote wilderness put-in for an optional day hike. On the river, spend 6 days floating through an isolated Eden while having the Holiday guides cater to your needs and desires and the Venture Out Project team build an intentional container to feel seen, safe-(er) and brave in. Together we hope the natural world and a wild river can help liberate us all!
*This trip is intended for adults 18 years & older and is BYOB for anyone 21+. We ask those who decide to drink alcohol to do so responsibly. For more on our trip substance policies, you can click to view our General Trip and Refund Policies here. If you would prefer an intentionally substance-free space, please consider joining us for our 5-day Cataract Canyon LGBTQ+ Substance Free Trip July 6-11!
GENERAL INFO
Location: Green River, UT (Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) Land)
Start Date: Arrive: 7 PM August 17; Trip starts August 18, 2025
End Date: August 23, 2025
Cost: $1650-$2250 Sliding Scale Estimated Value: $1950
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “How much should I pay?” dropdown below.
Includes: Food & rafting gear (dry bags, tents, camp chair, utensils, cups, bowls)
Doesn't Include: Carpool to trip location, personal camping items, clothing, boots, toiletries, flights
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In order for Venture Out to remain financially viable and sustainable, we have had to increase our prices to account for the increased expenses we are incurring as well as the corporate pullback around DEI support and initiatives. Our priority will always be to keep our trips and experiences as affordable as possible. At the same time, our goal is also to remain self-sustaining so that we can continue to serve our community for at least another 10 years. We are doing everything we can to continue to keep our prices low and we appreciate your understanding of our pricing so that we can continue to flourish as an organization with a queer staff.
We offer a sliding scale:
Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who experience financial barriers, are looking for reparations pricing, and/or have high travel expenses. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.
Our sliding scale recommendation:
- Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
- Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
- High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.