Labyrinth Canyon (Green River)

Multi-day flatwater canoe trip through red-rock bends.

A slow, flat stretch of the Green River that winds through deep sandstone meanders, with sandy camps, side canyons, old inscriptions and the climb to the Bowknot Bend viewpoint. It’s the classic first desert river trip for canoeists and kayakers who can be fully self-sufficient: no services, no cell signal and silty water you have to carry in. Plan three days from Ruby Ranch at the least, four or more to explore.

At a glance

River miles

68 from Green River State Park; 45 from Ruby Ranch

Trip length

3–4 days minimum

Water

Flatwater, no rapids

Permit

Free BLM permit; portable toilet and fire pan required

Group size

Up to 25 per permit

Take-out

Mineral Bottom, via steep dirt switchbacks (4WD advised)

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Multi-day trips
• Paddle-in camping
• Boat rentals
• Guided tours
• Wildlife

Rentals, guides and shops

• Moab Rafting & Canoe Co.

  Wenonah canoe rentals with shuttles to Ruby Ranch and back from Mineral Bottom, plus guided Green River trips.

• Navtec Expeditions

  Guided four-day Labyrinth trip from Ruby Ranch; ride the raft or paddle an inflatable kayak.

• Tex’s Riverways

  Canoe and kayak rentals in Moab.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• FestivalThird weekend of SeptemberUsually

  Green River Melon Days

  The town’s melon harvest festival, based at Green River State Park.

Where to stay

• cabinGreen River State Park

  Shady riverside campground at the put-in with hookup sites, a cabin and tiny-home cottages, plus a nine-hole golf course.

  At the put-in$45 / night · 2026: campsites $45, cabin $75, cottages $200
• hotelRiver Terrace

  Motel on Main Street in the town of Green River.

  5 min drive

Nearby

• John Wesley Powell River History Museum · 5 min drive

  River-running history, from Powell’s expeditions on, in the town of Green River.

• Bowknot Bend · On the river

  A short climb from the river to a saddle with a view over one of the canyon’s tightest meanders.

• Goblin Valley State Park · 50 min drive

  A valley full of hoodoos to wander among.

• Island in the Sky, Canyonlands · 1.5 hr drive

  Rim overlooks of the Green and Colorado river canyons from above.

Getting there

• Grand Junction Regional (GJT) · about 1 hr 35 min drive
• Moab · about 1 hr
• Salt Lake City · about 3 hr

Directions in Google Maps