Diane's Blog
I have been writing for American Boom and you can see the following posts there:
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A Grand Idea!
Back in 1947, Albert Quist, who worked for one of the Boy Scout Councils in Arizona, was looking for activities for the boys. He heard about floating down through what was then known as Glen Canyon on the Colorado River and contacted Bert Loper, who had been a guide since the early 1900s. Quist and his colleagues had Loper guide a rafting trip for a group of Boy Scouts from Hite, Utah down to Lees Ferry, Arizona. It was such a hit that he continued organizing these trips and expanded the trips to other river canyons in the Colorado Plateau country.
As his children grew up in the 50s, Quist started taking them along on the rafting trips, some led by Malcom (Mac) Ellingson, a Boy Scout leader. Mac was well versed in Native American history and told many a campfire tale about the Moqui, who were the ancient people of the Colorado Plateau country. His nickname quickly became “Moki Mac.” In 1969, the three Quist boys, Richard, Bob and Clair, decided to “launch” their own whitewater rafting guide service. Named in honor of Ellingson, who was a partner in the early days of the company, Moki Mac River Expeditions was born.
Whether you’re looking for a 1 day outing or a 2 week adventure, Moki Mac will make sure you have an unforgettable whitewater rafting trip!
Starting from the town of Green River, Utah, 1-day trips on the Green River through Gray Canyon and offer small to medium rapids, take you past ancient petroglyphs and through a quiet stretch of the river. With a minimum of 8 passengers aboard, your Moki Mac guide will row an 18-foot raft and you’ll take your lunch break on a beautiful beach. Inflatable kayaks and paddleboats are also available on these trips geared for families, youth and scouting groups.
A 1-day trip on the Colorado River in eastern Utah offers sharp, technical rapids on a 17-mile ride through scenic Westwater Canyon.
5-day trips through Desolation Canyon on the Green River are great for kids as young as six. Some Desolation Canyon trips include a 2-day stay at Tavaputs Ranch while others offer trips in wooden dories. Desolation Canyon is anything but desolate, with red rock walls and riverside foliage.
For more exciting whitewater, try the Cataract Canyon trips. Located on the Colorado River in the heart of Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon offers breathtaking views of colorful mesas and rock formations. These trips start on the Green River, launching at Mineral Canyon. After navigating 50 miles, you will come to the junction of the Colorado and Green Rivers and your trip will end near the north end of Lake Powell. You can select a 6-day rowing trip or a 3-day motorized rafting expedition that allows you to explore side canyons. For more adventure and excitement, you can combine the 3-day Cataract Canyon trip with the 5-day “Horseback Trailride” trip, an exploration of several stunning mountain areas of Utah. Meals, camping gear and pre-ride lodging are included.
The longest Moki Mac trips offered are along the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. You can select from 6, 9 or 14 day rowing trips or opt for an 8-day, 280 mile motorized trip aboard a 12 passenger 35 foot pontoon raft. The 14-day trip is actually two runs, the shorter 6-day, 87-mile run from Lees Ferry to Phantom Ranch and the 9-day, 193 mile run from Phantom Ranch to Lake Mead. The 6-day option starts with a demanding 10-mile, 5000 vertical foot hike up out of the canyon and the 9 day portion includes the reverse hike downhill. If you choose the 6-day, 9-day or combo 14-day adventures, make sure you’re in good shape!
Canoe trips and rentals are also available. Check trip availability and make your reservations early! Moki Mac is still family-owned and operated.
© Diane Starner 2009