The Green River winds through the American West and provides water and beauty to the states it crosses. If you’re planning a trip to the area, or if you want to learn about the history of this important river, you may want to consult some Green River maps.
From guidebooks for Desolation and Gray Canyons to fishing maps and resources that explain the river’s geography and hydrology, here’s an overview of the kinds of maps you can find.
Green River Guidebooks for Desolation and Gray Canyons
If you’re planning to hike or camp in Desolation and Gray Canyons, you’ll want a guidebook created just for that area. These books typically include detailed maps that cover the 96 miles of the Green River that runs through the canyons. Some, like the second edition of one popular guidebook, contain as many as 14 maps and include color photos.
A solid guidebook will give you information about campsites and points of interest, and some offer digital maps that you can access via QR codes and apps.
Be sure to pay attention to restricted areas like the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation, where camping, hiking, and even sightseeing are prohibited. Trespassers will be prosecuted.
Guidebooks often include updates that note changes to campsite locations, such as “campsite at mile 55.5 moved to 55.7 due to overgrowth.”
Most guidebooks are waterproof and tear-resistant, but they’re not indestructible. Use indelible markers on dry pages, and avoid leaving them in the sun or freezing temperatures for long periods of time.
Green River Fishing Maps
If you’re fishing the Green River in Utah, look for pocket-sized, fold-out fishing maps. These maps provide information about public access and boat launches.
Many maps include hatch charts, recommended flies, information about local shops, and other details useful for anglers. You can usually pick up your map within 24 hours of ordering it.
Geographic and hydrological maps
River course and features
As a major tributary of the Colorado River, the Green River flows for 730 miles (1,170 km) through Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. The river cuts through significant geological features, including canyons and plateaus.
Maps of the area show the river’s course, its tributaries, and the surrounding watershed.
Dams and reservoirs
Maps also show the locations of dams and reservoirs like Fontenelle and Flaming Gorge, which have changed the surrounding landscape.
At Green River, Utah, the river’s average yearly flow is 6,121 cubic feet per second.
Closing Thoughts
No matter how you plan to use the Green River, a good map is essential for recreation, navigation, and understanding the river’s environment. From hiking and fishing to geographic study, a well-chosen map can greatly enhance your experience and knowledge of this fascinating waterway.