Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins

DESOLATION GRAY CANYONS SCREEN CABINS

Overview

The Green River splits the 10,000 foot high Tavaputs Plateau to form the rugged canyons of Desolation Gray Canyons. Access to the canyons is the Sand Wash Ranger Station, a remote primative boat ramp and campground. While the canyons and river can be remote, rugged and beautiful during the hot summer months, Sand Wash can be overrun by mosquitos. Weather can run the gamet from hot 100 degree days with no wind, to wind, rain, or snow. Screen cabins are provided to allow the boater an escape from the bugs and weather.

Facilities

There is a primitive boat ramp at Sand Wash, a primitive eight-site campground, a contact/information station, staffed ranger station and vault toilets. This remote site does not provide trash receptacles or water. Due to the remoteness of the area, many groups camp the night here before their launch on the river. Due to frequent mosquito plagues, Sand Wash offers four campsites with screened cabins. Cabins are 12 feet by 16 feet, screen on all four sides with a door and roof. There is a small table and bench inside. Cabins are limited to one (1) per river party. Please allow others the ability to escape the bugs.

Natural Features

The Sand Wash boat ramp lies at the end of Sand Wash where a dirt road leads to a natural boat ramp for launching on the Green River. Cottonwood trees, cliffs, sage brush, and greasewood dot the area. Cottonwood trees do provide some shade.

Recreation

Sand Wash is a destination for those that have a permit to float the Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River. Remote and primative, the area prepares the river runners for a relaxed river trip where solitude and nature abound. Historic and archaeogical sites are numerous on the river. River runners must be prepared to be self supported on the river.

Nearby Attractions

Launch point for the Green River through Desolation and Gray Canyons, 84 river miles before taking out at Swaseys Rapid. Nine Mile Canyon is within driving distance and is rich with rock art and historic sites.

Important Notices

Screen Cabins are limited. Each river party should reserve no more than one Screen Cabin. Thank you for being courteous to your fellow boaters and letting every river party have a place to escape the bugs.
Intended as a place to gather, prepare meals and escape the bugs. Not as a substitute for a tent.
Area is 'pack it in-pack it out', offers picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets.
Visitors must be self sufficient.
There are no amenities. No water, electricity, cell phone coverage or garbage disposal exists.
Road is graded gravel. Good tires and a spare tire(s) are a must.

Notifications and Alerts

GATE CANYON ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Starting 8/24/26, active road work will be ongoing in Gate Canyon, resulting in multiple-hour delays and periodic closures of Gate Canyon Road between Nine Mile Canyon and Sand Wash. For the remainder of the 2026 boating season, it is recommended that ALL travel to and from Sand Wash go via US-40 / Myton, and that the Nine Mile Canyon access route from US-6 / Wellington should be avoided. Please contact the river rangers if you have any questions: 435-636-3632.

Available Activities

CAMPING - Camping
HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Historic Sites

Directions

From Vernal, Utah: Head some 40 miles southwest to the town of Myton. Just west of Myton, turn south off US 40 on the first paved road and follow the signs to Sand Wash Boat Ramp. Boaters must slow down and begin to enjoy the trip. Roads are graded gravel, good tires and spare tires are a must. Cell phone coverage is limited if help is needed. From Duchesne, Utah: Head 17 miles east towards Myton. Turn south off US 40 onto Sand Wash road and follow the signs to Sand Wash Boat Ramp. Boaters must slow down and begin to enjoy the trip. Roads are graded gravel, good tires and spare tires are a must. Cell phone coverage is limited if help is needed.

Contact Information

Bureau oF Land Management Price Field Office - Desolation River 125 South 600 West
Price, UT 84501

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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