This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Planning a great vacation for the family takes much consideration such as your children's ages, their interests, your personal preferences and of course budget. If your children are above 5-years-old and you think you are an outdoorsy family, then family river rafting could be your next adventure. Leslie Schofield of Salt Lake City booked a family river rafting trip for her husband and their three children last summer to Desolation Canyon's Green River Wilderness. It was their second trip with Holiday River Expeditions.

1. Family bonding while unplugged.

The Tavaputs Plateau and Desolation Canyon are among the most remote areas of the continental United States. This area was home to the Fremont Indians for thousands of years and later became a hideout for some of America's most notorious outlaws. River rafting trips with Holiday River Expeditions offer five or six days of family time to hideout together without distractions of work, extra-curricular activities, social media, video games and streaming media on-demand. It's amazing what families can learn about each other during this special river vacation. Escaping on an outdoor adventure allows families to get back to basics and the core of relationships. Children and parents are introduced to new environments, people and activities. Sharing these new experiences together allows families to adapt and develop common bonds. "Our favorite moments were being with family and friends in nature, the absolute beauty of the river and landscape, the stars at night, the food, the guides, relaxing, and the fun guides!" said Schofield.

2. Untouched beauty.

You'll find a remarkable array of flora and fauna in this area accented by tall rainbow colored cliffs sculpted by centuries of winds and water. Desolation Canyon is actually anything but desolate. Instead, this amazing area is teeming with Bighorn Sheep and Birds of Prey. You'll often see an eagle soaring overhead. As the Green River flows through Desolation Canyon, it is surrounded with groves of cottonwood trees and white sand beaches. These canyons abound with caves and ancient petroglyphs, and archaeologists have been visiting the area for many years uncovering its amazing history. This 84 mile white water rafting trip into Desolation Canyon takes your family on the ride of a lifetime on inflatable kayaks while encountering more than 60 rapids!

3. Starry, starry night

It's called astro tourism. Utah is home to some of the darkest skies on the planet. Although Desolation Canyon is not certified as a Dark Sky Park, it is still a great place to explore the night sky. "The stars were literally unreal. Honestly feel like you are in outer space. It is a pleasure to wake up at night and look at the sky," said Schofield.

4. Flexibility of the itinerary.

One of the advantages of a river trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature, and courtesy for other groups on the river. This typical itinerary starting in May as a five-day trip through Desolation and Gray canyons. In August, the Desolation Canyon trip lengthens by one day. In May and early June temperatures average 70 to 80 degrees during the day and 50 to 60 degrees at night. In late June through August the daytime temperatures are 80 to 100 degrees, with nighttime temperatures 60 to 70 degrees.

5. Catered meals.

Once you get on the river, your guides will cook all of your meals for you. We are talking full course meals from lunch the first day through lunch the last day. Drinks will be provided such as ice water, lemonade, juices and soda. And yes, you can bring boxed wine. "Food was amazing! When you don't have to lift a finger, how could it not be delish?" said Schofield.

Holiday River Expeditions began in 1966, when Dee Holladay and his wife Sue took the plunge to become river outfitters. Due to its respect for the lands, rivers, guests and employees, the family-owned-and-operated company has grown exponentially. Each of its guides is professionally trained in first aid and river safety, and with 50 years of experience, the company provides guests the opportunity to explore the nation's wild lands safely and securely. Holiday River Expeditions has a commitment to protect the environment through education and conservation, and as such, uses oar-powered and paddle rafts exclusively.

For more information, availability, reservations or a copy of the 2017 catalog please call 800-624-6323, Email: Holiday@BikeRaft.com or log onto: http://www.bikeraft.com/.