Hot weather and cold water made for a refreshing four-day float through Dinosaur National Monument for park travelers from across the country.

A four-day float down the Green River through Dinosaur National Monument was the perfect antidote to the recent heat wave for 13 park travelers.

Families from Florida, Arkansas, Utah,and California joined Traveler Editor Kurt Repanshek and Special Projects Editor Patrick Cone for the float through Father's Day Weekend. While the air temperature hit 100 degrees at times, the Green River's 46-degree waters provided ample relief. Along with bucking the white-water, the 44-mile trip offered views of ancient rock art, hikes to waterfalls, dips in streams, and ongoing discussions about the national parks led by Dr. Alfred Runte, an historian and author National Parks, The American Experience.

The trip was led by the guides from Holiday River Expeditions, and included dry sacks provided by Seal Line, organic energy snacks from Honey Stinger, and coupons for Chaco sandals. Watch the Traveler for a story about the journey that followed the path Major John Wesley Powell pioneered in 1869.

In late September the Traveler will return to the water, with a six-day trip through Canyonlands National Park on the Colorado River. Timed to coincide with the new moon, this family-friendly trip will feature Kevin Poe, the National Park Service's original Dark Ranger, who will lead nightly star shows. For more information and to sign up, visit this site.