WHITEWATER RAFTING

Colorado River/Cataract Canyon - Canyonlands National Park

Cataract Canyon slices its way through the heart of majestic Canyonlands National Park. Prior to its designation as a National Park in 1964, Canyonlands, and more specifically Cataract Canyon was a "no man's land". Major John Wesley Powell explored the canyon and surrounding area in 1869 and gave Cataract its name. Only a handful of successful explorers had made the trip down Cataract Canyon before the first HATCH expedition in 1932.

Cataract Canyon is also a geology buff's paradise! Strata dating back some 300 million years is exposed. Fossils are found in abundance in the Formosa and Hermosa formations. Indians of the Fremont and Anasazi cultures inhabited the area, leaving many clues of their lifestyles. The river environment of this area is truly the educational oasis playground of Canyonlands National Park.

Itinerary
Cataract Canyon Expeditions depart from the Moab, Utah airport. You'll take a 40-minute bus ride to the launch site, "Potash". Upon arrival at the river, you'll meet your guides, board the rafts and set your mind for a fantastic journey.

Your adventure begins in the placid waters of the Colorado River. As you wind your way through the awesome canyon with all of its marvelous sights, you'll gaze in wonder at the breathtaking vistas before you. There will be plenty of time for hiking to ancient Indian ruins and other points of interest. Many animals make their homes in this high desert habitat such as big horn sheep, mule deer, great horned owls, whiptail and collared lizards, to name a few. It's likely you'll see some pretty amazing wildlife in its natural habitat. Camping each night is in spacious camps overlooking the mighty river.

As you work your way deeper and deeper into the canyon, you can feel the excitement of white water ahead. Get ready to hang on tight! The whitewater you experience in Cataract Canyon rivals that of the Grand Canyon during spring peak run-off. If it's wild rapids you want, reserve your spot for a trip in mid May to late June. The in-stream flows of Cataract Canyon will gradually decline as summer lengthens. Regardless of the dates you choose, Cataract is full of excitement. Famous rapids of Cataract Canyon include: Brown Betty, Mile Long and Big Drops I, II, and III.

The last day is spent on Lake Powell, with time for swimming and savoring the last moments of a wonderful trip. Your journey ends at Hite Marina. From there, you'll take a scenic charter flight back to Moab. The trip covers approximately 106 miles. On-river itinerary is determined by several factors, including length of trip, group preferences and camp proximity.

Trip Details

Not Included:

• Personal Gear
  • Sleeping Equipment and Tents (These items can be rented from HATCH with advance notice for an additional charge).
  • Fishing Equipment and License
  • Soda, Beer, Wine and Other Alcoholic Beverages
  • Guide Gratuities
  • Charter Flight from Hite Marina at the End of Your Trip Back to the Moab, Utah Airport (HATCH will arrange flights and collect fees for the charter air company).
• Camp Equipment Rental
  • Deluxe Sleeping Unit (sleeping bag, Thermarest sleeping pad, camp pillow and ground tarp) $35.
  • Two-Person Tent with Rain-fly $40.
  • Sleeping Bag $20
  • Thermarest Sleeping Pad $10
  • Camp Pillow $5
  • Ground Tarp $5

If you transfer from one trip to another, there is a $50 per person charge up until 60 days before the trip. Transfers made after this time will be treated as cancellations.