Bike & Raft - White Rim/Cataract Canyon, Canyonlands National Park & Colorado River
If you're not afraid of a sore muscle or two, why ride to the river in a van, when you could be flying along the White Rim Trail on a bike? 65 miles from mesa top to river bottom will show you the ride that has become the standard against which all others are judged. After three days of following the meandering course of the Green and Colorado Rivers, the white sandstone bench descends to the river bottom, and your whitewater journey begins.
The White Rim Trail is world renowned not only for its beauty but also it's incredible biking terrain. The trail circles the region between the Colorado and Green Rivers above the confluence, and passes by some of Canyonland's most spectacular views.
Cataract Canyon is an anomaly. Its rapids rank along with those of the Grand Canyon in power and difficulty. Yet Cataract contains mile after mile of rafting through canyons where you are awe struck, not at whitewater, but the deep multicolored canyons of this section of Canyonlands National Park. Side canyon hikes to ruins and petroglyphs delight you as you head towards the confluence of the Colorado and the Green. Once you reach the confluence, the Colorado's behemoth rapids emerge. Rapids 15 through 23 comprise Mile Long and The Big Drops, a fall of 80 feet in less than four miles - one of the Colorado's steepest descents.
Trip Details
Duration
7 Days/6 Nights
Location
Canyonlands National Park - Colorado River
Season
May and September
Trip Type
Oar
Nearest City
Green River or Moab, UT
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Utah, United States
Rated Classes
I-V
Guest Capacity
4-12
Minimum Age Limit
12-16 Years
Distance Traveled
Bike-75 miles, Raft-90 miles
Additional Activities
Biking 3 Days/Rafting 4 Days
Swimming, Off River Hiking/Exploring, Volleyball, Horseshoes, Historic/Native American Sites, Wildlife Viewing
Dining
All meals provided starting with lunch the first day through lunch the last day.
About Liquor
BYOB for Evening
Rates
$1,195.00 - $1,395.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
$1,395; Group/Youth Rate: $1,195 *** $5 per person National Park Entrance Fee
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Mountain Biking Meet group at Holiday Expeditions headquarters in Green River, Utah. A two-hour van ride to the head of the Shafer Trail marks the start of the trip. The first day's ride will take the group down the switchbacks of the Shafer trail before cutting back south towards Musselman Arch. The trail continues to wind southward as it follows the meandering course of the Colorado River. Camp on this evening is made at or near Gooseberry Canyon.
Day 2: Monument and Twin Basins Your ride will take you over undulating roads past the white, sandstone-capped monoliths of Monument and Twin basins. Then in the afternoon up to Murphy's Hogback, the first of this trip’s two challenging uphill stretches. After conquering the hill you will set camp for the night.
Day 3: Soda Springs Basin By the morning of this day the trail has turned back north and is following the contours of the Green River. You’ll ride around the labyrinths of Soda Springs Basin and by Candlestick Tower before reaching Beaver bottom where the rafts are waiting.
Day 4: Whitewater Rafting The river's smooth current transports your rafts to stops at Valentine Bottom or Turks Head where you will observe prehistoric Indian ruins and petroglyphs. Quiet beaches, hidden canyons, and refreshing water fights are common through this section of the trip.
Day 5: Colorado and Green Rivers You reach the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers. The Ute Indians believed the Confluence to be the center of the universe, and some people still do. Just below the meeting of these two rivers enjoy a view of the Doll House, an appropriately named collection of free-standing, sandstone columns.
Day 6: Cataract Canyon Possible early morning hike into Doll House. Ascend steeply to the canyon rim in the Maze District with red rock formations. After descending to the river, the rapids of Cataract Canyon await. The climax: Big Drop Rapids with Little Niagara and Satan's Gut.
Day 7: The End Lunch at Rock Canyon and a trip across Lake Powell with the aid of motorboat "Hayduke" brings you to Hite Marina and the end of the trip. A two-hour drive brings you back to Green River.
This Package Includes
Full course meals starting with lunch the first day ending with lunch the last day.
Transportation to and from the meeting point.
Qualified guides.
Necessary equipment like lifejackets, waterproof bags, van support, etc.
Reservation Policy
A deposit is required within five days of making a reservation; balance is due 60 days before your trip begins.
Cancellation Policy
If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the trip date, Holiday Expeditions will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR GUIDES
Click on any visitor guide below to request a free copy.
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