Cataract Canyon (#3DCJR)
On this popular three-day expedition, travel by row raft, the most popular craft on the Colorado River. The row raft provides a great ride in the class III to class IV rapids of Cataract Canyon. At the start of the journey, enjoy the tranquil upper section of the river as it meanders through prehistoric sandstone canyons beneath towering cliffs. You have time to float quietly, to swim, and to take photos at Dead Horse Point, Lathrop Canyon and the remote Doll House area in the Maze. Optional side hikes let you explore ancient Anasazi ruins and side canyons with pristine swimming holes. Your guides, besides being expert boatmen, are well versed in the natural and human history of the canyon. A small outboard motor will help the trip make downstream progress on the slower flat water river sections.
As evening approaches and shadows march across the canyon walls, camp on one of the river's sandy beaches. You can relax and enjoy the sunset as your guides cooks a hearty western-style meal over an open fire. Nothing but the finest fresh meats and vegetables are used. After dinner look for dessert to be baked in a dutch oven over the hot coals of a fading fire. As day turns to night you'll enjoy the solitude and beauty of a magnificent canyon and the soothing sounds of a living river.
Next day and downriver, reach the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, the heart of Canyonlands and the merging of two great rivers. The volume of the river doubles and the rapids of Cataract Canyon lie just ahead.
In May and June spring run-off from the Rocky Mountains creates some of the best whitewater action in North America. In the summer and fall the rapids are smaller, but still thrilling.
Navigate such legendary rapids as Mile Long, Ben Hurt, and Hell To Pay, before arriving at the granddaddy of them all - the Big Drops. NAVTEC Expeditions small row rafts provide and excellent ride and great fun. After an action-packed day of whitewater river running, arrive at the final camp.
The river adventure ends the next day at Lake Powell's Hite Marina. Here many guests opt to take the scenic flight back over Canyonlands and Cataract Canyon to Moab, describing their 35-minute journey as the "icing on the cake". Other guests continue on, taking a four wheel driver wilderness trip into the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park for two more nights. Either way you will end your adventure refreshed, batteries charged and once again ready to meet the demands that lie ahead.
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