WHITEWATER RAFTING

The Sights of Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River

Deep within the boundaries of Canyonlands National Park, the river journey through Cataract Canyon is a perfect balance between serene floating, incredible hiking, and fast-moving rapids. Three hundred million years of rock history, abstract sculpted sandstone spires, and ancient Anasazi petroglyphs and granaries absorb your interest. Rapids begin halfway through the trip, and during high water (May through June) provide the biggest and most challenging whitewater in the U.S. In July the river drops and the rapids become more moderate.

There are beautiful beach camps and plenty of time to do all the great hikes and numerous camp activities (which you’ll have to forego if you want a nap).

The Colorado River flows purposefully toward its confluence with the Green River, where it doubles in force and becomes the “cataract”, home of the world-famous “Big Drops” rapids. The river then flows into Lake Powell. The adventure continues with a scenic airplane flight back to Moab, offering a bird’s eye view of this magnificent canyon country, which you just experienced from its depth.

Trip Details

Day 1:
Meet at the river office at 8:00am Mountain Daylight Time. Load your gear on the van and drive to the river. Here the Colorado River is broad and quiet, as you float lazily under the red cliffs towering 2,000 feet overhead. Camp is on a remote beach, with time to hike as the guides prepare a hearty western dinner.

Day 2:
Board the rafts after breakfast and float deeper into Canyonlands National Park. The spectacular scenery resembles the Grand Canyon. Hike up the trails for unparalleled photographic opportunities. Walk to Anasazi (ancestral Puebloans) ruins and petroglyphs, pondering their unexplained disappearance 1,000 years ago.

Days 3 - 4:
The river challenge begins! Midway through the journey, arrive at the Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers, which doubles in size and force as you enter Cataract Canyon. In high water, the waves are gigantic and in quick succession becoming more moderate July through September. There are notorious rapids here: Mile-Long Rapid, a series of sheer drops and notorious whitewater, then comes a series of rapids affectionately named the Big Drops, Little Niagara and Satan’s Gut. Complete the run and relax on a sandy beach to recount the excitement. Traditionally, the last night of the river trip is “dress-up” night. Anything goes if you would like to participate. It is just up to your imagination.

Day 5:
Today is spent motoring out of the canyon and onto the edge of Lake Powell, where you will climb aboard your private aircraft (suggested option) for a birds-eye view of this magnificent canyon country, which you just experienced from its depths. You’ll be met at the airport to drive back to Moab by 6:30pm-7:00pm.

*Note: This is an example itinerary and may change due to weather, water level, camp availability, etc.