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Cataract Canyon 5 Day Rafting Trip in Colorado River

New5 daysMoab
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From $2,150
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Length

5 days

Itinerary

5 days planned

Group

Max 10

Guides

English

Overview

The 5-day Cataract Canyon trip delivers a premier Colorado River adventure. Explore 96 miles of Canyonlands National Park, from rim views to ancient sites, culminating in world-class Colorado River whitewater. Discover Jurassic petrified wood fields, Native American ruins, and hidden side canyons unseen on shorter trips. Enjoy a flexible schedule, savoring beach camps and the rapid section. Expect a night serenaded by the waves. Motor through 50 miles of flat water, journeying deep into red rock country. The Green River confluence heralds the whitewater's rumble. Sixteen miles of thrilling rapids follow, navigated by oar and motor. Then, motor 28 miles to the takeout, past Gypsum Canyon. This extended trip allows for a truly immersive Canyonlands experience, blending exploration and whitewater excitement.

Day by day itinerary

  1. 1Scenic Flat Water & Red Rock Canyons⌄

    You’ll meet us at the office in the morning at 7:00 am to take a scenic, 30-minute shuttle over to the Potash Boat Ramp. Upon arrival, your guides will give you a quick safety spiel about good boating behavior before you hop in and head out.

    This is a flat water day, with lots of lounging as you cruise past Dead Horse Point, chiseled side canyons, and archaeological sites.

    Enjoy a full day of floating through Cataract Canyon.

    Meals: Lunch: Riverside lunch at a spot we'll likely stop to explore. · Dinner: A 3 course meal cooked by your guides.

    Overnight: Riverside campsite in Cataract Canyon

  2. 2Dead Horse State Park & Canyon Views⌄

    After a morning of floating, embark on a guided loop hike traversing up and over the famous river gooseneck while boats motor around to meet you.

    Meals: Breakfast: Wake up to fresh coffee and breakfast on the griddle. · Lunch: Riverside lunch prepared by your guides. · Dinner: A full 3 course meal, prepared and served by guides.

    Overnight: Riverside campsite in Cataract Canyon

  3. 3Whitewater & Green River Confluence⌄

    Cruising toward the Green River confluence and tackling the first exciting phase of Cataract Canyon's 15-mile stretch of whitewater rapids.

    Meals: Breakfast: A full camp breakfast, with coffee & tea. · Lunch: Another riverside lunch, with a possibility of exploration. · Dinner: A delicious appetizer, dinner and desert prepared while you enjoy camp.

    Overnight: Riverside campsite in Cataract Canyon

  4. 4Rapid Action & Side Canyon Exploration⌄

    avigating the next thrilling phase of whitewater rapids, relaxing on pristine sandy river beaches, and exploring side canyons or hiking paths (time permitting).

    Meals: Breakfast: Hot griddle breakfast. · Lunch: Picnic-style lunch along the riverbanks. · Dinner: A final, 3 course camp dinner under the stars.

    Overnight: Riverside campsite in Cataract Canyon

  5. 5Lake Powell Floating & Departure⌄

    This will be your final run of rapids, followed by floating through Narrow Canyon. Expect splashes, epic canyon views, and memories to last a lifetime.

    This marks the end of Cataract Canyon & the beginning of Lake Powell.

    Motor through the upper reaches of Lake Powell into historic Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the take out at North Wash (estimated arrival 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM). Return to Moab via a 3-hour shuttle drive or an optional 45-minute scenic flight.

    Meals: Breakfast: Camp breakfast. · Lunch: Final river lunch.

What's included

  • ✓Drybags (for packing clothing & necessities while on the river)
  • ✓Pre-Trip Orientation
  • ✓Safety Orientation and River Navigation Instruction
  • ✓Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Devices, Helmets, and Splash Jackets
  • ✓Lunch
  • ✓Dinner
  • ✓Experienced, professional, and interpretive guides
  • ✓Breakfast
  • ✓Snacks

Not included

  • ✕Gratuities

Good to know

Starts: Meet at our office, located just west of downtown Moab. There is free parking, a gift shop, and bathrooms.

Ends: Meet at our office, located just west of downtown Moab. There is free parking, a gift shop, and bathrooms.

Cancellation: All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness