Cataract Canyon 4 Day

Class IV to Class V $1160 Adult & $1000 Youth

Journey along the Green River into Canyonlands National Park by rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB). We travel 170 miles in four days between the canyons of Labyrinth, Stillwater, and Cataract. This canyon run is awesome in its scenic beauty, remoteness, and whitewater. Expeditions depart during peak run off months only.

WARNING: you are about to start a grand expedition into a seldom visited red rock wilderness. Pack your drybags and keep your cameras near as we shuttle by van from Moab to Green River, the put in for our journey. As we push off heading downstream the rolling hills soon cap the Navajo Sandstone cliffs. The breeze keeps us cool as we cruise aboard the RHIB. A hike up into Three Canyon a little ways lets us enjoy the canyon walls and solitude. Now we see why John Wesley Powell named this geological wonderland Labyrinth Canyon.

After a day of exploring we set up a small comfortable camp. Relax by the rivers edge while boatmen become the campfire cooks of a delicious diner. Dessert is served as the fire casts its shadows on the canyon walls. We fall asleep under a canopy of stars to the rivers sound.

The smell of coffee and the sound of sizzling bacon awaken even the latest star gazers from their tents. With camp cleaned up we, board the RHIB once again to explore this grand wilderness. Winding around a bowknot we pass from Labyrinth to Stillwater Canyon where the White Rim Sandstone rises from the river. Pictographs and ruins adorn the dessert varnished sandstone. The changing landscape is mesmerizing and the reflections on the water a mosaic.

Formed where ancient stream beds flowed, lines of shale separate the sedimentary and limestone layers of sandstone. Search for marine fossils as we make another Green River camp. Campfire stories of explorers, outlaws and ancient Native American tribes lead us into a star filled evening.

The Confluence of the two great southwestern rivers lays just below two big bends of the Green River. The White Rim Sandstone is 1200’ overhead and large angular blocks have rolled down the talus slopes. Sediments from the Green and Colorado rivers swirl as the two rivers merge. Downriver we pull ashore at Spanish Bottom. Those interested in hiking follow the well worn trail to the Dolls House, and are rewarded with beautiful rock spires, odd formations and amazing views.

Just below Spanish Bottom lies the famed whitewater of Cataract Canyon. Guides go over safety instructions before the much anticipated first wave of Brown Betty. Thirty rapids, ranging in difficulty up to class V, roll through the canyon. Legendary rapids like the Big Drops, Mile Long, and Hell to Pay challenge river runners. The whitewater RHIB is unmatched in stability and excitement as we shoot the whitewater. This unique craft is a NAVTEC Expeditions exclusive. We’ll surf a wave here and there and play about in the currents and eddies, something only a RHIB is capable of.

We make our final camp along the banks of the Colorado River charged by the whitewater thrill of Cataract Canyon. In the morning we begin our dash across Lake Powell. We stop along the way to explore one of the most spectacular side canyons before arriving at Hite Marina. Here many of our guests opt to take the scenic flight back over Canyonlands to Moab, describing their 45-minute journey as the "icing on the cake". Prices and timetables for the return options are listed below.

Or call us toll free 1-800-833-1278

Trip Details:

Your four-day Cataract Canyon expedition departs 8:00 AM from the NAVTEC office in Moab. Please arrive at our office 15 minutes early to check-in. We'll shuttle by van to the put in at Green River and hit the water by 10:00 am. We arrive at Hite Marina at about 4:00 pm. Four day Cataract Canyon trips operate only during high water. Contact us for charter trips or special dates.

Or call us toll free 1-800-833-1278