Maze & Cataract 5 Day

Cataract Canyon by RHIB & Maze by 4WD $2350

This is one of the finest wilderness trips on the Colorado Plateau. First, we travel through the isolated backcountry of the Maze; then finish aboard the most exciting craft in river running, the whitewater RHIB. Both offer incredible opportunities for adventure.

The extreme topography and remoteness of the Maze have kept it a wild primitive desert. We'll explore the countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes by high clearance 4x4 and on foot. Trip itineraries are tailored to the expectations of each group and may be modified.

Begin with a visit to Horseshoe Canyon and the Great Gallery. These masterpieces of ancient North American rock art are a testament to a human presence in the canyons thousands of years ago. Read more here about this canyons archeology.

We set camp at the rim of the ledge country, what the cowboys called this inspiring landscape. Below lies a terrain as much vertical as it is flat. From here the canyons seem inaccessible even to those who have traveled their passages.

Guides prepare a delicious dinner, cowboy style, over coals in cast iron. The milky way lights the trail as guests retire to their tents.

“Hot Coffee” is called early. It's a big day in canyon country. Highlights include High Spur slot canyon, the Flint Trail, the Golden Stairs, Teapot Canyon and a camp in Land of Standing Rocks.

Hike into the bottom of the Maze to the Harvest Scene pictograph panel the next day. The twisting colorful canyons along the ridge to Pete's Mesa along with the Chocolate Drops makes this one of the greatest hikes in all of Canyonlands National Park.

After the hike we move over to the Doll House. A fantasy-land of sandstone pinnacles, where a camp chair, wholesome meal, and cosmic sunset await.

From the Doll House we follow the Spanish Bottom Trail to Cataract Canyon. Let’s run some whitewater. 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 rapids. 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.

Along the banks the Colorado River we make a simple and comfortable camp. A western style meal is prepared from fresh ingredients with the culinary expertise of a professional campfire cook. We relax around the campfire and fall asleep to the sound of the river.  

The last day of our journey we finish the rapids and motor across Lake Powell. We spend the day exploring side canyons and lounging around the boat. The canyon opens up at Hite Marina. Here many of our guests opt to take the scenic flight back over Canyonlands and Cataract Canyon to Moab.

Call us toll free 1-800-833-1278

Trip Details:

Your five-day Canyonlands Classic Expedition begins at 8:00 AM at the NAVTEC office in Moab. Please arrive at our office 15 minutes early. After three nights in the Maze we hike to the Colorado River for one more night. Trip departure dates detailed below. All transportation included. Reservations required. Contact us for charter trips or special dates. Reservations required, certain trip minimums apply.