Embark on our popular three-day Cataract Canyon expedition and travel the mighty Colorado River by traditional rowboat. Step aboard the raft and instantly feel a sense of freedom as the vast wilderness of Canyonlands National Park takes over. Rafting beneath 2,000-foot red rock walls is an adventure defined by remote beauty and outstanding whitewater.

Trip Details

DURATION: 3 Days

We begin on the tranquil, meandering waters just outside Moab. Guides introduce you to your new surroundings as we float beneath iconic Dead Horse Point. Take photos or slip in the refreshing river. Optional interpretive hikes explore ancient archeological ruins and magnificent side canyons. Guides, well-versed in the canyon's natural and human history, share captivating stories as we motor along.

As shadows lengthen, we set a simple, comfortable camp on a sandy beach. Relax and enjoy the sunset while your guides prepare a hearty, western-style meal, complete with a freshly baked Dutch oven dessert. Enjoy the solitude, beauty, and the soothing sound of a living river as day turns to night.

Day two starts with hot coffee and a robust breakfast. We load the boats and head downstream. Keep watch for peregrine falcons diving from the sheer cliffs, great blue herons fishing, and playful river otters. We pass the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers—the volume doubles, and the thrilling rapids of Cataract Canyon lie ahead in the heart of canyon country! Look up at the marvelous standing rocks of the Doll House in the Maze as we pass by.

During the May and June spring run-off, expect some of the best whitewater in North America. Summer and fall flows are smaller but still exhilarating. Our rowboats provide an excellent, fun ride through the big whitewater.

We navigate legendary rapids like Mile Long, Ben Hurt, and Hell to Pay, before arriving at the granddaddy of them all: the Big Drops. Our boatmen pull hard on the oars, skillfully guiding us past major features like Little Niagara and Satan’s Gut. After an action-packed day, we arrive at our final camp for high-fives and another delicious meal, with campfire stories retold late into the evening.

On our last day, we finish the remaining rapids and motor down to North Wash take out at the top of Lake Powell where our river adventure concludes. Many guests choose the spectacular 45-minute scenic flight back over Canyonlands and Cataract Canyon to Moab, describing it as the "icing on the cake" of an incredible journey.