Cataract Canyon 5 Day

Class IV to Class V $1655 Adult & $1555 Youth

Immerse yourself in wilderness floating leisurely through Canyonlands National Park. Travel in oar-powered silence through towering canyons. Run the rapids named by pioneer river runners who first ventured through Cataract Canyon more than 100 years ago. Five days on the Colorado River is the perfect way to recharge your batteries and renew your appreciation of the natural world.

We begin with a trip orientation along the banks of the Colorado River. The guides explain riding on the boats, safety concerns, and the trip agenda. After questions are answered we load the boats, untie the bowlines, and shove off heading downstream on the legendary Colorado.

The days are casual aboard the row boat. Canyon wrens whistle a tune while the boatmen sink their oars into the water. This trip gives you time to explore side canyons on foot, observe wildlife, see ancient Indian ruins and take in the geologic history of the layered rock in Cataract Canyon.

After an entertaining and informative day on the river we find a sandy beach to set up camp. Relax as the guides prepare a western style meal from fresh ingredients with the culinary expertise of a campfire cook. Under a canopy of stars the sound of the free flowing Colorado River sets a peaceful mood.

Fifty miles down from the put-in the Colorado doubles in volume as it joins the Green River. The Confluence of the two rivers is magical, and just below is the famed whitewater of Cataract Canyon.

The whitewater is most challenging during May and June when Rocky Mountain snowmelt feeds into the river. After July the Colorado Rivers water level drops and the rapids are smaller but still exciting. Our row boats provide an excellent ride and great fun though the whitewater.

Thirty rapids roll down the jagged cliffs. Rapid number one, also known as Brown Betty, was named after a boat lost during an 1889 expedition. Others like the North Seas, Capsize, and Ben Hurt all have their own piece of river running history, but none as notorious as the Big Drops. The thrill of shooting the rapids as the boatmen pull hard at the oars is unforgettable.

After an action packed day of whitewater, we start across Lake Powell with the help of a small outboard motor. We leave the water at Hite Marina. Prices and timetables for the different return options are listed below.

Call us toll free 1-800-833-1278

Trip Details:

Your five-day Cataract Canyon expedition departs at 8:00 AM from the NAVTEC office 321 N. Main St. Moab UT. Please arrive at our office 15 minutes early to check-in. We'll shuttle by van to the put-in at Potash and hit the Colorado River by 9:00am. We arrive at Hite Marina at about 4:00 pm on day five. Five day Cataract Canyon trips operate March through October. Contact us for charter trips or special dates. Reservations recommended, certain trip minimums apply.