Oarboat at shore in Canyonlands National Park

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

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cataract mapImmerse 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.

Humming bird eating honey on an oarWe 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.

indian creek hikeAfter 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.

rowing cataract canyonThirty 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

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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.

2024 Dates: Sunday Departures
  • March 17, 24, 31
  • April 7, 14, 21, 28
  • May 5, 12, 19, 26
  • June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
  • July 7, 14, 21, 28
  • August 4, 11, 18, 25
  • September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
  • October 6, 13, 20, 27
Times:
  • 8:00 AM -- departure from NAVTEC office
  • 9:00 AM -- launch at Potash boat ramp
  • 4:00 PM -- take out at Hite Marina
  • 5:30 PM -- arrive in Moab by charter flight
  • 7:30 PM -- arrive in Moab by ground tranportation
Cost: $1655 Adult / $1555 Youth (16 and younger) Govt fees not included
Hite return options:
  • Scenic flight from Hite to Moab $219/person + tax
  • Ground transportation from Hite to Moab $35/person + tax
  • Have your vehicle shuttled to Hite $250/vehicle + tax
Included:
  • Licensed experienced guide service
  • Whitewater river running by oar boat
  • All meals while on the river
  • Ice water and lemonade
  • Coast Guard approved PFDs, river bags, and camera box
  • Ground transportation from our office to the river put in
  • Pick up from your motel or campground if needed
  • Wetsuit when conditions require
Not Included:
  • Gratuity to guide
  • Soft drinks (bring your own -- we provide a cooler and ice)
  • Two man tents $20 rental + tax
  • Sleeping bag, pad, and ground cloth $13 rental + tax
  • Signature on required "Acknowledgement of Risk" form
What to bring:
  • Reusable water bottle (we have the refills)
  • Sturdy footwear, Please No flip flops
  • Light colored quick dry clothing (not cotton)
  • Rainsuit (both pant and jacket)
  • Change of clothes
  • Spring and Fall base layers: long johns, sweater, polartec, wool
  • Spring and Fall: warm hat, gloves, jacket and dry shoes
  • Swim suit or fast drying shorts
  • Long sleeve shirt if you're sensitive to the sun
  • Sun screen and lip balm
  • Hat with a visor (a must for sun protection)
  • Sunglasses with securing strap
  • Camera, carried at own risk
  • Flashlight (extra batteries)
  • Small day pack
  • Toiletries, personal medicines, skin lotion, insect repellant
  • Camp clothes: t-shirt long pants socks, fleece jacket
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RESERVATIONS & CANCELLATIONS:
Call us at 1-800-833-1278
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