About This Trip
Our Cataract Canyon 5 day rafting trip offers one of the best adventures the Southwest has to offer. With 96 miles to cover, you’ll have plenty of time to explore looming views from the canyon rim, pristine archeological sites, and of course, the world-class whitewater of the Colorado River.
Some of the off-river excursions on this trip include: Fields of petrified wood dating back to the jurassic period, Native American ruins and pictographs, and side canyons that many people never get to explore on shorter trips.
The schedule is more flexible on this trip, where you’ll have more time to enjoy the beaches you’ll be camping on, as well as the rapid section. You can expect at least one night where you’ll camp next to the waves.
The first 50 miles of the trip are flat water, so we motor through this section as we travel deeper into a world of red rock. Shortly after meeting the Green River confluence in the heart of Canyonlands National Park, the whitewater can be heard rumbling downstream.
This rapid section lasts for around 16 miles, and is run both in oar boats and the motor rig. After that, we’ll start motoring after Gypsum Canyon to the North Wash takeout for about 28 miles.
Cataract Canyon 5-Day trips start at $1,299.00.
Cataract Canyon Quick Facts
What’s So Special About Cataract Canyon?
Map & Facts
TOP 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CATARACT CANYON:
- Cataract Canyon length: 96 miles
- Cataract Canyon put-in: Potash
- Cataract Canyon take-out: Hite Marina
- Cataract Canyon rapid class: Class III, IV and V
- Cataract Canyon’s top rapids: Big Drops 2 & 3, Capsize, Rapid 5
- Best for Ages: 10+ low water, 14+ high water
- Located in: Canyonlands National Park
- Notable scenery: Dramatic Red Sandstone, Dead Horse State Park, Green River Confluence
- Notable sites: Ancient granaries, Horseshoe bend hike, Petrified wood field, Tex’s Grotto, Doll’s House
- Average CFS: 2,000 – 60,000 CFS
Booking Options
S-Rig & Snout Rig
This trip utilizes custom motorized S-rigs and Snout Rigs, allowing for unparalleled comfort and speed to navigate the 96 mile journey from put-in to take-out. These river-running machines allow for the biggest action Cataract Canyon has to offer. You’ll experience the mightiest of waves the Colorado River, while smaller and less stable crafts are often forced to row around much of the canyons premiere action.
- Ages 10+ Low Water, 14+ High Water
Our Client Reviews from Google
Stephen England2025-08-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great trip with Art. Learned a lot Sharon Chinnis2025-08-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was a great adventure, tour guide on jeep excursion Art was fantastic as was Larry who drove us to our jeep ride Dani P2025-08-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great time paddling with this group. Everyone was knowledgeable and very friendly. Our guide ZB was great and made sure we were safe and enjoying our time. We will be back for the fun and the staff! Keep Zb around! Brenda Cobleigh2025-08-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great visit to Mesa Verde with our guide Cat. It saved us from driving the winding roads and we got a lot of insider knowledge. Food and drinks were provided and we had a nice small group of 6. Picking up in Mancos was easy. And Cat even took photos and videos for us. The Cliff Palace tour was very doable and worthwhile. Ryan Johnson2025-08-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ton of fun, guides were awesome 😎 M. McL.2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guide, Cat, was fantastic, answering all our questions and showing real care for us. Thanks to her we had a wonderful day in Mesa Verde. Keenan Brophy2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10/10 — would let Justin yell at me to paddle harder again, it was electric. Tom Tworoger2025-08-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Skyler, our guide, did a super job. He really helped my grandson and made sure he had a wonderful. time. The trip down the river and the entire staff did a great job. Lori Imeson2025-08-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Jeep tour in the area of Silverton. Jay was funny and very knowledgeable about the area. Enjoyed a moose sighting, and a bit of rockhounding while taking in the amazing views. If given the opportunity, ask for Jay.
What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789
Payments & Cancellations
Payment Options
- 1/2 down, 1/2 charged 60 days prior to trip.
- 1/3 down with remaining balance charged in thirds by 60 days prior.
- Call for other arrangements!
Free Courtesy Hold
We don’t want you to miss out on this trip so we’ll hold your spots, payment-free, for 24hrs while you make your final arrangements & prepare for payment.
Fees
In addition to the listed trip cost, we collect an additional 9% for River and Land Access Fees (ie. Forest Service, BLM, NPS, City, Private Land Use).
Cancellation Policy
- 60+ days: Receive a refund less $200 per person unrecoverable fees.
- 45+ days: Reschedule for another trip/date, or receive Mild to Wild gift certificate less $200 per person.
- Less than 45 days, unfortunately there will be no refund. Substitutions/name changes are allowed.
- RoamRight Travel Insurance is recommended to help cover unforeseen circumstances, such as cancelled flights, sickness or medical evacuations.
- Guests needing to be evacuated from the canyon will be charged a minimum of $1,000 per person.
Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Camping & Dining
Itinerary
Map & River Log
Packing Guide
Weather & Rapids
Related Adventures
Dinosaur National Monument
A 4-day trip offers a good amount of time in a place you’ll never forget!
- Youth: $1199
- Adult: $1249
Green River
A 3 day Gates of Lodore trip offers a good amount of time in a place you’ll never forget!
- Youth: $999
- Adult: $1099
Colorado River
A 4-day trip offers more time to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh in one of the US’s most stunning canyons.
- Youth: $1149
- Adult: $1429
Colorado River
A 3-day trip offers a good amount of time in a place you’ll never forget!
- Youth: $999
- Adult: $1199
Mild to Wild Rafting is proud to be an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.