Cataract Canyon Rafting - Big Rapids on the Colorado River Near Moab, UT
Cataract Canyon River Rafting
Canyonlands National Park Utah
Cataract Canyon Trip Highlights
· Utah’s biggest whitewater run by career river guides.
· Pristine Native American archaeological sites.
· The jaw dropping Green River confluence.
· Hikes to the canyon rim with 360° views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands.
· Rare views of Dead Horse State Park and the Dolls House.
· Camping in a Dark Sky Park— the best stargazing you could ever ask for.
· Big sandy beaches where you’ll camp each night.
· Delicious and freshly prepared meals by your river guides.
· A true, backcountry experience in Canyonlands National Park.
Location/Season
Canyonlands National Park
Mid-March – September
Adventure Level
Intermediate – High
Class of Rapids
IV – V High Water
III – IV Low Water
Restrictions
Lower Water: Ages 10+
High Water: Ages 14+
About This Trip
Cataract Canyon is a slice of desert paradise where all things become colossal. In a crimson crevice 2,000 feet in the Earth, rare artifacts, dramatically sculpted sandstone, and rip roaring rapids wait to be discovered throughout the 96 mile journey. This is merely the start of what’s waiting in the extraordinary reaches of Canyonlands National Park.
The Whitewater
Between the glossy flat water sections that bookend Cataract Canyon, there are 29 world class rapids in a single 15-mile stretch. Many are Class III and IV, with a few Class V during the high water season in spring.
From May through June, Cataract Canyon boasts the biggest whitewater in the West. This isn’t to say the rapids aren’t as powerful later in the season, they just become much more technical as massive boulders emerge from the bedrock.
The Sites & Camping
Depending on the length of your trip, you’ll have opportunities to hike to overlooks, explore ancient ruins and fields of glittering petrified wood, lounge in gorgeous grottos, and rendezvous up side canyons. The longer the trip, the more time you’ll have to explore these hidden treasures.
Each day, camp is made on silky beaches with unbelievable views, both of the canyon and the cosmos. There, you’ll enjoy a comfortable camp set up (kitchen, common area, bathroom, etc.) along with 3-course dinners and filling breakfasts. Lunch each day is usually on the boat or near a site we’ll explore.
The landscape of Cataract Canyon was so inspiring to Mild to Wild’s founders, Alex and Molly Mickel, they married there in 1996! Our Cataract Canyon trips continue on the legacy of Adventure Bound River Expeditions, combined with the legendary customer service and expertise of Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep tours.
*All Cataract Canyon trips are motored to make the 96-mile journey from the Potash put-in to the North Wash take-out at Lake Powell.
Reviews
Mild to Wild Rafting is proud to be an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.
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