Cataract Canyon Rafting on the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park, Utah

When we hear the words, Cataract Canyon, we think of a chasm where all things become colossal. In a crevice that drops 2,000 ft. into the Earth, desert galleries one could never experience without drifting miles down the Colorado River become immediately accessible. Here, artifacts from ancient peoples encase the sandstone, while 30-million-year-old sculptures delicately balance along the cliffs, and rip roaring rapids reverberate the channel like a storming sea. This is just the start of what you’ll find in the most remote section of Canyonlands National Park. 

Now about that roaring beast we just so poetically mentioned. Cataract Canyon is, in fact, Utah’s premier whitewater experience. This section of the Colorado River is vivaciously pronounced due to some big old rock slides, which are responsible for the rolling class III and IV rapids all season long. When the Rocky Mountains begin to melt off their winter coats from May to early July, Cataract’s waves become some of the biggest and baddest in the country as they churn out wall after wall of class IV and class V rapids. 

Whatever season you choose, your 96-mile Cataract Canyon rafting trip won’t start with a fat splash to the face. The journey begins on calm glassy waters, passing below the spectacular Dead Horse Point State Park. The float (with motor assist) comes with stops at grottos, groves of petrified wood, and archaeological sites depending on the day’s schedule. The sign to prepare for the whitewater breathing beast ahead comes once we reach the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. Your heart will undoubtedly be pounding right into your PFD for the ride of a lifetime!

Usually after the first day of Cat’s toughest rapids, you’ll wash up on the silky sands of a wide beach. Promptly, camp will begin with cracking some cold ones and retelling every juicy detail of the massive drops, holes and splatter your group just conquered. Other parts of the trip are dressed in fabulous hikes, and any else you’d like to do really. This rafting trip promises for plenty of time to play, laze, bond, and make memories you’ll look back on with immediate nostalgia. 

This landscape of Cataract Canyon so inspired Mild to Wild’s founders and owners that they married there in 1996. This soul-stirring canyon will get your heart pumping with its whitewater (and maybe romance as well!), impact your soul and take you on a journey you’ll never forget. 

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.