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+
Trip Options
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. Most are larger than your usual Class III and IVs, 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.
*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.
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.
Payment & 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.
Reviews
What to do with three teenagers on Spring Break? No screens, no phones, and the incredible scenery seems like a recipe for disaster until you see your twin 14yos giggling and burying each other in…
Katy Brown
Click to read moreThis trip was one of the most exciting and intriguing outdoor camping trips I’ve ever been on! The raft guides were such awesome genuine people and they definitely put their best effort in to make…
Catelynn Anderson
Click to read moreI’ve been on many tours with Mild to Wild. We continue to go back every year. Mild to Wild and the staff provide excellent customer service and truly try to find the best trip for…
Jadea Braddy
Click to read moreI had a lot of fun. All the guides where a blast to be around. The overall rafting as a little cold because of the time of year, but I had a great time. The…
Amira Aquarian
Click to read moreI had an amazing time! The guides are so sweet and funny, and the trip they managed to put together for us kids was fantastic, breathtakingly beautiful, and a life changer for sure!
Annabelle Mick
Click to read moreMild to Wild Rafting is proud to be an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.
Want more information about our Cataract Canyon trips?
Join our Cataract Canyon email list, and we’ll send you all the Cat-specific details you need!