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Cataract Canyon Rafting
Cataract Canyon
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Questions
What airport is best to fly into for Cataract Canyon?
We recommend Canyonlands Field Airport as it’s only 15 minutes from town. The Salt Lake City airport is about 4 hours away, and shuttle service is offered via the Salt Lake Express. Check out our complete guide to Getting to Moab for other airport/shuttle recommendations.
Is the orientation required and what’s involved?
By George, the orientation is required! As it ensures that we will leave on time the following morning for your trip.
The evening prior to your trip, meet us at our Moab Office at 6:30 PM — Sharp! Please arrive at this time, not earlier or later, as our guides are on a tight schedule preparing for your trip.
One of your guides will provide you with a 70 liter dry bag (about the size of a large trash bag) to pack your gear into. That way the boats are rigged and ready the morning you arrive!
Where do we leave our car?
You will leave your car at our Moab office.
Where is a safe place to leave our valuables while we’re gone?
We have some space at our office to store valuables like electronics that you don’t want to keep in your car. Other items will be fine in your car as our boatyard is always supervised.
How long are the shuttles to the put-in and from the take-out?
The shuttle to the put-in on Potash Road is 30 minutes from our office.
The shuttle back from the Northwash take-out is about 2.5 hours, or 30 minutes if you fly. Those shuttling back will have to ride over to the landing strip with the guests who are flying, which can sometimes add an additional 20-30 minutes.
What time do we get to the take out?
We shoot to have you off the river between 2 – 3 PM.
Do you recommend the flight back instead of the shuttle?
Yes! It is a fantastic way to end your trip by getting the aerial view of the canyon you just rafted through. Our staff will pick you up at the Canyonlands Field Airport and bring you back to our office where your car is waiting. Just keep in mind your gear is shuttling back with the guides, so plan to get your stuff back about 3 hours later.
Equipment Questions
What’s included?
Check out our Gear List and Packing Guides for what we already provide versus what you need to bring on our trips.
How do we keep our clothes and other stuff dry?
We use dry bags! Which are designs to keep water out of the inner compartments with durable material and a rolled-down deal. We provide two 70 liter dry bags and a one 20 liter dry bag per person.
Can we bring our own cooler?
You are welcome to bring a soft cooler, or we can also make room for your beverages in our cooler. Please let us know how much space you think you will need so we can prepare.
Rafting Questions
What is the weather like in Cataract Canyon?
Visit our page for Weather/Rapids in Cataract Canyon.
How much time do you spend rafting each day?
F0r 4-6 day trips, we aim for 4-5 hours on the water each day.
For 2-3 day trips, expect 6-7 hours on the water each day.
Are there other activities we can do during our adventure?
The longer your trip is the more hikes and time in camp you will have to enjoy. Three day trips should not expect more than one off-river excursion. Two day trips will have long days on the water and shorter evenings in camp.
How many people are in a boat?
We usually use a 32-foot raft for our main motor boat, which can fit 8-10 people. We also bring 15 foot oar boats depending on water levels and the size of the group.
Meals & Camping Questions
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! Our standard options include gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian.
Can we bring our own food?
We will have plenty of food for meals and snacks, but if you have a favorite snack, please feel free to bring it along. We do recommend they are individually wrapped so that river water does not get in them.
When are the meal times?
Our meals are on river time— besides breakfast which is usually served between 7:30 – 8:30 am — meaning that they will fluctuate depending on how the day’s itinerary is going. Check out our Cataract Canyon Itinerary for more details!
Can we bring alcohol on the trip?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are welcome, but they can only be consumed while at camp. They also can’t be in glass containers since we’ll be on inflatable boats!
How does the bathroom situation work?
You are welcome to pee to your heart’s content in the river, and number 2’s must be done in our portable toilet system that we set up in camp each day. More details on the “Groover” here.
Misc. Questions
What is the standard tip?
The average is around 20% of your trip’s total cost. Please bring cash to give your guides’ at the end of the trip, or get their Venmo/Digital Wallet information.
What happens after we book and what additional communication will we get?
You will receive a text message confirming your reservation and a confirmation email to reference all your trip details. As we get closer to your adventure, you will receive emails with tons of information to help you get prepared. Your trip leader will call you a day or so before the trip to check in with any questions you might have.
Why would we do a longer trip if it’s the same 96 mile stretch of river?
Cataract Canyon is a massive wilderness where people spend their entire lives exploring. On a 3-day trip, you will experience the rapids, two campsites and maybe a trail or two. On a 6-day trip, you’ll take off excursions everyday into side canyons and other amazing trail, enjoy the many beaches along the way, visit hidden archaeological sites, and so on and so forth.
Have more questions?
Feel free to call us at 970-247-4789
Or email us at info@mild2wildrafting.com
Or LiveChat us right from this webpage!
We’re ready to help you have the best adventure possible in Cataract Canyon!
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