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Colorado River Rafting Cataract Canyon

Whitewater Rafting in Utah with Holiday River Expeditions

Highlights

  • Raft in the heart of Utah's Canyonlands National Park
  • Numberous hiking opportunities in Utah's Red Rock Country
  • Run the Big Drop Rapids on the Colorado River
  • Explore Ancient Anasazi Indian Ruins

Full Description

This legendary gorge named Cataract Canyon is buried in the heart of Utah's Canyonlands National Park. Our rafts offer effortless conveyance to side canyon grottos, waterfalls and ancient Anasazi ruins that are otherwise inaccessible. On this trip we see the most vivid contrast between utter tranquility and all-out high adventure.

Cataract Canyon rafting is an anomaly. Its rapids rank along with those of the Grand Canyon in power and difficulty. In fact, the river becomes unruly during the run off in May and June.

Yet Cataract Canyon contains mile after mile of rafting through canyons where you are awe struck, not at whitewater, but the deep multicolored canyons of this section of Canyonlands National Park. Side canyon hikes to ruins and petroglyphs delight you as you head toward the Confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers.

Once you reach the Confluence, the Colorado's behemoth rapids emerge. Rapids 15 through 23 comprise Mile Long and The Big Drops, a fall of 80 feet in less than four miles--one of the Colorado's steepest descents.

Includes:

  • Full course meals starting with lunch the first day and ending with lunch the last day
  • Water, lemonade, juice, sodas and snacks
  • Transportation to and from the river from our meeting point
  • Expert Guides
  • Necessary river equipment like waterproof bags, life jackets, etc.

Excludes:

  • Transportation to and from our meeting point in Green River or Vernal Utah & Idaho
  • Lodging the night before the trip
  • Camping gear such as sleeping bag & tent (Rental kits available)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Meet group at headquarters in Green River, Utah. After a 1 ½ hour drive to the put-in the river takes you past a collection of table top mesas. Short hikes reveal a variety of ancient artifacts.

Day 2

The river peacefully meanders into the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Quiet beaches, hidden canyons and refreshing water fights are common through this section of the trip.

Day 3

We reach the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers. The Ute Indians believed the Confluence to be the center of the universe, and some people still do. Just below the meeting of these two rivers enjoy a view of the Doll House, an appropriately named collection of free standing, sandstone columns.

Day 4

Possible early morning hike into Doll House. Ascend steeply to the canyon rim in the Maze District with red rock formations. After descending to the river, the rapids of Cataract Canyon await. The climax: Big Drop Rapids with Little Niagara and Satan's Gut.

Day 5

Lunch at Rock Canyon and a trip across Lake Powell with the aid of motorboat "Hayduke" brings you to Hite Marina and the end of the trip. A two-hour drive brings you back to Green River.

About The Operator:

Holiday River Expeditions

Headquarters:

Salt Lake City, Utah

For 44 years, Holiday Expeditions has provided trips to the West's most spectacular places. We specialize in Colorado River Rafting, Green River Rafting and Salmon River trips. These spectacular river canyons encompass several different stretches of rivers throughout Utah, Colorado and Idaho. Our Colorado whitewater rafting trips run through the grand canyons of every major Colorado River tributary and offer spectacular scenery and landscapes unlike anything you'll find anywhere else in the world. Our most popular Colorado River plateau river trips like Westwater Canyon, Lodore Canyon and Cataract Canyon provide exciting rapids and pristine wilderness in two, four and six day adventures. Seventy percent of our guests are repeat or referred to us by guests who've enjoyed Holiday's impeccable service. Family Rafting vacations, Mountain Biking trips, Ranch trips, Women’s River and Yoga Retreats and an Extended Raft/Hike trip in Canyonlands National Park round out our special offerings