Utah Rafting

Cataract Express Itinerary

DAY 1 » After a short morning drive from Moab, Utah you’ll launch your raft onto a calm section of the Colorado River. Within minutes, unmatched geologic wonders will tower all around you providing a complete and welcome escape from the world you left behind. You’ll encounter Native American ruins and writings and hike to awe-inspiring vistas atop plateaus. Around mid-day you’ll savor a scrumptious buffet lunch at the river’s edge. As the canyon deepens to over 2,000 feet, you’ll experience the exhilaration of nearly 30 whitewater rapids including Capsize, the Big Drops, the Mile Longs, Little Niagara, Satan’s Gut and Repeat. After a full day of unforgettable memories, you’ll find the perfect riverside respite as we camp along the Colorado River. Enjoy a delicious sunset dinner, perhaps relax beside a crackling campfire, and star gaze as you’re lulled to sleep by the rhythmic sounds of the river.

DAY 2 » As you awake to the smell of freshly prepared breakfast, you’ll lie in your comfortable cot and marvel as the morning sun paints its warmth across the surrounding canyon walls. After breakfast, you’ll set off for one more day of Colorado River rafting adventure. Depending on your camp location, you may experience more thrilling whitewater and you’ll definitely have some final time to relax as you float amidst the shadows of striking red rock spires. After reaching Lake Powell, you’ll climb aboard a Cessna 5-7 seat aircraft and experience a spectacular 1-hour scenic return flight over Canyonlands National Park and back to Moab, Utah (arriving approximately 3:00 PM). Return flight and shuttle is included in your trip. If you don’t choose the scenic flight, you may have your car shuttled to the ending point of your trip where you may continue elsewhere or return to Moab on your own (3.5 hr drive).

Pre-Trip Travel Information

Beginning in the quaint town of Moab, Utah this trip offers plenty of opportunity for additional activities, shopping, dining and relaxing. Schedule a few days before or after your trip to explore downtown Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and participate in some unforgettable Moab adventures such as an off-road Hummer Safari or canyoneering. We highly recommend adding a Sunset Hummer Safari to your itinerary. You’ll ride over incredible sandstone fins out to a beautiful sunset overlook that will take your breath away. At any time before departure, Western can add to your itinerary additional activities, lodging, airport shuttle, and jeep rental. Simply give us a call and we’ll arrange everything for you.

How to Get to Moab
If you’re flying, the following options are generally the most common:

• Fly directly to Moab, Utah (CNY) and
  get a shuttle into town or rent a Jeep
• Fly to Grand Junction, Colorado (GJT)
  and rent a car (1.5 hour drive)
• Fly to Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) and
  rent a car (4 hour drive)

Drive Time to Moab, Utah
from Closest Major Airports:

Salt Lake City, Utah .................. 4 hr drive
Denver, Colorado ..................... 6 hr drive
Las Vegas, Nevada ................... 8 hr drive

Where and When to Meet
Meet the night prior to your trip for a pre-departure orientation at 8:00 PM. Orientation will take place at Western River Expeditions’ Moab Adventure Center, located in the center of town at 225 S Main Street, Moab, Utah 84532 (phone: 435-259-7019). The first day of your trip, you’ll need to check out of your accommodations, eat a good breakfast and meet for 6:30 AM departure at the Moab Adventure Center.

Where to Stay
Moab offers plenty of hotel choices in town as well as condominiums and guest homes. Some of the closest hotels include Gonzo Inn, Big Horn Lodge and Best Western Canyonlands. You’ll want to reserve at least one night of lodging before your trip.

Post-Trip Travel Information

You will likely want to reserve at least one night of lodging on the final day of your trip as you’ll return to Moab around 3:00 PM. If you will be traveling on but wish to shower before leaving Moab, we can direct you to several locations in town that offer shower facilities.

Tip » We highly recommend adding a Sunset Hummer Safari to your itinerary. You’ll ride over incredible sandstone fins out to a beautiful sunset overlook that will take your breath away. Also ask about our Cataract Canyon Ranch & River Trip that combines a Hummer Safari with a horseback ride and a 2-night stay at a 5-star ranch resort.

For optional 2-hour to full-day excursions in Moab, Utah before or after your trip plus helpful Moab area information, visit www.moabadventurecenter.com.