Colorado River Rafting
 

Cataract Canyon 2-Day » Common Questions

» Flights,Motel, Luggage, Meeting Place - Moab
» What to do with Valuables
» Camping Equipment and Toilet Facilities
» Clothing and Personal Checklist
» Weight Limits For Packing
» Beverages
» Boats
» Weather, Fishing, and Gratuities
» Maps and Books of Cataract Canyon
» Payments, Confirmations and Cancellations
» Choosing Your Adventure
» Physical Requirements For Guests
» A Typical Day On The River

 Acknowledgement of Risk Form
(Printable PDF)

 

Flights, Motel, Luggage, Meeting Place
Q. How do I get to Moab, Utah?
A. If you're flying, the closest major international airport is Salt Lake City (SLC). From here, we recommend renting a car and driving to Moab or flying directly to Moab.

Most Popular Options for Getting to Moab, Utah:

  1. Direct Flight - Daily flights into Moab are available through Great Lakes Airlines www.flygreatlakes.com. Book a shuttle from airport to Moab (we can book this for you) & rent a jeep or a car at Thrifty Car Rentals to get around.
  2. Flight to Nearby Airport & Rent a Car - You can fly direct, fly to a nearby airport such as Salt Lake City, Utah (nearest) and rent a car to drive to Moab. See mileages below.

    Driving Mileage to Moab, Utah
    from Closest Major Airports:

    Salt Lake City, Utah ................ 240 miles
    Denver, Colorado ................... 354 miles
    Las Vegas, Nevada ............... 457 miles
    Mileage Finder

    See all available options for getting to Moab »
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Q. Where should I stay in Moab?
A. Many of our guests stay at the following hotel properties in Moab:

Big Horn Lodge
550 South Main Street
Moab, UT 84532
435-259-6171
800-325-6171
Gonzo Inn
100 W. 200 S.
Moab, UT 84532
435-259-2515
800-791-4044
Ramada Inn
182 South Main
Moab, Utah 84532
435-259-7141
888-989-1988

After you have made your reservations with us, please call and request Western River Expedition's special discount rate at any of these properties.
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Q. Where do I meet in Moab?
A. Meet us at 7:30 AM at Western River Expeditions' Moab Adventure Center located at 225 South Main Street, Moab, Utah 84532 (888) 622-4097 or 435-259-7019.
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Q. Where and when does this trip end?
A. Our Cataract Canyon trip will end at Hite on Lake Powell. Your flight arrive at the Moab Airport at approximately 3:00 PM. From there a shuttle (approx 20 min) will return you to Western's Moab Adventure Center in downtown Moab. Approximate flight time from Hite to Moab is 1 hour.
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Luggage and Valuables
Q. What do I do with excess luggage?
A. Transfer all of your personal clothing and gear which you will need on the river expedition into a small lightweight duffel bag (approximately 24" X 12" X 11"). PLEASE DO NOT BRING SUITCASES ON THE RIVER! As part of your camping equipment package, we provide a water-resistant bag in which you will place your duffel bag (approx. 24" X 12" X 11") as well as the sleeping bag we provide for you. Please check with your hotel regarding luggage storage. Many hotels offer complimentary luggage storage for Western River Expeditions' guests.
Q. What should I do with valuables while on the river?
A: You will want to have ID and a major credit card with you in the event of an emergency evacuation due to injury. This very seldom happens, but we want you to be prepared. Since jewelry is a potential "loss" item on your river trip, we recommend you leave all valuables at home. You may want to have cash available for a tip for your guides or to purchase items at Western River Expeditions’ retail store. If you are returning to the same hotel at the end of your trip, you may wish to leave valuables in your hotel's safety deposit box.
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Camping Equipment &Toilet Facilities
Q: What camping equipment does Western provide?
A: Camping equipment provided on your expedition includes sleeping bag with freshly laundered sheet, sleeping cot, plastic ground cloth, small tent, knife-fork-spoon and cup, water resistant gear bag for sleeping gear and your duffel bag, and a water resistant dry bag for personal articles and camera (bag is approximately 7" x 12").
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Q: When do I receive my camping equipment?
A: Camping equipment will be issued when you reach the river launch site. You will have time to transfer your duffel bag, measuring no more than 12"x14"x30" (see our recommended duffel online), and personal articles to the water-resistant bag and personal day-use storage bag. Your smaller bag for day-use items will be secured to the top of the boatload, and you will have ready access to it during the day. The water-resistant gear bags, however, are stacked and secured to the boat with tarps and ropes, allowing access only in camp.
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Q: What about toilet facilities on my river trip?
A: Toilet facilities are available at the Moab Adventure Center, our launch point on the Colorado River and our take-out point at Hite. During the course of our river trip, we use a "port a-potty" and hand wash system that can easily be set up during lunch or other hiking and viewpoint stops in a secluded location. An orientation concerning everything from rapid safety to bathrooms will be given at the beginning of your trip.
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Clothing and Personal Checklist
Q: What should I wear and bring?

    NOTE
    All of these items should be packed in a soft "duffle-style" bag, approximately 24" x 12" x 11". This will ensure that all of your gear will fit into your river dry bag. See our recommended duffle bag from Columbia®.

    You can get this bag free when you purchase "The Works."

Q: Where can I get a Cataract Canyon Map?
A: We recommend the water-resistant edition of the Canyonlands River Guide and Map. This guide provides a map with mile-by-mile information on rapids, geology and history of the Colorado River corridor. You can order a copy from our online store.
Weight Limits For Packing
Q: What are the weight restrictions?
A: Boat-carrying capacities and plane capacities make it extremely important that each person bring no more than 20 pounds of clothing and personal items. This 20 pounds weight allowance does not include beverages or the provided camping gear.
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Beverages
Q: What about beverages?
A: Western River Expeditions provides lemonade and water in unlimited quantities on the boat. We do not provide beer, liquor or soft drinks.
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Boats
Q: What type of boats do you use on the Cataract Canyon day trip?
A: Western uses a high-speed "snout rig" on our 2 day trips in Cataract Canyon. Each raft seats 5 to 7 guests comfortably on custom bench seats created specially for our rafts. Semi-dry storage compartments are located under each seat. A dry bag will be provided to protect your personal belongings.
Weather, Fishing, & Gratuities
Q. How are the rapids?
The water flowing through Cataract Canyon is strictly run-off and not dam-controlled, as many rivers are now. With a good winter snowfall, rapids can be truly awesome during the spring run-off (May through June). More moderate, but exciting rapids are experienced during the remainder of the year as the water flow diminishes.
Q: What kind of weather can I expect on my trip?

A: On the river, it's important to be prepared for all types of weather. Although the weather on Cataract Canyon is warm and sunny for the most part, Mother Nature will occasionally surprise us with a renewing rainstorm or cooler temperatures. Temperatures can vary, but the following chart shows average temperature and precipitation for the months of March through October. Water temperatures range from 60-75° in the spring and summer.
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Temperatures and Precipitation - Moab, Utah
 
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
Mean Max. Temp
64
76
84
98
100
99
86
77
Mean Min. Temp.
33
39
49
58
62
61
50
40
Precipitation
.9
1.2
1.1
.1
1.2
.8
.8
1.6
Q: Is there any fishing on this trip?
A: Because of the nature of this day trip and the size of our rafts, there will not be time for fishing or a location to store fishing equipment.
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Q: What about gratuities for guides?
A: Your guides will make every effort to see that you trip is enjoyable and memorable. Gratuities for guides are greatly appreciated and at your discretion, as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and service. A suggested range is 8 to 10 percent of the trip price.
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Maps & Books
Q: Where can I obtain maps, books and other information?
A: We recommend the water-resistant edition of the Canyonlands River Guide and Map. This guide provides a map with mile-by-mile information on rapids, geology and history of the Colorado River corridor. Other books including great guides to hiking the National Parks near Moab, Utah can also be found in our online store.
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Payments, Confirmations & Cancellations
Q: When do I need to pay my deposit?
A: To secure your space, an initial deposit of $200 per person is required. You may make this payment by credit card at the time of booking or you may send a check payable to:

Western River Expeditions
7258 Racquet Club Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
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Q: When will I receive my confirmation and what should I do once it arrives?
A: As soon as we have processed your trip deposit, your confirmation packet will be sent. You should sign and complete the Visitor's Acknowledgement of Risk and Information Sheet and return them to us immediately. Your confirmation packet will also contain a packing list and clothing catalog, general questions and answers, helpful travel information, and cancellation insurance order form. If you booked through a travel agent, your confirmation will be sent to them for forwarding on to you.
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Q: When do I need to pay my balance?
A: Payment in full is due 90 days prior to trip departure and may be paid by check or credit card. For your convenience, we will charge the balance due to your credit card 90 days prior to trip departure (if full payment has not been received). We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if full payment is not collected by the due date.
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Q: What if I must cancel my trip reservation?

A: If you must cancel any reservation, the information and reasons regarding the cancellation must be received in writing. The cancellation fee will follow the formula in the box below.

Cancellation Policies
Days Before Departure Service Charges and Fees
91 + days $50
61-90 days $200
0-60 days No Refunds or Transfers

Our cancellation policy applies in every instance and there will be no exceptions for any reason. Western River Expeditions will not issue any refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Western is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment.

Some of the most difficult situations we have had to deal with concern making a "win/win" out of a situation when a guest needs to cancel a few days before a trip because they broke their leg, an elderly parent suddenly gets sick, or some other catastrophic event requires cancellation. In these situations, we generally do not have time to refill the space. Yet, we have already spent considerable time, money, and energy preparing for your trip: scheduling vehicles, flights, drivers, guides and equipment, purchasing food, etc. Because of our short season and very limited number of available seats, we cannot afford the financial loss that cancellations cause. Therefore, in deciding whether or not to buy this insurance, consider the investment you are making in your vacation and whether or not you could afford the loss if you did have to cancel.

For only $7.00 per $100 of coverage, this insurance provides reimbursement of all applicable tour costs associated with your cancellation according to policy details. Please see policy order form for coverage details. You can also purchase more comprehensive coverage to insure travel delays, baggage loss and other travel-related issues. A policy order form will be enclosed with your confirmation packet. You may also print this insurance order form or order cancellation insurance online. Again, we highly recommend you purchase insurance to protect your investment as our cancellation policy will appy in every instance. Western River Expeditions assumes no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or equipment lost or damaged in any way.

Transfers »
Trip and date transfers 60+ days prior to trip departure and within the current year will incur a $50 per reservation service charge. Trip and date transfers 60+ days prior to departure that are transferred into the following year will incur a $100 per person service charge. Once a trip has been transferred, no refunds will be issued. Transfer dates, reasons and information is required in writing. No refunds or transfers will be allowed within 0 to 60 days of trip departure for any reason.
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Click here to purchase your cancellation insurance online.

Choosing Your Adventure
Q: How Do I Best Choose My Adventure?
A: We want to make sure that the vacation package you select is an adventure of a lifetime. Rest assured, we will make every possible effort to ensure your comfort and safety while traveling with us. We have over a forty year history satisfied guests, and we are excited to have you join their ranks.

 

During the pre-trip planning process, we often receive a number of questions related to choosing which trip is best for you, the nature of a river trip, what to expect during the trip, and what degree of physical conditioning is required for a river trip. While we have found that we can accommodate a wide range of abilities on all of our rafting trips, the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy yourself.

Physical Requirements
Q: What are the physcial requirements for trips?
A: Our primary concern is participant safety. The nature of an outdoor adventure involves some physical exertion and also possible exposure to weather conditions that can fluctuate greatly due to heat, sun, wind, or rain. Although we do have experience accommodating persons with a wide range of physical challenges, disabilities, or medical and health conditions, we have found that in some people the fact of age, weight, lack of conditioning, heart or other disease, can create additional hardship that diminishes the suitability or enjoyment of this type of vacation. Please consider these conditions in making your choice of river adventures. Please check with your physician prior to your trip if you have any medical or health condition or if you are taking any medications, and then notify us of how we can better help you with these conditions. In general, participants will need to meet the following physical requirements:

  • Fit into a Class 5 Life Jacket (maximum chest size 52”) required by the National Park Service.
  • Securely grip ropes provided for handholds while running the rapids
  • Climb on and off the rafts. Depending on type of raft this could be as much as a 2-3-foot reach and often on wet and slippery surfaces.
  • Ability to navigate uneven terrain on hikes and in camp.
  • Carry your own dry bag which will include your 20-pound duffle bag along with the sleeping bag and ground cover we provide.


  • Our primary concern is for you and your fellow guests to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. If you are concerned about any of these requirements, please call our friendly staff to further discuss which trip is right for you. Our Acknowledgement of Risk Form will more fully describe some of the inherent risks involved in these activities. We look forward to having you join us on the adventure of a lifetime.

    Typical Day On The River
    Q: What can I expect a typical day on the river to be like?
    A:After meeting your guides you will be given a trip orientation that will include how and where you can sit on the rafts, how to hold on, and safety precautions while on the river.

    A typical day will include rafting for a few hours at a time, stopping for scenic side-canyon hikes, bathroom breaks, lunch and possible swimming opportunities. Visiting with new-found friends and learning river lore and geology from our well-trained guides adds to the enjoyment of each day.

    After a full day of learning and fun we arrive in camp. Guests will be allowed to find their favorite campsite and then return to the rafts for the famous “fireline” - the way we load and unload rafts. Your help in passing the gear off the boat is greatly appreciated, however if you have physical restrictions or limitations that would prohibit you from participating you are not required to help.

    The first evening in camp, the guides will give a demonstration on how to easily assemble the cots and tents and will be available to help you if you need additional assistance. Western River provides cots, tents, sleeping bags, sheets, camp chair and water-proof gear bags for all guests. You’ll have no need to worry about bringing any of your own camping equipment.

    While you relax at the river’s edge, your guides will prepare dinner. Every night is different, but the menu may include items such as grilled chicken breast, steak with sautéed onions, pasta or fresh fish.

    At night, whether you choose to sleep in your tent or under the vast canopy of stars, the fresh night air and the rhythm of the river will lull you to sleep.

    Each morning, your guides will prepare a delicious breakfast. You’ll have a chance to enjoy eating before returning to your campsite to take down your tent and cot and pack up your belongings in your dry bag. After bringing your bag down to the boats, guests participate in the fireline once again and you are off on another fun-filled day of adventure.

    While a river trip is a participatory experience, the rewards are endless. The setting and pace of a rafting adventure gives you something you don’t find in other vacations. On a Western River Expedition, you will quickly discover why so many are calling this “the best vacation of their lives.” It’s the combination of drifting over tranquil pools of water under the shadows of towering rock formations, the exhilaration and thrill of rolling waves and crashing whitewater, the exploration of seldom-seen waterfalls and Native American history, the peaceful moments of reflection as you gaze up at the star-studded sky, and the fresh feeling of renewal as the morning sun slowly filters through winding canyons. All this provides an indescribable sense of belonging. A sense of oneness with yourself and those around you. A sense of adventure, reflection and renewal. Come discover the difference.

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