Utah Rafting

Itinerary

DAYS 1 & 2» Meet at Western River Expeditions’ Moab Adventure Center at 7:30 AM where you’ll take a short bus ride to the launch site for Cataract Canyon. After meeting your guides, you’ll set off onto the Colorado River. Leave all the busyness of life behind as you glide along smooth-flowing currents winding through Canyonlands National Park where sculpted sandstone, isolated buttes, and red rock castles offer unparalleled vistas for picture taking. Hike to ancient Indian ruins, pictographs and a magnificent outlook high above the mighty Colorado River.

DAY 3 » As the canyon deepens to 2,000 feet, the mood of the river changes drastically. Here you’ll experience over 30 thrilling whitewater rapids! In one of the Colorado River’s most notorious whitewater stretches called the “Big Drops,” your raft plunges 30 feet in a matter of minutes through rapids that can match those of the Grand Canyon in power and difficulty. Loosen your grip after Imperial Rapid and reminisce over your unbelievable journey. Relish one more night camping on the river’s edge. Watch the final rays of sun paint the canyon walls as your guides prepare delicious appetizers, barbeque dinner, and Dutch-oven dessert. Fall asleep under one of the world’s most astounding views of the night sky.

DAY 4 » After a delicious breakfast, you’ll savor a soothing morning winding through towering, sun-drenched canyons as you make your way downriver towards Lake Powell. Enjoy a final lunch along the river before bidding farewell to the legendary Colorado River and your many new friends. 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).

ADVENTURE EXTENSION: Get a good night's rest before your river trip with the comforts of Moab's Hampton Inn. Return from your Cataract Canyon adventure to the sophistications of Red Cliffs Lodge, a deluxe guest ranch on the banks of the Colorado River. After a warm shower and some relaxation on your private patio, savor dinner overlooking the reflections of the setting sun at the water's edge. Experience a horseback ride in the morning from the Red Cliffs Corral. Spend the afternoon relaxing or hiking the spectacular trails surrounding Castle Valley. Top off your day with an exhilarating Sunset Hummer Safari, an absolute must on the Moab, Utah adventure list.

Pre-Trip Travel Information

Beginning in the quaint town of Moab, Utah this trip offers plenty of opportunity for additional adventure, 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 activities such as an off-road Hummer Safari or canyoneering. 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.

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 7:30 AM departure at the Moab Adventure Center.

Where to Stay
There are 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.

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

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.

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.