Cataract Canyon Classic Travel Planning

You may purchase last-minute retail items at Western River’s Moab Adventure Center located at 225 South Main Street (sunscreen, clothing items, hats, etc.)

Check out of your hotel, and meet in the lobby of the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Moab the morning of your trip, ready to depart. [CHECK CONFIRMATION FOR EXACT DEPARTURE TIME]. 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.

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.

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 or Kodiak 9 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).

• Transportation from Moab, Utah to the river
• Professional, licensed guides
• All meals between trip departure and return
• All eating utensils and souvenir insulated bottle
• Unlimited water and lemonade
• Freshly laundered sleeping bag and sheet
• Cot (28” x 74”)
• Tent and ground cover
• Water-resistant dry bag for sleeping gear and personal duffle bag
• Custom rafts
• US Coastguard approved whitewater life jackets
• Wilderness First-Aid kit
• Sanitary Facilities

Through several decades of experience on the river, Western knows what clothing and gear will keep you smiling every second of your adventure. Specifically, we’ve bundled “The Works” for him, for her and one for gear in general. For your convenience, you can order all these items online with Western’s retail division Red Rock Outfitters.

• Duffle bag (approx. 12”x13”x24”), packed with clothing, toiletries, personal items outlined on the Cataract Canyon packing list
• Extra drinks, if desired. No glass containers. Water and lemonade are provided.
• Utah State Liquor Store (beer, wine) – 55 West 200 South (closed Sundays)
• City Market (beer, soda, etc) -- 425 South Main Street
• Extra snacks, if desired. (Snacks will be provided during the trip)
• Photo ID, a major credit card, and cash for gratuities.
• Camera(s) - Phones as cameras in waterproof cases/sleeves (Cell service unavailable)

• Car keys can be left at your hotel front desk, or with stored luggage while away
• Unnecessary electronic devices (game devices for kids, etc.)

You will want to have photo ID, a major credit card, and some cash for gratuities. All other valuables and jewelry should be left at home or in a safety deposit box at your hotel. In addition, as a safety precaution we suggest that you not wear rings on the river. Also, each year a few of our guests traveling on airlines arrive without luggage. With this in mind, we suggest you carry with you medications, prescription glasses, and anything you may not be able to replace the evening before your trip departs.

Transfer all your personal clothing and gear which you will need on your rafting trip to a small, lightweight duffle bag. Identify duffle bag with label, and leave any extra suitcases or luggage in your vehicle or at the hotel. Marriott SpringHill Suites provides complimentary parking and luggage storage upon request. Please DO NOT BRING SUITCASES on your river trip. As part of your camping equipment package, we provide a water-resistant bag in which you will place your duffle bag as well as the sleeping bag that we provide.