Colorado River Rafting
★★★★★ 4.9 OUT OF 2841 REVIEWS
Born as snowmelt high in the Colorado Rockies, the Colorado River travels approximately 1,450 miles across the American West. In Utah and Arizona, it winds through some of the country's most remarkable rafting destinations, including Moab, Utah, Westwater Canyon, Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park, and the Grand Canyon.
Western River Expeditions offers guided Colorado River rafting trips ranging from 2 to 7 days. Enjoy the gentler waters and towering red cliffs of Castle Valley on the Southwest Sampler, take on the famous Big Drops of Cataract Canyon, or spend several days exploring the Grand Canyon by raft. With experienced guides, meals, rafting equipment, camping gear, and major river logistics provided, you can focus on the experience rather than planning the expedition. Compare the trips below by destination, length, whitewater, and minimum age to find the right adventure for your group.
Colorado River Trips at a Glance:
- Two rafting regions: Grand Canyon National Park and Canyonlands National Park, Utah
- Trips ranging from 2 to 7 days
- Gentle family floats to major whitewater
- Minimum ages starting at age 5-12
- Departures from Moab, Utah and Las Vegas
- Guides, meals & camping gear included
Colorado River Rafting in the Grand Canyon
The Colorado River carves its way through the Grand Canyon for nearly 280 miles, revealing towering rock walls, hidden waterfalls, and some of the most famous whitewater in North America. Western River Expeditions offers guided Grand Canyon rafting trips exploring two distinct sections of this remarkable wilderness. Choose a 6-Day or 7-Day journey through 188 miles of the Upper Grand Canyon, including legendary rapids like Crystal and Lava Falls, or explore 92 miles of the Lower Grand Canyon on a 3-Day or 4-Day trip. Each experience combines thrilling whitewater, side canyon exploration, and nights beneath the canyon stars, with experienced guides, meals, camping equipment, and major river logistics included.
Note that
Grand Canyon rapids are traditionally rated on a 1–10 scale. For easier comparison with other Colorado River rafting trips, the trips here are listed with the approximate international Class I–V equivalents. Actual rapid conditions vary with water levels.
Six days in the Grand Canyon. Run Crystal Rapid and Lava Falls, hike hidden side canyons, sleep on beaches no road will ever reach, and helicopter out of the canyon.
- Begins: Las Vegas
- Best for: Rapids & Hiking
- Rapids: 60+ Class III-V
- Ages: 12+
Seven days exploring 188 miles of the Grand Canyon. Run famous rapids, hike hidden side canyons, camp beneath the stars, and helicopter out of the canyon.
- Begins: Las Vegas
- Best for: Extended Vacation
- Rapids: 60+ Class III-V
- Ages: 12+
Helicopter into the Lower Grand Canyon for three days of whitewater, hikes, and desert nights. Then continue downstream by jet boat to Pearce Ferry.
- Begins: Las Vegas
- Best for: Shorter trip
- Rapids: 16 Class II-III
- Ages: 9+
One night at Bar 10 Ranch with horseback riding and cowboy BBQ, then helicopter into the Lower Grand Canyon for three days of whitewater rafting and exploration.
- Begins: Las Vegas
- Best for: River + Ranch
- Rapids: 16 Class II-III
- Ages: 9+
Colorado River Rafting in Utah: Cataract Canyon and Moab
Near Moab, Utah, the Colorado River offers two very different rafting experiences. Float the gentler waters of Castle Valley beneath towering red cliffs, or journey through Canyonlands National Park into Cataract Canyon, where roughly 30 rapids include the famous Big Drops. At high water, these rapids can reach Class V. Both experiences begin in Moab, making it easy to add a river adventure to a Utah vacation.
Raft through Canyonlands National Park, run the legendary Big Drops, and camp beside the Colorado River beneath the stars. Return to Moab on a scenic flight.
- Begins: Moab, Utah
- Best for: Whitewater
- Rapids: 30+ Class III-V
- Ages: 12+ (10+ Jul–Sep)
Raft 95 miles of the Colorado River in two days. Run the legendary Big Drops and sleep beside the river in Canyonlands National Park before a shuttle back to Moab.
- Begins: Moab, Utah
- Best for: Quick Thrills
- Rapids: 30+ Class III-V
- Ages: 12+
Experience an overnight Colorado River rafting trip, a guided tour of Arches National Park, an off-road adventure on Hell's Revenge, and two nights at the Marriott.
- Begins: Moab, Utah
- Best For: Variety (3 trips)
- Rapids: 6 Class I-III
- Ages: 5+
THE BIG DROP RAPIDS
Three powerful rapids in succession, including Big Drop 3, deliver some of Cataract Canyon's biggest whitewater at high flows.
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Towering sandstone walls and layers of ancient rock frame the Colorado River as it winds through remote Canyonlands National Park.
ANCIENT PUEBLOAN ROCK ART
Pictographs and petroglyphs reveal traces of people who lived in this canyon country long before modern river travelers.
THE FISHER TOWERS
Massive red sandstone spires rise above Castle Valley, creating one of the most recognizable landscapes along the Colorado River.
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Explore more than 2,000 natural stone arches on a guided Arches National Park tour included in the Southwest Sampler.
THE CONFLUENCE
In Canyonlands National Park, the Green River joins the Colorado. Just downstream, the famous rapids of Cataract Canyon begin.
THE BIG DROP RAPIDS
Three powerful rapids in succession, including Big Drop 3, deliver some of Cataract Canyon's biggest whitewater at high flows.
CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Towering sandstone walls and layers of ancient rock frame the Colorado River as it winds through remote Canyonlands National Park.
Which Colorado River Trip Is Right for You?
For a gentle introduction to river adventure
The Southwest Sampler combines a scenic overnight float through Moab's red-rock canyon country with other guided adventures. A wonderful way for families and first-time rafters to enjoy the river without major whitewater. Minimum age is 5.
For exciting whitewater in Canyonlands National Park
Cataract Canyon combines the dramatic scenery of Canyonlands with some of the Colorado River's most powerful rapids when water levels are high. Choose a 4-Day expedition with riverside camping or a faster-paced 2-Day Express trip. Minimum age is 10-12 for the 4-Day trip and 12 for the 2-Day Express, subject to water levels.
For a shorter Grand Canyon rafting experience
The 3-Day and 4-Day Grand Canyon trips explore the Lower Grand Canyon, with a helicopter flight into the canyon, exciting whitewater, and a jet-boat return. The 4-Day option also includes time at Bar 10 Ranch. Both offer a remarkable Grand Canyon experience with fewer days away. Minimum age is 9.
For more days exploring the Grand Canyon
The 6-Day and 7-Day Grand Canyon trips travel 188 river miles through the Upper Grand Canyon, with major rapids, side canyon hikes, and nights camping beside the river. Both follow the same river route, with different travel and meeting schedules. Minimum age is 12.
The Colorado River: A River That Shaped the West
At 1,450 miles, the Colorado River carries Rocky Mountain snowmelt across the Colorado Plateau and through some of the most remarkable canyon country in North America. Near Moab, it passes beneath the red walls of Castle Valley before entering Canyonlands National Park. After joining the Green River, it gathers force through Cataract Canyon, continues into Lake Powell, and eventually carves through the Grand Canyon.
That geography creates two distinctly different rafting experiences. In Utah, the river moves from open red-rock country into the concentrated whitewater of Cataract Canyon. Farther downstream, the Grand Canyon surrounds rafters with immense walls, ancient rock and days of wilderness accessible only from the river. Explore the full map to see how the sections connect and where each Western River trip begins and ends.
What's Included on Every Colorado River Trip
Every Western River Expeditions Colorado River trip is fully all-inclusive. That means no wallet on the river.
Not included: Alcoholic beverages, personal gear and toiletries, gratuity. A detailed packing list is provided after booking.
MEALS
Three meals a day, prepared fresh by your guides on the riverbank. Vegetarian and gluten-free accommodated with advance notice.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Cots, sleeping bags, tents, and camp chairs — all provided and transported by your guides. No camping experience required.
TRANSPORTATION
Round-trip ground or air transportation included. Grand Canyon trips include Vegas shuttles; Cataract Canyon includes a scenic flight back to Moab.
EXPERT GUIDES
Swift water rescue certified, CPR/First Aid trained, state licensed. Approximately 300 hours of training per guide before their first trip.
What Guests Say About Rafting the Colorado River
"Trip of a Lifetime with the Best Guides"
★★★★★
Our rafting trip down the Grand Canyon with Western River Expeditions was truly the adventure of a lifetime! The scenery was absolutely spectacular — from towering red rock walls to hidden waterfalls and brilliant starry skies.
mikkel W. - TripAdvisor
"Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition"
★★★★★
The scenery on this trip is magnificent. Sheer canyon walls are constantly changing. We visited historical Puebloan sites, hiked a scenic slot canyon, and slept under the open, star-filled sky. This trip was worth every penny.
Matt M. - TripAdvisor
"Two 70-Year-Olds on the Colorado River"
★★★★★
We are so happy and proud to have gone on the 4-day trip rafting down the Colorado River. Beautiful, fun and exciting. Your employees were amazing and made the trip very manageable. Our expectations were exceeded and we loved our guides!!
Lee Ann B. - TripAdvisor
★★★★★
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Why Choose Western River for Your Adventure
World-Class Expert Guides
Your guides are the heart of your adventure. With the most cumulative experience of any outfitter on the Colorado, your guides will ensure an unforgettable experience.
Worry-Free, ALL-INCLUSIVE Comfort
Our all-inclusive rafting expeditions provide the highest quality equipment, freshly-prepared river-side meals, and helicopter transfers out of the canyon vs. hiking out.
Patented J-Rig Advantage
Western's patented J-Rig rafts with unparalleled comfort and stability. These are part of any Grand Canyon trip, and in Cataract Canyon during high water flows of the early season.
Adventure with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different difficulty levels of Colorado River rafting?
The Colorado River offers a wider difficulty range than almost any river in the country, depending on which section you run. The Moab area (Southwest Sampler) offers Class I–II water. Cataract Canyon runs Class III–IV at normal water levels and can reach Class V at high spring flows. The Grand Canyon is a Class II–V river, with Lava Falls (Class V) as its signature challenge. Most guests on any of our trips have little or no prior rafting experience — your guides brief before every major rapid.
What are the best locations for Colorado River rafting?
Western River Expeditions runs two sections. Cataract Canyon in Utah (departing Moab) covers 95 miles through Canyonlands National Park — remote, geologically stunning, and surprisingly intense. The Grand Canyon in Arizona (departing Las Vegas) covers all 280 miles through the most famous river canyon on Earth. Both are exceptional; the choice comes down to trip length, intensity preference, and whether you want to be deep inside the Grand Canyon or immersed in the red rock desert of the Colorado Plateau.
What is the duration of Colorado River rafting trips?
We offer Colorado River trips from 2 to 7 days. The Cataract Canyon 2-Day is the shortest — one night camping, one morning and whitewater. Our Grand Canyon 6 or 7-Day trip is the longest — 188 miles, 6 nights camping, the full upper canyon. And the mid-length trips: the 3-Day Grand Canyon trip, the 4-Day Grand Canyon River & Ranch, and the Cataract Canyon 4-Day Classic.
Do I need to arrange permits for a Colorado River rafting trip?
No. Western River Expeditions handles all river permits as an authorized National Park Service concessioner for Grand Canyon National Park and a permitted outfitter in Utah.
Grand Canyon launches are permit-controlled by the NPS — private permits have a multi-year lottery wait. Our concessioner status means you can book a Grand Canyon trip without waiting years for a private permit. All park entry fees and launch permits are included in your trip price.
What should first-timers know about Colorado River rafting?
The most common thing first-timers discover is that it's far more accessible than they expected. Our guests range from age 5 to well into their 70s depending on fitness. You don't need to be a strong swimmer — life jackets are worn at all times in rapids, and guides are swift-water rescue certified. You don't need camping experience — all camping gear is provided. As one guest put it: "We are not campers. We are not young! But we will cherish the memory of this trip forever."
Is Colorado River rafting good for families?
Yes and it's one of the most requested family trip categories we get. The Southwest Sampler (age 5+) is the gentlest starting point. Desolation Canyon on the Green River (age 5+) is another excellent family option. For families with children 9 and up, the 3-Day or 4-Day Grand Canyon trips work well. The Cataract Canyon 4-Day is appropriate for children 10–12+ depending on season. Call (801) 459-3525 — our trip specialists can match your family's ages and comfort level to the right trip.
What is the best time of year to raft the Colorado River?
Colorado River rafting trips run from April through October.
- Grand Canyon trips operate April through September.
- Cataract Canyon runs May through September; spring trips (May–June) catch snowmelt-driven high water and the most intense Class IV–V rapids, while summer trips run at lower, more moderate levels — better for families with younger children. Most guests find June through August the most comfortable window across all trips.
- Day trips in Moab, Utah finish out the season, running through October.
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