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CATARACT CANYON, UTAH
Cataract Canyon Classic: 4-Day Rafting Trip
★★★★★ 4.9 OUT OF 2841 REVIEWS
Cataract Canyon is an incredible trip. You get an opportunity to see Canyonlands National Park from the river. The rapids are big, you know, the rapids are exhilarating, and it can't be compared to anything in the West, I think. It's it's this hidden gem. The best word to describe it, I feel like, is majestic. The deeper you go into the canyon, the more magical it gets. This canyon offers a snapshot into history and geology and time, and being able to see it is just a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's exciting, it's relaxing, it's just really like a breath of fresh air to come through the canyon with us.
Experience Cataract Canyon’s big whitewater, canyon hikes, and three nights under the stars on an unforgettable journey through Canyonlands National Park, even if you’ve never rafted or camped before.
Trip Details
DEPOSIT
$300 per person
DURATION
4 Days, 3 Nights
BEGINS & ENDS
Moab, Utah
TIME OF YEAR
May – September
GROUP SIZE
Up to 30 Guests
MINIMUM AGE
Ages 12+ (10+ Jul-Sep)
Highlights
- Raft the Colorado River through the heart of Canyonlands National Park.
- Run approximately 30 rapids, including the Big Drops, with whitewater intensity varying by season and water level.
- Join guided hikes to ancestral Puebloan sites and pictographs tucked into the canyon landscape
- Camp on riverside beaches beneath some of the darkest, most star-filled skies in the American West.
- Enjoy freshly prepared riverside meals, including grilled entrées and Dutch oven specialties.
- Experience a scenic return flight over Canyonlands, capping the journey perfectly.
What’s Included
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Expert Guides
Highly trained, professional guides who navigate legendary rapids, lead daily hikes, prepare exceptional meals, and handle every detail from sunrise to starlight.
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Riverside Cuisine
Freshly prepared breakfasts, riverside lunches, dinners, snacks, water, and lemonade. Contact us before booking to discuss dietary needs.
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All Camping Equipment
Quality cots, sleeping bags, tents, camp chairs, waterproof dry bags, and everything needed for comfortable backcountry nights on the river.
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Canyonlands National Park Pass
Your Canyonlands National Park entry fee is included, no separate permit to purchase or arrange.
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Ground Transfer to the River
Transportation from the designated Moab meeting point to the river on the first morning of the trip.
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Scenic Return Flight + Shuttle to Moab
A scenic flight over Canyonlands National Park to the Moab airport, followed by a shuttle back to the designated Moab drop-off location.
What’s Not Included
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Pre/Post-Trip Travel
Airfare or transportation to Moab, Utah is arranged independently.
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Adult Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are not included. Pick up desired beverages prior to the trip.
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Personal Essentials
Toiletries, medications, and personal items for your duffle bag.
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Guide Gratuities
Gratuities for your professional river guides are discretionary and always appreciated.
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Hotel Reservations
Pre- and post-trip lodging in Moab is not included. Western offers recommended hotel blocks to simplify your planning.
Download Your Cataract Canyon Classic Expedition Guide
Get river maps, itineraries, camping details, weather insights, packing lists, and more, all in one place. Review the details with confidence and easily share it with your group.
Limited Availability:
This Cataract Canyon expedition operates within Canyonlands National Park on a limited number of permit dates each season and is capped at just 30 guests per departure. Many guests reserve a year or more in advance to secure their preferred dates. If this journey is on your list, or you're considering reserving an entire departure for your private group, early planning ensures the best availability.
Explore Cataract
Canyon in
360°
Four Days Through Canyonlands National Park and Cataract Canyon
Over 4 days, you don’t just see Canyonlands. You raft it, hike it, and soar over it. Follow the Colorado River between towering sandstone walls, with stops for guided hikes to ancestral Puebloan sites and pictographs that few visitors reach. Below the Confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers, the canyon tightens, and Cataract Canyon delivers its thrills: approximately 30 rapids, including North Seas, Satan’s Gut, and the Big Drop series. Whitewater ranges from Class III–V depending on water levels.
WHITEWATER RAPIDS
Run approximately 30 rapids, including the Big Drops. Water levels shape the experience, with spring runoff typically bringing the biggest whitewater.
SEAMLESS LOGISTICS
Ground transfer from Moab to the put-in, a scenic return flight over Canyonlands National Park, and a shuttle back to town, so you can relax and enjoy the trip.
EXPERT RIVER GUIDES
Experienced guides navigate the whitewater, share canyon history and geology, lead hikes, and prepare fresh meals on the riverbank.
IMMERSIVE EXPEDITION
Class III–V rapids, ancient ruins accessible only by river, pristine dark-sky camps, and a scenic return flight over Canyonlands National Park.
CANYON ACCESS
Explore side canyons and hike to ancestral Puebloan sites and pictographs with guides who help you understand the landscape and its history.
RIVERSIDE COMFORT
Quality gear, riverside beach camps, Dutch oven dinners, and guide-prepared breakfasts as Canyonlands' canyon walls glow at dawn and dusk.
Cataract Canyon 4-Day Itinerary
Travel 95 miles down the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park, from calm water between towering canyon walls to Cataract Canyon’s whitewater below the Confluence. Along the way, join guided hikes to ancestral Puebloan sites and side canyons, with three nights camping beside the river.
Cataract’s thrills are balanced by quiet moments: sipping morning coffee with your toes in the cool sand over warm blueberry pancakes, relaxing at the river’s edge after a delicious dinner while the first stars come out overhead, and gazing out the airplane window as you soar over Canyonlands National Park on your way back to Moab.
The itinerary below shows a typical trip. Water levels, weather, camp availability, and guide decisions may shift the timing of hikes, rapids, and overnight stops.
DAY 1
Into Canyon Country
After meeting your guides in Moab and loading the rafts at the put-in, you launch onto the Colorado River as Canyonlands' sandstone walls rise around you. The first day moves through calm upper canyon waters; time to settle in, learn the river rhythm, and get acquainted with your group. Settle into your first riverside camp, enjoy dinner, and watch the stars appear above the canyon.
DAY 2
The Confluence
Continue through Canyonlands, with opportunities for guided hikes to ancestral Puebloan sites, pictographs, and side canyons along the route. At the Confluence, the Green River joins the Colorado, adding its flow before the whitewater downstream. Another riverside camp brings dinner and an evening beneath the canyon sky.
DAY 3
Big Drop Thrills
The canyon tightens, and the Colorado drops into Cataract's core. Today you run 30 Class III–V rapids in rapid succession, including the legendary Big Drop series, among the most powerful whitewater in North America. Your guides explain what to expect and give instructions for riding the rapids.
DAY 4
The Flight Out
A final morning on the river as the canyon begins to open. Then your take-out awaits, and with it, something few river trips offer: a scenic flight back to Moab over the canyon you just lived inside. From above, nearly 100 miles of red rock, river, and sky unfold in minutes. The trip ends back in Moab with a story worth telling.
Your Cataract Canyon Raft
Western River Expeditions selects rafts based on river conditions. At higher water levels, motorized J-Rigs carry guests through Cataract Canyon’s big waves. At lower water levels, oar boats and paddle boats navigate the rapids. Guides row the oar boats, while paddle-boat guests paddle together under a guide’s direction.
Cataract Canyon 4-Day Reviews
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Reserve the River for Your Private Group
Select departures may be reserved exclusively for your family, friends, or organization. Invite up to 30 people to join you on the river, while our experienced crew handles every detail.
Questions? Call (801) 459-3525
and talk to someone who has been there.
Planning Your Travel
Know Before You Go
These insights from the Western River team are candid considerations for this trip. We believe in being transparent so you can choose the best trip for you and your loved ones.
Physical Readiness & Participation
WATCH VIDEONo previous rafting or camping experience is required, but this is an active wilderness trip. You’ll need to get on and off the raft, sit aboard for several hours, walk on uneven and sandy ground, and manage your personal gear at camp. Side hikes may involve rocky terrain and changes in elevation. Contact us before booking if you have physical limitations or questions about participation.
Swimming and Life Jackets
Guests wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets while on the river. You should be able to move your arms and legs to help propel yourself in the water and follow your guides’ instructions. If you’re unsure whether your swimming ability meets the trip’s requirements, contact us before booking.
Living at the Bottom of Cataract Canyon
You’ll spend three nights camping beside the Colorado River. Western provides cots, sleeping bags, tents, and camp chairs. Guides explain camp routines, prepare meals, and set up the camp kitchen and toilet facilities. Guests set up their own sleeping areas and pack their personal gear each morning.
There are no flush toilets, showers, or reliable cell service. A portable toilet is set up in a private location at each camp. Expect sand, outdoor living, and changing temperatures throughout the trip.
Heat, Water, and Weather
Summer days can be hot, and shade is limited on the raft and at some camps. Sun protection, drinking water regularly, and preparing for changing weather are part of river travel. Earlier departures generally bring cooler air temperatures, while summer trips can encounter spectacular afternoon thunderstorms. Follow the packing list for your departure and review our Cataract Canyon weather information.
Rapids & River Travel
Cataract Canyon holds approximately 30 Class III–V rapids concentrated in the lower canyon on Day 3. The Big Drop series ranks among North America's most powerful whitewater, and the intensity of the rapids varies with water levels.
The Group Experience
Each departure carries up to 30 guests across multiple rafts. Guests share camp logistics, meals, and evenings together, and it is completely normal to arrive not knowing anyone and leave with lifelong friends. The trip creates a natural sense of shared experience that tends to bond groups quickly. Solo travelers are welcome and find the structure well-suited to meeting others.
Meeting in Moab, Utah
Your 4-Day Cataract Canyon Classic trip begins and ends in Moab, Utah. Plan to arrive the day before departure. We arrange transportation from the designated meeting point to the river, your scenic return flight, and the shuttle back from the Moab airport.
The Moab Meeting Location
Your expedition meets at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Moab, 1865 N. Hwy 191, Moab, UT. The hotel sits 2.5 miles from downtown Moab and just 5 miles from Arches National Park, making it an ideal base for the night before your trip. Western River has secured a block of rooms at special rates for guests; discounted rates are available up to 45 days prior to departure. Plan to arrive the evening before Day 1 and build in extra time around the trip. Arches National Park, world-class mountain biking, and off-road tours are all within minutes.
Western River's Moab Adventure Center at 225 South Main Street carries sunscreen, hats, clothing, and other river essentials if anything is missing from your pack.
Getting From Moab to the River
On the morning of Day 1, check out of the hotel and meet in the lobby of SpringHill Suites, dressed and ready to raft. Boarding begins at 7:15 AM, and the bus departs at 7:30 AM (check your confirmation for the exact departure time for your specific trip). A scenic 30-minute drive takes you to the Potash Boat Ramp on the Colorado River, where your trip begins.
How to Dress for Your Departure
Dress for the river from the start: quick-dry clothing, water shoes or sandals with a heel strap, a wide-brim hat, and sun protection. You'll load gear and launch shortly after you arrive at the put-in. A full packing list is included in your Expedition Guide.
Returning to Moab
The trip concludes with a spectacular 1-hour scenic return flight over Canyonlands National Park aboard a Cessna 5–7 seat or Kodiak 9-seat aircraft, arriving back at the Moab airport by approximately 3:00 PM. Western's shuttle then transports guests to the hotel or a central drop point.
Packing for Your Trip
Packing for your Cataract Canyon rafting trip is straightforward. Follow our packing list and bring your clothing and personal items in a soft-sided duffel bag. We provide the river and camping equipment.
CATARACT CANYON CLASSIC
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know the Cataract Classic trip is right for me?
Choose the Cataract Classic trip if you want four days of rafting, hiking, and camping through Canyonlands National Park, with time for both whitewater and quieter moments beside the river. No previous rafting or camping experience is required.
How physically demanding is this trip?
You’ll need to get on and off the raft, sit aboard for several hours, walk on uneven and sandy ground, and manage your personal gear at camp. Side hikes can involve rocky terrain and elevation changes. Review “Know Before You Go” for physical and swimming requirements, and contact us before booking if you have questions about your ability to participate.
How intense are the rapids on the cataract canyon classic?
Cataract Canyon includes approximately 30 rapids, with whitewater ranging from Class III–V depending on water levels. Spring runoff typically brings the biggest waves. Lower flows create different challenges and may involve different rafts. Guides explain what to expect and give instructions before the major rapids.
How much time do we spend on the raft each day?
Expect several hours aboard each day, with time ashore for meals, hikes, and camp. Daily river time varies with water levels, travel pace, and planned stops. The Classic’s four-day schedule allows more time for exploring along the route than the two-day Express trip.
What is a typical day on the cataract canyon classic like?
Start with breakfast beside the river, pack your sleeping gear, and continue downstream. Depending on your location, the day may include calm-water travel, guided hikes, or whitewater. At camp, settle into your sleeping area while guides prepare dinner, then spend the evening visiting, relaxing, or watching the stars.
What is camping like on this trip?
You’ll spend three nights at riverside camps with cots, sleeping bags, tents, and camp chairs provided. Many guests choose to sleep under the stars. Guides explain camp routines and set up the kitchen and a portable toilet in a private location. You set up your sleeping area and pack your personal gear each morning. There are no showers or flush toilets.
How does the Cataract Canyon 4-day compare to the 2-Day Express Trip?
Both trips travel the same river route and run Cataract Canyon’s rapids. The Classic offers more time for hikes and riverside relaxation, three camping nights, and a scenic return flight to Moab. The Express travels at a faster pace, includes one camping night, and returns by ground shuttle. Choose based on your available time and how you want to experience the canyon.
Can we book this trip privately for our group?
Yes. Select departures can be reserved exclusively for your family, friends, or organization. You can book up to 30 people on a single departure, or pay for 30 seats and bring fewer people.
What happens in case of a medical situation on the river?
Guides carry emergency communication equipment and can coordinate outside assistance. Cataract Canyon is remote, and evacuation may take time depending on location, weather, and available resources. Discuss relevant medical conditions with Western River before booking so you understand the trip’s demands and limitations.
Have more questions? Contact us.
Cancellations
Flexible Options for Changing Plans
- You may cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund. Simply email your request within that timeframe.
- After the initial 24-hour window, all payments are non-refundable, including deposits ($300 per person due at booking) and final payments (due 120 days prior to departure).
- Full cancellation terms and conditions will be provided during the reservation process and will also be included in your confirmation.
Travel Protection
We strongly recommend considering
travel protection insurance to safeguard against unexpected interruptions such as illness, travel delays, or family emergencies.
Book With Confidence
Direct Booking Price Guarantee
When you book directly with Western River Expeditions, you receive our best available rate, with no third-party markups and no hidden fees.
Book Today Worry Free
After booking, you have a 24-hour grace period to review your reservation and confirm your plans with complete peace of mind.
Consistently Top Rated
Western River Expeditions has been voted a top river outfitter by USA Today, Newsweek, and National Geographic Adventurer, a distinction earned over more than 65 years guiding the rivers of the West.
Download your Cataract Canyon Classic Expedition Guide
Get river maps, itineraries, camping details, weather insights, packing lists, and more, all in one place. Review the details with confidence and easily share it with your group.
