Colorado River (Cataract Canyon), Utah

Colorado River (Cataract Canyon), Utah at a Glance
Price	What's this?
Class of Rapids	III-V
Trip Miles	96 miles or less
Trip Duration	3 to 6 days
Season	April-October
Raft Type	Paddle Raft, Oar Raft
River Sections	Cataract Canyon
Nearby Towns	Moab (UT)
Driving Times	Grand Junction (CO): 2 hours; Salt Lake City (UT): 4 hours
Recommended For	Expert, Multi Day Trip, Wilderness

The Colorado River cuts an impressive course through Cataract Canyon in Utah, mixing exciting big water experience with an unforgettable wilderness adventure. (© Holiday Expeditions/Seth Hughes)

Utah's southeastern corner pinpoints the convergence of the Colorado and Green Rivers, the two architects of the region's staggering landscape. Both rivers flaunt unparalleled views of their geological handiwork—canyons and massive rock formations, drenched in deep yellows and reds, pierce the royal blue sky and dwarf the paddlers below. Along the flanking canyon walls, cliff dwellings and Anasazi petroglyphs offer evidence of the area's early human habitation.

As the waters of the two rivers unite, the less boisterous Green defers to its more adventurous twin, the Colorado. With as many as 67 Class IV+ rapids, even seasoned river rats will experience their share of paddle-pounding thrills along the Colorado. Several miles downriver from the junction of the two rivers, 12-mile-long Cataract Canyon—with some of the fiercest rapids in the West—awaits those with courage, a paddle, and a permit. Indeed, in the spring, the rapids in Cataract Canyon are bigger than those of the Grand Canyon. Those thirsting for less-extreme whitewater will still find plenty of more moderate challenges on the Colorado; the town of Potash, 49 miles north of the confluence, provides access to the river's calmer stretches as it threads alongside the dramatic landscape of Canyonlands National Park.

Paddling expeditions are launched at various points along both rivers, depending on skill level and desired length of adventure. Multi-day outings on both the Colorado and Green let you camp on sandy beachheads by night and explore hiking trails within side canyons by day. The Colorado, in keeping with its adventurous spirit, offers big whitewater and easy access to hiking, biking, and rock climbing in Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab. Most multiday trips will put in on a calmer stretch of the Colorado downstream from Moab, where you’ll have time to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and historic traces of Anasazi Indian culture before powering through the river’s 26 major Class IV-V rapids. Things end a little more benignly when the river flows into Lake Powell above Glen Canyon Dam.

Tour Operator Trips on the Colorado River (Cataract Canyon), Utah

Price		Tour Operator
$1125 5 days	The Sights of Cataract Canyon Rafting, Camping in Utah Deep within the boundaries of Canyonlands National Park, Cataract Canyon is a perfect balance between serene...	Sheri Griffith Expeditions
$645 2 days	Cataract Canyon & Canyonlands Express - 2 Day Rafting Trip Rafting, in Utah Embark on an unforgettable Colorado River rafting adventure. New technology and comfortable rafts now allow us...	Western River Expeditions
$1355 7 days	White Rim Trail / Cataract Canyon Bike & Raft Mountain, Biking in Utah The ride that has become the standard against which all other mountain bike rides are judged - The White...	Holiday Expeditions
$965 5 - 6 days	Colorado River Rafting through Cataract Canyon Rafting, in Utah This legendary gorge named Cataract Canyon is buried deep in the heart of Utah's Canyonlands National Park....	Holiday Expeditions
$995 4 days	Colorado River & Canyonlands - Cataract Canyon Rafting, in Utah Where the Colorado River and Green River meet in a majestic setting called "The Confluence," Cataract Canyon...	Western River Expeditions
$1620 6 days	Cataract Canyon & Sorrel River Ranch Horseback, Riding in Utah No postcard can possibly portray the splendor of wondrous Castle Valley where Sorrel River Ranch provides...	Western River Expeditions
$225 2 days	Colorado River - 2 Day Raft & Camp Adventure Rafting in Utah After a beautiful bus ride through the river corridor, you'll arrive at Dewey Bridge, a historical start point...	Moab Adventure Center
$349 1 day	Cataract Canyon 1 Day Adventure: The Colorado River & Canyonlands National Park Rafting, in Utah Experience an unforgettable river adventure. Normally this trip is 4-5 days long, but new technology and...	Moab Adventure Center
$2297 6 days	Cataract Canyon & Red Cliffs Ranch - Raft & Ranch Adventure Horseback, Riding in Utah Combining one of the West's most glorious guest ranches, Red Cliffs Lodge, and rafting Cataract Canyon, a...	O.A.R.S

* Trip price reflects the average cost per day for a guided rafting adventure on a given river (

= $50-$100/day;

= $100-$250/day;

= $250 or more/day) and accounts for half-day, full-day, or multiday rafting excursions. Lodging, dining, and transportation costs (airfare, car rental/shuttle, equipment rentals, etc.) have not been factored into account. Please note that the trip price classification is intended to be an approximate guideline, as the range of prices on a given river can vary based on amenities, services, and customized add-ons offered through individual outfitters.