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Experience Cataract Canyon in Moab, Utah - Book Your Water-Based, Adventure, and Outdoor Events

Embark on a thrilling 120-mile expedition through Cataract Canyon inside Canyonlands National Park, where you’ll float past the dramatic confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers and tackle some of the wildest whitewater in the country; in May, June, and early July the spring run-off turns the canyon’s river into raging torrents, while July through October offers lower flows, warm water, and pristine sandbars for relaxing beach stops. Whether you choose a 3-, 4-, or 5-day adventure, each trip travels the heart of Canyonlands National Park via the Colorado River, delivering challenging rapids in the canyon and unforgettable memories on shore, and you’ll have the option to experience the route on our motorized J‑Rig or an 18-foot oar raft for a uniquely rugged, Water-Based journey through Cataract Canyon.

About this activity in Moab

Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. no refund is available for cancellations.

Highlights

  • Float 120 miles through dramatic Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park, experiencing some of the Southwest’s most thrilling whitewater on the Colorado River.
  • Choose a 3-, 4- or 5-day adventure that navigates past the Green and Colorado rivers’ confluence and delivers unforgettable scenery and remote river camping.
  • Run challenging rapids in spring run-off (May–early July) or enjoy warm water, expansive sandbars and calmer paddling from July to October.
  • Travel aboard a motorized J‑Rig or a traditional 18-foot oar raft, both guided by experienced river crews who know the canyon and river conditions.

Important Information

  • This multi-day Cataract Canyon trip departs from the Moab region and takes you deep into Canyonlands via the Colorado River-expect full-day river travel, camps, and included meals per itinerary.
  • You must be in moderate physical condition; the trip is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, or anyone with serious cardiovascular issues.
  • Meals, snacks, professional guides, national park fees and taxes are included; alcoholic drinks, gratuities and return transportation are not included and may incur extra charges.
  • The expedition operates in varying conditions-spring brings high water and intense rapids, while late summer provides calmer flows and extensive sandbars; dress and pack accordingly and advise dietary needs at booking.

Meeting Point

You will meet at the river launch site; exact meeting location, time and pre-trip instructions will be provided after booking. The launch is accessed from the Moab area with public transportation options nearby, and detailed directions and any shuttle information will be sent to you before departure.

Includes

  • Professional guide included - benefit from expert local knowledge of Moab, Utah and nearby national parks for a safer, more informative experience
  • National park fees covered so you can focus on exploring the area’s red-rock landscapes without extra entry worries
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges are included for transparent pricing when booking activities in the region
  • Light snacks provided on the itinerary to keep you fueled during hikes, tours and outdoor adventures
  • Meals included as specified in the itinerary (b = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner) to simplify your planning in this destination
  • Non-alcoholic beverages provided during activities to help you stay hydrated in the desert climate

Excludes

  • Alcoholic drinks are not included; alcoholic beverages are available to purchase if you wish to enjoy a drink after activities
  • Gratuities are not included - tipping guides and staff is customary if you appreciate the service provided
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your arrival and departure logistics in Moab accordingly
  • Return transportation is not included and may incur extra charges if you require a transfer back after your activity

Other

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries - consider your personal health needs before booking activities in the region
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health due to the physical demands of many outdoor experiences here
  • Public transportation options are available nearby; check local transit choices if you prefer to travel without a car
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap during activities where seating is limited or safety restraints are shared
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy hikes, tours and adventure activities in the area
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times for safety on family-friendly excursions around Moab
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking so meals can be planned accordingly
  • A vegetarian option is available - notify us at booking if you require the vegetarian meal choice
  • Activities operate in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for the desert climate and variable conditions on the trail

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 3 Reviews
simanbekov
• Jun 25, 2018 03:36:50 AM
Summary: We did the Cataract Canyon Express (2 days) with my 11-year-old daughter. This is our 4th trip with Adrift Adventures (Fisher Towers, Westerwater Canyon twice, and this trip), and we keep coming back. Each and every time, the service has been exceptional. Owner Mike has personally called us to make sure they fit us in, the process is always smooth, our guides have been fun and knowledgeable and totally professional. These guys have incredible training in rapid navigation. I have always felt safe taking my daughter on these trips. And they're helpful in any way they can be: we needed a hat and they had an extra, water bottles, they helped me set up the tent, food is always prepared in a sanitary way. Bring your GoPro or waterproof camera and upgrade to the scenic flight above Canyonlands. Special shout-out to guides Charlie, Rizzie, and Cam for their expertise on this adventure!
Prashanth P
• Jun 3, 2018 07:17:23 PM
Summary: We did the 2 day Cataract Canyon raft for my bachelor party weekend and it was nothing short of amazing. Everything was coordinated well with the drop off and pick up. We aren't outdoorsy people and we felt safe the entire time. Our group can't stop talking about the thrills going down the Big Drops and camping in the canyon under the stars. Added bonus was taking the single prop plane back over the canyon to finish off the trip. Cam was our guide and was super knowledgeable throughout the trip. He worked hard to make sure we were happy and satisfied. Also, his cooking beat the local restaurants in Moab- no joke. Would highly recommend this trip and company.
Caronae H
• Apr 20, 2018 02:39:01 PM
Summary: Had an amazing time with Cam, Geddy, Charlie, and Rizzi paddling through Cataract Canyon as part of a wilderness medicine trip. These guys were truly awesome. They were very understanding of our schedule and worked well with so many different personalities (there were 19 of us). They're excellent chefs and really know the local history, geography, geology, and culture. They found incredible spots to put the groover. They were happy, enthusiastic, and calm throughout our five day trip. We could not possibly have had better guides. I would definitely do an adrift trip again.

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Know more about Moab

You’ll experience some of the wildest, most exciting whitewater in the country as you float the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon. Spring run-off in May, June and early July fills the canyon with raging torrents for intense rapids, while July to October brings lower water but still challenging rapids, warm water and pristine sandbars for a varied river adventure.
You’ll travel either on a motorized J-Rig or on one of the 18-foot oar rafts, both designed to navigate the challenging rapids of Cataract Canyon and provide an immersive Colorado River experience through Canyonlands National Park.
To catch the spring run-off and the most powerful rapids in Cataract Canyon, plan your trip for May, June or early July when the Colorado River through Canyonlands swells with raging torrents. If you prefer lower water with warm swimming and sandbars, choose July through October.
Each option takes you through the heart of Canyonlands via the Colorado River, so your choice depends on how much time you want on the river and exploring sandbars and side canyons. A 3-day trip gives a compact wild-rapids experience, while 4- and 5-day itineraries let you extend time on the river and enjoy more days of multi-day camping and sightseeing.
Families can enjoy dramatic river scenery and sandbar stops in Canyonlands, but you should note that children must be accompanied by an adult and infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. The river’s character changes seasonally, offering high-adrenaline spring rapids and calmer late-summer water for family-friendly beach time.
Your expedition includes a professional guide, meals as per the itinerary, snacks, beverages and national park fees. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, and note the trip is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.