Utah Cataract Canyon Colorado River Rafting Tour
Action-Packed Adventure from Moab to Canyonlands
- Available: May, June, July, August, September, October
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Camping
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Group Size:
7-20 Guests
MT Sobek is proud to be an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service and a permitted outfitter under the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. We always follow Leave No Trace principles and seek to drive awareness of fragile ecosystems to help support their long-term sustainability.
Highlights
- Float through the red-rock wonderland of Utah's Canyonlands National Park and enjoy an amazing scenic flight!
- Follow spectacular trails on remote hikes only accessible by river and marvel at ancient rock art
- Camp in comfort under starry skies in an internationally recognized Dark Sky Park
Itinerary
Meet in Moab and Raft the Colorado River
Day 1
Meet your Shuttle and Trip Leader in front of your hotel in Moab at 9:00am for a 30-minute drive to the Cataract Canyon put-in at Potash Boat Ramp. Meet your guides by the river and receive a safety briefing before the journey begins. Adjust to the pace of the warm Colorado River as you paddle past spectacular scenery. Stop to explore Native American ruins and learn about the flora and fauna of this fragile desert environment. Upon arrival at camp, join the guides in setting up tents and play fun river games like horseshoes and bocce ball. After dinner, watch the sunset to the chirp of the canyon wren.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Colorado River
Activity: 6 hours/22 miles rafting & optional 1 hour/0.5-mile hike
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Scenic Hike & Stand-up Paddle Board
Day 2
Start the day at a leisurely pace, enjoying the canyon's solitude. After a tasty brunch, if conditions allow, head out on the Loop Hike - a short, steep 1-mile trek (800 vertical feet) with majestic vistas. Meanwhile, the rafts continue downriver to prepare your post-hike lunch by the river. Float past the confluence of the Green River as it joins the Colorado River, an iconic spot where two great rivers meet. Follow tradition and go swimming here, before starting the journey into Cataract Canyon. This evening, camp on a sandy beach and let the guides surprise you with festivities.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Colorado River
Activity: 6 hours/20 miles rafting & optional 1.5 hours/1 mile canyon hike with 800' elevation gain & loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over 15 Rapids Today!
Day 3
If conditions allow, start with a sunrise hike to the Dollhouse in the heart of the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park - a 2,000-foot vertical trek to remember. By mid-morning, get some thrills in Cataract Canyon with over 15 rapids, including Brown Betty and Mile Long. Hear your laughter echoing off the canyon walls as you scout the rapids and feel the rush of the famous rapids. Make camp on a sandy beach this afternoon, in time to watch the sunset while chatting with new friends over appetizers and drinks. Make sure to gaze into the night sky, Canyonlands National Park is a Nationally Recognized Dark Sky Park. This is some of the most magical night sky in America!
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Colorado River
Activity: 6 hours/20 miles rafting Class II - III rapids (Class IV in May only)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tackle Cataract Canyon's Big Drop Rapids
Day 4
Rise to face some of the best rapids in the world known as The Big Drops with famous features like Satan's Gut and Little Niagara. They are sure to provide a serious adrenaline rush. Scouting the rapids is common, so the guides can assess the safest and best route down these memorable rapids. After an adventurous whitewater day, your last night on the river will be filled with campfires, laughter and a special feast for the whole group.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Colorado River
Activity: 6 hours/20 miles rafting Class II - III rapids (Class IV in May only)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft Closer to the Grand Canyon & Scenic Flight to Moab
Day 5
The last day on the river features only a half-day of rafting through one of the most spectacular canyon stretches as you approach Lake Powell, just upstream of the Grand Canyon. At the take-out, you will be given a freshly packed lunch and transferred to the Hite Airstrip, where a charter flight retraces your journey through Lake Powell, Canyonlands National Park, Meander Canyon, the Colorado River and finally back to the town of Moab. Have your camera ready the views are epic. Upon landing, a vehicle will be waiting to transport your group back to your starting hotel.
Activity: 4 hours/23 miles rafting
Transportation: 1-hour private flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a minimum age of 9.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $4,595 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $4,295 per person double occupancy
7 guests from $3,795 per person double occupancy
8 guests from $3,495 per person double occupancy
10 to 12 guests from $2,995 per person double occupancy
9 guests from $3,295 per person double occupancy
13 guests from $2,795 per person double occupancy
14 guests from $2,645 per person double occupancy
15 guests from $2,495 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
4 guests from $4,995 per person double occupancy
5 to 6 guests from $3,995 per person double occupancy
7 to 9 guests from $3,095 per person double occupancy
10 to 11 guests from $2,795 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
Additional Costs:
Park Fees: $24
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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May, June, July, August, September, October
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Kevin M.
Kevin —a.k.a. "Thirsty"—has been guiding since he was 17 years old and has been an integral part of MT Sobek's Arctic rivers program for decades. His laid-back manner puts everyone at ease, and he has a wealth of knowledge about Arctic rivers. Although he normally spends his winter months in Colorado's Telluride ski area, he has climbed Denali three times, reaching the summit in 2000. Thirsty is a legend in the MT Sobek circle and endears himself to travelers with his expertise, calm demeanor, and sense of humor.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. 5 Days river rafting up to 20 miles each day on Class I - IV rapids and shorter optional hikes up to 1 mile with 800' of ascent. The trip rating may increase to Level-4 in high water (June). Minimum age is 16 during high water.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
6 hours/20 miles rafting & optional 1.5 hours/1 mile canyon hike with 800' elevation gain & loss
Day 3
6 hours/20 miles rafting Class II - III rapids (Class IV in May only)
Day 4
6 hours/20 miles rafting Class II - III rapids (Class IV in May only)
Day 5
4 hours/23 miles rafting
Day 1
6 hours/22 miles rafting & optional 1 hour/0.5-mile hike
Accommodations
Four nights of riverside camps, with tents or sleeping under the stars.
MT Sobek Camp-Colorado River
Camping is "river style" and includes four nights on the banks of Utah's Green and Colorado Rivers, with full porterage and set up. Our dome-style tents are large enough to stand in, and include Therm-a-Rest pads and fresh sleeping bags. All camping spots are on beautiful beaches, relaxing and scenic every day.
Weather
Dry desert environment with spring/fall temps from 65°-85°F and 55°F at night. Summer temps from 85°-100°F and 65°F at night.
FAQs
What kind of boats and water crafts are with us on the river?
The boats and water craft used will depend on water levels and safety considerations. In high water, we will have a larger motorized raft accompany our standard oar boats. In medium to lower water, we use an oar raft and paddleboats. In low water, we bring inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for calm sections.
Are there mosquitos on the Colorado River?
The dry desert environment is not good for mosquitos. However, when the water levels drop, there are a moderate amount of mosquitos, so don't forget your repellent just in case.
Is there any special gear that is required for this trip?
Very little. Sun protection, bathing suit and comfortable river shoes are most of what you need, as we provide most of the specialty gear needed (2 dry bags for packing, a well-sized life jacket, and a paddle).
What are the sleeping accommodations like?
Under the desert starry skies, you'll get lost gazing as the roaring river lulls you to sleep. We provide a tent, sleeping bag and thick Paco pad.
How challenging are the rapids on this trip?
The peak runoff when the water levels are at their highest usually happens in June. Water levels reach their lowest during the beginning of May, August and September.
Can you accommodate specific dietary requests?
We are happy to adjust our menus and accommodate any needs that you may have. We freshly prepare everything alongside the river, so we will give guides all dietary requests in advance.
When should I arrive in Moab?
Please arrive in Moab, Utah by 4:00 p.m. the afternoon prior to Day 1 of the itinerary.We recommend booking your stay at the Hilton Hoodoo Hotel, Best Western Canyonlands or Gonzo Inn which are centrally located. Your guide will meet you this evening at one of the above hotels for your 6:00pm trip orientation.
Is there a possibility that this itinerary could change?
Yes. The itinerary may vary depending on river and weather conditions, and group abilities.
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Guest Reviews
"The Cataract Canyon rafting trip is an exciting experience for both young and old. We saw amazing natural sandstone structures, were thrilled by challenging white water, learned about ancient petroglyphs, had fun cooling off by floating in the river, and slept under the sparkling canopy of the Milky Way. It was a perfect summer adventure!"
Margaret C.
MT Sobek Guest, Utah Colorado River Cataract Canyon River Rafting
"The Cataract Canyon river trip was an amazing way to immerse yourself in the beautiful canyon, get off the grid and enjoy nature! There are incredible views everywhere you look. The river was low when we went, so the rapids were pretty tame, but the paddleboarding, swimming, and a few hikes kept us entertained. I recommend sleeping straight under the stars and falling asleep by counting satellites and shooting stars. The food is wonderful and plentiful, and you don't have to cook! Play some cornhole or horseshoes while the guides take care of it all. The guides helped us have a great time while making us feel super safe. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone who doesn't mind getting a little sandy and dusty and doesn't mind a river bath!"
Monica H.
MT Sobek Guest, Utah Colorado River Cataract Canyon River Rafting