Cataract Canyon Rafting Trips

Cataract Canyon Rafting:  Where the Green River and Colorado River Join

Cataract Canyon is one of the most famous sections of the Colorado River.  It’s known for its exciting rapids, sandy beaches, and awe-inspiring scenery.  Cataract Canyon begins at the confluence of the Green River and the Colorado River in the heart of Canyonlands National Park. The river cuts through a deep canyon filled with striking rock formations and vast desert vistas. The rapids in this section are particularly thrilling during Spring run-off.  

Calm Water Section

During the first part of the trip, the river meanders through a relatively tranquil stretch of the canyon. The water flows smoothly, allowing rafters to get comfortable with the rhythm of the raft and settle into the experience. This calm section is perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of Canyonlands National Park, with towering red rock cliffs and expansive views. It is also a great time for guides to explain the area’s history, geology, and ecology, enriching the journey before the excitement of the rapids.  

Cataract Canyon and its Famous Whitewater

“Down we go among the rapids.  Huge rocks have fallen from the walls, great angular blocks scattered down the talus and stream along the channel.  The walls too are very craggy….The west wall is very bold and grand, near vertical.  The waters make roaring music at the foot of the cliffs, plunging over falls and whirling and foaming among the rocks.  The men work with a will that seems wonderful.  Here we have Cataracts.”  –John Wesley Powell

Below the  confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers the river begins to pick up speed and rafters can hear the roar of Brown Betty, the first rapid in Cataract Canyon.  Rafting through Cataract’s rapids is a heart pounding experience, especially in late May and early June when river flows tend to be highest.   For 20 miles the river gnaws its way through 30 rapids including the The North Seas, Capsize, Waterhole, Ben Hurt, and Gypsum.  With features named Little Niagara and Satan’s Gut, the Big Drops are the most challenging of all the the rapids in Cataract Canyon.  

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park covers a vast, undeveloped wilderness area in Southeastern Utah consisting of unique and colorful landscapes that inspire the imagination and encourage exploration. The Green and Colorado Rivers and their tributaries have cut through sedimentary rock formations to carve immense terraced canyons. The colors of the rocks cover almost every spectrum of an artist’s pallet, depending upon the time of day and the angle of the sunlight. The climate is “high desert,” hot during the day and cool at night. A rafting trip is the ultimate way to see and experience the wild heart of Canyonlands National Park which is located in southeastern Utah, in the heart of the Colorado Plateau. The park spans over 337,000 acres of desert landscape, known for its dramatic canyons, towering mesas, and rock formations sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion. Canyonlands is divided into four districts:

• Island in the Sky: The land that divides the Colorado River and Green River before their confluence, offers panoramic views of the park’s canyons and mesas.
• The Needles: Encompasses the Eastern Side of Canyonlands National Park.  Known for its colorful spires and rock formations.
• The Maze: A remote and rugged area on the West side of Canyonlands National Park, ideal for adventurers looking for solitude and exploration.  Many of its beautiful locations can be accessed by river.
• The Rivers: Where the Colorado River and Green River converge, including the famous Cataract Canyon.

The Colorado Plateau- A Landscape of Rock 

• Scenic Beauty: The canyons and mesas surrounding Cataract Canyon are truly one-of-a-kind, offering incredible views of natural rock formations, cliffs, and desert landscapes. The rugged beauty of Canyonlands will surround you as you navigate the river’s rapids, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Wildlife and Exploration: As you raft through Cataract Canyon, you may encounter a range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert eagles, and river otters. There are also ample opportunities for exploration off the river, with short hikes to overlooks and hidden canyons.
• Rapids and Adventure: The Colorado River in Cataract Canyon offers some of the most exciting whitewater in the region.   But there are also calmer stretches where you can relax and take in the scenery.

Stunning Night Skies

Canyonlands is a designated International Dark Sky Park, which means it offers some of the best stargazing conditions in the United States. With its remote location and minimal light pollution, the night sky is unbelievably clear. On a moonless night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way stretching across the sky, and even distant galaxies. The vastness of the desert landscape and the dark, open sky creates a profound sense of awe, making stargazing an unforgettable experience.

A Long History of Human Connection to the Land

Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, is a region rich in both cultural and natural history. The area has been inhabited by various Native American groups for thousands of years.  The traditions and ways of life have evolved as different cultures interacted with each other and the land. People traveled, migrated, and shared stories, passing down important knowledge. Today, Canyonlands remains a vibrant cultural landscape, with many people continuing to consider it their home.   The Canyonlands area is home to several distinct archaeological and cultural sites that are significant to the Native peoples who once lived there.

Don’t Miss Out!  Experience Cataract Canyon Rafting This Year

In summary, Canyonlands National Park is the expansive, wild landscape that holds the majestic Cataract Canyon, a thrilling section of the Colorado River famous for its big rapids, stunning views, and unforgettable adventures. As you prepare for your rafting trip, you’ll be immersing yourself in one of the most beautiful and wild places in the American.