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Cataract Canyon 7-Day Rafting Adventure

Moab, Utah

Starting From

$2,595/person

Book Now

Book this tour through our partner: MT Sobek

Carving a chasm through Canyonlands National Park, this extended river rafting trip gives time to discover and enjoy depths of the red-rock wonder of Cataract Canyon - the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Experience the canyon's splashy thrills on this classic six-day rafting adventure, kicking off in Moab — Utah's adventure hub. Enjoy adventurous canyon hiking to expansive vistas, waterfalls and slot canyons and paddling in over 96 miles in the canyon, tackle "the Big Drops" like Satan's Gut and Little Niagara Falls — famed as some of the world's best Class I to IV rapids. Pair exhilarating days on the river with alfresco feasts, fun games, camping beneath desert skies, and a scenic flight back to Moab.

Itinerary

Arrive in Moab

Arrive in Moab, Utah's lively adventure hub, and meet your MT Sobek representative at the hotel for an afternoon welcome orientation. Enjoy some free time to explore Moab on your own before re-grouping for dinner.

Raft the Colorado River

Rise for a 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.

Explore Colorado River Canyons & Try Paddle Boarding

Wake up to the delightful sounds of the river, with hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. After breakfast, pack up your bags and continue the journey downriver. Stop for hikes and explore the scenic sides and slots that finger out from the river's canyon. Spend the afternoon over fun water-based activities in the warm Colorado River. Try out stand-up paddle boarding or grab inflatable kayaks for a spot of paddling. This evening at the riverside campsite, count the stars on the bright desert sky up above.

Scenic Loop Hike & Swim at The Confluence

Start the day at a leisurely pace, enjoying the canyon's solitude. After a tasty brunch, 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 and the Colorado Rivers, 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.

Sunrise Trek to the Dollhouse & Cataract Canyon Rafting

Start with a sunrise hike to the Dollhouse in the heart of the Maze District of Canyonlands National Park — a 2,000-ft vertical trek to remember. By mid-morning, get some thrills in Cataract Canyon with rides 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 riding over. Make camp on a sandy beach this afternoon, in time to watch the sunset while chatting with new friends over appetizers and drinks, then let river sounds lull you to sleep.

Tackle Cataract Canyon’s Big Drop Rapids

Rise to face some of the best rapids in the world! Known as "the Big Drops," these classic rapids include Satin's Gut and Little Niagara Falls — and provide a serious adrenaline rush. Do a few hikes first to scout the rapids, so the guides can assess the safest and best ride down the white-water waves. On this last night on the river, wrap up the incredible adventure with a special feast for the whole crew.

Raft Closer to the Grand Canyon & Take a Scenic Flight to Moab

Awake for your last day on the river, which features only a half-day of rafting — about 15 miles on the river through one of the most spectacular canyon stretches. The towering walls rise higher as you get deeper and approach Lake Powell, just upstream of the Grand Canyon. At the take-out, have a light snack and transfer to the Hite Airstrip, where a charter flight whisks you up and over Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River. Upon landing, a vehicle is waiting to transport your group back to Moab.

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Starting From

$2,595/person

Book Now

Details

Duration

7 Days

Starts

Moab, Utah

Ends

Moab, Utah

Group Size

1-8

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