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Trips

Cataract Canyon

The Cataract Canyon Experience

5 Day: Cataract Canyon

Dates & Rates

2024 Dates
  • April 9, 16, 23
  • May  14, 21, 28
  • June  4, 11, 18, 25
  • July   2, 9, 16, 23, 30
  • August 6, 13, 20, 27
  • September 3, 10, 17, 24
  • October *Call for Availability*
2024 Trip Rates

Adult………………..$1,799

 

Youth………………..$1,699

 

Includes scenic Canyonlands flight!

What This Rate Includes
More Information
    • Trip Deposit: $300 per person deposit required upon reservation. Full balance due 45 days prior to departure.
    • Trip Cancellation Insurance
    • Minimum Age: 12 years old
What Is Not Included in Trip Fares
    • Guide Gratuities by no means required but always appreciated by our guides. We recommend 10-20% of the cost of the river portion of the trip.
    • Transportation to Moab Utah.
    • Lodging and meals prior to or following your expedition (except where noted.) Click to see list of quality places to stay in Moab Utah.
    • Government user fees and taxes (about 9% of trip cost.)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting The Adventure

This morning you will be transported from the Sheri Griffith Expeditions office to the Potash Boat Ramp on the Colorado River. You may catch a glimpse of petroglyphs on the cliff walls, dinosaur tracks on some of the roadside boulders or fossils in the rocks surrounding the boat ramp. Once on the river we settle into the boats and begin our journey down river through the heart of Canyonlands National Park. This morning guests may visit a petrified wood bed and will pass the Pyramid Butte. The canyon walls are a beautiful, deep red which contrasts beautifully with the pristine blue sky that will be your ceiling for the next 5 days. After lunch, we settle back onto the boats and continue downstream, where we will pass Tex’s Grotto, where a Grand Piano is set up for concerts during the Moab Music Festival, and Dead Horse Point, where the movies Mission Impossible 2 and Thelma and Louise were filmed.

 

We will pull off the river to camp for the night. After setting up their tents, guests can sit back and relax or hike the canyons while their guides setup the kitchen and dining areas. Swimming is also an option. Dinner prepared for you by your river guides. Meals are wonderful combinations that fit well into the atmosphere of your canyon dining room.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Tex’s Grotto, Little Bridges, Petrified Wood.

 

Note: Meals are served from a set daily menu, but you are welcome to request, in advance, special dishes or tell us if there are particular things you would prefer not to have.

Day 2 - Exploring Canyonlands National Park

Wake to the smells of fresh coffee and a delicious breakfast cooking in the morning. After you eat, you will begin taking down your tent and preparing for the day’s journey.

 

This morning we will pass Lockhart Canyon, where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid used to hide their stolen cattle until they could move them to market. We will also see Ancestral dwellings at Lathrup Canyon.

 

We’ll pull off river for a healthy lunch and possibly a short hike. Vegetarian option is available with advance notice.

 

This afternoon we will see picturesque Airport Tower, which rises nearly 1200 Feet above the canyon rim, and is long enough to land an airplane on. We will also see the Coffee Pot Ruin and the “Racing Stripe”, a bright white stripe of Gypsum suspended midst the deep red sandstone that makes up the rest of the canyon.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Lathrup Canyon or Indian Creek Canyon

 

We will pull off river for another evening of big sandy beaches, exploration, contemplation and beautiful starry skies. After we assemble our River Side Oasis, you are welcome to sit back and relax or take a short hike up Indian Creek Canyon to see the waterfalls (spring trips only). Spend the evening in warm camaraderie as you relax and enjoy the desert wonders around you.

Wake to the smells of fresh coffee and a delicious breakfast cooking in the morning After you eat, we will assist you in taking down your tent and in preparing for the day’s journey.

 

This morning we will pass Lockhart Canyon, where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid used to hide their stolen cattle until they could move them to market. We will also see ancestral dwellings at Lathrup Canyon.

 

We’ll pull off river for a healthy lunch and possibly a short hike. Vegetarian option is available with advance notice.

 

This afternoon we will see picturesque Airport Tower, which rises nearly 1200 Feet above the canyon rim, and is long enough to land an airplane on. We will also see the Coffee Pot Ruin and the “Racing Stripe”, a bright white stripe of Gypsum suspended midst the deep red sandstone that makes up the rest of the canyon.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Lathrup Canyon or Indian Creek Canyon

 

We will pull off river for another evening of big sandy beaches, exploration, contemplation and beautiful starry skies. After we assemble our River Side Oasis, you are welcome to sit back and relax or take a short hike up Indian Creek Canyon to see the waterfalls (spring trips only). Spend the evening in warm camaraderie as you relax and enjoy the desert wonders around you.

Day 3 - Confluence Day

Breakfast is served in your canyon dining room. Breakfast offerings will vary throughout your rafting expedition. Hot coffee, tea and chocolate are always available, as are juices, and fresh fruit.

After breakfast, clients will board the boats and we will head down river. We may take the opportunity to participate in the Loop Hike, which takes us to the top of the ridge around which the Colorado River takes a four mile bend onto itself. You will be able to see both sides of the ridge from nearly 1000 feet above the river!

 

Enjoy another healthy and delicious Lunch, served as you visit a large sandy beach alongside the river.

 

This afternoon we will reach the Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. We now enter the true heart of Canyonlands National Park as we near the Confluence. If it has rained recently, the mixing of the rivers will be defined in brilliant swirls of red and green.

 

After the Confluence, we will experience the first of the Cataract Canyon rapids, numbers 1 through 10. By now the river has doubled in size and force. The rapids are not huge, but will suffice in getting everyone good and wet before we pull off for the night. We may take a side hike to the top of the Dolls House.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: The Loop Hike or The Dolls House

 

We will pull off river for an afternoon of hiking, swimming and yard games such as horseshoes or bocce. The crew will set up the camp as guests relax.

 

Dinner will be served with the sound of whitewater in the background and blue skies overhead. Guides will tell stories of early explorers and of more recent experiences in the rapids that you will face the next day.

 

Tonight we will experience a night of peaceful camping and quiet anticipation. Fall asleep to the quiet sounds of river music: quiet splashing accompanied by the high tones of crickets and the low tones of nearby owls.

Day 4 - Rapid Day

This morning’s fare is complimented by the sound of rushing water and the anticipation of a great day of running the famous rapids of Cataract Canyon. We will load everything back onto the boats and prepare ourselves for the exciting day at hand.

 

This morning we will run some of the biggest whitewater in the Western United States (on trips during May and June, later season trips ~July and August~ have smaller rapids). Rapids whose names are almost as intimidating as the whitewater itself: Big Drop 2, North Seas and Capsize. Everyone will be thoroughly soaked as we take a break at midday for lunch and to catch our breath.

 

Stop for Lunch and for some “Land Time”. While the guides prepare lunch, guests are welcome to explore the canyon a bit or watch as others run the big rapids they have just been through.

 

Once we have finished with lunch, we get back on the boats and head into the big whitewater. This afternoon we will navigate through more intimidating rapids, including Big Drop 3, Satan’s Gut and Little Niagara. There may be stops along the way as the guide scouts the rapids to find the best route through the churning whitewater.

 

We will pull off the river. After we recreate our riverside oasis, guests are welcome to kick back, relax and relive the day’s adventures over and over again as the evening deepens and a bright canopy of stars replaces the blue sky.

 

Traditionally, this last night is a “Dress Up” night. Anything goes, from formal wear to clown outfits with floppy hats. Guests are not required to participate, but are welcome to use their imagination and help celebrate an amazing trip. Your final day of rafting begins.

Day 5 - Lake Powell and Return Flight

This morning we will pass through the final rapids. We may have some opportunities for hiking in some of the canyons previously lost to Lake Powell’s waters, but accessible now that the waters in the lake have dropped. Clearwater Canyon and Dark Canyon are guide favorites.

 

We’ll climb back aboard the boats and follow the Colorado River as it pushes its way into the calm waters of Lake Powell. Here we’ll be in the deepest part of the canyon, surrounded by nearly 2,000 foot cliffs. We’ll see the Dirty Devil River and Piano Leg Arch.

 

We’ll motor off of the lake and pull off near what used to be the Hite Marina on Lake Powell. You will be escorted to the landing strip for your return flight to Moab. As you take this scenic flight, watch for the Henry Mountains, the White Rim, the Abajo Mountains, the La Sal Mountains and nearly the entire Colorado Plateau.

 

You will be met at the Moab airport and transferred back to Moab and the Sheri Griffith Expeditions office where your journey ends.

 

Potential Hiking Opportunities: Clearwater Canyon, Bowdie Canyon, Dark Canyon

Maps

Maps of Cataract Canyon Rafting

The Cataract Canyon trip starts outside of Moab in Southeastern Utah. The rapids in Cataract Canyon are formed from the meeting of the Green River and the Colorado River in the heart of Canyonlands National Park. The end location is 4 hours from Moab at Hite Marina on Lake Powell.

Cataract Canyon Information
    • River: The Colorado River
    • Rapid Rating: Class III-V (depending on Water Levels)
    • Put in: Potash Boat Ramp
    • Take-out location: Hite Boat Ramp on Lake Powell
    • River Miles: 96
    • Number of rapids: 31
    • First to run Cataract Canyon: John Wesley Powell

Resources

Required Forms

Please print, sign and return the required forms (for each person in your party) to our office by email, fax or mail at least 45 days prior to your trip.

Trip Document in PDF's
Helpful Links

Canyonlands National Park: Canyonlands National Park preserves a colorful landscape of sedimentary sandstones eroded into countless canyons, mesas and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries.

Sheri Griffith Expeditions is an Authorized Concessioner of Canyonlands National Park.

 

Arches National Park: Arches National Park preserves over two thousand natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch, in addition to a variety of unique geological resources and formations.

 

Moab Travel Council: A great resource on Moab area trails, hotels, and other great things to do in Moab.

 

River rafting is a lot of fun, but like most outdoor adventure activities, there are also potential hazards. Click here for more information about possible hazards you might experience while whitewater rafting in our beautiful canyons.

Links to Area Information

Moab Weather

Water Levels

How to get to Moab

Where to stay in Moab

What to do other than rafting

Questions About the Trip
Cancellation Policy and Trip Insurance:

Sheri Griffith Expeditions has a NO REFUND policy. Since you have reserved space for which we have a limited number of seats, our non-refundable policy applies in every instance. There are no exceptions for any reason, so we highly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to protect your vacation investment. For more information about Travel Insurance, click here.

How to book a trip

There are several easy ways to make a reservation. Easiest is to click on the book online button on your trip or at the top of the screen. You can always give us a call at 800-332-2439.

Deposits and Reservations

For 1 day trips, full payment is required at time of booking. For multi-day trips a non-refundable $300/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance is due 45 days prior to departure. After making your reservation you will receive a reservation packet that will include a packing list, helpful travel hints, travel insurance information, a beverage request form, and a guest registration form. Please fill out the guest registration form and send or fax back quickly. If you find you are unable to participate in the trip that you booked, but would like to transfer your trip to the following year, there will be a charge of $300 per participant if the change is made at least 3 weeks prior to your departure date.

Non-Performance

We make every effort to follow through on our plans. However, we reserve the right to make changes in the itinerary or possibly cancel a trip if necessary, including, but not limited to, weather conditions, water fluctuations, insufficient reservations, changes in international relations, or other factors beyond our control. If cancellation is necessary, your money will be refunded. Our financial liability shall be limited to the amount actually paid and shall not be extended to cover any other costs incurred by the trip member.

Orientation:

The evening before the trip we meet at our office (2231 South Highway 191) at 5 pm (MDT) in Moab for a trip orientation. Here you will learn what to expect and prepare for, receive your dry bags, sign the Assumption of Risk forms, and get a chance to ask any last questions. If you are not going to be able to make this please let us know ahead of time.

Beverages:

If you would like any personal beverages while on the river, i.e., sodas, beer, wine, etc., you can bring them with you the morning of departure and we will place them in iced coolers. We provide some sodas, water, lemonade and Gatorade mixes and tea, juice and coffee in the mornings.

Tipping:

Guests often ask whether gratuities are appropriate, and in what amount. If you feel your guides have provided a very special trip for you, a gratuity may be left with the trip leader and will be shared among the crew. Entirely discretionary, anything between 15% and 20% of the trip cost is a general tipping guideline. If you plan to tip, remember to bring a personal check or cash—ATM’s are hard to find in the backcountry! PLEASE, do not make out checks to Sheri Griffith Expeditions. If you are writing check please make it out to the Trip Leader.  NOTE: we cannot take credit card gratuities.

Hiking and Physical Requirements:

If you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying any of our trips. It’s not necessary to be an athlete to participate in a river expedition. However, it is several hours to the nearest medical center. If you take medication, you should bring a good supply and inform your guide of all medication that you are taking. When you meet your guide, you should discretely explain any medical conditions you may have or be concerned about including allergies to bee stings, etc. Each guide carries a first aid kit and will need to know if specific medicines should be stored. It’s also helpful to know about other health issues when planning activities for the day. Pregnant women and anyone with heart trouble should have their physician’s approval before taking a river trip.

Safety, and Assumption of Risk

We maintain an excellent safety record, dating back to 1971. However, all outdoor experiences involve risk and we all must recognize that accidents or illnesses may occur. We cannot guarantee your safety. We place final responsibility for your safety firmly on your shoulders where it belongs. You have to pay attention to what you are doing. Mother Nature controls the water level, the weather and the elements, so there is a risk involved in rafting and camping. Before your trip departs, you will be asked to sign an Assumption of Risk and Release Form. We assume no responsibility for injury to trip members, their personal belongings or for time and expense incurred. We strongly recommend Travel Insurance, which covers vacation losses and accidents and provides a refund if you have to cancel your trip.

Parking, luggage and valuables:

We have a gated parking lot at our office for your vehicles while you are on the river. We also have a safe room for luggage and valuables while you a re on the river.

FAQs

"We were in Eric's boat and found him to be courteous and knowledgeable, always on the lookout for points of interest, and he got us through the rapids in a way that was fun and exciting but safe too. We really enjoyed our time with him; he's an asset to your company. The meals were outstanding, all the guides very polite and accommodating to all, knowledge of area history, geology and water use issues was very interesting, great job on keeping everyone safe."

David and Kathy Fine, El Cahone CA

Location: Colorado River, UT
Highlights: Canyonlands National Park, 2,000ft. Redrock Walls, Scenic Return Flight, Amazing Scenery, Colorado River Rafting
Adults: $1,799 (Includes scenic flight. Does not include taxes & government user fees)
Youth: $1,699 (Includes scenic flight. Does not include taxes & government user fees)
Trip Length: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Host City: Moab, Utah
Min. Age: 10 Years Old
Rapids: III–V (Depending on Water Levels)
2024 Dates: April 9, 16, 23 | May 14, 21, 28 | Jun 4, 11, 18, 25 | Jul 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Aug 6, 13, 20, 27 | Sep 3, 10, 17, 24 | October *Call for Availability
Boats: Oarboats, Motorized J-Rigs