Two and 4-Day Cataract Canyon Details

Day 1:

Your adventure begins as you meet in the lobby of the Marriott SpringHill Suites in Moab, where you’ll take a short bus ride to the launch site on the Colorado River. At the river’s edge, you’ll meet your guides and get your gear secured for the journey. As you raft into Canyonlands National Park, you’ll be surrounded by towering red rock spires, sandstone formations, and distant buttes—ideal for capturing stunning photographs. On 4-day trips, guided hikes will lead you to ancient Native American ruins, intricate petroglyphs, and the remnants of a long-forgotten petrified forest, offering a unique glimpse into the area’s rich history and natural wonders.

(Please note that below is a typical itinerary for a 4-day trip, 2-day trips take place early in the season when the river moves faster. Except during very high water, the rafts will be motoring downstream continuously on 2-day trips. At take-out the two day trips will drive the 3.5 hours back to Moab in a van unless you want your car shuttle to take out (additional charge) so you can head south from Hite.)

Day 2 + 3:

As the canyon walls tower above, reaching over 2,000 feet, the Colorado River gains intensity, guiding you into nearly 30 exhilarating whitewater rapids. You’ll tackle legendary waves at rapids like Capsize, Little Niagara, Repeat, and the infamous “Big Drops,” where 30-foot waves unleash the canyon’s raw power, rivaling the thrill of the Grand Canyon itself.

After navigating Imperial Rapid, you’ll have a chance to unwind, savoring the rush of the day’s adventure. Settle in for a final night of riverside camping, where your guides will treat you to a delicious meal, starting with savory appetizers, followed by a hearty barbecue dinner and a sweet Dutch-oven dessert. As the sun casts its last glow across the canyon walls and stars illuminate the vast night sky, you’ll drift to sleep, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Cataract Canyon.

Day 4:

After breakfast, you’ll set off on your final day of rafting, soaking in the morning light as you wind through majestic sandstone canyons en route to Lake Powell. Take in the breathtaking scenery on this last stretch and enjoy a farewell riverside lunch with your fellow adventurers. From there, you’ll say goodbye to the Colorado River and board a small Cessna aircraft for a scenic one-hour flight back to Moab. Flying over Canyonlands National Park, you’ll get a stunning bird’s-eye view of the landscapes you just explored, with an estimated arrival in Moab around 3:00 PM (exact return time may vary with flight schedules).

This is not a tour; it’s an expedition!

Wilderness river trips are inherently unpredictable, and every journey is a unique adventure. While you may get to experience everything mentioned, new and exciting opportunities are bound to arise along the way. The best way to enjoy your trip is to embrace flexibility, go with the flow, and let the river shape your experience. Come prepared with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to adapt to the unexpected!

Timing is Everything

Cataract Canyon has a different personality throughout the season. The high-water spring months (April–June) bring big waves and massive rapids that rival those of the Grand Canyon. With some of the largest whitewater flows in North America during peak season, this is a thrilling ride for seasoned whitewater lovers. As the summer months (July–October) arrive, the water levels drop, making the rapids more moderate and accessible for all ages and skill levels. While the ride may be a bit more relaxed, it’s still packed with excitement.

Price Includes

Outfitters will provide all the camping and river-related safety equipment, along with plenty of fresh food, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks. Camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, cots, chairs and water-resistant bags are included, along with transportation to the river put-in and take-out points from/to Moab, Utah.

Weather

April and May temperatures are cooler, with daytime highs averaging 84°F and lows around 50°F, so be sure to pack extra layers, but the cooler weather also means longer, more enjoyable hikes. June through August can be scorching, with highs in the range of 95-101°F, the hottest months for rafting in Utah. As fall sets in (September–October), the weather cools again, with average highs of 89°F and lows around 53°F.

The Colorado River

Much like its famed counterpart in the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River in Cataract Canyon alternates between intense rapids and long, calm stretches. The rapids range from easy (Class I) to thrilling Class V drops. Unlike the Grand Canyon, this section is not controlled by dams, meaning the rapids can change in character depending on the time of year. The water temperature hovers around 48°F, and its color shifts from emerald green to deep brown, depending on the season.

The Boats

The 2-day Cataract Canyon rafting trips use 22-foot motorized Snout rigs with a guide steering from the back. These rafts are fast and highly maneuverable. During high-water conditions, 4-day trips use 30-foot motorized J-rigs, which provide even more stability and control. As water levels drop, guides switch to oar-powered rafts, where the guide rows while typically 4 guests hold on, or they operate paddle rafts, with up to 6 guests paddling while the guide navigates from the back.

Group Size

The 2-day trips have a maximum of 12 guests in two rafts while the 4-day trips have a maximum of 30 people in either 2 motorized rafts or 5 to 6 non-motorized oar and paddle rafts.

Camp Life

Whether you’re an experienced camper or new to sleeping under the stars, our outfitters make sure your camping experience is easy and enjoyable. Everyone pitches in to help set up and break down camp. A private, clean toilet is set up as soon as you arrive at camp and is the last thing to be packed up the next morning, making your stay as comfortable as possible.

Meals

Food is a highlight of every Cataract Canyon rafting trip! Start each day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a riverside picnic where you can create your own sandwiches for lunch. Dinners are often a feast—everything from juicy steaks to flavorful Mexican meals, topped off with a warm Dutch oven dessert. Snacks and beverages are available throughout the day. While alcoholic beverages aren’t included, you’re welcome to bring your own—just plan ahead, as purchasing alcohol in Utah requires some extra steps. Let your outfitter know in advance if you have dietary restrictions, and they’ll accommodate your needs.

Adventure Specialists

Since 1987, we’ve been connecting travelers to incredible water adventures worldwide. We partner exclusively with outfitters who share our passion for creating exceptional experiences. Our service is free to you—our commission comes from the outfitters, so your trip cost is the same as booking directly. The Cataract Canyon itineraries featured here are provided by our trusted partners, but we offer options with other top-rated outfitters as well. Contact us to explore additional schedules and offerings that may better fit your plans.