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The Rivers - Canyonlands National Park

Wind and water have carved the unique canyons and rock monuments found in Canyonlands National Park. The Colorado and Green rivers and their tributaries continually gnaw at the rock, continually redesigning this dynamic landscape.

The rivers are arteries carrying live-giving water through the park. They are also boundaries separating the park's distinct districts. Island in the Sky is the plateau between the Green and Colorado Rivers. The Colorado River separates the Needles District from the Maze.

It is very difficult to travel cross-country between districts. But the rivers are corridors providing relatively easy access to remote backcountry areas.

The rivers also provide impressive recreational opportunities in their own right. Most people are aware that the Colorado River offers world-class whitewater rafting through Cataract Canyon, with rapids that rate among the most challenging that can be safely navigated.

Not as well know are the flat water boating opportunities. Many miles of river can be explored via raft, canoe, kayak or jet boat. Flat water trips may go down either the Colorado or Green rivers as far as the Confluence or Spanish Bottom. A permit is required for all overnight flat water trips in Canyonlands. Unless groups have their own motors or a lot of time to paddle upstream, take out is via jet boat shuttle back to Moab.

Multiple day trips are popular, camping on sand bars on the river's edge.

Colorado River flat water float trips:
Moab dock to Confluence: 63 miles, 3-4 days
Potash Dock to the Confluence: 48 miles, 2-3 days

Green River flat water float trips:
Green River State Park to Confluence: 122 miles, 6-9 days
Crystal Geyser to Confluence: 118 miles, 6-9 days
Ruby Ranch to Confluence: 99 miles, 5-8 days
Mineral Bottom to Confluence: 54 miles, 3-4 days

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